Training your dog is a fundamental aspect of ownership that ensures a harmonious relationship between you and your furry friend. Good training helps prevent behavioral problems and makes daily activities enjoyable for both of you. Explore the key factors you should know before starting dog training.
Start When Your Dog’s Young
Puppies are like sponges, absorbing new information rapidly. Training them while they are young helps instill good habits that will last a lifetime. Early training also ensures that undesirable behaviors are nipped in the bud before they become ingrained.
While you can technically teach an old dog new tricks, it becomes harder for canines to unlearn behaviors as they age. Just like people, these can become habits that your furry friend is used to doing. For instance, if you have a senior dog that’s spent their life jumping on people to say “hello,” they may not understand why one day, you suddenly tell them not to jump.
Pro Tip
Generally, puppies are more eager to please than older dogs, which can further ease training. Since older dogs already have established behaviors, it can be harder for them to unlearn things, especially if you have a stubborn pooch.
Choose the Right Trainer
Another crucial thing you should know before starting dog training is that having the right trainer is essential, as they’ll provide invaluable guidance and support. Look for a trainer with several years of experience, positive reviews, and a philosophy that aligns with your values.
Choose between solo or group training, or consider sending your pup to training camp. In a training camp, your furry friend will stay on the campus for a set amount of time, such as a one-month stay, and get individualized time with a trainer. Canine camps also offer “go-home” lessons so the owner can practice these good behaviors once schooling ends.
Pro Tip
An effective trainer uses positive reinforcement techniques to reward good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior.
Consistency is Key
When training your dog, use consistent commands, rewards, and timing to help them understand expectations and reinforce desired behaviors. Establish a regular training schedule and stick to it. Short, frequent training sessions are more effective than long, sporadic ones. Likewise, all family members should be on the same page regarding commands and training methods to prevent confusing the dog.
Consistency also applies to your reactions and rewards. If you tell your dog to sit and they do so, ensure you reward them every time. However, if they refuse to obey, do not reward their behaviors. Continuously giving your dog the same response ensures you don’t give mixed signals which can confuse and frustrate your furry friend.
Schedule Your Training Service
At Bobbi Colorado’s Canine Camp, we believe that every dog is different. We offer various options for dog obedience training in Austin, TX to meet the needs of all our students and their owners. We love all dogs and take pride in helping owners understand their furry friends better. Achieve great results with our positive reinforcement techniques and expert trainers.
