How to Train a Dog

People keep dogs for various reasons.Some for company while others just for the pure happiness pets bring with their cuteness and loyalty. But whatever the reason be, one thing that we all want from our pets is to adapt to our environment and our social circle. If you aren't worrying about this at the very beginning of owning a dog then you are perhaps inviting a lifelong discomfort and social seclusion for your dog. But there is nothing to worry about, as dogs are the friendliest and most adaptive pet one can ask for and a little bit of training can make them the best friend you ever wished for. ( Labrador Training )

Here are a few important and helpful tips that will help you with how to train your dog:

Tip 1: It is very important that you understand the instincts, natural behaviour and ancestry of your dog. Today's domesticated dogs have descended from wolves and therefore many of wolves' instincts are present in your pet. For e.g. Barking at strangers is normal as the rule is to protect the pack against potential threat. Your isn't barking to annoy you, your dog is barking to alert you about the potential threat and to ward off what ever he/she thinks is dangerous for his pack.The idea is to direct their instincts into useful skill through training. Your role is to set achievable limits for him at the same time respecting his instincts. While some instincts are common across all breeds, some are specific to your dog's breed and it is important for you to be aware of these specific traits based on the breed of your dog to help you know them better. ( Doberman Training )

Tip 2: Dogs are very social, just like wolves, their ancestors. Therefore they love to live in a pack. Owing to this instinct, dogs like hierarchy in their pack (or family  they live with). Its very important for a dog to know its place in the family. Most importantly they need to know the "leader" of the pack (or family). To ascertain yourself as the pack leader, you must gently create that authority. This can be done by making your dog do certain tasks or basic actions such as like "sit" or "rollover" etc. on your command. Some dogs do not submit easily and are stubborn, but that can be because they have been let go easily after a bad behaviour in they past i.e. the pack leader hasn't been consistent enough. Therefore it is very important for a pack leader (in this case you) to maintain that consistency: Punish for a bad behaviour; praise for good.

Tip 3: Timing is of utmost importance while training a dog. You cannot explain to a dog what is a good or a bad behaviour. They do not easily understand this concept, unless off course you train them by rewarding or punishing them. But the important part is when you treat them or correct them. If you treat a dog for a good behaviour after 30 seconds of the incident, he wouldn't know why or if he is even being appreciated. You have to set a pattern for such things. Appreciate or disapprove for his behaviour but do it at that very instant.

Tip 4: Another most important aspect to training dogs is that you exhibit compassion and a lot of patience. Break your training in  to shorter sessions so that you and your dog doesn't get bored. A training session can be 10-15 mins long and you can have many of such sessions throughout the day. Don't lose your temper during these sessions and always end your trainings on a positive note. Appreciate him for his efforts by patting him or treating him. This is because your dog shouldn't get bored of these training sessions. He should look forward to these sessions and this will get him excited towards learning your commands.

Another most important aspect of training is that it should be repetitive and consistent. You will have to repeat your commands again and again to your dog; not at once but over a period of time. Also, the commands you set should be used the same way by all your family members to avoid getting your dog confused. You can also read more on the basics of dog training here

Tip 5: Mix a little! The trainings should be repetitive but no one said that they should be in the same pattern. Change your routine by making them do newer tasks or changing the sequence of the activities. This will get them to be more proactive and learn faster and respond to your commands at any given time, even in front of new company.

Tip 6: Socialisation and exposing dogs to external environment is of utmost importance to avoid them becoming a social recluse. Dogs should be repeatedly exposed to newer environment. Take them out on trips, to the market etc. This helps them get less anxious and equips them to perform their tasks or for that matter just remain calm in crowded or noisy environment.

Tip 7: Punishment is another important aspect of training your dog. Punishment doesn't mean any physical abuse, infact it is discouraged to use any kind of physical punishments with dogs. Best is to not give him any attention after a bad behaviour. Dogs crave for attention and ignoring them can re-instate your point that they have done something wrong. Another way is to hold Dog muzzle or move it gently in one direction and softly yet sternly tell them "No" or "Don't".

But most importantly NEVER end your training on a negative note. Remember, as explained earlier, your dog should come to love these sessions so that he is eager to do it again!

We hope these tips will help you train your dog to become a better companion and adapted better to human environment!