Being friends with dogs is everyone’s favorite dream. But what is even more rewarding is being the parent of one. You get to be with them all the time, share your love and warmth, and have that reciprocated, and most of all, you get to train them like your own child. But training your dog may be something other than a cake. Many techniques and methods exist on how to train a dog, and many of them have been tried and tested.
There are certain instances when you are bound to get angry over something your dog chooses to do because they don’t act as it should, and it fuels unwanted behaviors. No matter how much you love them, it is of utmost importance that you train your dogs so that you get the best of them. But choosing the best and easy tricks to teach your dog is very important. So here’s a guide on how you can train your dog in fun and playful ways with a great deal of ease.
How To Train a Dog?
Training a dog is an important part of having a pet. It is essential to teach your dog basic commands and obedience, as well as provide them with the necessary socialization skills. Training a dog can be challenging, but with patience and consistency, it can be done. In this guide, we will discuss some tips on how to train a dog in an effective and efficient way. We will also explore different methods that you can use to make training your pup easier and more enjoyable for both you and your pooch. Out of all, the methods have broadly been divided into two categories:
Reward-based Method
This method is quite self-explanatory. It is also known as positive reinforcement training. It includes rewarding your dog with treats or rewards for every command they follow. Dogs are naturally fast learners. If you immediately reward their actions, it helps them reinforce that kind of behavior faster than you would have anticipated.
Aversive-based Method
This method is also known as “negative reinforcement training. The aversive-based method is commonly considered harsh as it uses positive punishments and negative reinforcements. Most trainers who indulge in this method scold, punish, or use loud noises at their dogs for them to behave in a certain way.
Aversive-based method, in simpler words, is motivated by fear, whereas the reward-based method is motivated by love and a tinge of greed. There are conflicting beliefs over which method is superior, and it varies from dog to dog, so there is no such determined answer for best dog training methods. But as a human, it is your choice how to train a dog. What do you think is better, belly rubs and treats or harsh scolding and punishments from your master?
Basic Dog Commands Training
There are five basic dog commands training. It makes both the dog’s and the owner’s life easier. Before you get on with this on command dog training, make sure you refrain from physically forcing your dog to do anything. This is because it could induce frustration, irritation and confusion in dogs.
#1 Sit
Hold some of your dog’s favorite treats in front of them. Wait for them to get in the sitting position, and as soon as they do so, acknowledge their action vocally and give them a treat. Take a few steps backwards, wait for your dog to stand, and get into the sitting position again. Reward their action immediately. After a few more similar tries, try using the word ‘sit’ to help them recognize the command and follow it from thereon.
#2 Come
Sit with your dog or puppy and call them by their name to gauge their attention. Followed by their name, use the command ‘come’, for them to advance towards you. Every time they do so, reward them with a treat. This is a very low-maintenance command, and they usually do not have anything to do with this initiative. Repeat the process a few more times, but do not use their name after a while. You want them to remember the command ‘come’ and not act on their name, so make it clear for your dog. To add fun to the game, toss their treats at a distance and let them chase you as you say the command. They will follow you, the experience will register in their subconscious, and they will remember to run to you whenever called. This would be beneficial to you in new places and farther distances.
#3 Down
This command is pretty much similar to that of the command to ‘sit’. And the command to teach them to lie down is also similar. When you find your dog lying, reward them with a treat and wait for them to stand and get in the same position again. Please train your dog in an environment with the least distractions because boredom would induce them to lie down rather quickly. As the process continues, use the command ‘down’ to register it in their minds.
#4 Stay
To begin with this command, you will first have to teach your dog to leave, go or be free. Try to lure your dog or puppy to come back to you with a treat of their choice, and say the command ‘stay’ as they sit beside you. Tell them to leave again, but as soon as they are about to leave, repeat the command and give them a treat. It is optional for your dog to follow this command on the first try, as this is quite tricky. So be patient as you teach them and make it a pleasant experience for them.
#5 Leave It
Hold some treat and urge your dog to take it from you. But when they advance to take it, clench your fist. This would force your dog to lick open your hand or nudge it with its mouth or nose. Patiently wait for them to step away from your hand, even if it is just for a fleeting moment. Instantly open your fist, give them the treat and pat them. Gently add the command ‘leave’ or ‘leave it as they slowly back away from you and reward them for their action. Repeat this process until they regularly choose to avoid the treat.
How to Crate Train a Dog?
Some dogs are naturally curious and will immediately begin napping in the crate. If your dog isn’t, talk to them in a cheerful tone and ensure the crate door is open and safe. How to crate train a dog? This phase might take a few minutes or several days. If your dog is hesitant to enter the crate, use a vocal cue, such as “crate.” Try leaving them in the container for a shorter time next time. If they cry out to be let out, you may have raised the duration too soon.
How to Leash Train a Dog?
We help you know how to leash train a dog? When you call your dog to walk, focus on thanking him for coming. Never drag your dog along; yanking on the leash might cause him to become injured. Walking with your dog by your side helps you to direct his movements. When dogs are permitted to step in before or behind their owners, they tend to stray. This will also keep the leash from becoming caught underneath him. Remember that dogs are pack creatures, and if he views you as the pack leader, he will ultimately submit to dog leash training.
