I just had a client in our Austin Dog Training Manners II class what she should be focusing on with her dog. She explained that she's not always sure whether she should work on her recall or the place cue (lay on a bed and stay there) or her leave it. This is a great question!
Whether you're training a new puppy or training your adult dog, you should be sure to prioritize your training based on what you need most in your dog. Choose two to three behaviors to focus on as your core behavior plan. For many owners, the set of behaviors that makes the most sense is: 1) sit and focus on the owner even with distractions; 2) come when called; and 3) walk nicely on leash.
For you and your dog, this may differ. For example, some of our clients at our Austin Dog Training Center, have dogs that jump on guests who come in the house. For these clients, it may make more sense to focus on a sit stay or a bed cue when guests arrive at the house. Each plan has to be tailored to your individual dog.
Once you pick your core behaviors to teahc, focus your efforts on these cues. Have your dog practice these cues at meal time and for play sessions and toys. Practice them on walks and throughout the day during daily chores. When your dog has mastered this handful of behaviors, add another behavior, like a leave it cue.
One way to be successful in your dog training is to take things a step at a time and try not to bite off more than you can chew!
Cara Shannon, Austin Dog Trainer, Buddy's Chance, LLC