Dog Training -How To Train Your Dog

Table of Contents

Introduction

On the subject of man’s best friend, proper training is of the utmost importance. Perhaps you are unable to afford a dog trainer or maybe this is a personal project you what to take on, a bonding process for you and your beloved dog.

One thing you should have in mind is that dog training can be pretty overwhelming but if you confront it on step at a time, you’ll find it more fun than daunting, so let’s get started. “house training” unless you intend of keeping your dog outside which is not recommended then surely the question of how-to house train also known as housebreaking your dog has crossed your mind.

The key to this is consistency and diligence, for the housebreaking process you will have to begin by crate training your dog which is basically teaching your dog to become familiar and accept a dog cage as a safe space, some people might disagree with this process stating that crate training is another form of imprisonment but it is not, it teaches your dog being responsible and provides a sense of security.

Some things you should consider before crate training include:

Selecting the right crate for your dog
Establishing the proper mindset
Determining how your dog will be most comfortable
Giving the dog after they go in the crate
Being patient

You should also note that your dog might urinate out of excitement or as an expression of submissiveness, in case you begin to lose hope of ever being able to house train your dog let me reiterate training your dog will take time, patience, consistency and diligence.

The next step in the process you should consider is leash training your dog. A lot of areas these days have leash laws so it is extremely important that your dog is able to walk with a leash and sometimes having your dog on a leash could be for their own safety.

You might want to begin leash training your dog by letting them wear the leash for a short period of time in the house while playing and offering them treats that way he associates wearing a leash to treats. You should practice walking with a leash indoors before finally going outdoors and remember that a loose leash prevents your dog from pulling or lunging hence making the experience more enjoyable for you both.

Next on the list is socialization training which is, in a nutshell, teaching your dog to become acquainted with people, animals or places. This should typically take between four to five months, socialization generally helps prevent behavioural problems and the development of phobias. Some tips to help with socializing include;

Going on frequent walks
Having people over
Treats; most dogs will do anything for a treat
Exercise caution

The clicker training is next in line, the clicker training is used to teach your dog basic and advanced commands this involves using a tool (a clicker or marker) for positive reinforcement. It is a great way to communicate and teach your dog all kinds of basic and advanced commands. Some tips that might help with clicker training include:

The timing of the click is extremely important always remember to click during not after your dog exhibits the desired behaviour
You should begin your clicker training with something easy like sitting or when your dog comes to you or touches your hand with their nose
Practice sessions should be short. Training sessions should be between one to two minutes, remember that when your dog has learned something by clicking it would begin to spontaneously exhibit it
Gradually raise your goals once you get a positive response
Do not mix correction training with clicker training, once you become upset please put the clicker away

There are 7 basic commands which all dogs should be familiar with. These are: sit down, come, off, don’t touch, stay and heel or controlled walking, the seven command help to add some sort of structure and help overcome behavioural problems.

The final step on your journey to a well-trained dog is proofing. This is important to avoid situations where your dog is well behaved in your house but as soon as you step out or visit a friend his training goes out the window so you should always practice behaviours in various situations, make an effort to understand potential behaviour issues so you can be able to identify and address them before they get out of control and remember that training your dog should be fun for the both of you, be patient it takes time. Enjoy the process.

Do you have a suggestion or question on Dog Training -How To Train Your Dog as discussed above?

Kindly use the comment section and we’ll get back to you.

Dog Training -How To Train Your Dog