If you’re thinking of getting a puppy or a grown dog, then one of the first things you need to consider is their training. A lot of new dog owners become demotivated because their new canine friend doesn’t seem to respond to basic commands that other dog owners use on a regular basis. This is completely normal if you haven’t actually trained your dog. Most dog owners neglect the importance of training their pet, which ultimately leads to dissatisfaction and occasionally neglect for their dog.
If you plan to get a new pet such as a dog, then pay close attention to their training. If you want an obedient dog that follows your commands and lives a happy life, then here are a couple of training tips that you can utilise from the moment you bring your new companion home.
Dogs like to know what’s expected of them
Dogs are actually very obedient animals that are happy when they know what their owners expect of them. For instance, if you behave in a predictable manner whenever your dog does something good, then they’ll connect what they did with a positive response from you, meaning they did something good. It’s important to stay consistent with this. When you act negatively to something they previously did that garnered a positive response, then they’ll be confused and it will be hard to train your dog with that miscommunication. It’s for this reason that if your dog does something bad that you don’t agree with, they need to be scolded and you need to be firm with your training.
Training equipment for your dog
Training your dog can be tricky, but luckily there are lots of tools and aids that you can utilise to make it easier. For instance, a muzzle can help tame a dog that’s dangerous or barks a lot when taken out for a walk. It’s important that you train your dog to wear a muzzle from a young age or early on. Make sure that you don’t rush the training because your dog could feel like they are being punished or they will act confused. If possible, speak in a soft tone to your dog and praise them when they’re successful.
Another form of training is using a training collar. There are many guides on how to choose a perfect training collar for your dog on the internet, so be sure to do ample amounts of research. These typically work by giving your dog a shock on your command. This gives them a mildly uncomfortable sensation rather than something painful, which is often used when they do something negative. There are, of course, some risks in using these tools. Depending on which country you’re from, the use of a dog training collar might be restricted and if misused or abused, could cause distress in your dog.
Training for your dog’s own safety
Training your dog is important not only for the safety of you and your family but also the safety of your dog. In addition to the health benefits of training your dog and being able to control them in a dangerous situation, dog training also helps to maintain your canine’s mental health. This ultimately leads to a positive and comfortable life for both the dog and their owner.