Dog Training

 

Dog training is the process of teaching a dog to perform certain behaviors under various circumstances and in certain roles.  Dog training is not necessarily a difficult process but it is a process which requires a great deal of patience as well as the ability to interpret which types of training techniques are most effective for the particular dog you are training.  Training a dog is not about giving commands and pushing it to work hard instead of enjoy life, it's quite the opposite.  Dog training is a program that involves both the dog and the owner and teaches them to efficiently communicate with each other. Training your dog is vital to the safety of the dog, his handler, and those around him.  Dog training will increase the bond and companionship felt between you and your dog.

 

Dog Behavior and Training

 

Dogs do not instinctively know how to behave as domestic animals. They still have many pack animal traits which left unchecked can become a problem. Behavioral problems in dogs most often develop due to a lack of training.  Behavior modification is eliminating or reducing undesirable behaviors, and putting more acceptable behaviors in their place.  There doesn't have to be punishment to stop a behavior.  If the dog gets good stuff in association with a particular behavior, he's likely to repeat it.  The problem is that most people inadvertently reward their dogs for unwanted behavior.  When you reward a dog, it should be directly associated with the selected behavior.  With some exceptions, almost every dog will view food as a good reward and modify his behavior accordingly to get more of it.

 

Training your dog should be fun and easy for everyone.  Training your dog will make both your's and its life much happier.  Training is also challenging and stimulates a dog's mind.  Classes are offered by many kennels, pet stores, and independent trainers but you will need to continue dog training sessions at home with just you and your dog.  Training sessions should be kept relatively short to avoid boredom, say 15 to 30 minutes once or twice a day. By continuing your dog training you will strengthen your relationship with your dog and reinforce the good behaviour learnt already.

 

Training Methods

 

Training is most effective if everyone who handles the dog takes part in the training to ensure consistent commands, methods, and enforcement.  "Positive training methods" generally means preferring the use of reward-based training to increase good behavior over that of physical punishment to decrease bad behavior.  Most training methods rely on the foundational relationship between an owner and his dog and the best idea is to establish this relationship as soon as possible.

 

Dog training is the best thing you and your dog can do together.  Dog training will be fun, enriching and bond-building for both of you.  Dog training and obedience is all about you having a relationship with your dog and your dog responding to you.