Congratulations on bringing home an adorable rescue dog or puppy! Today, our team of veterinarians located across various cities share some insightful tips and advice that can help you train your new dog. You and your furry friend can enjoy a wonderful life together by following these tips.
Best Advice For Dog & Puppy Training
Whether you hire a professional trainer, attend obedience classes, or train your new puppy or dog yourself, all dogs can benefit from basic training.
At TLC Animal Clinic, we encounter many dogs daily, and the best-trained ones respect their owner as the alpha. These dogs have been trained consistently, so they always know what to expect.
To lay a solid foundation, deciding whether or not to have your puppy spayed or neutered at the appropriate age is important. Dogs that have been neutered or spayed are usually less aggressive, calmer, and more receptive to training.
Establish Home Rules
When it comes to training your dog, consistency is key. Establishing clear guidelines for yourself and your household before bringing your new furry friend home is important. Decide what behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable.
For instance, do you want your dog to sleep in your bed or claim a spot on the couch? Are there certain areas of the house that are off-limits? Setting these expectations early on will help avoid confusion and uncertainty later on.
Teach Your Dog To Come on Command
One of the first basic commands your dog must master is "Come!" Always use your pup's name when commanding them to come and follow up with positive reinforcement.
As your dog develops, try the command in other situations, such as when their attention is elsewhere, and get them used to responding.
Be Quick Rewarding Good Behavior With Praise & Treats
Regarding dog training, regardless of your dog's size, one of the fundamental principles is to use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior. This can be done through a pat on the head, a belly rub, scratching their favorite spot, giving them a treat, or playing with their favorite toy. Your furry friend loves to please you, so make sure to use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
Make Your Home Puppy-Proof
(If you have kids) do you remember child-proofing your home to keep your children safe, reduce the risk of danger, and prevent your valuables from getting destroyed? Do the same for your pup. Give your puppy a safe place to hide when they aren't being directly supervised, such as a crate or pen, with safe toys that are exclusively theirs.
Don't Put Off Teachable Moments
It is important to reward good behavior in dogs and also recognize teaching moments as they occur. Dogs live in the moment and need a lot of repetition to learn. If you want to enforce a rule or lesson, you must do it immediately after your dog acts.
Dogs tend to forget what they have done a few minutes later, so they won't be able to associate their actions with your corrections or training techniques unless you do it right away. Consistent repetition is critical to achieving results.
Remember: Dogs Do What Helps Them Feel Happy or Safe
It is common for dog owners to assume that their furry companions have human-like emotions. However, it is essential to remember that dogs are not human and do not have malicious intentions to hurt or bother us.
They act based on what they feel at the moment, which can be either positive or negative. Understanding and respecting our dogs as animals with unique behavior patterns and instincts is important.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.