Like any other relationship, the best dog training is building trust.
Training is not about control. It’s all about communicating and dealing with the situations a dog is put in. Each signal or command is a conversation between you and your dog. Dogs don’t come into the world knowing how to live within the context of human environments or expectations – they need to be trained. And you can (and should!) teach old dogs new tricks.
Not all dogs need to be an AKC Good Canine Citizen. For most dogs, being able to perform a handful of skills and commands with confidence and consistency is enough to create a safe and nurturing environment for them. To that end, dog and cat insurer ManyPets has compiled a list of basic commands that most dogs can understand quite easily at home, along with tips for creating a successful environment.
Several camps exist in the dog training world, particularly on the use of negative versus positive reinforcement, but science disproves a long-held belief that owners must assert themselves as an alpha or leader. of a pack, lest a dog have ideas of grandeur. Although training puppies is a bit easier because they don’t simultaneously unlearn bad habits, there is no age at which dogs stop learning. Lifelong training can improve the overall health and happiness of dogs.
Sharing a language and set of vocabulary with your dog can mean the difference between an animal gobbling up the toxic ibuprofen you dropped on the floor or walking away when you tell it to “drop it”; come when called or chase that squirrel through the park; and a dog that never leaves the confines of a yard or joins you on neighborhood walks.
When you’ve mastered the basics, you can improve training by incorporating the three Ds of canine training: distance, time, and distraction. But before jumping into training, it’s essential to take the time to understand what motivates your dog. This is how you will reward them, so it is important to know what they will be working for. Dogs that are food motivated will work for most treats. Other dogs may be more eager to work for a favorite toy, verbal praise, or affection from the owner.
Every dog is different and will learn at their own pace. Just as it would be unfair for someone to expect a child to go from learning addition to learning algebra, it is also unfair to expect your dog goes from learning what a leash is to walking properly in a week. Patience, praise, and consistency are key to helping your dog progress. There are endless resources available to help you on your training journey, from video tutorials and vet consultations to professional trainers and dog training courses – so don’t be discouraged if a skill or method isn’t working. . Set achievable milestones for you and your dog and remember that training should be an act of love first and foremost.
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