Your dog is always learning. Do not limit your rewards to training sessions. Keep non-perishable treats available in many different places so you can practice your new tricks frequently. As you are brushing your teeth, ask your dog for a “high five”, before your dog...

For example, if you want to teach your dog to sit politely when meeting a stranger, be sure to ALWAYS require your dog to sit politely and wait to be released to “Say Hello”. You dog can only learn the rules if the rules remain the same always. This takes commitment...

Treats are used as information to the dog during the initial training phases. Once your dog completely understands the new lesson, you no longer need to offer treats for that behavior. As you work through the proofing process, you will continue to challenge your dog...

Although it is easiest to use treats to initially train your dog, it is most useful to soon introduce toys, verbal praise, and life rewards as additional reinforcement for desired behaviors. Examples of life rewards are going for a ride in the car, being let outside,...