Dog Training: Everything To Know About Obedience & Behavioural Training
Dog training can be a lot of work, but it’s worth it in the end. Not only does training make your dog a better-behaved member of the family, but it can also help to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Training gives you a common goal to work towards and provides an opportunity for you to spend quality time with your dog. Though training can be a rewarding experience, it takes time, patience, and practice!
Before you start training you’ll want to decide what kind of dog training you’re interested in. There are many different types of dog training, but the most common are obedience training and behavioural training. The type of training you want for your dog will be individual to your needs and your dog’s needs. For example, obedience training is basic training that teaches dogs how to sit, stay and come, whereas behavioural training is more advanced and helps dogs with problems and behaviours, such as aggression or barking. There are also special types of dog training such as agility and K9 training that can be fun for both you and your dog and provide services to others.
There is no one “best” way to train a dog – different techniques work better for different dogs. However, the research shows that positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train a dog. This means rewarding your dog for good behaviour with treats or praise and ignoring bad behaviour.
No matter what type of dog training you choose, make sure you are consistent with your commands and rewards. Dogs learn best when they are given clear and consistent instructions. Be patient and keep training sessions short so your dog doesn’t get bored or frustrated. Remember to have fun and give lots of treats!
Tips for training your dog
- Choose a type of training that’s right for you and your dog. There are many different types of dog training, so find one that fits your needs and your dog’s personality.
- Be consistent with your commands and rewards. Dogs learn best when they are given clear and consistent instructions.
- Be patient and keep training sessions short. Dogs can get bored or frustrated easily, so it’s important to keep training sessions short and sweet.
- Make sure you have fun! Training should be a positive experience for both you and your dog. Be sure to give lots of treats and praise during training sessions.
- Start your dog at a young age. It’s easier to train a dog when they’re young, but it’s never too late to start training your dog. Older dogs can learn new tricks too!
- Give your dog lots of exercise. A tired dog is a good dog! Be sure to give your dog plenty of exercises to help them stay calm and well-behaved.
At home training
Training a dog at home can be very helpful for a number of reasons. First, it allows you to train your dog in an environment where you are in complete control. This can be helpful for dogs who have problems with behaviour. Second, training at home is cheaper than hiring a professional trainer. And lastly, training at home allows you to spend quality time with your dog and build a stronger bond.
Dogs learn best when they are given clear and consistent instructions. Keep training sessions short and patient, so your puppy doesn’t get bored or irritated. If your dog is having trouble with a particular command, don’t get frustrated, take a break and come back to it later. Frustration on the part of the trainer will only make it more difficult for the dog to learn.
Training should be fun for both you and your dog. Be sure to use lots of praise and rewards when your dog does something right. Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement.
Training your dog at home can be a lot of work but it can also be an experience for you and your dog!
Using a dog trainer
If you’re looking for a professional dog trainer, it’s important to find someone who is certified and has experience working with dogs. The Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers (CAPPDT) is the national certifying organization for dog trainers in Canada. To become certified by CAPPDT, trainers must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of dog training.
If you’re choosing a dog trainer, it’s also important to observe a few classes to make sure the trainer is using humane, effective methods. You should also make sure they are a good fit for you and your dog – choose someone whose personality and teaching style you like so that understanding and following their instructions is easy.
Training your dog with a professional trainer can be expensive, but it’s also an investment in your dog’s future. A professional trainer can help you resolve behavioural issues and give you the tools you need to continue training your dog long after the lessons are over. Make sure you are prepared to budget for the cost of training. Training sessions typically last 30-60 minutes and most trainers offer private or group classes.
Here are some pros and cons of group training vs private training:
Private
Pros
- You and your dog will get one-on-one attention from the trainer
- The trainer can tailor the training to your dog’s specific needs
- You can choose the location, time and frequency of training sessions
Cons
- It can be more expensive than group classes
- There won’t be other dogs or dog owners to socialize with
Group
Pros
- Your dog will learn to socialize with other dogs
- You can take advantage of the trainer’s knowledge and experience working with a variety of dogs
- It can be less expensive than private training
Cons
- Training sessions may not be tailored to your dog’s specific needs
- You may not be able to choose the time and location of the training sessions
If you’re looking for a professional dog trainer, the best place to start is by doing a Google search for “dog trainers near you”. You can also check with your local veterinarian or pet store to see if they know of any reputable trainers in your area.
