Training

Our organization supports positive based trainers and programs. Please let us know if you have a different experience with any of our recommendations. Below is a list of resources on where to start with training at home, as well as recommendations for trainers in the Austin area. If you need further assistance with training, please e-mail [email protected].

TRAINING YOUR DOG AT HOME

These resources are a basic jumping off point. There are many different methods to teaching a dog each of these skills. If you do need further help, please see our list of recommendations for trainers here.

Getting Your Dog’s Attention

The best way for your dog to communicate they are paying attention to you is with eye contact. This guide gives steps on reinforcing that communication. The following article guides you through these steps: Getting Your Dogs Attention.

Basic Commands and Skills

The following resources, available at MaddiesFund.org, provide helpful ways to build up your dog’s knowledge of basic commands, such as sit, stay, and down.

• Sit
• “Touch” a Target
• Go to Bed or Place
• Leave an Item Alone
• Drop an Item
• Come When Called
• Loose Leash Walking
• Improving How Your Dog Responds to Cues

Relaxation Training

Is your dog having trouble relaxing or settling? We highly recommend Dr. Karen Overall’s Relaxation Protocol.

Enrichment

Credit to Dog Possible for this list.

Mental and physical enrichment is necessary for every dog, and often times very fun for both of you! The needs are different for each dog, and some may enjoy a few things on this list more than others, but activities like sniffing, licking, and problem solving can help reduce stress levels and enrich their daily lives. It doesn’t have to be expensive, as there are a lot of DIY options, we encourage you to try a few!

Puzzles and Items

Snuffle mats, DIY Snuffle Mat, Lickimats (You can also smear peanut butter on a tupperware lid and freeze it), Kongs, Tumblers, Puzzles, Slow Feeders. You can use these items as extra snacks or even feed your dog their meals in a few of the options. For a meal time puzzle, this is our favorite.

Homemade Options

Empty Amazon/cardboard boxes/paper bags – drop a few treats/kibble and then fold up the box and let him sniff and shred to get the treats. 

Empty paper towel rolls – drop a few treats/kibble in and then tootsie roll the ends and let him sniff and shred to get the treats. Shredding is a completely normal dog behavior – we just of course want to direct and channel it to appropriate items! 

Towel rolls/twists – lay out a beach towel flat and scatter some treats/kibble down the entire towel. Then either roll up the towel OR place your hand in the middle and twist it up, so he then has to sniff and nudge to find the treats. 

Training with a Professional

We only recommend positive based trainers and training, as the biggest part of training is the relationship between you and your dog. We encourage you to take a look at the graphic below and keep these questions in mind when looking for a trainer.