Do more with your dog at home on the dark nights

19 hours ago

2 min read

Dark evenings, warm homes and useful dog training

Hi everyone,

Do you ever want to do some training with your dog, but find yourself wondering what to work on?

It’s easy to fall back on things like paw, sit and down. But food manners, impulse control and everyday life skills can make a real difference to living with your dog.

**I’ve put together a list of key training skills to give you ideas of what to work towards.** Choose something from the list and build from what your dog can already do.

With the evenings getting darker and colder, a few short training sessions indoors are a lovely way to spend time together while practising useful skills. Home is a good place to lay the foundations before taking those skills outside around more distractions.

Even when I’ve trained dogs to a high level, we’ve always started with the basics. If your dog can hold a sit-stay for ten seconds, could you gradually build towards a minute?

I’m also including my **Four Ds sheet** to help you build things up gradually.

**Would you like to work through these skills together?**

I’m considering an online course where you can train your dog at home alongside other owners, with guidance from me and something clear to work on.

You can stay warm on those dark evenings, enjoy some time with your dog and build skills that will help when you’re out together too.

If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, click **“I’m interested”** below. There’s no commitment to book—it simply lets me know you’d like to hear more when the details are ready.

Jenny

Happy Hounds

I am interested - click here to add to to the list.

Choose a skill to practise in short, fun sessions. Start somewhere quiet and gradually build up.

☐ Sit and wait: Build from 10 seconds towards a minute.
☐ Check in with you: Respond to their name and offer eye contact, starting at home and progressing outdoors.
☐ Go to bed and settle: Practise at home, then work towards settling while you eat or visit a café.
☐ Food manners: Wait calmly while you put their food down and leave food when asked.
☐ Wait at doors: Stay calm while you open the house or car door, until invited out.
☐ Stand calmly for equipment: Have their collar, harness or lead put on without a struggle.
☐ Walk on a loose lead: Start with a few steps and gradually build up around distractions.
☐ Come when called: Begin over short distances, then build distance and distractions gradually.
☐ Greet people politely: Keep four paws on the floor.
☐ Stay focused around dogs and people: Practise at a distance where they can respond calmly.
☐ Feel comfortable with handling: Practise a hand touch or chin rest to help with calm contact.
☐ Drop a toy when asked: Release willingly without needing food shown first.