![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sitmeanssit.com\/dog-training-mu\/austin-dog-training\/files\/2011\/06\/O0023377-vi.jpg\" "\\"HappyLab\\"")
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I often hear people complain how much time it takes to train there dog or complain the training doesn’t last. Of course these are not my clients because with the right training program and exercises that are relevant to you and your dog, training your dog does not need to take a ton of time and will last her lifetime.<\/p>\n
One of the things that we teach to enhance the dog training experience is to train as you live. Training as you live means that you\u00a0incorporate\u00a0training into your everyday life. So, instead of only doing structured training, you also do training all day long (well, not constantly, but consistently and frequently). With the right exercises, guidance and tools this can be very effective!<\/p>\n
Of course structured training sessions are necessary in order to teach some desired behaviors, but the real proof is when our dogs respond in a manner that is expected when the situation requires<\/strong>. Not when they are at some training center or in the\u00a0relatively\u00a0sterile\u00a0environment of your home (without visitors).<\/p>\n For example, we wont wait until the dog runs into the street to teach her that she shouldn\u2019t go into the street without permission. \u00a0Instead we teach this in structured training (because of safety).\u00a0Teaching a dog not to enter the street is an example of boundaries that we teach our dogs to ensure their safety.<\/p>\n A training session to test this, would be having our dogs \u2018sit\u2019 at the curb while we walk into the street. (Obviously on a not so busy street. Parking lots work well.) The dog should not come onto the street unless given permission. While testing this, you will provide as many distractions as practical. Practice this in short sessions, anywhere between 5-10 minutes tops. This was an example of a structured training session.<\/p>\n You continue to train this as you live and “proofing” or testing this as your lifestyle permits. In order to make this routine, you will have to apply this as appropriate. For example, you take your dog on a walk and you\u2019re crossing the street. You have her \u2018sit\u2019 at the curb and allow her to continue walking only when you give the command. This may take a few repetitions, and add an extra few minutes to your walk, but the training will sustain a lot longer. Continuing the training on a normal walk is an example of training as you live – assuming you walk your dog as part of your life. There are of course home exercises also. Trying to\u00a0incorporate\u00a0as much real world training “as you live” into your programs will ensure your dog learns quickly, the training does not wear off, and the dog and her behavior will integrate smoothly into your actual lifestyle.<\/p>\n A good dog trainer and dog training program, like at Sit Means Sit, will take the time to understand your lifestyle and help you incorporate the training into your life – where it matters – while having as little impact as is reasonable on your lifestyle or the lifestyle you are striving for with your dog.<\/p>\n