Teach Your Dog New Skills In The New Year
As 2025 rolls in, it’s the perfect time to set new goals – not just for yourself, but your furry friend too! Teaching your dog new skills can be a rewarding way to strengthen your bond, improve their behaviour, and provide mental and physical stimulation.
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but we’re here to guide you in making the New Year your dog’s best one yet. Let’s explore the best ways to approach skills training, tailored to your pup’s needs.
Choosing the Best Skills for Your Dog
Every dog is different, and the new skills you teach should match your dog’s age, energy level, and temperament. Some popular tricks to consider include:
Basic Commands: ‘Sit’, ‘Stay’, ‘Come’, and ‘Leave’, are foundational instructions that enhance safety and communication
Trick Training: Fun tricks can keep training light-hearted and engaging
Practical Skills: Teach you dog how to fetch items, walk politely on a leash, or even take on some scent work
Environment-Based Training
Did you know, your dog’s learning environment can really impact their success?
Start by choosing a quiet and distraction-free space to teach the basics. Once they’ve mastered skills in this setting, gradually introduce more distractions, such as other people, pets, or outdoor environments.
By exposing your dog to different environments, you will help them generalise their new skills and apply them consistently, no matter where you are.
Games-Based Learning:
Our pups learn best when they are having fun, and games are a fantastic way to keep training sessions exciting. Try these game-based activities:
Hide and Seek: Hide a favourite toy or Pointer treats and encourage your dog to find it, sharpening their scent-tracking abilities
Fetch with a Twist: Incorporate delay commands such as waiting or ‘Drop it’ to add an element of training to their favourite game
Interactive Toys: Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys engage your dog’s problem-solving skills whilst reinforcing positive behaviour
Obstacle Courses: Set up a mini agility course in the garden using household items, such as chairs, cones, and hula hoops
Not only will these kinds of games provide mental stimulation, but they will also strengthen the special bond you share with your pup.
Treat-Based Training
Treats are a tried-and-true method for motivating and rewarding your dog during training. We’d recommend using Pointer’s pet treats, particularly our bite sized treats such as grain-free stars and mini milky paws, to reinforce positive behaviour and keep your dog eager to learn. Here’s some tips for treat-based training:
Timing is Key: Reward your dog immediately after they perform the desired behaviour to help them make the connection
Portion Control: Break treats into small pieces to avoid overfeeding during training sessions
As a pet parent, your role in training goes beyond what you may think. By incorporating patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you will help your pup gain new skills to show off in 2025 and beyond!
Remember, training isn’t just about teaching – it’s about building trust and deepening your connection with your dog. With dedication, creativity, and the help of our Pointer treats, you’ll be amazed at what you and your pup will achieve together in the New Year.
