The 10 best tips for dog training

1. With the right reward for the desired behavior

Learning works best when desired behavior is rewarded. Positive reinforcement through praise, play or small rewards helps your dog to better understand relationships and stay motivated. Especially at the beginning, it is worth rewarding small progress - for example with vegan dog snacks from VEGDOG. Our low-calorie Pops and healthy Mobilities Minis are particularly suitable for dog training. Of course, our Beevys and Jerkeys are also a must - these irresistible jackpot snacks are perfect for recall training and special training successes.

2. Training successes take time

Every dog learns at its own pace - whether it's simple exercises or complex commands. Impatience often leads to frustration, both for you and your furry friend. That's why it's important to stay calm and keep going. Even setbacks are completely normal. Be patient and trust - success will come with time.

3. Learning can and should be fun

Repetition is important - but variety keeps dog training fun. Make your sessions playful, combine new exercises with familiar elements and occasionally change the training location. Small challenges that you combine with play or exercise not only promote concentration, but also increase your dog's eagerness to learn.

4. Clear communication creates trust

Your dog needs guidance - not confusion. Clear rules, unambiguous body language and fair expectations help him to feel safe and understood. The more clearly and consistently you communicate, the easier it will be for your four-legged friend to follow your lead. Make sure you give commands clearly and keep your own behavior in line with your signals. This builds trust - the best basis for any dog training.

5. The basic commands must be in place

A safe everyday life starts with sit, down, stay and a reliable recall. These basics need to be practiced and reinforced regularly - preferably in short, positive sessions. This way, the commands become second nature to your dog and can be recalled even in distracting situations. With patience and the right motivation, daily training will turn into real everyday safety.

6. Eye contact strengthens your bond

"Look" is a valuable signal that allows your dog to focus on you even in stressful moments. Conscious eye contact gives him security because he knows that it is worth orienting himself towards you. This is a real game changer, especially in challenging environments - and it also strengthens your bond.

7. Reward does not equal release

An often underestimated part of dog training is the correct timing of the reward. A treat does not automatically mean "you are now free", but is part of the learning process. Only a clear release signal shows your dog that the command has been completed. A clear separation between reward and release helps him to better understand what is expected of him - and to react reliably in the long term.

8. A stop signal can save lives

An emergency command such as "stop" or "wait" can save lives in dangerous situations. Whether your dog is running or otherwise moving away, stopping on signal is one of the most important commands. A reliable stop can be crucial, especially in road traffic and in the event of sudden danger or wildlife sightings. Train this signal early and regularly so that it really works in an emergency.

9. Impulse control - the supreme discipline in dog training

Whether other dogs, wild animals, bicycles or rolling balls - stimuli lurk everywhere. With targeted impulse control training, your dog will learn to control his reactions better and not give in to every impulse immediately. This ensures more calmness on walks and makes your everyday life much more relaxed. One simple exercise is to wait for a release signal, even if an open treat is temptingly in front of him. This teaches your dog to back off - even if his instincts tell him otherwise.

10. You can learn to calm down

It's not just action that counts - relaxation also needs to be learned. Many dogs find it difficult to switch off - especially in new or stimulating environments. With targeted relaxation exercises such as lying on a blanket or small relaxation rituals such as VEGDOG Bedtime Cookies you can help your furry friend to switch off and find inner balance. This makes rest a reliable skill - not only at home, but also on the go.