Whether that adorable puppy grows up to become a beloved family pet or the dog you’ve rescued stays in your home, it’s mainly up to you. Training is not just essential; it’s your duty as a responsible pet owner. Your dog wants to please you, and it’s your job to guide them. After all, no one wants to be around a dog that barks incessantly, exhibits aggressive behavior, doesn’t come when called, urinates in the house, jumps up on everyone, or pulls on the leash so hard that you can’t go for a walk.
Ideally, training begins when you bring your pup home, but even older dogs can learn. Training starts with the belief that all dogs want to be good. They just need to know what’s expected of them. However, training can be challenging, especially if your dog is older and untrained. They may have developed certain habits that are difficult to break. In such cases, consider hiring a professional trainer who can provide expert guidance and help you overcome these challenges. When it comes to setting boundaries and establishing rules, you will be amazed at what a professional dog trainer can accomplish in one or two sessions.
Training most dogs is not difficult. It simply requires knowledge and repetition. Training is also an excellent way to bond with your puppy or rescue—something you can both look forward to. Begin by assuming that Fido wants to please you, then follow a method that has been tried and tested for your breed.
What does a good dog need to know? Most trainers agree that good dogs must “come” when called, “sit,” and “stay.” Other helpful commands are “leave it,” “down,” and “off.” Finally, a good dog knows how to walk on a leash without pulling your shoulder out of the socket. Learning to “heel” is great, but walking without tugging is good enough for most of us.
If you’re going to train your dog by yourself, there are many books and online options to help you. According to the Spruce Pets website, the best overall book is The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller. This book provides step-by-step instructions and real-life examples of training techniques. The best overall runner-up is Don’t Shoot the Dog! The New Art of Teaching and Training by Karen Pryor. This book focuses on positive reinforcement and offers practical tips for training without yelling, threatening, forcing, or punishing your dog. Both books have received rave reviews from dog owners who have successfully used them for training.
There are several dog training options available online, and many are free. A simple Google search for “free dog training videos” has numerous possibilities. At the top of the list is a free online workshop offered by K9Training Institute that promises to “transform your dog using the same secrets used to train service dogs.” The site also says the workshop covers potty training and fixing 11 typical dog behavioral problems.
Dog training methods vary, but positive reinforcement and clicker training are popular and effective. Positive reinforcement is simple. For instance, when your dog sits on command, you reward them with praise, food, or even a toy. If they jump on someone, you ignore the behavior and withhold a reward. This method requires everyone in your home to use the same commands and reward system.
Clicker training is one of the most highly effective and popular training methods. According to the Animal Care website, this training method uses a hand device to create a sound to signify the point at which the dog completes a polite/desirable behavior. Clicker training is ideal for new dog owners because creating a sound with a device is more accessible than with your voice.
Another popular option is relationship-based training, which combines several methods designed to create mutual understanding between you and your pet. Based primarily on dog psychology, this method tends to be ideal for building a solid bond.
Regardless of your chosen training method, it’s essential to keep training sessions short and in an area that limits distractions—at least in the beginning. In other words, teach your dog to sit at home before you practice the command at the dog park.
Speaking of the dog park, socialization is an essential part of training. Dogs need to spend time around other dogs, and most enjoy it. If you have a puppy, as soon as he’s had his shots, it’s time to let him meet other dogs and expose him to as many sights, sounds, and smells as possible so that he’s comfortable around new people, places, and things. Three to twenty weeks is the ideal learning period, and puppies who miss being out and about might become anxious, fearful, and even aggressive later in life.
According to the site Hounds Lounge, it’s never too late to socialize your dog. Start slow and make sure your dog is calm in an environment where you can step in if needed. Start by taking walks around the neighborhood. Let your dog take in the sights and meet other dogs and humans. Once you can trust your dog’s reaction to new stimuli, you can introduce him to puppies and kids.
