What's the best age for training my dog?
I've trained as young as eight (8) weeks in a private setting. My personal preference is not to start the dog in group obedience until the dog reaches ten (10) weeks of age.

Is a dog ever too old to train?
In our opinion, any dog that is healthy can benefit from training. However, just like humans, the physical and mental abilities of dogs can diminish with age, and that can impact on the effectiveness of the training. Additionally, the older a dog gets, the more established the habits become. Consequently, it takes longer to eliminate an old habit and instill a new one. The oldest dog that we have ever heard of in obedience training was an eleven year old Dachshund.

Can I use food for reinforcement?
Use whatever works for your dog. That could be food, a rolled up towel, a ball or toy, or just plain petting/praising.

How long should my training sessions be while I'm training at home?
Limit yourself to two (2) or three (3) sessions in per day with each session being no longer than five (5) to ten (10) minutes in length. The younger the dog, the shorter the training session should be. For the best results, train your dog in an area that has few distractions

What equipment do I need to train my dog?
We recommend a six (6) foot leash, either nylon or leather. We don't recommend flexi or retractable leashes to be used in training. You'll also need a good collar that's fitted properly; we don't want the dog slipping the collar, treats or a toy, and water. Make sure you have an extra dose of patience and a positive attitude.

What if my dog is sick?
You probably don’t work well when you’re ill and neither does your dog. Let your dog rest and get better. Then you can pick up things just where you left them.

Is it better to train my dog when he’s hungry?
In our opinion, yes. Especially if you’re using food treats as reinforcement. When you get into tracking you want the dogs to get their meals on the track.

More tips available in THE ULTIMATE DOG TRAINING TOOLKIT >>