One of the most important facets of being a dog owner is properly training your pup. From walking etiquette to social interactions, a well-trained dog is safer, happier, and healthier than dogs that behave badly. Whether you are training a puppy or an older rescue dog, Union Lake Pet Services has 4 dog training essentials to help you ensure that your dog is always on his best behavior:
1) Work with Your Pet’s Personality
One of the biggest mistakes we see dog owners make when it comes to training is trying to use a blanket method that is supposed to work for every personality. Before you start working on training your pup, you have to get to know your dog. Spend some time together to learn about your pup’s personality. Does your dog respond well to praise? Is your dog very independent and likes to feel like he or she is in control? These personality traits are essential to discovering the best ways to successfully train your dog.
2) Be Consistent
Dogs learn best when they repetitively see what you want them to do. No matter what kind of personality your dog has, it is important to be consistent with your training methods. This means you have to use the same verbal cues or praise words every time you want your dog to do something specific. If you decide that “sit,” is what you want to say to get your dog to sit, you should always say that phrase. Some pet owners prefer to use a phrase like “leave it,” when they want their dog to drop something, while others say “drop it.” Be consistent with your training schedule and your commands to make it as simple as possible for your dog to learn what you want him to do.
3) Keep It Positive
Dogs respond well when they think they are pleasing you. Because of this, it is important to keep your training sessions positive. Offer praise and treats for a job well done. Avoid yelling or getting annoyed if your dog is not picking up the commands you are trying to teach. If your dog associates training with a fun, positive experience, he or she will be more likely to perform well. Negative connotations can cause unnecessary anxiety, which could make it harder for your dog to learn.
4) Don’t Overdo It
Dogs do not have the same kind of energy or attention span that humans do when it comes to learning. To avoid overstimulating them, it is important to be able to gauge when they are getting tired. Try to keep your training sessions under 20 minutes to ensure that your dog stays focused and ready to learn. Carving out a brief training session each day is the most effective way to train your dog the way you want to.
Ask the Professionals
If you are struggling with your training sessions, feel free to turn to the professionals for some help. They understand the intricacies involved in dog training and are well versed in dog training essentials. We can make sure to create the best environment in which your pup can learn.
Turn to Union Lake Pet Services for all your dog training needs. We love working with your pets and want to help them become the best versions of themselves. To learn more or to schedule a training session, please call (248) 363-6262.