Dog training is beneficial for you and your dog. Training a dog is important for dogs. It helps them live in harmony with their families, it prevents unwanted behavior and it strengthens the bond between a pet owner and their pet. Here are some tips for basic dog training that will help you and your pet achieve success.
Do’s and Don’ts for Effectively Training a Dog
We will start by focusing on the dog training tips we are going to use:
Break the training into smaller, more manageable steps.
Decide what behavior you are trying to achieve and then work towards it. If you reward your dog for a job well done, they will learn more and enjoy the training session. Hey, who doesn’t? Think about ways to make training easier if your dog does not seem to understand what you are asking. If you’re trying to teach the cue “down” and your dog is just sitting with a confused look on his face, reward him for lowering his head. You can then increase the criteria.
Consistency is key.
Dogs have a keen eye for detail. Your dog will understand that “sit”, “sit down” and “Fido sit” are all different cues. To avoid confusion, use the exact same cue each time you ask your pet to perform a certain behavior. This will prevent frustration for both you and your pet, and will also help them to understand your request.
Use positive reinforcement.
Positive reinforcement is rewarding your dog’s behavior with praise, treats, toys or other motivators. Dogs, like humans also want to be rewarded for their efforts. Your dog cannot be expected to work endlessly for nothing. Don’t underestimate how much your dog loves to be praised. You want to be rewarded in a more tangible way, so you’ll also get your paycheck. Be generous when it comes to the rewards. You can change the schedule of rewards once your dog has learned a new behavior. However, you should continue to reward them for good work.
For challenging behavior, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. Dogs can be complex creatures and exhibit behaviors beyond the ability of an average person to alter. Consult a qualified professional dog trainer for challenging behaviors.
Dog training mistakes to avoid
Now, let’s look at some common mistakes in dog training that we should avoid:
Training sessions should not exceed 20 minutes.
For most dogs, sessions between 10 and 15 minutes are ideal. Five minutes of training is very effective. This is especially true if you can do it several times a day.
Start training away from distractions.
Dogs learn better if they’re not distracted by noise and activity. If you want to teach your dog to sit you should start training him in a quiet place at home, rather than the park where there are other dogs, people and noises. You can proof the behavior once your dog consistently performs it on cue. “Proofing,” or practicing a desired behavior in various environments and situations, is what it means to proof.
When training, don’t use fear or intimidation.
When you first begin to train your dog, always start with positive reinforcement. Jumping to non-force methods can lead to a shaky bond with your dog and results that don’t last. Dogs should enjoy the training process, and not find it a stressful or unpleasant experience.
Do not get frustrated by a poor training session.
The learning process is not linear and the progress of your dog may fluctuate from day to day. Keep calm, think about the bigger picture, and give your dog the best you can. If the session doesn’t work, stop it and try again another time or later.
It’s important to remember that this is a relationship-building exercise. Take it slow and have fun.