Dog trainers can be a great asset when it comes to training your dog!
Different Kinds of Dog Training
Dog obedience training
Obedience training is the most common type of dog training and is best for dogs who are not aggressive or fearful. Obedience training is standard for all young dogs to learn as they enter adulthood. The goal of obedience training is to teach dogs basic commands such as no, sit, stay, and come. This type of training can be done with or without a trainer and can be done at home or in a class.
A benefit to obedience training is that it can help to improve the behaviour of dogs as they get older. It also helps them to learn basic commands that can be used in everyday life. Obedience training is a great way to bond with your dog and to give them some structure and discipline.
The following are some basic commands that you can teach your dog with obedience training:
No: This command is used to stop your dog from doing something that they are not supposed to do. For example, if your dog is jumping on the couch, you would say “no” to stop them from doing it.
Sit: The dog should sit when you tell them to, and remain sitting until you release them. This can help settle your dog if they are jumping or excited.
Stay: The dog should stay in the position you have told them to, whether that is sitting, lying down, or standing. This command can be useful when you need your dog to remain still for a period of time, such as when you are putting their leash on or you’re not wanting them to leave the yard.
Come: The dog should come to you when you call them. This can be useful when you’re trying to get them to come inside from the yard or return to you when you are walking off the leash.
Obedience training is a great way to bond with your dog and teach them basic manners. It’s critical to be consistent and patient while teaching your dog these commands. If you’re not sure where to start, there are most likely obedience training classes available to you in your area.
Dog behaviour training
Behaviour training is a type of dog training that helps dogs with problems and behaviours, such as aggression or barking. Behavioural training is more advanced than obedience training and can be done with or without a trainer. The goal of behavioural training is to help dogs learn how to behave correctly in public and around other people and animals.
It’s important to teach your dog basic behaviour training as a puppy. Basic behaviour training could be correcting natural puppy habits such as barking, chewing, digging, jumping, or running away.
If you’re worried that your dog has not been receptive to obedience training and has developed bad behaviours as an adult dog, there are a few signs to look out for that might indicate they need behavioural training.
Examples of dogs who might need behaviour training:
- Dogs who are aggressive
- Dogs who are overly fearful and snap at people or other pets
- Dogs who are anxious that pace or pant excessively
- Dogs that are not friendly with other dogs
- Dogs that urinate or defecate in the house
- Dogs that bark excessively
- Dogs that chew on furniture or other objects
Rescue dogs are more at risk of needing behaviour training because of their previous experiences. Dogs that have been abused or neglected are more likely to not understand how to act around other people and pets and might require behaviour training to help them learn. That doesn’t mean they’re a Bad Dog! They might just need a little more direction than a dog who learned right from wrong at a young age.
Some behaviours are more extreme than others and can be upsetting for a dog owner. Aggression and separation anxiety are examples of behaviour that might require a more extreme approach to behaviour training.
Aggression
Aggression in dogs can be dangerous, and it’s important to understand what may cause a dog to become aggressive. There are a few common reasons why dogs might become aggressive, such as fear, pain, or frustration. If your dog is displaying signs of aggression, it’s important to get help from a professional dog trainer or behaviourist.
Separation anxiety
This is a condition that affects many dogs and can cause them to bark, whine, urinate or defecate in inappropriate places, or even cause them to harm themselves when their owners leave them alone. If your dog has separation anxiety, you may need to seek professional help from a behaviourist or trainer. There are some things you can do at home to help your dog, such as leaving him with a favourite toy or piece of clothing that smells like you. With patience and consistency, you can help your dog overcome his anxiety.