Advanced Dog Training
Once your dog masters the basic commands, it is time that you train them in a few advanced dog training commandments. But remember, you can leave your dog with advanced training. These commands help your dog face real-life scenarios more confidently and guide them to act effectively. Here are some advanced dog training tips and commands you can teach your dog to follow:
#1 Go Out
Many dogs who are house trained are habitual in informing their owners when they need to relieve themselves. While some take themselves out through the tiny dog door, others stare or bark at their owners till they figure out what they must be asking for. Look for something that can be suspended from the door handle in the reach of your canine’s paw so that they can ring it whenever they need to poo or pee. Whenever you take your dog out for them to relieve themselves, ring the bells. This practice would instinctively register the fact in their mind that whenever they feel the need to poo or pee, this bell will play a role in it.
#2 Place
When given the place command, your dog must go to a certain location and be in the same place unless told to get away. Many dogs pick up on this command without their owners making a concerted attempt to train them. But there is always time to train your dog where to go. Start training your dog for this command when they are leashed. Use any common command you usually use, like ‘come’ to lead them away. If they do say, reward them with a treat.
Try a few more times till they reach the desired location and stay there. Now unleash your dog and repeat the process. If they follow the command’ place’, reward them; otherwise, try training them on a leash again. Remember that it is important that once your dog reaches the desired position, they sit there for about ten to fifteen minutes before you acknowledge its action and reward them.
#3 Touch
The’ touch’ command is asking your canine to touch his nose on your hand or an item. This command is extraordinarily crucial if you intend to compete in dog sports. To take advantage of the maximum points, a dog often needs to contact a certain area on a path or gadget. Take a treat and massage it between your hands, allowing the scent to permeate your hand. “Touch” your dog’s nose with your palm no more than a foot away.
Acknowledge their action in an excited voice and deliver genuine praise when they lean in and place their nostril on your palm to inhale the aroma of the goodie. Some dogs are wary of setting their noses to an open hand. If you have a canine, educate him to touch the pinnacle of your closed fist.
#4 Stand
This command is useful when you want your dog to stand in one place for a picture or any other purpose. First, have your dog sit in one place to go through with this command. Hold a treat diagonally above his head and use the command ‘stand’. Patiently wait for them to stand on all their fours and immediately reward them for their actions. Repeat it a few more times to register the command in their minds.
Basic Puppy Training Tips
Puppies are small furry bundles of joy. They can light up your life like a fully-lit Christmas tree. But do not mistake them for being easy. Their needs are far beyond that of a dog, and they need constant training. It is almost like having a human infant child. Training your puppies can be overwhelming, but you can sail smoothly through it with the puppy training tips mentioned below.
#1 Avoid Behavioral Issues
When preparing a puppy, you may model acceptable behavior for him before he develops some of the more common behavioral concerns. When a dog is left to his own devices for entertainment, he is certain to engage in inappropriate behavior. Begin on the right foot by providing your dog behavior training with many puppy training treats, exciting toys, exercise, and preparation.
#2 Positive Reinforcement or Reward
Positive reinforcement works better on puppies than on punishment. Harsh punishments may cause behavioral problems such as fear or hostility. When your puppy misbehaves, ignore or refocus him, and encourage positive behavior. Your puppy will soon be exhibiting positive behavior regularly.
#3 Biting Behavior
Bite inhibition is an important part of puppy preparation and may make the difference between a harmless nip and a real bite. Begin demonstrating nibbling hindrance to your puppy by allowing him to use his mouth when you play with him. You may even offer to let a shot of howling sound to remind him to be cautious.
#4 Destructive Chewing
When it comes to biting preparation, repression is one of the tools in your arsenal. It allows you to protect your little dog from biting on furniture, shoes, toys, or anything else. Diverting him to suitable toys is an additional component of bite preparation.
#5 Confined Spaces
A dog should not be kept in his box or crate for more than a couple of hours. There are many items in a house for a dog to gnaw on, hide under, or get wounded. Restricting him to a kitchen or another small space with an entrance or kid door may be beneficial.
#6 Preparing to Work in a Crate
A crate confines a little dog when you cannot control him. Cartons are also useful for dog training at home. If your dog is in the box when you are not around, you can halt or avoid him peeing inside.
#7 House Training
One of the most important things you will work on with your new puppy is house preparation. Put your pooch on a regular schedule, and he’ll look terrific thus far. Take him outdoors to pee whenever he eats, drinks, or wakes up from a nap. A container may also be a good housebreaking tool.
#8 Socializing
Mingling is exactly what it sounds like: getting your dog out and about. Puppies who are heavily mixed develop into well-adjusted adults. Exposing your puppy to a wide range of people, animals, places, sights, and noises is vital.
Conclusion
Obedience training for dogs is as fun as it is important. It helps you spend quality time with your dog and build something meaningful out of it. You are wrong if you think it would take only a day or two for your dog to catch on to the commands and follow you. Regular sessions with your dog daily and a patient mindset would only help. It takes a while for a child to learn new things, as with dogs. So remember to be patient with them and help them through this with love and affection.