Are you a caring and responsible pet parent? If you have made up to this article, I am sure you are one. One of the most rewarding activities you as a pet parent should engage in is to train your lovely dog well and bless him/ her with a healthy life. The process may be tedious at the beginning as communicating with them needs a little skill, but you will soon get going with these very useful tips below. Training and some time to play are necessary elements of pet parenting and are vital to the overall well-being and development of your dog. Here we state the essential points that can be followed to ensure a balanced training cycle for your dog and groom him/ her like never before!
Importance of Dog Training
Would you not like your best friend and omnipresent companion to be on their best behaviour? Good training for your dog will make it disciplined and more cheerful. Owning a well-mannered dog is a prime goal of most dog lovers today. A trained dog is amicable and you can be even carefree when taking him/ her to pet gatherings where he shall stand out among all other pets.
Why train your dog?
i). Physical and Mental Well-Being - Consistent Training helps make your dog braver and more confident when faced with any unexpected circumstance. They do not fear being introduced to new people and are more socially proactive and comfortable. He becomes more energetic and adaptive to the surroundings too.
ii). Best companion to spend quality time with - As dogs are social animals, they always love to be around you and will prove to be your best companion with time. Thus a little care and grooming on your part is a responsibility and will strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Training and spending time together will help you in understanding the temperament of your pet and you will be able to interact with him/ her in a more connected way.
iii). Easier to pet - A little training every day will make your dog much more well-behaved and disciplined. This will make it easier for you to live together under the same roof. You can rely on him/ her when left alone in the house or when there are guests in your house. You can be sure that he will be decent and amiable around you.
Best Methods to Train Your Dog
1. Use positive reinforcement techniques
This is undoubtedly one of the most followed and effective techniques of training dogs that is recommended by veterinarians. It involves rewarding your pet in any form for showcasing a good attitude or polite behaviour, instead of reprimanding him/ her or punishing him/ her for a bad deed. The essential point wrt this type of training is to ensure that the dog is rewarded immediately after a well-deserved performance or the desired behaviour. This way, the animal associates his positive activity with positive reinforcement and is expected to perform that way more often.
2. Find the right reward
For dogs that are motivated by food, rewards like a sumptuous meal would be alluring. They will respond enthusiastically to food as a reward that might include chewy treats like bones. For others, play toys or play sessions can be used as a reward. Most dogs would love to get some warmth and affection as rewards too.
3. Consistency is the key
Make sure that you keep training your dog constantly following a particular weekly schedule. Use the same words constantly so that the words fit in his brain and he will be better able to respond to you the next time. Teach him/ her habits that are necessary for being under the same roof like basic habits to sleep where he or is supposed to.
4. Do not overtrain
Long training sessions may burn your dog out and are hence not preferred. Always opt for short training sessions at regular intervals to make the most out of the hours without stressing your dog out. This shall prove to be more effective in the long run.
5. Take him/ her one step at a time
It is completely okay if your dog takes time to learn and grow and understand how to process your words and respond to them. Start from scratch and with small steps so that later on it becomes more convenient for him/ her to adapt to more complex behaviours. Make him/ her used to small day-to-day gestures like sit, come and goodbye. The more he can connect with you on small activities, the easier it will be to train him/ her for harder tasks.
6. Make training sessions fun
Training sessions should be made playful and energetic so that your dog has the zeal to go for it on a regular basis. Both of you should be involved in the activities and be able to make the most out of the training hours by developing a bond between yourselves. Make sure to keep play and relaxation sessions too in between training.
7. Consult a dog trainer
Always congratulate and appreciate your dog for the little efforts he makes. In case of any improvement always praise your dog no matter how small the progress might be. This will keep your dog always motivated.
8. Praise the small things
If you think you are not finding it suitable to train your dog in the way he should be, do not hesitate to get in touch with a professional dog trainer who will be able to understand his needs better. With their years of experience, your dog will be able to grasp signs and understand languages better and quicker. Do research before choosing a trainer. Check out the reviews and positive reinforcement techniques that he generally applies to pets. You can also connect with our team for queries on dog training or if you need more details!
Conclusion
Since dogs are social and pack animals by nature, they do not prefer to be left alone at home. This might build up stress and anxiety in them which may result in unlikable symptoms of chewing, soiling and barking. Here lies the importance of training, where they can be on their own and get an opportunity to know you too. However, it is to be kept in mind that training sessions should not be lengthy or overpowering. It is better to go for short and consistent training sessions ensuring that your dog doesn’t burn out. Be patient with your dog as he might become aggressive if you constantly reprimand him/ her. It’s time to develop your connection with your most loved friend. Good Luck!
