How to train your dog from home
- Choose your most preferred dog
The first step to dog training is getting a dog that is still young. The dog should fit your preferences and needs. Choosing any other type of dog out of your preference will demoralize you during training. Young dogs are quick to respond and learn compared to mature dogs that have already learned a lot. In case you have a family, choose a dog that is friendly to the kids and other family members. Above all, always consider security options before buying a dog.
- Give your dog a name.
The introduction of a dog to training is ensuring the dog is aware of its name. The name is helpful to command attention during the training sessions. The name of your dog should be unique and should not be similar to any other name in the house. It would be best if you used the dog’s name when playing, petting, or exercising with the dog so that it gets used to the name. Whenever the dog responds to its name, reward it for excellent response. The cycle should be maintained until the dog is familiar with its name.
- Manage your expectations and moods
Not every day you spend training your dog will be rosy. You will always be disappointed by the response of your dog to instructions on certain days. On such occasions, you need to be calm and understand that dogs, like any other animal, require valuable time to comprehend certain instructions fully. Your moods will also influence the response of your dog to instructions. When your dog detects any bad mood or disappointment from you, it will shy away and lose trust in you. Just remember, a good dog trainer should always be jovial with the dog despite the disappointments due to the dog’s unresponsiveness.
- Schedule sufficient time for training your dog
Dogs tend to respond to stimuli. In case you did behavior management, it’s referred to as classical conditioning. Dogs have a good memory of time, and they tend to respond to various activities based on time. You should set a particular time of the day when you train your dog. The ability of your dog to respond to training at the required time is a sign of improvement. It would help if you also considered engaging your dog all the time, even when it’s not the time for training. Always watch your dog ensure they do not develop a bad habit.
- Understand your dog’s temperament
Like any other animal, dogs also have temperaments and should be considered during training. Understanding their temperaments will help you modify the training techniques effectively. Different dogs have different learning capabilities, whenever they do not respond to your style, shift to a new style.
- Offer rewards
Dogs are usually motivated to train whenever they get a reward for an appropriate response. Dogs learn fast compared to other animals, and the use of rewards and praises will ensure they stick to the desired behavior so that they get a reward. The reward can be in the form of a hug, cuddle, or a piece of meat. It would be best if you were careful about when you reward the dog. When you tell the dog to lie, and immediately you reward him/her, it starts jumping; the reward will be inappropriate since it will be encouraging the dog to jump.
- Be consistent
Dog training requires a high level of consistency. Without consistency, your dog will easily forget its training and what behavior you want for him or her. You should develop the goals of your dog training and ensure your dog is under training and monitoring at any time. Everyone in the family should use similar training commands so that the dog can be familiar with the command. The commands given to the dog should be in a similar language since dogs are not dynamic enough to learn multiple languages.
- Train your dog on an empty stomach
Do not feed your dog when the time for training is approaching. Your dog will focus more on the training on an empty stomach. Hunger will make him other agile and very cooperative during the training sessions.
- Discourage barking during training
Whenever your dog barks at the inappropriate time, ignore it’s barking until it stops. After that, you can reward or praise them. The reward or praise will communicate to the dog that you are aware of its existence. Dogs often bark to demand attention or express their frustrations. Responding appropriately will make the dog understand your love for him or her. Yelling to your dog to be silent will teach them to be rude or seek attention frequently.
- End your training with a praise
Always conclude your dog training with praise to your dog. You should appreciate the efforts of your dog even if it did not respond well to training. Ending the training with the praise will improve the bond and the love between you and the dog.
- Take your dog for a walk after training.
Taking your dog for a walk is necessary to help the dog exercise and for its mental development. Regular exercises will keep your dog in shape and happy. Ensure during the walk you follow the following instructions: First, you should take the dog on a walk with a leash. Secondly, do not pull the dog during such occasions. Ensure the dog walks beside you and is responding to you. Change directions regularly to ensure the dog is walking beside you. Finally, ensure the exercise is fun and accompanied by some commands used during training.