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Training your dog is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. A well-trained dog is a joy to own - they are pleasant to be around, welcome in more places, and safer for both you and others. The key to successful dog training is starting early, being patient and consistent, using positive reinforcement methods, and making training fun for both you and your dog.
Where to Start
The first step is to start training your dog as soon as you get them home as a puppy if possible. Puppies under 16 weeks old are like sponges, absorbing new information and forming habits easily. Use this time to teach important behaviors like coming when called, walking properly on a leash, and socializing with new people or animals. Formal obedience training can start as early as 8 weeks old.
If your dog is older, don't worry. While older dogs may progress more slowly, they can still learn new things. The same positive reinforcement techniques work for dogs of all ages. Be patient and persistent no matter your dog's age.
Know the Basics
Before starting any training program, teach your dog the basic cues to pay attention and reinforce good behavior. This lays the foundation for adding more advanced skills later. Important starter behaviors include:
- Their name. Use it before giving any command so they learn to respond when called.
- One of the easiest and most practical behaviors for a dog to learn. Reward with a treat when they sit on command.
- Calling your dog back to you is extremely useful for safety and control. Have them come, give them a treat, then say "good come!"
- Watch me. Direct your dog's focus back to you with a treat by your eyes whenever distracted. This teaches attention.
Clicker Training
A good way to mark correct behavior that leads to a reward is with a clicker - a handheld device that makes a clicking sound. The sharp noise marks the exact moment your dog is doing what you want them to do. Follow every click with a treat within 1-2 seconds.
Here are some other useful tips for training your dog the right way:
- Keep sessions short, about 10-15 minutes. Dogs have short attention spans.
- Train in distraction-free areas at first for faster learning.
- Practice one cue at a time until your dog responds correctly almost every time before moving on. Go at your dog's pace.
- End on a positive note with something easy they know well. This keeps them motivated to train.
- Use small pieces of cooked chicken, beef, hot dogs or cheese for training treats. Most dogs will do anything for real meat and cheese!
- Praise correct responses verbally ("Good sit!") or with gentle pats. Dogs love attention from their owner.
- Never yell, punish or rub their nose in mistakes. This only teaches fear. Just calmly take them back to where they started and try again.
- Be patient. Some dogs may take days or weeks to learn new things. Stick with it and be consistent with rewards.
Train for Good Behavior
While obedience cues are useful, also focus daily training on molding good lifestyle behaviors like:
- No jumping on people
- No barking at passersby on walks
- Calmly allowing handling and grooming
- Relaxed restraint for vet examinations etc.
- No stealing food from counters or tables
- No nipping when playing
Teaching these polite habits early prevents problem behaviors as your dog matures. Correct unwanted behaviors by interrupting with a firm "No", followed by redirecting your dog to a preferred toy or activity they can have instead. Reward them for stopping the bad behavior and focusing on what they are allowed to do to reinforce these good habits.
The Most Important in Training
Thing More than any single skill, focus on developing your bond with your dog through play, exercise, affection and respect. This mutual trust and enrichment is the foundation of any good relationship between an owner and their dog. With time, patience, consistency and positivity, your faithful friend will learn anything you take the time to teach them.
