For those who are new to pet ownership, obtaining a new dog can be daunting. The following essential dog training tips will assist any new dog owner in beginning the journey towards having a well-behaved furry companion.
Getting a new dog is a thrilling experience because it means having a new friend and partner. Nonetheless, it is imperative to train your new pet; otherwise, you might end up with a troublesome animal that wrecks your home and scares off any guests.
Training a new dog is a challenging task, especially for first-time dog owners, as dogs tend to be highly obstinate and may not always heed your commands.
In order to give you the best possible chance of effectively training your new dog, we have compiled a list of dog training tips and techniques to assist you.
Top 10 Dog Training Tips
The training advice given in this article will simplify the process of teaching your dog various commands like sitting and house training.
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Use Treats
It is undeniable that dogs enjoy treats as they will often quickly approach you when offered. As a result, utilizing treats can prove to be a highly efficient method when training dogs. Whether it be a positive reinforcement for good behavior or a means of motivation to accomplish a specific task.
2. Don’t Wait Too Long to Start Training
Training your new dog should start as soon as possible to avoid difficulty in the future. Delaying training will make it harder to train the dog as it grows older without proper training. Despite their short attention span, puppies are capable of learning basic commands within a few weeks of being born.
3. If at First You Don’t Succeed…
It would be nice if a dog could be trained completely in one afternoon, but unfortunately, that is not possible. The duration required for a dog to be fully trained varies based on several factors. Often, it can take several months for a dog to learn all the necessary skills. Therefore, it is crucial to remain patient throughout the process. Moreover, your dog is still adapting to its new surroundings, and the training process can be nerve-racking for it.
4. Eliminate Distractions
Distractions are the main hindrance to a successful training session, and dogs are susceptible to being sidetracked just like humans. To avoid this, it is advisable to remove distractions during training by keeping toys at bay, shutting windows, and choosing a peaceful location that is free from other pets or children.
5. Be Consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to ensuring that your puppy learns to connect routines and actions with praise and spoken cues. Developing a uniform routine for feeding, bathroom breaks, exercise, and rest will establish a structure that will aid your pet’s learning process.
6. Be Concise
When beginning dog training, their understanding of the English language is limited, though they possess the ability to learn multiple words and phrases. It is recommended to use simple, single-word verbal commands to establish fundamental behaviors and commands.
Basic training for puppies usually involve learning simple commands such as sit, stay, down, and paw.
7. Wait for it…
Allow your dog some time to respond when giving a simple instruction. Occasionally, they require a moment to comprehend it fully. Taking a short break after verbal directives can significantly benefit obedience training, whether your dog is being obstinate or attempting to grasp your request.
Repeating the command too quickly and frequently may further perplex him. Rather than continually stressing out while urging him to “sit, Sit, SIT, SIT!!,” utter it once and silently count to five. If he fails to comply, attempt a hand gesture or another visual cue.
8. Get the Right Gear
Having the appropriate training aids can make the training process simpler. No matter your preferred technique, utilizing the correct resources can enhance your bond with your dog and increase their participation. This could mean something as basic as a pouch for treats or a properly fitting harness, such as the Ruffwear Front Range Harness.
To incorporate training into your everyday routine, it is important to prepare beforehand and have adequate gear that allows you to take advantage of various opportunities.
9. Ask for Help
It is possible that some of your dogs may require additional training beyond your capacity. Seek advice and assistance from professionals such as trainers, veterinarians, or pet communities. Certain behaviours such as anxiety can present challenges during training.
Professional help for your dog is not just about teaching them, it’s also about teaching you. By seeking guidance from trainers and attending classes, you will gain valuable methods and tips that will equip you with the confidence to continue your dog’s training at home.
10. End on a Positive Note
It is crucial to conclude a training session that yielded satisfactory outcomes on a positive note, acknowledging your dog’s hard work and commitment in trying to please and collaborate with you.
There are numerous ways to demonstrate this, such as offering some delicious treats to the dog, or spending some time petting or playing with it.
Remember that the way you end a session can greatly influence the tone of the upcoming one. The goal is for the dog to link the training period with joyful and enjoyable experiences, not negative emotions such as anger or sadness. Concluding on a positive note will guarantee that the dog is receptive to the next session and eager to participate.
It’s crucial to conclude a training session that yielded moderate success in a positive manner. Your pet has put in significant effort to please and cooperate with you, so displaying gratitude is vital.
There are various ways to demonstrate this, such as giving the dog some delicious treats, spending some time petting or playing with the dog.
