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Training Tips & Advice

Somerset Animal Information Services connects animal lovers and businesses in Somerset with essential information and support.

Name Game

Teaching your dog their name can help set them up to responding to you and/or having good recall. Start by using a handful of their daily food. For example: dish out your dog's evening meal and put half of that to one side for training. Feed your dog the rest of their food, and once she has finished, you can use the other half for training the name game.

  1. When your dog has finished eating her meal, call her name. If she looks at you, give her a few titbits of her food and praise her.

  2. Wait till she looks away and say her name again; if she looks at you again, reward her with more tidbits and praise.

  3. Repeat the process 3 more times. Whatever food is left, just pop it in her bowl.

  4. Repeat this 3 times a day for the next 7 days to help your dog really understand their name.

  • Tip: When training, reward timing is key. Too early or late, and you might reward the wrong behaviour.

  • Tip: Repetition is key—don't rush to the next step. Your dog's speed at the task will tell you when they understand.

Training "Sit"

Teaching a puppy to "sit" is a useful skill, especially for situations like vets, groomers, crossing the road, or dog sports. Here are the fundamental steps:

  1. Find a quiet, distraction-free area for training.

  2. Use small, smelly treats your puppy loves.

  3. Stand in front of your puppy with treats to get their attention.

  4. Move the treat slowly back and above your puppy’s head—their bottom should lower.

  5. Once their bottom touches the floor, say "sit" calmly and clearly.

  6. Reward and praise immediately for correct response.

  7. Practice several times in short, fun sessions (no more than 5 repetitions per session).

  8. Gradually fade treats as they improve, but keep verbal praise.

  9. Once mastered, practice in different settings with more distractions.

  10. Be patient and consistent—every puppy learns at their own pace! Keep it positive.

Dog Tracking

Collar Grab

This training is just as important as teaching a puppy to sit! Here's how to make collar grabs a positive thing:

  1. Get your dog comfortable with petting around the neck area.

  2. Introduce the collar: place treats on the floor, and as your dog is eating, put their collar on. Repeat a few times with taking it off and putting it back on, always pairing with treats.

  3. When your pup is used to the collar, gently grab the collar and immediately give a treat—let go. Repeat 5 more times, 3 times per day for 3 days, gradually increasing duration.

  4. Eventually, try holding the collar for a few seconds before treating and build up the "grab time." Progress at your dog's pace.

  • Tip: Remember the 3 Ds: Distance (how far you are), Distractions (other things going on), and Duration (how long your dog holds the position).

How to help your puppy get used to car travelling

Some helpful tips:

  • Feed your pup’s meals in the car. Use an activity ball to make it more fun.

  • Play tug games in and around the car for nervous pups.

  • Keep training short, fun, and positive.

Always secure your dog when travelling. If your dog is loose, you could invalidate your insurance or be fined/penalized if in a crash.

Stage 1: Getting started

  • Use high-value, smelly treats (cheese, sausage, fish, etc) & something familiar (blanket).

  • Decide how you'll secure your dog (seat belt/harness, crate, dog guard, ramp/steps if needed).

  1. Encourage your pup into the car with treats, placing some before and inside if needed.

  2. Once in, place a treat on the floor/seat; repeat ~5 times and let your puppy out with lots of praise.

  3. Repeat the previous step 5 more times – and again 3 times a day for 3 more days. Feed at least one meal a day in the car.

Stage 2: Building duration

  1. With pup in the car, place a treat; after it's eaten, count to 3 before placing another. Repeat 5x.

  2. Gradually increase time:
    1...2...3... treat (repeat 5x)
    1...2...3...4... treat (3x)
    Up to 6 seconds/treat, repeating as needed before increasing.

If pup gets tired or stuck, back up a step and end on a win. After you’ve built up several minutes, switch on the engine but still don’t drive yet—follow the same reward pattern.

Stage 3: Driving short distances

  1. With the engine on, reward as before. Gradually add short drives (around the block or to the park).

  2. Reward every few seconds of movement, increase duration as confidence grows.

  3. Celebrate arrivals; repeat short trips, gradually driving further.

If you need help, contact Sam at Small Mighty Pets for a session!

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