It’s important to correct this behaviour because it can be harmful to both your dog and the people or animals around them. If you’re not sure how to correct this behaviour, there may be behaviour training classes available in your area or online.
Dog agility training
The objective of agility training is for your dog to complete an obstacle course as quickly and efficiently as possible. There are many different obstacles that can be used in agility training including jumps, tunnels, A-frames, and weave poles.
Dog agility training is a fun way to bond with your dog and keep them active. It’s also a great way to improve their coordination and athleticism. Agility training can help dogs become more confident and can be a fun way to challenge them mentally.
Dog agility training can be a lot, but it does require a lot of time and patience. The average beginner can expect to spend at least an hour a day practicing agility obstacles. As your dog becomes more skilled, you can gradually increase the difficulty of the obstacles and the length of the course.
You can also compete in agility competitions with your dog. There are many different levels of competition, and most competitions are divided into novice, intermediate, and advanced levels. You and your dog can work your way up the levels as you become more skilled. However, you don’t have to compete, you can use agility as a way to bond with your dog and have fun!
Service dog training
Service dog training is a special type of training that is designed to help dogs perform specific tasks for their owners. Service dogs can be trained to help people with disabilities, such as blindness or deafness, or to help them with everyday tasks, such as picking up objects or opening doors.
Service dogs can provide a variety of important services to people with disabilities, including providing assistance in emergencies. They can be incredibly helpful and provide a sense of independence and freedom that some people might not otherwise have. Training your dog as a service dog can be a great way to give back to the community and when he’s off duty he can enjoy a happy and loving home life just like any other pet.
If you are interested in training your dog to be a service dog, the best place to start is by contacting a professional trainer. There are many different organizations that offer service dog training, and they can help you decide if this is the right path for you and your dog.
K9 dog training
K9 dogs are used by law enforcement agencies to help track down criminals or lost persons. They are specially trained to perform various tasks, such as tracking, apprehending suspects, and finding hidden objects. K9 dogs can be a valuable asset to law enforcement officials and can help them protect the public.
However, K9 training is most likely not an option for your dog. K9 dogs are typically part of the police force and their handlers will most likely be members of the force as well.
Dogs with disabilities
If you have a dog with a disability, there are different types of training that might be available to you. Some common types of training for dogs with disabilities include:
- Training for dogs with blindness or deafness
- Training for dogs with mobility issues
- Training for dogs with medical conditions
- Training for dogs with behaviour issues
If you are interested in training your dog for any of these special needs, the best place to start is by contacting a professional trainer. They will be able to set up a plan for training that best suits your dog’s needs.
Useful equipment for dog training
Collar
A dog training collar is a type of collar that is designed to help you train your dog. It typically has a strap that goes around the dog’s neck and a buckle that fastens the strap. The collar has a number of different settings, which allow you to control the amount of pressure that is applied to the dog’s neck.
Clicker
Some people use a clicker to train their dogs. This is a tool that makes a clicking sound, and you can use it to prompt your dog’s attention.
Barriers
If you’re training your dog to stay in a certain area, such as a yard, you might need to use barriers. Barriers can include fences, gates, or even just lines of tape on the ground.
Toys
You might need to use toys to help keep your dog’s attention during training. For example, if you’re teaching your dog to sit, you might need to use a toy to get them to look up at you.
Rewards
Rewards are an important part of training your dog. When your dog does something good, you can give them a treat, pet them, or even just say “good job.” This will help them understand that they are doing something right and will encourage them to keep up the good work.
Virtual dog training
Virtual dog training is a type of training that allows you to train your dog from the comfort of your own home. It uses a computer program that simulates real-world situations and will provide you with tips and exercises without having to leave the house. It’s a great way to train your dog if you’re not able to take him to a real-world training class.
A dog is a great companion to have, but it’s important to remember that they require training in order to be the best possible pet. There are many different types of dog training and each one has its own benefits. When you consider all your options before training, you’ll be able to decide the best path for you and your dog, and be able to develop a stronger connection between you and your furry friend for life!