Getting a new dog can be overwhelming and stressful. That is why proper training is key to a healthy, happy and peaceful dog family. We list four dog training advice to help you whether it’s a puppy, an adult or a senior dog.
housebreaking (potty training) and basic commands like sit, stay, and come go a long way in eliminating the problems associated with having a pet and in helping you to bond with your pooch.
Below we list the four most important aspects of dog training and offer dog parents our advice for establishing the best conditions for a successful outcome.
Your role is very critical
Even if you hire a dog trainer, your involvement remains essential. Basically, the level of your involvement dramatically increases the success rate of the training.
As part of the process, you will briefly join some of the training sessions, depending on the trainer‘s recommendations. The trainer will brief you on your dog’s progress and will show you how to get the best results with him.
Training sessions may be conducted in your home so that your dog is not distracted and feels assured by the familiar environment.
Training puppies and adult dogs can be different
A puppy is a playful ball of fur that still doesn’t have any negative learned behaviour. Puppies are quick learners but they have shorter attention spans, and so require different training techniques than adults.
When it comes to training adult dogs, it is often more difficult and takes longer than a puppy would. Adult dogs have habits and learned behaviors that can be difficult to break or modify. However, housebreaking is often easier because adult dogs have better bladder control.
As with puppies, successful training of adult dogs is possible but requires patience and perseverance.
Watch Your Dog’s Body Language
Dogs communicate through sound and body language.
Through sounds, by barking or growling, dogs can communicate their needs, impending threats or their anxieties. It is important to differentiate between these sounds to understand what your dog is trying to tell you.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the dog’s tail movement and overall behaviour. Learning what his physical behaviour or movement mean will enhance your bond with your dog.
Invest in Quality Treats
Food is the best motivation for dog training, but a good quality treat could make a world of difference.
Enough chicken, fresh vegetables and high quality soft treats that last until the end of the session are highly recommended.
The size of the treat is also important. Small treats are more effective as they take less time for the dog to chew them and continue the sessions.
Hire a professional Dog Trainer
Tutorials and general information are becoming increasingly easy to access, but due to the sheer volume of blogs, sites and videos available, the correct procedures and best practices get lost in the noise.
Nothing beats a professional dog trainer for faster and more effective training results. Don’t risk bad behavior and your bond with your dog by engaging in incorrect training methods.
Professional trainers are equipped to deal with any difficult behaviour and different dog characteristics, while saving you the time, techniques and frustration of attempting various techniques.
Conclusion
Training a dog is no simple task, but by understanding your dog’s language and reward mechanisms, you will gain a friend for life. The surest way to training success is through a partnership between a professional trainer and the dog parent. Such dedication to training may initially require consistent hard work, but the bond you form and the behaviors you instill in your buddy will provide you with years of enjoyment with your well behaved and loyal pup.
