Teaching obedience is one of the most challenging parts of bringing a new dog home. This type of training involves several skills, such as housebreaking, preventing biting, and following your instructions, among others.
Although your choice of commands to teach might be diverse, proper obedience training will lead to a disciplined dog that recognizes fundamental commands and knows how to act accordingly. Employing these tips for teaching dog obedience will initiate your bonding with your furry friend on the right note.
Know Your Dog’s Limits
Knowing your dog’s limits is crucial in beginning a journey of training your furry friend. A young dog may not have the same comprehension skills as an adult dog, and a senior dog may need a bit more time to catch on. Your dog’s individual personality also plays a significant role in obedience training. If your dog is easily distracted, it may take longer for them to grasp commands. Typically, dogs that are motivated by praise or food are simpler to train, while those who have been abused or mistreated may be more challenging.
You Play A Large Part In Your Dogs’ Obedience Training
When it comes to basic obedience training, your dog isn’t the sole element to factor in; your part in the training process is also significant. If you possess a high level of impatience or succumb to frustration easily, then it’s best to break up teaching your dog obedience into short sessions concentrating on one command at a time. Additionally, participating in a small obedience class can prove advantageous as it provides a break from feeling overwhelmed.
Enroll In An Obedience Class
Participating in a obedience class alongside other pet owners can offer support and an opportunity to assess your progress. However, if these classes do not suit you, do not worry, you can always start teaching your dog obedience at home or seek a personal instructor for private lessons.
If your dog is facing severe behavioral issues, there is an option of sending them to a one on one trainer for a month-long “boot camp”. It is crucial that you have occasional meetings with your pet and trainer during the boot camp to familiarize yourself with the commands your dog is acquiring. This will enable you to participate in teaching and practicing obedience with your dog.
Time And Patience Are Of The Essence
In order to train your dog, you must be patient and committed to the learning process, as should your dog. The success of teaching your dog commands rests just as much on your ability to teach as it does on your dog’s ability to learn. As an obedience trainer, it is crucial to demonstrate precisely what you desire from your dog. This demonstration may involve maneuvering your dog into the desired position or acknowledging when it correctly executes the requested behavior.
Options For Teaching Dog Obedience
When it concerns teaching your dog obedience, there are a few choices available.
Obedience Classes
Obedience classes can be a beneficial tool for teaching your dog obedience, regardless of their age. These classes are widely available and can often be found in veterinary clinics. A single instructor works with a group of dog owners and their pets to teach obedience, mirroring a classroom environment for children. Owners learn how to train their dogs to obey commands, and one by one, they demonstrate their pet’s mastery of the task.
There are advantages and disadvantages to enrolling in group obedience classes.
Pros
- Group obedience classes are affordable
- These classes allow for socialization and exposure to other people
- Often these classes also provide new pet parents with human friends who can share their experiences with them as their dog ages.
Cons
- Group obedience classes can result in less one on one time for problem behavior
- These classes don’t always focus on everything pet owners want to know simply because they have so many dogs to focus on at one time.
One-On-One Obedience Training
Group obedience classes are a more affordable option compared to one-on-one training, but they do not provide the same level of individual attention that your dog may need. These classes can be conducted in various settings, including your own home, and are particularly suitable for older dogs or those with undesirable behavior or aggression toward other dogs.
Pros
- One-on-one classes allows a trainer to focus on your individual dog’s needs.
- These classes allow for more practice of obedience commands than a group class.
- Dogs that have aggression issues with other animals can receive obedience instruction via this method of teaching. Learn more about dog aggression towards other dogs .
- One on one training allows for owners to build a bond with their obedience trainer.
Cons
- Dogs that do not have socialization trouble will not receive exposure to other dogs and people through this type of class.
- These classes are considerably more expensive than group classes.
Boot Camp Obedience Training
Although it may be considered unorthodox, boot camp is a highly effective way of training dogs in obedience. Typically, this type of training involves a trainer taking the dog to their home or facility and working with them on an individual basis for a set amount of time. Certain individuals may question this practice, due to the fact that it involves someone other than the owner giving the commands. Nevertheless, in certain cases, boot camp can be extremely successful. Some programs allow owners to visit their dogs during training in order to practice commands with them. This method has shown to be very useful for dogs that exhibit aggressive tendencies or fear-based reactions, as they often require more focused attention.
Pros
- Boot camp classes are often offered by only the most educated and experienced in canine obedience.
- Boot camp allows for a trainer to directly address individual dog’s dispositions and difficulties.
