5 Training Goals for the New Year

The beginning of the New Year is a great time to implement some new healthier habits, not just for you but also for our pups. If we’re being honest, we’re all a little guilty of letting life, whether it be work, school, social, or family, come before other things we say we’re going to do, but never get around to… such as training our dogs. Luckily, it’s never too late to start getting into a routine and adding some easy 5-10 minute training to your day to not only help improve your dogs manners & skills but also make that bond between you and Beest stronger. Here are a few goals we recommend to start off the Year right with your pups!

1. Walking Etiquette

Whether you're just starting out with a new puppy or simply wanting to improve your dog’s walking manners, walking etiquette can always be improved and is one of the most common things dog owners struggle with. Start by taking a look at your gear… do we have the proper tools for a pleasant walk? Do you use a collar or a harness? Do you have the right leash for city walking or do you need one with more length for outdoorsy adventures? Is your pup comfy and well-fitted in their gear? Finding the right type, size and fit of gear for YOUR pup can make a huge difference in how your Beest walks, check out our harnesses or leashes to help get you started. Once you have the right gear, research some techniques to incorporate on what you want to work on to improve your walks, and don’t forget to bring treats along. If you don’t know where to start, here are some things you can work on to become a better canine citizen: pulling, eating food off the ground, lunging/barking at people or other dogs, biting the leash.

2. Working on Reactivity

Many dogs are or become reactive because of a trigger or traumatic situation that they have encountered. This can be a big source of stress for not only the pups, but also their humans. The best way to work on reactivity is to grab your treat pouch, fill it with a high value reward that your dog loves (such as cheese, meat, your dog’s favorite treat) to grab their attention and break their focus on that trigger. If your dog isn’t food motivated, try a toy or another reward that is high value and don’t forget to praise them plenty when they succeed to complete your positive-reinforcement training. Overcoming reactivity is not easy and may take a long time but it is definitely possible with patience and consistent training!

3. Going on Outdoor Adventures

Make it a goal to get outdoors more with your pup. Find parks or trails in your local area that you have yet to explore and go adventure with your Beest. We’re all a little guilty of wanting to rest on our free days and sticking to our same routine with our pups, but getting out and exploring a new place is a great way to bond and create memories together. Don’t forget to bring a portable bowl to keep your Beestie hydrated and pack all your essentials for the day!

4. Easing Separation Anxiety / Crate Training / Being Home Alone

Now that most of us are heading back to the office for work or attending more social events / gatherings, our pandemic pups can have some separation anxiety with you gone. Overcoming separation anxiety is a great goal to work on as it can cause other negative behaviors and big stress for your pup (and you too!). Crate training can be a helpful method for your beest to feel safe and comfortable. Try crating your pup for short periods of time, gradually increasing the time frames and working towards you not being with them for longer periods of time. Little bits of daily training on this can show big improvements and most importantly help reduce stress for your pup. For more tips on this, check out our guide for Post Pandemic Dog Tips.

5. Learning New Tricks

New Pups or not, it’s never too late to teach your dog’s something new. The amazing thing about our furry friends is that they love to learn and are very capable of being taught anything when you stay consistent and are patient with them. Refresh them with the basics: Sit, Stay, Down. And then break down the trick you want to accomplish in steps. Your dog will have those tricks down in no time and then you can implement newer tricks.

Training is one of the most rewarding activities you and your dog can engage in together and it only helps strengthen your bond! We recommend setting some training goals that are specific to your dog and doing research or seeking help from a professional trainer to help achieve those specific goals. Keep in mind that behavioral changes don’t always happen overnight so remember to stay patient, positive and consistent, and implement your training into a daily routine to get the best results. For more training tips + tricks, check out our other blog posts including the Guide to Successful Dog Training.

Happy Training!

Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your Beest. We'll be right there every step of the way, with our gear & Wild4Life Warranty in tow, supporting you & Beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship!