Dogs are not only adorable, but they also bring a lot of happiness according to research. When dogs begin to exhibit undesired behavior however, dog owners’ stress levels can spike. Most people look across at a puppy and comment on how cute and fluffy they are. These aren’t the only signals your dog might be giving off, especially if their behavior is causing you a lot of grief or perhaps putting other pets or humans in danger. At this moment, you must devise a dog training strategy as the owner.
Your dog is your closest companion. They are always there for you when you need them, ready to throw responsibility aside and have a good time. Even on the busiest days, your buddy pushes you to stop and smell the roses, offers affection, and cares for both him/her self and yourself. For the most part, your dog complies with your wishes, even if it’s merely to sit down. That is, at least, how it should be. Unfortunately, even the most well-behaved dogs can develop behavioral issues at times, particularly during puppyhood and early adulthood. When issues arise, obedience classes can help you work them out and return both of you to the patient, caring relationship you once had.
YOUR DOG NEEDS TRAINING BECAUSE OF THE FOLLOWING SIGNS
These are most of the signs you will see in your dog that shows he/she needs training:
- Poor Obedience: A dog with poor obedience skills may be difficult to manage, from yanking on the leash to ignoring your directions. Your dog may even be endangering you, particularly if it causes an accident, such as dragging you into oncoming traffic while out for a walk. That may sound extreme, but regrettably, such occurrences can happen on a daily basis, especially with untrained canines. As a result, it’s critical to begin dog training as soon as your dog is ready, or if you see any of these issues in your older dog.
- Your Dog Won’t Stop Barking: Every dog yelps now and then, but there’s a difference between occasional yelping and constant barking. Constant barking is inconvenient for you, but it can also cause problems with your neighbors. Given that nuisance dog barking can result in problems and disturbances, it’s definitely worth preventing it, both for the sake of your eardrums and any potential fines that may result if you don’t.
There are various reasons why a dog may bark repeatedly: fear, boredom, loneliness, separation anxiety, and territorial issues are all examples of this. Dog training will assist you in determining why your dog is so noisy. As a result, there will be less frustration in the home, as well as a quieter and nicer neighborhood.
- They eat things they’re not supposed to: Dogs don’t always limit their nibbling to the contents of their food bowl, from socks to Christmas trees, they eat every bit of most things. If your dog has developed a serious problem with eating things they shouldn’t, it may be due to a lack of training. This problem can also be caused by letting your dog stay alone for too long. While you may need to make some adjustments, you cannot allow your dog to continue to eat things they shouldn’t. After all, if it isn’t dog food, your pet’s health could be jeopardized. Plus, from a practical standpoint, replacing everything they eat might be prohibitively expensive. Hire a personal trainer who can guide you in the proper route.
- Aggression towards other Dogs: Taking your dog for a stroll should be enjoyable for everyone. However, if your dog turns aggressive when they see another dog, it’s time to step in. It’s difficult to caution a dog to calm down verbally, especially when its natural instincts kick in. During training, learning how to properly socialize with dogs can be learnt. This is critical for the safety and well-being of your dog, as well as other dogs and people you may encounter while walking.
- Separation Anxiety: Basically, dogs should not be left alone for long periods of time. Dogs, like humans, require interaction for their health and well-being. It is sometimes necessary to leave a dog when going somewhere such as work (they should never be left for the entire day) or shopping. Your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety if he or she seems agitated when you leave or if you return home to find the house has been damaged. For the benefit of your dog’s mental health, you should seek training or a behavioural therapist as soon as possible.
TRAINING THAT YOU CAN ENGAGE YOUR DOG WITH
The following types of training can be performed with your dog when you notice the following signs mentioned above:
- Heel: Start walking with your left foot first as you offer the “heel” command, using the dog’s name, with the dog at knee level on your left side and the leash in your hand. When your buddy walks appropriately, give him/her food and positive encouragement. If he/she doesn’t get it right away, gently tug on the leash to bring him/her back into place and start over.
- Sit: Simply place a treat towards the back of his head while saying “sit” followed by the dog’s name. “Most dogs sit automatically”, but if your dog doesn’t respond, lightly touch his/her buttocks while giving the command. Then reward and praise them.
- Stay: Begin by putting your dog in a sit position. Show an open-palm hand order while saying “Stay” and your buddy’s name while standing in front of them. Keep eye contact and leave him/her in the stay position for 30 seconds, then release your pet with the word, “Okay!” While you practice, have your friend stay for longer periods as you stand farther and farther away.
- Come: In the “Sit” position, attach a non-retractable leash of at least six feet to your dog. Pull lightly while saying, “Come” and saying the dog’s name in a pleasant, eager tone. When the dog approaches you and sits in front of you, praise him/her and give a treat.
More tips on how to train your Dog:
- To avoid confusing the dog, repeat each instruction with the same short word and his name.
- Keep training sessions brief. The attention span of a dog is limited.
- Train 3-5 times a day for the basic commands, with each session lasting no more than 10 or 15 minutes.
- Keep in mind that your dog only wants to please you. Praise elicits a positive response, while punishment elicits a negative response. Patience, effort, and a lot of love go a long way toward training an untrained dog to become a devoted and responsive companion.
BENEFITS OF TRAINING YOUR DOG
Basic obedience training, such as sit, wait, and return when called, allows your dog to do the activities he or she enjoys while remaining safe and under control, such as running off leash and accompanying you to meet friends and family. Dogs are bright animals who enjoy learning, so training is the best method to keep them from becoming bored.
HOW CAN MY DOG LEARN?
All training should be based on a system of rewards. When you reward your dog for a specific behavior with something they enjoy, such as food, toys, or praise, they are more likely to repeat it. It’s critical to learn what your dog enjoys and what their favorite items are. Small chunks of meat or cheese are frequently used as rewards. Your dog will enjoy training a lot more if the reward is excellent.
Dogs are beautiful creatures who bring us a great deal of pleasure. It’s important to remember, though, that dogs are animals that must learn proper behavior. In this article, we have noted just a few of the things that your dog needs to be trained. However, if you are having trouble controlling your dog for any reason, you should seek professional help.