Contact exercises are a fundamental part of every puppy's training. They help strengthen the bond between you and your puppy, while helping to create a solid foundation for good obedience. Learn how to practice contact exercises with your puppy effectively with this step-by-step guide.
Why is contact training important for puppies?
Contact exercises are an essential part of puppy training. They teach your puppy to pay attention to you, making it easier for him to learn new commands and follow them. Contact exercises also help build a strong bond between you and your puppy and are an effective way to start building a foundation for positive dog ownership.
Step 1: Create a distraction-free environment for contact practice
To practice contact exercises effectively with your puppy, start by creating a calm and distraction-free environment. Distractions can distract your puppy and make it harder for him to focus on training. Make sure you have everything you need for training, including treats and your puppy's favorite toys.
Step 2: Use positive reinforcement in contact exercises
Positive reinforcement is a powerful training method that rewards your puppy for doing the right thing. When practicing contact exercises with your puppy, give him lots of praise and treats when he gives you his attention. This will reinforce the behavior and encourage your puppy to repeat it.
Step 3: Practice contact drills regularly
Regular training is the key to success when training contact exercises with your puppy. Practice these exercises several times a day, preferably in short, fun sessions. Remember to be patient and that each puppy learns at its own pace.
Step 4: Add distractions
As your puppy becomes more comfortable with contact exercises, you can start adding small distractions to strengthen his ability to focus. Start with small distractions and gradually increase their intensity. Remember to always reward your puppy for staying focused, despite the distractions.
Contact training is a powerful resource for building a strong relationship with your puppy and for creating the foundation for effective training. With patience, positive reinforcement, and regular practice, you can successfully train your puppy to be focused and attentive.
How to practice contact exercises with your puppy: Practical examples of exercises
Exercise 1: Name recognition
One of the first contact exercises you should do with your puppy is to teach him to recognize his name. This is important because it will be the primary cue to get your puppy's attention in the future.
To practice this, wait until your puppy is calm and attentive, then say the puppy's name in a clear and positive manner. When the puppy looks at you, reward it with a good treat and lots of praise.
Exercise 2: Eye contact
Another important contact exercise is teaching your puppy to make eye contact. Eye contact is a powerful communication signal between humans and dogs, and encouraging it can help strengthen the bond between you.
To practice this, hold a tasty treat between your eyes and encourage your puppy to look up. When the puppy makes eye contact, give it the treat and lots of praise.
Exercise 3: The following exercises
The following exercises are a good way to strengthen the contact exercises with your puppy. These exercises teach your puppy to keep track of where you are and follow your movements.
To train this, start by getting your puppy's attention with a tasty treat or a favorite toy. Then, walk around an area while encouraging your puppy to follow you. When the puppy follows you, reward it with the treat or toy and lots of praise.
By practicing these contact exercises with your puppy regularly, you will not only create a strong relationship with your puppy, but you will also lay the foundation for successful future training.
