Your 2-Minute-Trainer Journey Starts Here!

Your 2-Minute Trainer Journey

Congratulations! You’re about to start one of the best journeys of your life – with your best friend! You’ll learn new skills that will improve your life now and forever after. You’ll gain a new perspective on your dog and every other dog you meet. And you’ll be able to enjoy the time you spend with your dog even more.

Everybody’s training journey is different. Just as no two people are the same, no two dogs are, either. The 2-Minute-Trainer system adapts to whatever meets your current need and will evolve for every dog that comes into your life. The objective is to move from whatever “chaos and mayhem” prevails now, to a place of peace and harmony.

There’s no deadline or timetable. Your commitment is a few minutes, most days. You can do this. And, bit by bit, perhaps so gradually you don’t even notice, you and your dog will get there. Fido will bark once and run to his “Place” when the doorbell rings. Or Spot will sit when your aunt comes over. You’ll actually see him choose to make that good decision. And you’ll practically burst with pride. You’re on your way!

7 Steps on the Journey

• Step 1: Chaos & Mayhem
  It’s where you are now – the “stepping off” point that inspired you to make a positive change in your life. That’s a good thing. Keep in mind that, starting now, you’ll never feel as helpless or out of control as you did before. You’re not alone now. You won’t be subject to judgment or criticism. When you know better, you do better. You’re doing better – celebrate that!
• Step 2: Break It Down (Divide and Conquer)
  One of Hope’s great weaknesses is ice cream. Chocolate ice cream. There’s absolutely no doubt she could easily devour a whole pint in a single sitting. But even if she wanted to, gave herself permission to, and had every intention of eating that whole pint – it can’t happen. It simply will not fit in her mouth.

The answer? One spoon at a time.

Most of the things we want our dogs to learn have lots of “parts.” If you ask your dog to sit, how long do they have to comply? What if you’re not in the usual place? What if you move? What if you have treats in your hand? Or no treats? What if your dog is outside? Or on your left instead of your right? If there’s an airplane overhead? If a truck is going down the street?

Many people are amazed that all of these things can make a difference to dogs. In our training classes, students will tell us, “Oh, my dog knows ‘sit.’” So we’ll take the dog’s leash, tell the owner to stand a few feet away, and ask them to give their dog the cue to sit. Usually the dog looks at their owner like they’ve never heard the word before.

We’re absolutely sure the dog does know sit – in its own home, where it’s comfortable, and where there are no distractions. So each piece of a new skill has to be taught, then tested. Change the circumstances, and keep teaching.

Step 3: Learning How to Learn – and Teach
Some people are surprised by how much thinking is involved in dog training. Yes, you could force a dog into position, shove on their rear end, and, eventually, your dog would learn an old-school command. And we know some traditional obedience folks who prefer to force their dog’s behavior rather than teach it.If that’s you – we’re sorry, but we can’t help. 2-Minute Training doesn’t take much of your time, but the results aren’t instantaneous. The teaching is more fun. The learning is more thorough, but it doesn’t happen overnight.

Every behavior or “trick” you want your dog to know has lots of parts. We train each of those parts through quick, game-based sessions and then put them together. It can be a speedy process, especially once your dog catches on to the method. Most do – quickly. Because they love being with you, because you keep each little session fast and fun, and because there are treats!

Step 4: Learning the Alphabet
Let’s be honest. Your dog already knows how to sit. He or she also knows how to lie down. What your dog may not know is our word for it. Our job is giving them the vocabulary so they connect the verbal cue to the action. Dogs are capable of learning several hundred words – but only if they’re motivated to do it.

When you were a baby, before you were able to speak, your family was always talking to you. They said the names of all the objects around you, pointed out things on every outing, and named every food that went into your mouth. They were building your vocabulary long before you could say the words yourself.

We do the same for our dogs. When you see your dog naturally sitting, you pair it with the word and praise: “Good sit!” Dogs make those connections quickly when the timing is clear.

Step 5: Paying the Piper
Your dog will learn there are consequences for every decision. Good decisions result in more fun, more treats, more play, and happiness – for both of you. Bad decisions will result in nothing.

We don’t “punish” dogs in 2-Minute Training. There are no harsh corrections, no yanking, no smacking, and no yelling. The worst thing that happens is a session ends briefly or we pause for a quick reset. Mostly, if a handler missteps or the dog misses a mark, we just reset with an “oopsie, let's try again!” and keep the momentum positive.

Research shows that positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train. Everybody has a good time, and the results are far more reliable. We teach dogs how to handle stress, make good choices, and cope with the world. We don’t intimidate them into conforming – we teach them to understand.

Step 6: Dealing with Distractions
We have a saying in competition obedience: every dog is a champion in the kitchen. But sometimes you want to enjoy a cup of coffee at a sidewalk cafe with your dog lying calmly at your side, rather than just at your kitchen table. Venturing out into the wider world is part of the plan. Teach the behavior first, then take it on the road.

Hope’s Torque is an extremely exuberant dog. He loves meeting new people and dogs and wants to run up to say “hi!” He’s conquered his nuttiness in familiar situations and competition venues, but the vet’s waiting room is still a challenge. So Hope manages the situation by letting him carry a toy to channel that energy while she works on the behavior she wants.

While you and your dog are learning, management is key so chaos doesn’t rear its head. It’s okay not to be in “training mode” 24/7. If the plumber comes to fix the toilet and your dog isn't ready for that level of distraction yet, popping him in his crate with a stuffed Kong is smart management. Avoiding rehearsed bad behavior is just as important as building good habits.

Step 7: Unicorns, Rainbows, and Lollipops
If you can think of it – you can train your dog to do it! As long as your dog is physically able, once you’re on board with the 2-Minute Trainer system, the sky's the limit. Put away toys? No problem! Fetch your tablet? Absolutely! (Although it may have a little dog drool on it.) Accompany you to that sidewalk cafe? For sure! Greet guests politely? Piece of cake!

You’ll look forward to your little training sessions – they’ll be one of the highlights of your day. You and your dog will understand each other better, enjoy each other more, and live your best lives together.