Are you starting to train your dog? Or need a few tips on how to train them a little more effectively? At DogWatch of the Columbia Basin, we’ve got you covered. It’s important to note that every dog is different and it’s up to you as the owner to watch and see what your dog is receptive to. Here are a few of our tips for training your dog!
Consistency is Key
When you are starting to train your dog, it’s important to be consistent. It can help the dog better understand what’s expected of him/her. This can also help create a safe and secure environment in which your dog feels motivated to learn. Consistency in rules and expectations sends clear signals to your dog, and clear signals allow for success, leading to well-behaved and happy pets.
Patience is key. An even temper can help prevent frustration in you and your dog, while you both learn on this journey. When you are frustrated or irritated, it can negatively impact the training process, and tolerance also allows you and your dog to work at a suitable pace, which in the long run, will reinforce the positive structure you’re creating.
Using Positive Reinforcements and Avoiding Negative Reinforcements
Part of the training is positive reinforcement. Most people use treats, praise, or a favorite toy to build confidence in their pet. What and how you use in terms of positive reinforcements is important and entirely up to you. One thing is for sure, using your dog’s favorite toy or treat when they succeed is an excellent way to help them understand that they have done right by you.
Training before mealtime can be beneficial if your dog is food-motivated. While using treats is a popular positive reinforcement, giving your dog too many treats can lead to different health issues such as weight gain, upset stomach, and nutrient overdose.
Negative reinforcement should be avoided. It can lead to stress, bad behavior, and aggression. Punishment-based training focuses on teaching a dog what not to do, and often leaves them feeling confused, unable to attach command to action.
Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior
With anything, understanding your dog’s behavior can make or break the training process. Noting what they respond to and what they are averse to can tell you what kind of positive reinforcement will be best when training. If your dog is uncomfortable or showing signs of less-than-acceptable behavior, keep track of it and see how you can improve the training process.
Remember, when communicating with your pet, use clear commands consistently. This reduces confusion for the dog and will yield goal behaviors. Using clear commands builds a strong connection between you and your dog. Consistency in combination with positive reinforcement establishes trust between the two of you; the more trust, the more compliance when you give commands.
Start With Basic Commands
When starting the training process try to begin with simple basic commands. Training isn’t just about obedience and fast results, it’s also about building a trusting bond between you and your dog. Starting basic and then gradually moving to more advanced commands helps your dog become more comfortable with the training process.
Basic commands like sit, stay, and lay down are the best ones to start with. Using positive reinforcements, and teaching your dog the basic commands helps you and your dog start on the right foot.
Helpful Products for Training
Aside from treats and other positive reinforcements, having some products that are made to help you train can make the process easier. If you don’t want your dog to bark, and you don’t want to harm them with a traditional bark collar, the BarkCollar No-Bark® training collar may be the right choice for you. It sends vibration or stimulation at a level that is just enough to distract your dog and break the barking cycle.
Leash training is also something that can be helpful. Having your dog on a leash is pretty standard these days, training them on the leash is very important. To help with that is a SideWalker®. It Gently corrects overly enthusiastic leash pulling and helps your dog learn appropriate on-leash behavior.
Social Media and Online Resources
There are many online resources that are helpful at every step in the training process. From the basics to the more advanced side of conditioning. There are many websites and social media accounts that can help you get started or train your dog more effectively. For some more tips on how to train your dog, you can click here.
Looking into different social media pages is a great place to start. Accounts like @jwdogtrainin And @jackandjilldogtraining are great to start with at-home training. However, seeking out a professional dog trainer is also an option. Looking into trainers in your local area is a great place to start. In the tri-cities there are many wonderful dog training facilities, such as Sit Means Sit Dog Training.
We are committed to your pet’s safety and all of our products come with lifetime guarantees. Here at DogWatch of the Columbia Basin, we can get you exactly what you need for your pet and we strive to tell you like it is while serving you with respect and dignity. Find more information on our training products, or fences on our website. DogWatch of the Columbia Basin is here to help you have peace of mind and give your pet the freedom they deserve. Looking for a safer way to keep your pet safe? Fetch a free quote for a hidden pet fence today!