It’s important to bear in mind that the way you end a session can impact the succeeding ones. You don’t want the dog to associate training with negative emotions such as anger and sadness, but with joy and entertainment. A positive conclusion guarantees the dog’s receptiveness for the forthcoming session and its readiness to participate.
BONUS: Dog training 101 — How to set realistic goals and where to get started
Basically, there are two main types of dog training. The first focuses on teaching your dog skills and basic manners, such as sitting, staying, and lying down, and this is where a dog trainer comes in. On the other hand, if your dog is experiencing behavioral issues like anxiety, aggressiveness, or fearfulness, then it’s best to consult a dog behavioral expert like Brianna Dick from Pack Leader Help.
“The way that I approach dog training is behavioral psychology based,” says Dick, who is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. “We’re not looking at just the physical behaviors of dogs. We’re looking at their emotions and the relationship they have with their humans.”
To address the need for skills and behavior training, prioritize behavior training over skills training, as it is more intricate. A dog behavior consultant is capable of teaching your dog the basics, including sitting, while a dog trainer might not have sufficient knowledge to assist with separation anxiety.
Be realistic.
Fratt suggests that not all dogs will enjoy going to the dog park just as not all humans will enjoy attending raves.
The owner of The Dog Door Behavior Center is Kim Brophey, who is a family dog mediator and an applied ethologist. She penned a book titled “Meet Your Dog: The Game Changing Guide To Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior,” and uses the L.E.G.S framework, which stands for learning, environment, genetics, and self, to clarify canine behavior. So, suppose your dog is excessively barking at your visitors.
Brophey suggests that the breed of dog in question could have been bred over the course of hundreds of years to guard against intruders entering through your front door. As German shepherds possess an innate inclination to protect their domain, modifying one’s expectations might be necessary rather than attempting to eradicate this inherent behavior through training.
Decide how you’d like to train your dog.
There are several options available for training methods, including group classes, one-to-one training, board and train, day training, and self-led training, with the most common being these. Although group classes are less personalized, they are less expensive. Fratt warns that board and train facilities are more expensive and pose a higher risk.
“If the trainer spends all this time training the dog in this really specific context and then basically just hands you the leash, takes your check and walks away, there’s a very good chance you’re not actually going to be able to implement those new strategies and skills … successfully in your home.”
The decision you make will be based on both your financial situation and what you hope to achieve with the training. If your dog is displaying aggressive behavior towards another dog in your household, it may not be beneficial to conduct training sessions outside of your home.
It is important to understand that you will need to participate in your dog’s training, but it does not have to consume a significant amount of your time. According to Fratt, she devotes approximately five minutes every day to training. Additionally, many of the assignments you receive from trainers can be enjoyable and can effortlessly become part of your daily routine.
Our experts recommend free or inexpensive resources available online for dog training if you are not willing to spend a large sum of money.
- Kikopup on Youtube and Instagram
- Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
- K9 of Mine
On her website, Dick has put together a collection of no-cost materials, while Fratt hosts a set of complimentary lessons every Tuesday known as Training Tuesday.
Understand the methodologies.
The field of dog training is entirely unregulated, allowing anyone with a website, Instagram page, or store to proclaim themselves as a dog trainer. As a consequence, there is no authoritative guide to the techniques employed in dog training, and trainers tend to disagree on certain aspects. There are, however, two general classes that many trainers fall into.
The initial category consists of trainers like Fratt, who implement positive reinforcement techniques. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding dogs with something enjoyable, such as a treat, when they exhibit desirable behaviors, thereby encouraging them to repeat the behavior. It can also involve giving dogs pleasant rewards to counteract perceived fears and help them develop positive associations.
Another type of trainer who uses a balanced approach is Brianna Dick. These trainers employ positive reinforcement techniques, while also being open to using corrective measures such as e-collars in their training.
According to Dick, E-collar training uses a collar controlled by a remote that delivers a corrective stimulus to the dog’s neck, such as a shock, sound, or citronella spray. The use of E-collars, particularly those that give a shock, is a topic of debate in the dog training community.
Dick cautions against trainers who rely on e-collars for all dogs. Such an approach is generic and unlikely to yield satisfactory outcomes. He advises opting for a trainer who takes the time to understand your style, the relationship you share with your pet, and your lifestyle.
Find a good trainer.
One way to find reliable positive reinforcement trainers or balanced trainers within your locality is by referring to lists compiled by professional organizations. You can find several such associations, such as:
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
- The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- Karen Pryor Academy (KPA)
- Pet Professional Guild
- The Academy for Dog Trainers
- Pat Miller Certified Trainers
After that, conduct interviews by contacting previous customers in order to determine which trainer you feel the most at ease with, and verify that they are capable of detailing their training techniques.
