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Whether you simply want to guard against a dangerous outcome, have more confidence in public places, or want more peace and quiet at home, there are many reasons to commit to dog training. Of the many valuable components of dog ownership, training is linked to a safer, happier life.
Accept the Challenge
Dogs of all ages can learn new things, but training is more effective if sessions are short, fun, and rewarding. Offer a treat or a click from a clicker on behaviors you want to see repeated. Ignoring unwanted behaviors will communicate to your dog that there’s no incentive to repeat them. This is known as positive reinforcement training and can be relied on for lasting results.
Best of Your Dog
Training gives dogs opportunities to become the best possible companions to their owners and family members. Knowing exactly how to behave builds trust, strengthens the human-animal bond, and creates a safe environment at home and in public.
While effective dog training goes a long way towards good behavior around unfamiliar people and pets, it also boosts crucial mental stimulation as well. In turn, a bored or destructive dog can redirect their energy in positive ways. Since inadequate or improper dog training can be linked to a pet’s surrender, training remains absolutely critical to responsible dog ownership.
Make It Fun
If your dog views training as a good time, and gets positive feedback from their owner, they will be more likely to respond to your training techniques and strategies.
- Start slowly and maintain a consistent training routine.
- Set realistic goals.
- Show neutrality when they don’t get it right.
- Be patient.
- Reward them when they show both effort and mastery.
- Acknowledge their strengths, and use these to your advantage. For example, if they like to run, design training games that enable running while learning a skill, like heel.
The Fundamentals
Dog training can be as simple or complicated as you want. However, all future skills are built on these fundamental commands:
- Sit
- Stay
- Come
- Down
- Off
- Heel
- Leave it
- Drop it
You and your dog may develop your own cues and communication style that works for you. As long as they feel safe, supported, and valued, they will try to reach whatever goals you have in mind.
Fun Dog Training Tips
Once your dog has established the basic obedience skills you can diversify their list of commands to include some of these tricks:
- Shake/paw
- Wave
- Roll over
- Play dead
- Spin
- Back up
- Kiss
- Take a bow
January Dog Training
As a way to raise awareness among dog owners, and serve as a reminder to add value to a dog’s routine, January is National Train Your Dog Month. Now is the perfect time to get started with basic obedience training or add to your dog’s growing list of skills, all in an effort to positively impact their life.
If you have further questions about dog training, please call us at (732) 677-2180. Our team is always here for your dog at True Care Veterinary Hospital.