Training your dog is an important part of building a lasting relationship with your canine companion. Dog training is essential, though can result in serious behavioral problems if not done properly. To help you train your dog, it’s important that you follow some of the dog training advice outlined below. These methods are the result of years of research by dog behavioral experts, and have proven to be very effective. Proper dog training is the best way to establish and enhance the positive relationship you should have with your dog.
UNDERSTAND YOUR DOG
Understanding how to train a dog is mostly a matter of research. Many dog owners incorrectly believe that a dog will respond to the same training tactics that a human understands. This is not correct. Dogs in the wild behave differently from human social circles, and have different behavioral associations. It’s best to do a bit of research of how dogs interact in the wild, to better understand some of your dog’s instinctual needs. For example, wild dogs place a high amount of importance on pack heirarchy. This means that there is an “alpha male”, who is the leader of the pack. In the wild, dogs respect and obey the wishes of their alpha male, trusting them to guide them to proper behavior. Establishing your role as “alpha” in your dog’s mind is essential to establishing a bond of mutual respect and trust with your dog. Once you have earned your dog’s trust, training becomes much easier.
DEALING WITH AGGRESSIVE DOGS
Some breeds of dogs are more prone to aggression, especially if you have a male dog. There are many non-violent methods for dealing with an aggressive breed of dog. A good place to start is to get your dog neutered or spayed. In male dogs, aggression is often a result of exposure to a female dog in heat. By getting your male dog neutered, you are tempering some of their aggressive behavior.
BASIC COMMANDS
It’s always best to start with basic commands when training your dog. Use your dog’s name when instructing in verbal commands. If done correctly, this is a great way to encourage your dog to give you their full attention. Some dogs will pick up new commands quickly, while others may require that a command be repeated many times before they can understand it. It’s important to be patient with your dog, and adapt your training program so that you are following their rate of learning.