How To Do Obedience Training For Dogs
Most dogs prosper with predictable routines and boundaries. Dogs do not know how to behave without obedience training. Well-trained dogs are observed to be healthier and happier than untrained dogs, and so are the dog owners.
There are several different ways to obedience train your dog. You could choose to sign up for a dog training class, hire a professional dog trainer for private lessons, send your dog to board with a trainer or train your dog at home using a shock collar. Nevertheless, plenty of dog owners successfully train their dogs on their own. This is a great way to save money on training costs, and an ideal way to bond with your dog.
It’s important that you have a plan in order to effectively train your dog. You will need some equipment, set up a schedule, and learn a few things about training. You also need to be fully committed and prepared for a daily commitment. Below is what you require to start an obedience training program.
- Equipment
Effective dog training does not require many items, but some items will help make the process more convenient and effective. Choose a dog collar that is suitable and comfortable for the dog. Afterwards, decide the dog leash that is best for the training. A retractable leash is not appropriate for dog training. You will also need dog training treats that your dog enjoys and are easy to eat quickly so the reward is more immediate. You can purchase great treats at a pet store or you can also use something you make at home, like small pieces of plain cooked chicken.
- Choose a Method
The first step before beginning dog obedience training is choosing the favourable method for you and your dog. The most popular dog training methods include: Alpha Dog/Dominance, Positive Reinforcement, Scientific Training, Clicker Training, Electronic Training, Model-Rival/Mirror Training, Relationship-Based Training. Most trainers agree that dogs respond the best to positive reinforcement.
The use of positive reinforcement method to train your dog means you reward the behaviors you like and ignore the behaviors you do not like. The rewards can be praise, life rewards (like walks, car rides,games), or just treats to reward the dog’s good behavior. Find out what is suitable for both you and also your dog. Some dogs prefer food rewards while other dogs prefer playing and getting toys as the reward.
When you are teaching a new command or working on big problem behaviors, offer a really attractive and irresistible treat that should be reserved only for training. As your dog improves, you can change to offering their preferred toy or just treats as rewards. Soon you will not have to reward them every time and your affection will be enough for a job well done.
- Set up Sessions
Success is usually achieved in small consistent steps. Training sessions with your dog should last at most 15 minutes long, two to three times per day. This is especially true for puppies because of their very short attention spans. Longer sessions can be boring to an adult dog.
Start by teaching basic commands. To avoid confusion, try to stick to one action in every training session. At times both you and your dog will be frustrated. When you are struggling with a certain command, simply move on to better known command or another command. Revisit the one you are struggling with later. Ensure you end training on a positive note to keep training sessions fun for you and your pet.
- Basic Commands
Basic commands give your dog structure. Additionally, they can help you overcome common dog behavior problems and will help keep your dog safe. Oftenly, the first command for your dog to learn will be the sit command. It is thought to be the easiest.
Next command you can train the dog is lying down at the same time, trying to teach your dog to how to stay. Additionally, your dog should also be trained to respond immediately when called or commanded. This are the most important basic commands. Once your dog has mastered these dog obedience basics, you can move on to advanced commands and fun tricks.
- Join a Dog Training Class
You can find a professional dog trainer who offers private training sessions, and some trainers even offer online sessions. Majority of dog owners choose to join an obedience class so that the dog will be supervised with a dog training instructor. Additionally, the obedience classes challenge your dog to learn even with distractions of other dogs.
Dog training classes or private sessions can also be an addition to your own training program. The dog trainer can assist you to customize your program to your dog’s specific learning style. Try to be as involved as possible when it comes to your dog’s training. When you are part of the obedience training process, you end up becoming a stronger team.