How to train your dog
Whenever you bring home a puppy or a dog it’s a new and amazing experience for the whole family and the furry creature is the main attraction. However the dog needs to be trained so that it behaves in an acceptable trained manner and adjust to your lifestyle. The way a dog is trained will determine what dog it will become. Therefore providing the right guidance and training is of utmost importance.
Dog training and its importance
Having a dog will add love and joy to your life however it’s important to give it right training and guidance. Dogs are not people therefore need to be shown the right way to behave. A dog that is obedient and trained will be joy to have around and an untrained dog will often lead you to pull your hair out.
Dog training involves teaching the dog to obey various commands and to establish the boundaries for the normally acceptable behavior. Training a dog is also from its immediate environmental point of view as a trained obedient dog adapts to its surroundings much better. The way a puppy is trained and guided determines the character, temperament and behavior habits that your dog will carry throughout his life.
A dog that has been well trained is easier to control in any situation and the chances of any untoward accident are minimized. If your dog is well trained the chances of you having a great relation with your pet are much higher. A well trained dog is more sociable hence less likely to suffer from loneliness related problems. Training makes a dog’s life much easier and at the same time the dog is easier to live with. Also a trained dog is less likely to cause embarrassment for you and your family.
How to train your dog?
Dogs are pack animals that follow a pack leader and cooperate with the other members of the pack, which makes the dogs trainable and respond to the handlers commands. Generally speaking there are two main ways to train a dog one which involves positive reinforcement and the other involves punishment. However the one involving positive reinforcement is must widely used and recommended because of its effectiveness and humane treatment of the animal.
There are various types of dog training the objectives of which differ. Generally basic obedience training can be taught at home as is relatively easy depending upon the breed of dog however other modes of training involve a higher degree of difficulty hence is usually imparted in special training classes by a professional instructor.
Basic Dog training generally involves teaching the dog to sit, stay, down, come, heel and up. Basic dog training starts when the puppy is two months old however training can be started right from the time the animal arrives at your home. When training your dog it’s recommended to use positive reinforcement which includes rewards, praise and encouragement. You should concentrate on developing positive behaviors and preventing undesirable behavior in your dog rather than having to correct established unacceptable behaviors later on. Once the dog has had its vaccinations it should be enrolled for group training classes. Group training classes are beneficial to both the dog as well as the owner as it allows the owner and the pet to know each other better and aids in the dogs socialization process.
Dog training tips:
- a. Start the training and socializing as soon as possible.
- b. Use positive reinforcements, setting up the dog to succeed.
- c. Generally the training session should be short, do not over do it.
- d. Be consistent. Consistency is the key to your dog learning quicker.
- e. Be patient when you are training your dog. Keep in mind you are dealing with an animal and being patient and flexible will make the learning process faster.
- f. Expect mistakes. During the course of the training the dog is bound to make mistakes however with your encouragement he is bound to overcome any hurdle.
- g. Be relaxed and assertive at the same time.
Eventually the success and failure of dog training depends upon the pet owner so here a few things to keep an eye on and certain things to be avoided when training your dog.
- a. Check if your dog is responding to your voice and able to recognize different objects. If not consult a veterinarian.
- b. Never ever use any type of violence or violent or pain inflicting punishment on your dog.
- c. Don’t leave the dog unsupervised unless it’s trained.
- d. Never leave the dog in an unsafe environment.
- e. Never leave the training half finished. Make sure that the dog training is continued until the acceptable behaviors are learnt and the boundaries are determined.
a. When to start training a dog?
Generally a puppy/dog is ready to trained when it about two months old, a time when it begins to explore the outer world.
b. When dog does not respond to any sound or is unable to differentiate between objects?
In such a case have your dog checked out by a veterinarian for deafness or blindness.
c. When can my dog join the dog/puppy training classes?
Generally as a rule a dog or pup is allowed to join training classes only when its first set of vaccinations has been completed. This protects the dog as well the other animal it socializes with.
d. Who can train a dog?
Actually one can train and teach their own pet along with other family members. However if you are a first time dog owner then it’s advisable to seek the services of a professional dog trainer or join training classes for dogs.
e. Can a deaf dog be trained?
Yes, a dog with hearing problems can be taught using hand and body signals.
Having a dog will add to your life as the animals give unconditional love however its our duty to train our dogs right to keep them and others safe.
