Cascadian Nomads
  • Pet Adventure Blog
  • Cascadia- About Our Area
  • Nomads- About Us
    • Cascadian Nomads Advertising Opportunities
  • Humans
  • Canines
  • Psittacines
  • Felines
  • Contact

Every Walk Is A Training Walk

1/6/2014

28 Comments

 
Typist: Bethany
Welcome to National Train Your Dog Month, where you're encouraged to "make training a part of everyday life with your dog." You're also likely to be trying to stick to some New Year's fitness goals and/or some new diet improvements/restrictions.  How do you fit it all in? Well, as I attempt to adjust to a post-holiday schedule, including training time, the words of a former dog training instructor echo's in my head: "Every walk is a training walk." Even though it is possible to mentally stimulate and alter the behaviors of your highly intelligent best friend with as little as ten minutes of training each day, it's hard to find the time for everything. With three dogs to train, I often find myself combining walking time with training time.
Picture
Having been told "I'll be right back," 'R' Blood on the Tracks Boys practice waiting politely for me to return outside of a friends house.
When we walk/jog for exercise, the dogs are expected to keep my pace and, while they needn't maintain a proper "heel," they are supposed to focus on exercising. This is excellent practice for the dogs "with me" command- which is what I use to tell them to focus when they don't have to do a formal "watch"- as well as occasional "leave it" and"quiet"  commands. I praise them for obeying "wait" (at crossings) as well as ninety degree "right" and "left" turn commands. I always carry a clicker although I don't always use it since I no longer carry treats on every walk. The dogs have come to expect a treat upon return to the house. They have learned that proper behavior the entire walk is worthy of a reward.  Of course, this came from years of constant training, praise, clicking and treating on walks.

During errand walks and visits, polite behavior is also expected. "Quiet," "off" and "say hello" are commonly practiced commands.
We often work on sitting nicely for treats when we visit friends or dog-friendly businesses. Trying out tricks we know well is also good when visiting but we don't try new tricks in high distraction environments. Besides the common niceties while out walking, either as a pack or individually, we practice commands that each dog knows well enough to do with a lot going on around them. Random "sit," "down," "stand" and "stay" are great as a group and arbitrary "front," "heel" and finishes can be practiced when each dog is on a solo walks. When we do a group command, I work on the dogs knowledge of their release words. I have a pack release word but I also expect Brychwyn and Huxley to remain in a command if I only release Wilhelm. This is tricky, but very fun. Even only dogs would be challenged holding any command until released in a high distraction environment.
We also try to make time for training when we return from a walk. The dogs practice a "home to your house" or "home to your yard" command (this is a great discernment exercise because the choice is up the steps to the porch or staying on the narrow path to the side gate.) Once in the yard, we practice "wait" at the gate and random recalls. In the house, we practice "go to your bed" and "wait" at the door.

Making time to fit in training can be as easy as taking a walk with your dog everyday. Here are some tips for making the most of your walking and training time together:
  • Always carry treats: I keep a bait bag in the closet with the leashes. I also keep treats in the small chest pockets of several of my coats.
  • Celebrate the small stuff: Training is great bonding with your dog and their respect for you improves each time you praise them for a job well done.
  • Focus on your dog. You can't expect your dog to work for you if you're not paying attention. You don't want to miss the great behaviors they offer you. Focus on them and reward them for a job well done!
Picture
I never leave home without my PoopPac and I have attached a clicker to it.
Picture
Out for a walk, being friendly and polite.
Many of us feel like fitting training into everyday life with our dogs means needing to find a convenient dog training class we like or working in an hour plus of short training sessions each day to learn a new trick. Finding time for more training, quality time and bonding with your dog is always great but don't give up on mentally stimulating your dog if you can't fit classes or complex tricks into your schedule. Make training simple and accessible! Your dog will be glad you made time to fit in training time and you are guaranteed to be proud of your dog.
How do you fit training in each day with your dog?
Which of these tips might help you make time to train each day?

Picture
Grab our badge!
Thank you for joining Cascadian Nomads, Dachshund Nola & Tenacious Little Terrier for the premier of our first Monday Positive Pet Training Blog Hop. Each month, bloggers and readers share and learn about positive pet training techniques, tools, frustrations and triumphs. Please join us next month, Monday, February 3rd, to celebrate Responsible Pet Owners Month. We encourage posts about how training and maintaining socialization makes you and your pet better members of society. Please share tips for life long pet socialization, important cues in a well behaved pet, taking the CGC test, howwell behaved pets are more accepted places, etc. However, any posts about positive based training with any pets are welcome in our blog hop this and every month.
28 Comments
Molly The Wally link
1/5/2014 05:41:32 pm

We really should make time for training but somehow we never do. Have a marvellous Monday.
Best wishes Molly

Reply
Bethany
1/6/2014 04:21:41 pm

I think all of those lovely photos you pose for count as training time, Molly!

