When teaching your dog a command, you must be methodical, consistent, patient, kind, and of course, positive! The 3D rule is a structured learning method that helps reinforce a command over time.
The 3D rule is a learning method that allows you to establish a command over time and in a structured way.
Each D has its meaning and importance:
Duration: being able to perform a command for an increasingly longer duration (example: you ask your dog to sit and he holds the position for 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, etc....).
Distance: being able to perform a command while standing further away from him (example: you ask your dog to lie down and stay still, then you step back 1 meter, then 3 meters, 10 meters, etc...).
Distraction: being able to perform a command in different environments and with various stimuli (example: you ask your dog to come back when called in your garden, then outside, in the presence of playing children, in the presence of other dogs, etc.....).
How to proceed?
Once you have chosen the command you will teach your dog, you must be confident in yourself and in the goal you wish to achieve.
You should have tasty treats (that differ from his daily ration) to motivate him and keep him engaged, but most importantly, you should be in a good mood and have a positive attitude!
Remember that your dog is learning; you must be patient, consistent, and forgiving with him. Put yourself in his shoes; you didn't become bilingual in just one hour! :)
Before starting your training, you should find a quiet place, preferably indoors and without distractions, so as not to put your dog in a situation of failure.
It is considered that a command is learned when the dog succeeds 8 times out of 10, and it is from that moment that you can complicate things and start working on one D at a time.
Very important: you should conduct short training sessions, lasting only a few minutes, to avoid tiring your dog and demotivating him. You must always, I repeat, always end your session on a success and a positive note.
When you start working on your Ds, you should not rush or skip steps; you need to increase the duration second by second, the distance centimeter by centimeter, and the distractions gradually.
Once your goal is achieved for each D, you can start combining them! But be careful; if it becomes too difficult for your dog, it means you have gone too fast, so you need to reassess your expectations for that session and return to the previous step to avoid leaving your dog in a situation of failure.
The most important thing is that you and your dog have a pleasant time together.
Training sessions (if conducted positively) help to build a beautiful bond and strengthen the connection between you and your dog.
Always remember to praise and reward your dog during training and finish with a playtime to conclude the session and make him feel that he has done a good job.
If you encounter difficulties in your dog's training or behavior, do not hesitate to consult a professional who works with respect and kindness towards both the animal and the human.
