Ever seen a pup so well-behaved you wondered if they were the reincarnated version of some ancient human? I mean, there’s no way dogs can be that perfect, right? Well, the truth is, they can! With the right training, you too can have your fur buddy impressing guests, family, and fellow pets. And before you know it, they’re the talk of the town.
Spectrum Canine Dog Training specialists believe proper training is the key to unleashing your pup’s potential. Whether you send them off to a boot camp or take up some DIY training, these specialists offer plenty of tips to help you.
Even if you opt to go it alone, you can still adopt a balanced training approach to get Fido to sit, stay and obey. That way, you can ensure they have all the essential skills they need to live their best life – leash walking like a champ, mastering basic commands, and more.
That being said, where do you start? You’re on the right page if you’re seeking pointers to help you on your training journey. So, let’s quickly jump to it.
- Have a Plan.
What do you intend to achieve from the obedience training? Ensure you map your plan and objectives, so you don’t get overwhelmed by all the commands. Short-term goals are great for starters.
As such, if you want your pup to master ‘sit’ and ‘stay,’ start with these commands. Depending on their progress, you can move on to the more complex stuff later.
- Be Equipped
Some people believe you need special dog training tools to get your pup on the right path. This could not be further from the truth. You only need a few supplies to streamline the training process. For instance, if you intend to leash train your pup, a collar, leash, and treats will suffice. Talking of treats, go for healthy snacks with a flavor they won’t refuse.
- Reward Good Behavior.
When you’re teaching your pup a new command, reward them with treats or toys when they get it right. Offer them small treats to motivate them. Otherwise, their bellies could fill up, and their desire to learn might go out the window.
Now and then, praise them, so they know they’ve done something right. Also, ensure you give them regular breaks during training sessions – especially if they seem overwhelmed or exhausted. As they say, all work and no play.
Positive reinforcement is the way to go – a little treat never hurts anyone. Besides, rewards help create a positive association – your pup is more likely to repeat the behavior if they know a treat awaits.
Also, note that the traditional approach of using a stern voice may not work and can quickly lead to frustration. While you may not tolerate particular behavior, it’s a good idea to remain upbeat and encouraging during training sessions.
- Be Consistent and Patient
Consistency is the key to acing any obedience training – especially if you want the best results. Each time you introduce a new command, ensure your pup remembers it by repeating it severally.
Also, be patient with your pup during training sessions. Every dog learns at their own pace. Try not to get discouraged if they don’t catch on quickly, as some dogs need extra support to grasp specific commands.
If Fido doesn’t master ‘heel’ on the first try, don’t give up – keep going until they understand what you want from them. With time, you’ll have your pup showing off their newly acquired skills like a pro.
- Keep it Fun
A fun training session keeps morale high – this is true for you and your pup. As such, remember to indulge in some playtime between training sessions. A game of fetch or tug-of-war is a great way to inject some fun into the equation.
The idea is to ensure your furry companion looks forward to the next training session. That way, they can focus better and learn faster.
- Minimize Distractions
Create a solid foundation for your pup by minimizing distractions. Ensure you remove potential disruptions – such as other pets or loud noises – that may affect your pup’s focus.
If you’re carrying out the training indoors, keep away from enticing objects your pup may want to play with. Similarly, when training in a park or other public space, keep your pup away from distractions.
- Get Assistance
While seeking professional help may run counter to your initial plan, it can be the game-changer you need. For instance, you can rope in a trainer for private training sessions to complement your DIY efforts.
Besides, their supervision comes in handy if your pup is proving challenging to train. They can point you in the right direction by advising you on the dos and don’ts of obedience training. In so doing, you can get the best out of your pup quickly.
Getting your pup on the path to obedience doesn’t always mean signing them up for a training class. And while training your pup can be challenging, it’s also a rewarding experience. Hopefully, with these tips, you can get the hang of it, and your like-human companion will soon be heeding your every command.