Training a new dog to act appropriately in various situations is a long, complicated process. Regardless of which breed of dog you own or whether you adopted a pet for a companion or to show in competitions, you need to spend a lot of time training your new pet. These three tips can simplify the process and turn it into a great bonding experience between you and your canine companion.
Use the Right Tools
There are many tools and techniques that can help you reinforce training lessons. Everyone has a different approach and because every dog has its own individual personality, no strategy is right for every dog. You should be flexible as you begin the training process because it will take some time to figure out which strategies are most effective. You may find that rewarding your pet with treats and praise may be the best way to teach him or her tricks, but a disciplinary tool such as an ultrasonic trainer may be more effective for teaching your pet to stop barking. Once you learn which strategies would for your pet, you can start customizing your training program.
Hire a Professional
If you don’t have the time to dedicate to training your dog, you have the option to hire a professional like Open Range Academy. While this doesn’t mean you have no role in the training process, it does free up your time so you only have to reinforce training techniques. You can work with a private trainer or enroll your dog in obedience school. However, it is important to remember that you must reinforce the behavior even after the training process is complete. You may not have to offer a treat every time your dog does a trick, but you should reward him or her with verbal praise and affection. If you fail to reinforce the behavior your dog learned in training, he or she will eventually stop acting appropriately.
Be Patient
It takes a lot of time to teach your dog how to behave properly. Because every dog is different, you can’t assign a timeline to the training process. Older dogs may need little training because they simply need to relearn acceptable behavior. Puppies, however, may need much more training with strict consequences because you are starting from scratch. The breed of dog you have also plays a role in the length of the training process. Headstrong, high-energy breeds may take longer to train than laid-back breeds.
Training your dog is rewarding and worthwhile, but it does take time to complete the training process. Instead of putting a lot of pressure on yourself to train the perfect dog quickly, use these three tips to simplify the process. They can ease the burden of training so you can focus on enjoying the experience and bonding with your new pet. Use this time to build a strong bond so your dog wants to please you and you can build a strong foundation for a good, healthy relationship that will last for many years.
