Happy Dog Expert: Creating the Best Environment for Training

What is a Suitable Environment for Dog Training?

Another key aspect of dog training, which will be necessary to master in order to be successful, is to take into account the environment in which your dog is learning. 

• Any distractions present
• Any objects required during the session
• The places where the treats or other rewards will be stored
• And your position during the session

For example, if you want to teach your dog to stand on their mat, it will be necessary to take into account the size of the mat. After all, a smaller mat will initially be more difficult for your dog to target. 

In the same way, if the room in which you are working with your dog is rich in stimulation in relation to your dog's level of training, then they may become frustrated. Or alternatively, your dog will not be able to concentrate in an ideal way, or they will offer a multitude of other behaviours that you do not want at the time.

If you find your dog is struggling to focus, and you want to help them into a calm frame of mind for learning, you can also consider using a ThunderShirt. This calming wrap applies a gentle pressure and can be an effective tool for training sessions, helping them to concentrate and avoid being so easily distracted.

Dogs Learn in Different Ways

To understand how we can create the best training space for dogs, it’s helpful to understand how dogs learn. They can learn in a variety of ways, and while there are other types of learning, the ones presented here are the main ones to master first:

• Social learning: Here, the dog performs a behaviour by observing others doing it. For example, puppies will learn behaviours by watching their mother.
• Non-associative learning: This is a simple form of learning. When a stimulus is presented, and the brain no longer pays attention to it after repeated exposures, the habituation process is set in place. On the other hand, when a stimulus irritates the individual, leading to a state of stress, it is more likely to be referred to as sensitisation. Sensitisation can occur even after just one experience.
• Learning by conditioning: This is an important method we use when educating our dogs. Conditioning learning falls into two categories: classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Classical conditioning involves learning by associating two or more stimuli, which happens involuntarily – sometimes even without us realising! For example, your dog can quickly learn that when their lead is picked up, this means it’s time for a walk. 
• Operant conditioning, on the other hand, is when your dog learns through the consequences that happen due to their own behaviour. A dog can try different things and repeat the ones they find have a positive outcome. An example of this is when your dog learns that if they hear the cue word ‘Sit’ and they sit down, they receive a reward. These two sorts of conditioning can work together.

When you teach a dog a new behaviour, an emotion is also associated with it, hence the importance of a positive environment for your dog’s training. 

The Rules of 4D

The 4D rule helps teach your dog something new following a progression. The four elements to consider are: 

• Distance 
• Duration 
• Distraction 
• Diversification 

When your dog is learning a new behaviour, you want to make the initial process as easy as possible. So, you should not put any distance between you and your dog, you should work somewhere without distractions, you should work for short periods, and you should always work in the same place (for diversification).

Then, when you want to level up your dog’s training, you can increase the difficulty one ‘D’ at a time. Ensure you approach this in a positive way and when your dog is confident at the current level. This rule will allow you to progress positively and sustainably.

When Should You Stop A Training Session?

It will be necessary to stop your dog’s training session within a reasonable period of time, otherwise your dog could become demotivated or even completely lose interest in their learning.

To know when to stop, it's important to observe your dog and look for signs of fatigue or demotivation. The session should end if you see them happening, but ideally, you’ll have known to stop before you notice any signs developing.

A dog that gets demotivated will often try to leave the session. For example, they may go to bed, leaving you alone with your treats in your hands. Your dog may also do something different, such as sniffing the floor; this can also mean it's time to stop your dog’s training session.

It is advisable to take breaks during sessions. Let your dog rest for a few minutes and then offer to resume the exercises. Either your dog re-engages by coming back to you, or they don’t come back and it's time to stop the session. 

You can also try limiting yourself to 5-minute sessions. Set a timer, and when it rings, you end your training. Or similarly, bring ten treats and once your pouch is empty, it's time to stop.

The goal here is to find the way your dog likes to work, provide them with an environment that is not very stimulating at first, and accept that your dog will need rest periods.

What If Learning Doesn't Work?

If, despite your best efforts, your dog’s training isn’t working, it can become necessary to ask yourself some questions. It’s important to know that there must be a reason why your dog is not able to perform the action or behaviour you are looking for. By knowing this, you will have an idea of the necessary adjustment to be made.

Here are some tips to help you understand why your dog’s training sessions aren’t working:

1. Your dog is physically and/or mentally tired. 
2. Your progress is not adapted enough to your dog. Maybe you want to go too fast, asking too much to begin with and need to break down the action into smaller steps.
3. You don't have enough energy for your dog and/or they have too much energy to focus on you and your request.
4. You need to work more on getting them to focus on you and improve your relationship together.

If you fail, take a break, think about the cause, decrease the level, and increase your dog's motivation. You can also potentially change the rewards used, such as the type of treat, and consider whether you are using a suitable environment for your dog’s training space.

Finally, don't hesitate to call on a dog trainer. They can help you with your dog's training, starting you off on the right basis in a way that’s personalised to your dog.

Would you like to learn more about training your pup or how we can best support and care for our four-legged friends? Browse all our Happy Dog Expert articles and blogs online! You can also get in touch to ask any questions, or stay informed with our latest tips, advice, and Q&As, by signing up to our newsletter.