If you are thinking of a new dog addition in your home, wouldn’t you want it to be better behaved than your current dog? Are you willing to be trained to serve your dog’s needs or you’d better train your dog to serve the needs you have.
In any which case, the best approach is to attend dog classes that are led by well-known and trusted professional trainers.
The problem is that these classes are not affordable for everyone. The good thing is that a few tips below have been compiled to help you train your dog.
Whatever training approach you choose to take, the most essential thing is to build a good relationship with your dog.
- Select a dog which will fit your daily routine and lifestyle. Getting a dog is a long-term commitment as they live for about 10 to 15 years. Don’t just pick a dog that fits your lifestyle, make sure that this dog can fit your needs. So when selecting a dog, research about its personalities as well as the care requirements of the breed. More importantly, make sure that the temperament of the breed you are eyeing is the match for your needs and lifestyle.
- Steer clear from aspirational dog. Never choose a dog that you will use to push you on a new lifestyle you want. If this is what you will do and you are not sure you can follow through, then both of you will be frustrated in the end.
- Choose a practical dog name. What your dog needs is an easy to learn name. So it will be easy for you to keep his attention on what you are teaching in trainings. And use its name as often as possible – when playing, petting, training or just simply catching its attention.
- Schedule training. Initially, several 5 minutes training sessions with your dog that you spread out during the day is a good start. This should not go longer than the expert recommended 20 minutes. This timing is very important especially with puppies because they can get bored quite easily as they have short attention span.
- Prepare yourself – mentally for your training sessions. Working with dog is going to need a lot of calmness and balance. Agitation and/or excitement will definitely and negatively affect the overall outcome of your training. Be mindful of your training goal. Goal is to reinforce the good behavior of your dog and then to ignore all the bad ones.
- Choose the equipment that is proper for the training. A way to control your dog and a great treat as reward is all you may need in the training for starters. A good choice will be a 6-foot leash that is attached with a martingale or flat collar or collar. It will be wise to ask advice from a great trainer on different equipment like the “No Pull” harness, “Promise Leader” head halter, metal training collar, and many others. Small dogs and pups generally do not need harsh equipment. Larger ones may need specialized equipment temporarily in keeping their focus.