- Regardless of any obstacle a dog experiences it can still receive obedience training while also focusing on overcoming these obstacles.
- Boot camp type training allows for much faster progression through obedience training.
Cons
- Boot camp obedience is the most expensive method of obedience training.
- Owners miss out on a significant portion of their dog’s education.
To discover the appropriate obedience training method for both you and your canine, you must consider your requirements, budget, and your dog’s response to a particular training method. If you are uncertain how to handle your pet’s training requirements, seek advice from your veterinarian, particularly if your dog is a recent addition to your household. Your veterinarian’s expertise with other dogs exhibiting comparable behavior may enable them to determine your dog’s specific requirements.
BONUS: Dog Training 101: How to Completely Train Your Dog
Is your dog or puppy ready to begin training? One of the fundamental requirements for your pet is appropriate training and socialization. It’s crucial to commence teaching basic commands such as sit, stay, come, go to their crate, and potty outside to your furry friend as soon as possible. Interestingly, even if you are a novice, you can undertake this task yourself.
Initially, dog training can appear to be quite daunting, particularly if you have not owned a dog before. The reality is that coaching your dog is a significant undertaking, but by breaking it down into manageable stages, you can make it less intimidating. The following information should assist you in getting started:
- Start a Dog Obedience Program : Learn how to set a basic foundation before you begin to train your dog.
- Train Your Dog Using Games : Training your dog should be fun! Everyone knows it’s easier to learn when you are having a good time, so try implementing some games into your dog training regimen.
- Six Weeks to a Well-Trained Dog : Using this schedule as a guide, you can teach your dog the basics in about six weeks.
- Positive Reinforcement : There are many different ways to train a dog, but most dog professionals agree that the positive way is the best for both the dog and trainer.
House Training and Crate Training
Housebreaking or potty training, also known as house training, is crucial to teach your dog where to eliminate unless you plan on keeping them outside, which is often not recommended. Therefore, it should be one of your initial training priorities when you bring your dog home. You can incorporate crate training into the process, which is beneficial not only for house training but also for other training areas.
- Crate Training Dogs and Puppies : Here are the basics of training your dog or puppy to accept and even enjoy the crate. Not only will it help with housebreaking, but it will also give your dog a place of his own.
- How to House Train your Dog : When it comes down to it, house training is not that complicated, but this doesn’t mean it’s easy. Consistency and diligence are key during the housebreaking process.
- Submissive/Excitement Urination in Dogs : If your dog is still having accidents in the house, it may be more than a simple housebreaking issue. Your dog might urinate out of excitement or to express submissive behavior.
Leash Training Dogs and Puppies
It is essential for every dog to be trained in leash walking. Leash laws are enforced in most areas, and there can arise situations where using a leash is necessary for the safety of your canine. Familiarize your dog or puppy with the leash and instruct him in walking politely while leashed, even if you are cycling. By teaching a slack leash walk, your dog will no longer resist or pull when leashed, leading to a more pleasant experience for both you and your furry friend.
How To Socialize Dogs and Puppies
The act of socializing your dog involves introducing them to new people, animals and environments, which can help prevent behavioral issues and increase their acceptance by others. Additionally, socialization may aid in preventing phobias and anxious behavior.
In essence, integrating your dog or puppy into social environments will result in a more contented and properly behaved canine.
Clicker Training for Dogs
A popular way of positively reinforcing dogs is through clicker training, which is a straightforward and successful approach for training canines. While training your dog without this technique is still acceptable, many individuals find it to be useful. With clicker training, you can effortlessly and efficiently train your dog in various fundamental and complex commands and tricks. Learning how to clicker train your dog is a quick and uncomplicated process.
Basic Commands and Fun Tricks
Every dog needs to learn fundamental dog tricks and dog training commands such as come, speak, stay, drop it, back up, and others. Mastering basic orders provides your dog with a framework, and they can aid you in addressing typical dog behavioral concerns and ensuring your pet’s safety.
Advanced Dog Training
After your dog has become proficient in the fundamental skills, you may want to explore more challenging tricks. Engaging in these tasks can contribute to your pet’s physical and mental wellbeing and foster a stronger connection between you and your four-legged friend.
It is crucial to bear in mind that training is a continuous activity. It is never complete, and consistency in obedience training is necessary for the lifetime of your dog. When individuals learn a language in their early years but cease using it, they may forget most of it as they get older. Your dog is no exception to this rule: practice makes perfect. Repeating simple tricks and instructions continuously will aid in maintaining your dog’s memory. It is also an excellent method to bond with your pet.
