You want your puppy to be happy and healthy, but your dog’s definition of joy may not match yours. For example, chewing on your favorite shoes is sheer bliss for little pups with sharp teeth coming in, but it can leave you feeling frustrated and angry. This is just one reason why good puppy training can lead to a stronger relationship between you and your dog. When your dog knows the rules and expectations, then he can pursue his bliss in a manner that is also pleasing to you.
Basic Obedience
Dogs that know basic obedience are more pleasant to be around. When your pooch is able to respond to basic commands, you can get her to sit rather than jumping on people, encourage him to calmly stay put while you fix meals and have him walk nicely on a leash. The ASPCA reminds people that training your dog not only helps keep you and the family happy, but it also keeps your pet safe and can be a great deal of fun. As you work to learn a language that your dog understands, you’ll discover that your puppy really does want to please you. With improved communication and consistency, you’ll find that the bond between man and dog can go deeper than you ever thought.
Positive Reinforcement
While some people may choose to train through violence, this does nothing to create a well-socialized dog who loves and adores you. Dogs desperately want to please you, so positive reinforcement works wonders with most dogs. If you’re telling your dog to sit and his bottom finally settles on the floor, you should immediately reward him with praise and possibly treats. He’ll eventually start sitting every time you say the word because he likes the positive attention.
Watch Your Own Steps
This is where it becomes important to watch what you’re teaching the dog. According to Professional Dog Training Company Beyond the Leash, canines may not understand the English language, but they do learn the words you teach them, and they will pick up on things you may not mean to teach. Hand your dog an old shoe to chew on and you’re teaching him that it’s okay to chew on shoes. He cannot tell the difference between your brand new Air Jordans and the torn-up shoes you got at the local thrift store. If you find your dog on the table and stop to take a picture before you shoo him down, then you’re rewarding the behavior of being on the furniture. The most important thing you can remember is that what’s cute at five pounds could be dangerous or even deadly at 75 pounds. If you don’t want your adult German shepherd chewing on your arm or jumping up on people, then don’t allow your puppy to do it.
It’s helpful to sit down with the entire family ahead of time and outline the household rules for the dog. Will your pet be allowed on some furniture? What commands do you want to teach? What will you offer the dog to chew on when he’s bored or frustrated? Dogs love consistency, and it’s a key part of training. Getting everyone on the same page from day one will help ensure that the dog is trained in a positive way and can feel great about his position in the house.
According to recent research, roughly 30 percent of dogs given to shelters or rescues are surrendered due to “behavior problems.” Yet many of those perceived problems are completely normal dog behavior that can be corrected through training. Dogs naturally jump up both in exuberance to see you and because they may want to establish dominance. However, this problem is easily addressed by turning to the side, ignoring the behavior, and rewarding the dog with attention only after he or she settles down. If this doesn’t work, there are countless other methods for correcting this bad habit. Most dog behavior problems from barking too much to having accidents in the home can be addressed through training. If necessary, read a few books or call in the professionals to help you. As your dog learns the expectations and you learn how to train your dog, you’ll work your way into an amazing relationship that will last a lifetime.
