Training a dog starts the moment it is brought home. You may consider hiring a professional trainer or train the dog by yourself. If you opt for the latter, you obviously need to start with some dog training basics to teach your pet basic obedience to become the foundation where all other teaching sessions can be grounded.
The job of training a dog can be daunting especially at the onset. It does not need an experienced trainer to undertake the task, but it involves a lot of patience to assume a leadership role, form good habits, and set boundaries for the dog. This may be a bit more challenging if the new puppy possesses a particular unwanted behavior then it becomes even more necessary to implement the most simple dog training basics to eliminate or correct the problem.
Types of Training Method
The two most popular types of training used by experts are the behavioral and obedience methods. Behavioral is the best option when the puppy or adult dog has already developed certain bad habits. These unwanted behaviors may include barking excessively, climbing on furniture, nipping on things and other acts that can sometimes make dog owners regret their decision for ever bringing a pet at home. Rehabilitating a dog’s bad habit may be frustrating, but it is important to be consistent in dealing with the pet. For example, do not allow the pet inside the bedroom unless you really want it to become your roommate until it fully grows. When you allow it and then ban it the next day, the dog becomes confused. Training a dog does not only require teaching it with what to do. The process also involves knowing its natural characteristics, tendencies, and instincts to enable you to develop a communication line with the dog.
The other type is called obedience training wherein the dog is trained to obey the commands or instructions that come from you or from anybody who is familiar with the pet. Basic commands such as sit, come, or stay are the most common and easiest to teach, but they require the same patience as in teaching the harder tricks. People and things easily distract dogs so it is best to keep the sessions brief but in succession.
Some Dog Training Basics to Implement
Always mention the name of the dog to get its attention. Make sure the dog is up on its toe before giving out a command or instruction. Avoid calling the dog to come near you only to receive a punishment because this can cause the pet to ignore your future commands. If the dog refuses to obey, do not persist. It is normal to be frustrated but keep the dog from sensing your emotions. Take a short break to regain your composure.
Stick to one-word commands such as sit, come or stay and repeat as many times as applicable. Speak in loud and clear voice for the dog to hear. There may be a need to teach the commands repeatedly until the dog finally understands and associates the command to certain actions. Be generous in praising the dog when it behaves properly or responds to your command because this can positively motivate the dog to always behave or respond in the manner that merited a praise or reward. Treats can be in the form of affectionate touch, verbal praise, or food rewards.
Training dogs of any age, breed, or gender require the same amount of patience. Some dogs may need much longer time to be trained than the others may especially those that were rescued from the street. Undesirable behavior can be eliminated through positive reinforcement and being consistent with the dog training basics. However, ultimately, any dog can be trained and accept their human master as the leader of the pack.