It’s not always easy to start training your dog. We thought that since January is National Train Your Dog Month we would share some helpful tips to get you and your dog started.
1. Use positive reinforcement techniques
Most veterinarians agree that positive reinforcement is the best method for dog training. Positive reinforcement training is a method of dog training that rewards your pet for good behaviour, instead of punishing it.
Reward your dog whenever he shows good behavior or responds positively to commands! You reinforce the link between good behavior and positive things by rewarding it.
You should also be careful not to reward unwanted behaviors. If your dog jumps to greet you or barks to play, do not acknowledge or reward it. This will only reinforce the bad behavior. Wait until your dog is calmer and then give them attention.
2. Find the best reward.
Some dogs will be motivated by food and respond enthusiastically to any edible treat. Some dogs are more picky: they prefer soft, chewy rewards to crunchy, hard ones.
Some dogs are not interested in food. If this is your dog’s case, you can try other rewards like a play session with their favorite toy or just lots of affection.
3. Consistency is the key.
Consistency is key to successful training. Consistency is important in the way you train your dog. For example, use the same words and intonations when you ask them to perform a task.
It is equally important that everyone in your family be on the same page. Dogs require consistency in order to develop new habits. If you don’t let your dog sit on the couch but your partner does it, then your pup may become confused.
4. Train often and little.
The effectiveness of shorter training sessions is much greater than those that are repeated more frequently. The American Kennel Club suggests that sessions should be kept to a maximum of five minutes. Any longer, and your dog could become frustrated or distracted.
It’s important to repeat the training in different locations and situations, with different people, to ensure that your dog learns how to obey the same command.
5. Staged construction is possible.
When you are trying to change unwanted behaviors, or more complex behaviors such as “stay,” starting small is helpful.
Break down behaviors into smaller pieces. If you are training your dog to “come”, you can praise and reward them for taking even the smallest step towards you. Once your dog starts to understand the behavior, it’s easier to build on the steps.
6. Have fun!
Both you and your pet should enjoy the training process! Keep it positive and mix things up. For example, you can incorporate short play sessions between repetitions.
As an alternative to obedience training, you could consider teaching your dog tricks. We humans are more excited to see a dog roll over than to do a simple sit. Our dogs will pick up that excitement and love to perform tricks for you!
Remember to reward your dog even for small improvements.
7. Praise small things.
Never forget to praise your dog, no matter what the improvement is. Celebrate the small victories. It is easy to focus on the final goal, but the smaller wins are just as important. They will keep you and your dog both motivated.
8. Work training into daily life.
It’s easier to squeeze in small training sessions if you make it part of your pet’s routine. Ask your dog to sit, or to respond to another command, before you feed them, walk them, or play with him.
9. Use your hands
Dogs can’t comprehend language in the same way as humans. Try combining hand signals with verbal commands. Many dogs will respond better to the hand signals.
10. Consult with a dog trainer, or take a class.
Don’t hesitate if you are struggling to find a dog trainer. You can also join a class. Professional trainers can help you and the dog with their years of experience. Since they have dealt with many different problems throughout their careers, they will know how to deal with any issue you are facing.
Do some research before choosing a trainer. Check to see if they are using positive reinforcement techniques. Read reviews and ask for references.
