If you’ve got a dog and are wondering what the best techniques are to train him, here are some tips that will help you significantly improve his behavior . First let’s take a look at the different types of training.
Types of training
There are different levels of dog education: some dogs will learn the basic rules for family coexistence. Others will be able to acquire the skills necessary to become rescue dogs. You will have to choose between the various types of training, depending on your needs.
One type of training is that in which the dog is taught to behave well with other animals and with people. Part of this training deals with behavioral problems, such as excessive barking or biting into anything that comes within range.
Another variation is obedience training. This focuses on achieving dog obedience through the use of various commands, such as “sit down”, “stop barking”, “lie down”, among many things.
Training for agility is for those dogs who participate in sports events, such as running, the obstacle or jumps. This is definitely a more advanced type of training, as it assumes the dog already understands the basic commands. It should be noted that during the competition the dog cannot receive any kind of prize , so you will have to create a strong bond with your friend, through the voice or with precise gestures. Any dog can learn these skills, although it is true that some breeds are more inclined to sport than others .
Six basic tips
Listen to your dog and give him lots of love. Learn to understand it. If the dog feels uncomfortable when it encounters another animal or person, do not force it to greet; he is telling you that for some reason he is not feeling relaxed and this must be respected. Forcing coexistence can lead to major problems, so make sure you give your dog all the attention it needs. Let him know if he has behaved well and if you exaggerate a bit in doing so, nothing serious.
As delicious as premium treats may be, that doesn’t mean they have to please your little friends. Some dogs are very selective about their favorite foods. Soft, chewy premium treats generally arouse more interest than hard, crunchy prizes . Keep your eyes open to discover what they really like. There is nothing inherently wrong with telling your dog “no”, although it is preferable to tell him directly what you want him to do so you will avoid confusion.
Consistent rules. Whenever you give your dog a rule it is important that all family members support you. Acting in accordance with fixed rules is the key so that the dog does not get confused and can adopt good behavior.
Set realistic goals: Changing a dog’s behavior takes time, so be realistic in your expectations. For example, in the past seven years have you never cared that your dog puts his paws on people? If you have now decided that you shouldn’t do this anymore, changing this behavior will take much longer than it would have taken as a puppy. However, remember that it is never too late to change a dog’s behavior, it will simply take, in some cases, longer .
Do not underestimate the benefits of a healthy diet : feed your dog a quality diet, with adequate amounts of protein: this is essential because in addition to improving his health it affects behavior. Therefore it is advisable to always consult the veterinarian about the diet and the amount of food to be administered.
Rewards : The idea of using food treats to train your dog can work as a reinforcement , but don’t abuse them. Better to alternate training with games and walks.
Freedom : Let your dog gradually gain his freedom in the house. A common mistake is to give them too much freedom right away. This can easily lead to domestic accidents or to find everything in their path chewed up. Therefore, in the beginning, closing the doors of some rooms may be a necessary action.
7 common dog training mistakes to avoid
During canine training, if the dog behaves badly, negative techniques should never be used either physically or psychologically. Rather, rewards must be used when he behaves well.
When we start dog training for the first time, it is normal for us to have doubts about the correct education and the right teaching techniques for our four-legged friend.
This deficit leads us to make mistakes which, if we do not remedy them in time, could leave behind in the animal difficult to eliminate. Let’s find out in this article the mistakes to avoid when training the dog.
Mistakes not to make when training your dog
While it may not seem like it, the mistakes we are talking about are common to many masters, especially among newbies in training who often let themselves be influenced by advice from alleged experts. Here’s what you should never do when training your dog.
1. Shouts and punishments, counterproductive in dog training
It is not clear how the common belief arose that shouts and punishments serve training. What is certain about these practices is that by applying them you will get a fearful dog, which in the long run may even attack you.
2. Barrel
Similarly, even the barrel is not a useful tool for canine training. What you get with them is the exact opposite of what you want to achieve. Instead of strengthening the bond between you, your dog will end up ignoring you.
Furthermore, the blows risk leaving physical and mental traces on your four-legged friend, which will be difficult to remedy in the future. What’s the point of having an animal and treating it badly ? Nobody.
3. Deciding not to use positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement has been proven in all sauces as the best canine training technique. Talking fondly to your pet, rewarding him when he executes an order or when he does what you ask him to do is the best way to bond. Positive reinforcement will allow you to build a relationship with your dog based on respect. Just what we all want, regardless of dog breed.
4. Work without the collar
The collar is a great training tool as it allows your dog to understand where you want him to go and what you want him to do. In order not to harm the animal, however, it is advisable to learn the movements of the collar well.
Using the collar, especially in the right way, are equally important factors. If you don’t get used to having it, you will hardly be able to correct it when something is wrong, especially if you find yourself away from home.
5. Humanize your dog
There are those who talk to their dog when, for example, it does not obey or understand an order . However, this is a very common mistake, since it corresponds to giving the animal a “role” that does not belong to it.
It is basically always an animal, which consequently cannot reason, think, or understand what we are saying. It is also important to give orders through short words, trying to associate them with the gesture you want him to perform.
6. Wrong timing in dog training
When we talk about getting the timing wrong, we are primarily referring to not knowing when to scold or reward our dog . Many people do it too late, resulting in the animal not learning anything. If your reaction is not expressed in time, in fact, the dog will not be able to associate it with his positive or negative behavior.
On the other hand, you also need to know how to choose the right timing in training. If the dog has not eaten, he will be anxious to do so. If he has just eaten, he may want to go out and get some rest. The suggestion is to train him in the morning or in the evening, when he is in a relaxed environment but not enough to induce sleepiness.
7. Do long training sessions
Too much is good. Dogs cannot stay focused for long, which is why short training sessions are recommended. This does not mean that you only have to train him once a day, but that the sessions should not exceed 10 minutes, perhaps alternating with half an hour of rest.
The short sessions will facilitate the memorization process of the animal, improving its learning . The animal will not get tired and will also be more receptive to the next session.
Have you taken note of all these valuable tips? We are sure that, by putting them into practice, you will be able to train your dog in the best way. Try it!
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