Training Tips
Pro-Tip: The “New Year” Reset
Many owners feel overwhelmed by the idea of "training sessions," picturing hour-long drills that feel like a chore. The reality? Dogs learn best in short, high-energy bursts. To jumpstart your progress this year, try the 3-Minute Rule:
- Ditch the Marathon: Dedicate just three minutes, twice a day, to practicing
- Win Early: Spend the first minute on a command your dog already knows (like "Touch" or "Sit"). This builds confidence and puts them in a "learning" mindset.
- Context Matters: Do one 3-minute session in your living room and the next one in the backyard or on the porch. This teaches your dog that "listening" isn't just something they do in one place.
The consistency of these short bursts does more for a dog's long-term retention than a grueling hour-long session once a week.
If you're looking for help, reach out to the behavior team at
behavior@mountainhumane.org or by calling 208-788-4351, extension 113./p>
Contact the Mountain Humane behavior team at behavior@mountainhumane.org. We are happy to provide positive training tips to create a lasting change in your pet's behavior.
Additional resources
Mountain Humane Dog Training Classes and Private Training
More Training Tips You May be Interested In
Train Faster by Adding in a Reward Marker!
What is a reward marker? A reward marker can be any word or sound to indicate that a reward, such as a treat, is coming.
Making Eye Contact with Your Dog
Establishing eye contact is a key skill. Teach your dog to make eye contact by giving rewards when they do it on their own, or by luring the behavior with a treat.
Decompression – Do Animals Need It?
The rule of 3 states to expect behavior changes (good or bad) after adopting an animal after 3 days, 3 weeks, and then 3 months while the animal gets used to their new home.
How to Tell if a Cat is a Stray?
Reclaim rates for stray cats in most communities across the country teeter at about 5%. Those cats tend to have microchips with up-to-date contact information.
My Cat is FIV+, What Does That Mean?
FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus: A feline-specific virus that attacks a cat’s immune system leaving them more vulnerable to secondary infections.
Why Does My Dog Bark?
If you feel your pup is barking too much, the first question is "Why are they barking?" Let's examine the "why" of various behaviors and how have they been reinforced.