Reply
Ruckus the ESkie link
1/6/2014 12:58:34 am

what a big poop pack!

Reply
Bethany
1/6/2014 04:22:37 pm

Or a small clicker... :) And would you believe that these three dogs can fill that PoopPac up in no time?

Reply
SlimDoggy link
1/6/2014 03:14:08 am

Great piece and good reminders. I have gotten lazy in my training and have a resolution for myself to get back on it. Carrying the treats AND a clicker is a great idea - I've carried treats, but neglected to bring the clicker, so I will start working on that. Hope to join the Hop next month - have to make a note for myself!

Reply
Bethany
1/6/2014 04:24:39 pm

I am a mostly verbal marker trainer but when the dogs hear the clicker they know it is serious training time and they focus better. I hope you can find some ways to add training into your fit dog outings and share your progress with us next month!

Reply
Oz the Terrier link
1/6/2014 04:31:39 am

Ever since I was young, Ma used our walks as training. We would practice "sit-stay" and "down-stay" just at a random moment. Now, with my reactivity it is difficult to practice those commands when other dogs are about. So, Ma and I have decided to start over...we are training and re-training ourselves on all our walks. Sometimes she uses the clicker and other times not. We are also practicing indoors as well - where my reward is to place ball with Ma afterward.

Thanks for visiting my blog today. I hope you are having a great Monday!
Oz

Reply
Bethany
1/6/2014 04:26:59 pm

Starting over (and knowing when you have to) is a wonderful (but hard to do) positive training technique. I am so glad you are working on your reactivity. So many trainers and dogs just give up. I hope you'll share your progress with us next month!

Reply
Francesca Villa
1/16/2014 10:49:52 pm

I love Oz's comment! I went through the same long time ago with Joker. I had to start over because something was not going right with the way I trained. I have to admit at first I wasn't happy about starting over, but when I did it made a huge diffrence (and its going great)! :)

Reply
Champ's Mom link
1/6/2014 04:49:46 am

"Every Walk is a Training Walk"--so true! Also, what a great use of your time/activities to fit in training! I love the "to your house/yard" cues!

/off to check out that fancy poo pack!/


Happy training!
Champ's Mom

Reply
Bethany
1/6/2014 04:29:08 pm

I literally never go anywhere without the PooPac. Jason thought he lost it in September and I almost wept. The dogs really love the "go to your house/yard" commands too- it makes returning from a walk a little more exciting for all of us!

Reply
Rebecca link
1/6/2014 05:28:09 am

Great tips!! And also new "commands" to work on. I'll admit that our loose leash walking at times is something to be desired. Something we need to work on more.

Reply
Bethany
1/6/2014 04:32:24 pm

Oh my, I didn't mention loose leash walking did I? Ooops! I guess I figured that was too obvious of training you work on while on a walk... actually, though, working on loose leash walking with less distractions is a more effective way to train and perfect it!

Reply
Tenacious Little Terrier link
1/6/2014 08:26:52 am

There's treats in all of my coat pockets! And every walk is a training walk for us too.

Reply
Bethany
1/6/2014 04:34:03 pm

It's when the coats got through the wash with forgotten treats that you have to remember how happy training your dogs makes you, right? :)

Reply
Dachshund Nola link
1/6/2014 08:43:43 am

It's so important to train in "real life"!
Amanda

Reply
Bethany
1/6/2014 04:35:23 pm

Real life training is what we do most... I would like to get around to making time to do more ring practice and trick training. This hop is very inspirational!

Reply
Gabi link
1/6/2014 09:22:37 am

I'll admit - for all the training I do, I suck at working on leash manners. It's just not something that's ever been a huge priority to me but I LOVE your dedication to working with them on walks! Maybe one of these days I'll get my own butt in gear and work on it. All three are totally manageable together (but it doesn't look super pretty lol) and good solo but faaar from perfect. Bauer and Jeni both have a good heel if I ask for it but don't understand the concept of a loose leash lol. Kudos to you for all your "real life" training!

Reply
Bethany
1/6/2014 04:37:55 pm

Since we live in the city, leash manners of the utmost importance. However, Jason cannot handle walking all three when he is on his own- they listen to me best, I guess!

