Springs around the corner nows the time to begin preparing to train that dog.

[Fred Woodman]

As the snow begins to melt and the grass begins to show more and more. Its time to prepare for training season.

 

For me April and May are probably the best time of year to be training your dogs. The leaves are down, the airs cool and the flies arent out.

March is great for getting ready.

Before getting into any serious training I like to back up and pick up where I left off.

Walks

There is nothing you can do that  prepares a dog for training more than a walk. Being pack animals a walk is just a natural activity its low stress on the dog. The interaction between dog and master during a walk forms the basis of all training. Try and walk the same time everyday.Soon the dog will be looking forward to the walk and later the walk will preceed training and he will be looking forward to training.

Obedience

whether you have a new pup or a seasoned dog you should go back to the basics to prepare for the training that will come later. COME SIT DOWN and STAY.All are critical to a properly trained dog. And a quick tune up is always in order after a winter off.

 

Fitness

After a long winter your dog your pouch probably added a few extra pounds. Those pounds should come off. Take a look and maybe its time to cut back on the kibble. With warming temps March is a bad month for a dog to put on pounds. Cutting back on food and walking will get him in trim for April and May.

 

Water

As a rule I dont do any water training before mid May.No doubt they can handle the cold water but doing so only hastens arthritis and joint aches later in his life.Leave the water til the temps get hot they use the water as a treat after a session on hot days.

 

For those with new dogs start your walks and begin slowly, have lots of patience, make it fun for the dog.And enjoy it yourself.

 

For those who are planning on getting a dog. Do your homework, find a training program you like and begin preparing to get your pup.

 

Good Luck.