Top Ten Ways to Train Your Uniquely Adorable Dog 1. Positive Reinforcement Always Wins Use treats, praise, or toys to reward good behavior. Ugly or cute, dogs thrive on encouragement. 2. Keep Training Sessions Short and Sweet 5-10 minutes a few times a day is better than one long session. Quirky dogs might have quirky attention spans. 3. Be Consistent with Commands Use the same words for the same actions. Don't confuse your dog with "Come here" one day and "Get over here" the next. 4. Use Their Strengths Does your dog have a giant nose? Try scent work. Big ears? Maybe some fun sound cues. Play to their natural talents. 5. Clicker Training Can Be Magic A clicker gives instant feedback and can sharpen their learning process-especially useful for stubborn breeds. 6. Make Socialization a Priority Help your dog get used to people, other animals, and different environments. It builds confidence and reduces anxiety. 7. Teach Basic Commands First Sit, stay, come, down, and leave it. These basics help with safety and make further training easier. 8. Turn Walks into Training Opportunities Practice loose-leash walking, stopping at curbs, and ignoring distractions. Training in real-life situations is invaluable. 9. Be Patient and Don't Shame Ugly dogs have feelings too! Harsh training methods can lead to fear or aggression. Stay patient and gentle. 10. Make It Fun! A happy dog learns better. Play games like fetch with commands, hide-and-seek, or agility. The goal is a well-behaved and joyful companion.