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

Fact Sheets/Guides

Training Videos

Mountain Humane Dog Training Classes and Private Training

More Training Tips You May be Interested In

bee sting care for dogs

Take A Bee Sting Seriously: What To Do If Your Dog Gets Stung

How serious bee sting reaction is depends on where the sting occurred, whether there were multiple stings, and whether your dog has a sensitivity to bee venom.

Read More »

Cooperative Care 101

Cooperative Care 101

The secret to cooperative care lies in giving your dog control through a "consent signal." This is a specific position your dog chooses to hold to tell you, "I'm ready, you can start now."

Read More »

training tips - Reward Marker

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.

Read More »

training tips - maintaining eye contact

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.

Read More »

training tips decompression

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.

Read More »

How to Tell if a Cat is a Stray

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.

Read More »