Your relationships will likely improve if you figure out how to talk to one another. Training your dog strengthens the link you share with him and improves your relationship with him over time.
Do you wanna know more about the process of dog training, care process, training methods, and dog breeds? Then please subscribe to The Happy Puppers. Your subscription will allow me to notify you about the release of any new blog posts. If you like to watch videos, you can subscribe to the YouTube channel of The Happy Puppers, Shruti, and Delta. Do not forget to ring the notification bell.
Take Obedience Courses
Spending more time and energy on training will pay dividends. It’s a good idea to hire a private trainer or enroll in a training class whether or not this is your first dog. It is common to start a new puppy off at a training facility. After that, you can enroll in a class designed for dogs of a more mature age. Puppy classes should include eight to ten dog-and-owner pairs per teacher. This allows the trainer to provide each group the time and attention to address any concerns or unique situations that may arise throughout training.
In this lesson, your dog will learn basic manners and how to walk gently on a leash. Participating in a group setting with a teacher and other students to learn the fundamentals while learning from experiences and others’ mistakes is a great way to accelerate learning.
Put Yourself In A Good Mood
To get your pup to follow commands, make the process enjoyable for him. Animal behaviorists agree with the consensus that the traditional methods of harsh corrections may have some short-term success but are usually brutal and useless in the long run. When you get mad with your dog, he has no idea what he did to deserve it.
According to a one-year study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, dogs who were trained using aversive training techniques, such as being growled at, stared at, rolled onto their backs, or hit, maintained their aggressive tendencies. Extremely effective in lowering or eliminating aggressive responses were non-aversive training strategies like exercise or rewards.
By showing your dog his good conduct has earned your approval, you can increase the likelihood of it being repeated in the future. The best form of reinforcement for your dog may be food, playtime, or scratching. You should only occasionally praise him or give him treats after he understands (but verbally praise him every time). In this manner, he’ll try extra hard to meet your expectations with the expectation of being rewarded for his efforts.
Trainees should only be expected to attend brief sessions.
After your dog has adjusted to his new home environment, it’s time to teach him proper etiquette. Because no dog learns to perform something flawlessly in just one take, you should prepare to engage in multiple training sessions per day. Sessions should last 15 minutes to avoid losing participants’ attention. A second session on the same day is permissible, but it should be quick.
Utilize nibble-sized rewards.
Teaching your puppy something is much simpler if you quickly reinforce the behavior you want from him. You should reward his training efforts with some modest snacks. Soft commercial puppy treats, string cheese, or little bits of cooked hot dogs are also good options. Stay away from food items that require a lot of chewing effort. As soon as your puppy does the action you want, give him a treat (ideally within half a second). In addition to the treat, you should also say, “Good boy!”
Don’t fall into the trap of rewarding your puppy with treats during training sessions just because he or she is adorable. If he knows he’s going to get a reward, he’ll try harder to do what you want him to do. Don’t get angry or penalize him if he disobeys your wishes. Withhold the award at will.
Never Repeat A Cue Word
The cue word, such as “sit” or “down,” should be said only once. Dogs are perceptive, hearing, and responding to your every order the first time. Just like a teen, your dog won’t improve his listening abilities if you keep repeating the trigger word.
Schedule Training During Meals
Plan your training session to coincide with the time your dog eats. This way, if he follows the rules, he can get a sweet treat at the end.
Pick an Isolated time to Work Out.
Schedule your training sessions for a time when you won’t be disturbed and won’t feel pressured. Please silence your cell phone and ignore the doorbell. This will allow you to focus on your exercise without distractions.
If you’re practicing at home, it’s best to do so in a room with plenty of space to move around during the first few sessions. Your dog will learn faster and retain more of what you teach him if you take your training sessions outside, preferably in a fenced-in area or on a leash while you are in an unfenced area. Many things will compete for your puppy’s attention, such as the sound of traffic, a darting squirrel, or the smell of freshly cut grass.
Never Attempt to Work With a Disinterested Pup
Never attempt to train your puppy while he is overheated, exhausted, or amid a vigorous game. Have him come to training with a clear head and a positive attitude.
Do not become angry with your puppy.
Don’t lash out at your puppy if you lose your cool during training. Quietly end the session. Try again later in the day. When dogs are yelled at, many grow anxious and stop paying attention to their trainers. They may develop an aversion to training and conclude they are not good at taking orders. Keep your cool so that your puppy can have a successful learning experience.
