The Benefits of Priming Your Dog

The Benefits of Priming Your Dog Before Every Training Session 

When it comes to dog training, there’s a little secret that can make a big difference: priming. It’s a simple technique that can help your dog feel more comfortable and confident, making training smoother and more successful. Let’s break down what priming is and why it’s such a valuable tool for any dog owner.

What is Priming?

Priming is like giving your dog a heads-up before the main event. It’s all about getting them ready and familiar with what’s coming next, whether it’s a new command, a different environment, or a new piece of training gear. Think of it as setting the stage for your dog so they know what to expect and can focus on what you’re asking them to do.

Example of Priming in Action:

Let’s say you’re about to take your dog to a busy park for the first time. Instead of just diving into a training session right away, you might start by walking them around the park on a loose leash, letting them sniff around and get used to the sights and sounds. You might even toss a few treats their way when they show interest in staying close to you. This is priming – you’re helping your dog feel comfortable in the new environment before asking them to perform any specific behaviours.

Why is Priming Important?

Priming is a super helpful tool for several reasons:

 1. Makes New Situations Less Scary: Dogs can get nervous or anxious in unfamiliar places or situations. Priming helps them feel more at ease by giving them a little time to adjust before you start asking them to focus on training. It’s like letting them dip their toes in the water before they jump in.

 2. Creates Positive Associations: When you pair priming with treats, praise, or play, you’re teaching your dog that new places or commands are something to be excited about. They’ll start to associate these situations with good things, making them more eager to participate in training.

 3. Helps with Generalization: Dogs often learn specific behaviors in one place, like sitting in the kitchen or staying in the backyard. But when you ask them to do the same thing somewhere else, they might get confused. Priming helps bridge that gap by gently easing them into performing familiar behaviors in new settings.

 4. Boosts Consistency: Training is all about repetition and consistency. Priming helps reinforce the same cues and behaviors, no matter where you are. This makes it easier for your dog to understand what’s expected of them, even when the surroundings change.

 5. Leads to Better Training Outcomes: By taking the time to prime your dog, you’re setting them up for success. They’ll be more relaxed, focused, and ready to learn, which means your training sessions will be more effective and enjoyable for both of you.

How to Start Priming

Priming doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s as simple as giving your dog a few minutes to get comfortable in a new environment or using treats to make a new command or piece of equipment more appealing. The key is to go at your dog’s pace and make sure they’re feeling good before you start asking for more complex behaviours.

In a nutshell, priming is like warming up before a workout – it prepares your dog’s mind and body for what’s to come, making the whole training process smoother and more effective. So next time you’re about to start a training session, take a moment to prime your dog. It’s a small step that can lead to big results!

Cher Wood 

@Street Wise Canine 

Offering dog training in Delhi, Ontario in the beautiful municipality of Norkfolk, County.