Reply
Marquie link
1/6/2014 12:34:23 pm

Great idea! I try to do this often, but I'll admit I'm not good at doing it all the time. I need to be. A walk is a great opportunity for training time. I'm going to look into that cool bag you have! I've been hunting around for a good poop bag/lure bag.

Also, do you have any tips for the "quiet" command (in relation to using it on walks)? It totally backfired on me with my vocal little Petal. She all too quickly realized that barking = "quiet" command which if obeyed = treat. I was so proud of her at first, but then she started barking to get the "quiet" and then get the treat. She now has a fun new game: bark, be quiet when told, eat treat, repeat. The "quiet" command just causes more barking now as she knows she must bark in order to be told to be quiet. Brat. Haha. I stopped treating her every time and started just treating her for it at random, but that doesn't usually work out in my favor either.
I've taken to either a) ignoring her barks or b) distracting her from what she's barking at/removing her from the distracting environment, depending on the situation. Should I stick with this or give the "quiet" command another chance?

Sorry for rambling, hah. Thanks for reading this and thanks for any advice you might have! :)

Reply
Bethany
1/6/2014 04:48:14 pm

I had a problem similar to that in training "quiet" to Brychwyn. I posted "quiet" training advice here: http://www.cascadiannomads.com/1/post/2013/10/a-different-kind-of-bird-dog.html Try switching to teaching her "speak" then return to teaching "quiet." And it's hard for us as trainers to remember to keep challenging our dogs... "quiet" should begin to mean remain quiet until told to do something else so withhold the treat for longer and longer periods. And when she gets it (like eventually being quiet for an entire walk,) give her all the treats and praise in the whole world!!!

Reply
KB link
1/6/2014 12:59:50 pm

I fit training into everyday life the same ways that you do. The key for me is allow time for it. E.g., I can't be "in a hurry" when I feed them or take them for a walk.

Great post with great ideas. Thanks!

Reply
Bethany
1/6/2014 04:50:23 pm

Agreed! Often I start off a walk in a rushing "let's just get this over with" way but once we are out in the fresh air, tails and tongues are wagging, my attitude shifts, I become a better trainer and we all learn and have fun!

Reply
Susan C. Willett link
1/6/2014 07:01:34 pm

Great post! I never go anywhere with my dogs without my treat pouch (and poo bags!). Even a simple trip to our back yard is an opportunity for training.

There are lots of good tips here. I'm going to put "home to" and "go to" on my list of commands to practice. And I love the idea of teaching one member of the pack to do one thing without the others. I'm working on that already.

BTW, I love your diverse pack. We have three very different-looking dogs, too.

--Susan and the gang from <a href="http://www.lifewithdogsandcats.com">Life with Dogs and Cats</a>.

Reply
Nailah Bone link
1/7/2014 03:50:43 am

Those all sound like great ways of keeping up with your dog's training! :) I always carry a couple of treats on me in case Nailah comes across a very challenging situation, I like rewarding her for a job well done!

Reply
Hawk aka BrownDog link
1/7/2014 04:28:14 am

Hi Y'all!

My Human thinks even play time is a training time! I don't get to get away with anything!

Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog

Reply
Emma link
1/9/2014 02:29:42 am

My sisters and I work on training Mom daily, but she doesn't always pick up on what we want. She says that she trains us, but we know better. My little sister goes on walks alone with Mom to learn about heal, otherwise we don't train much on walks because with three of us and all the winter gear, there are no free hands. We do group training a lot in the house, though.

Reply
Francesca Villa
1/16/2014 10:43:28 pm

Every walk is a training walk with Joker because if you want attention you need to give attention. :)

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Cascadian Nomads
    Pet Adventurers

    Cascadian Nomads adventurous dogs and parrot with pet and travel blogger, Bethany Clochard.
    Cascadian Nomads canines and psittacine on a road trip with blogger Bethany Clochard.
    Pet travel blogger Bethany Clochard shares a lifetime of budget travel experience, camping, and enjoying outdoors & Pacific NW adventures with pets. She currently hits the road with three dogs, a cockatoo & a cat.
    Related
    Instagram Follow on Instagram
    Picture


    Follow on Bloglovin
    follow us in feedly
    Picture

    Never miss a post! Have Cascadian Nomads Pet Adventure Blog delivered to your inbox:

    Delivered by FeedBurner


      Get our e-mail newsletter:

    Sign-Up

    Find anything on our site by searching here:
    Click any sidebar image to learn more!

