Dog training is a massive industry across the world. There are so many services, trainers, resources, and tools dedicated to training dogs that it can get confusing. It is even more confusing because of how important it is to train your dog. An untrained dog is not something you can afford to have, as it can lead to a huge mountain of vet bills and even legal trouble.
A well-trained dog is a delight to own and will have a wonderful life. Dogs like the direction training provides, and giving them a structure to their lives is helps them behave. When you train your dog, you are not only teaching them; you are also training yourself. In this endeavor, there are some tips and tricks you can use to make the process easy as pie. Let’s see what they are!
Be Consistent
One of the most confusing things for your dog is to have the rules change all the time. This is why it’s essential to figure out a training plan beforehand. Before you start training your dog, you should list down your goals for training. Once you do that, figure out what rules you will be laying down for your dog to follow that you will stick to when throughout the process.
If you are a first-time dog owner, these rules might change slightly as you go through the process. Slight modifications are acceptable for your dog as long as you don’t change them too frequently. Examples of rules would be taking your dog out for toilet breaks after food, having specific walking times, etc. You can also lay down additional rules like having specific rooms they’re not allowed to enter or not being allowed on the bed.
Use the Correct Training Tool
When you start to train your dog, you need to have the correct tools on hand to achieve your goals. One of the most ubiquitous dog training tools is the clicker. This is a small device that you can hide in your hand that makes a ‘click’ sound when you press it. You can buy a good-quality clicker from a reputable website like PetCareRx.com, where you can purchase additional training tools as well.
Another tool you can invest in is a dog crate. There are two main variants of dog crates – plastic and wire. Choose one depending on your dog’s needs and your budget. When choosing a crate, you should buy a crate big enough to fit their adult size. Don’t go by the size they are now! Crates are expensive, and you should take steps to ensure you’re making a long-term investment you can use for many years to come.
Revise Training
A lot of new dog owners face this problem. They send their dog to obedience classes, and a few months after that, it’s like their dog has never been trained in the first place. This happens because your dog, just like you, can forget things. To prevent this from happening, you should refresh your dog’s memory as often as you can. Even if you have a dedicated trainer, you should train for a few days a week with your dog and ensure your family uses the same commands too.
You should also ensure that training is part and parcel of your dog’s life regularly. When your dog becomes an adult, you should still work on tricks or advanced training programs that will teach your dog more things. This keeps their minds healthy as well as their bodies. Mental exercise is an overlooked part of a dog’s regime, but it is as important as physical exercise.
Physical Exercise
Many owners complain that their dog is too distracted to be trained. Unfortunately, it just points to the fact that the dogs aren’t getting enough exercise. Run with them or give them a walk around your enclosed patio or sidewalks. Your dog is better behaved when they are tired and will more likely listen to you if you take care of all their needs. If your dog is hyperactive, then you should train with a focus on physical exercise.
If you want to add physical exercise as part and parcel of your training program, you should look into agility training. This is an excellent way to both train your dogs to listen to you, focus on you, and get in a lot of exercise. Look around your local area to find out resources where you can allow your dog to do agility training. You could also focus on recall training with a long lead and a ball or best frisbee. This includes both running and jumping into their routine so they’re exhausted as they can be at the end of the day!
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