    Cascadian Nomads only places ads for products we use, made by businesses we like. We highly recommend a click to
    visit our sponsors:
    (not affiliate links)
    WrapSit Quad Folding Chair Slipcover
    WrapSit is the ONLY slipcover crate for your folding quad chair. It makes taking pets and personal items outside or on a trip exponentially easier!


    Join us on the First Monday of Every Month!
    Positive Pet Training Week

    Positive Reinforcement Pet Training Week
    Hosted by Cascadian Nomads, Tenacious Little Terrier,
    Travels with Barley, and
    Wag n' Woof Pets.

    Picture
    Celebrate #MultiPetDay June 30th

    Categories

    All
    Adventures
    Amelia
    A To Z Challenge
    Awards
    Birds
    Black & White Photography
    Blog The Change For Animals
    Brychwyn
    Budget Travel
    Camping
    Cascadia
    Cats
    Celebrations
    Cockatoo
    Collie
    Corgi
    Cross Country Drive 2013
    Dachshund
    Dogs
    England & Wales 2014
    Fit Dog Friday
    Giveaway
    Holidays
    Humans Who Love Pets
    Huxley
    Leash-law
    Leo
    Multi Pet Life
    Peeks At The Past
    Pet Fitness
    Pet Health
    Pet Training
    Pet Travel
    Photography
    Planning Pet Adventures
    Positive Pet Training Week
    Product Review
    Road Trip
    Scoop That Poop
    Seattle
    Silliness
    Southwest-drive-2014
    Sponsored Post
    Urban Hikes
    Walk Your Dog Week
    What To Pack
    Wilhelm
    Woof-support
    Wordless Wednesday


    The Cascadian Nomads are:
    Cascadian Nomads Bethany with the dogs and Leo at Wilson's Arch, Moab, Utah
    Cascadian Nomads triton cockatoo Leo enjoys the sunshine in West Seattle, Washington, Cascadia
    Cascadian Nomads adventurous cat Amelia enjoying the view in West Seattle, Washington, Cascadia
    Cascadian Nomads black and tan dapple miniature dachshund
    Cascadian Nomads cardigan welsh corgi Brychwyn, Alpental, Washington, Cascadia
    Cascadian Nomads rough collie Huxley enjoying the green at Lopez Hill Park, Lopes Island, Washington, Cascadia
    Cascadian Nomads Jason with miniature dachshund Wilhelm snowshoeing Silver Fir Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, Cascadia
    Cascadian Nomads founding pets:
    Cascadian Nomads Founding Pets: Cockatiel Bobbie Birdie, cats Emily and Gryphon and dog Tynan.

    Features & Awards

    See products on this blog you like? Find all of our favorites on our Amazon Influencer page!
    Picture

    Bethany Clochard (@cascadiannomads) - influencer profile on Dealspotr
    dealspotr.com

    © Copyrighted Content
    Posts, words, photos or images from or featured on this blog may not be copied, reused or reproduced in any form without the prior express permission from the blog owner.

    The Doug

    The Fine Print
    For more on Cascadian Nomads privacy policy, advertising disclosure and responsibilities to our readers and visitors, click here.

Disclaimer
Cascadian Nomads are not veterinarians, behaviorists or animal trainers. Always consult with a veterinarian before starting or changing your pets exercise routine, before traveling with your pet, before changing your pets diet or before using any new pet products. Since all pets are unique individuals, consulting with a veterinarian, behaviorist or animal trainer about your pets specific needs is always recommended.
Disclosure
Every post  Cascadian Nomads publishes that is sponsored by a company or brand or obtained through an affiliation with a media network will contain a disclosure paragraph.  We do not use any affiliate links,  just regular links to a product or company website.  Cascadian Nomads only shares honest information that we feel is relevant to our readers whether a post is sponsored or not.
Privacy Policy
Cascadian Nomads does not share personal information with third-parties nor do we store information we collect about your visit to this blog for use other than to analyze content performance for marketing purposes. We do use cookies and add-ons, which you can turn off at anytime by modifying your Internet browser's settings or opt out of  add-ons. We are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without our permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice.
Copyrighted Content
Posts, words, photos or images from or featured on this blog may not be copied, reused or reproduced in any form without the prior express permission from the blog owner.

©2013-18
BethanyGO Designs


Cascadian Nomads Pet Adventure Blog: Budget pet adventure inspiration through stunning photography and amusing dog, cat, cockatoo and human stories.