| The first question a dog owner
will ask is how soon the dog training can be started. We suggest
that dog training should begin as soon as you bring the pup
home. It is best to bring a 7-8 week old pup home as when
at this age they are more willing to learn and are all set
to work hard at pleasing you. Dogs form habits irrespective
of whether they are trained or not and if they are not trained
they will usually form bad habits. It is therefore best to
train them early and thus ensure they form good habits.
The most basic training a dog should get are dog obedience
training, housebreaking and dog behavior training which will
prevent your dog from being a nuisance to yourself and others
while also making him an amiable buddy. You don’t need
too much in terms of dog training equipment- all you need
is patience. Basic dog training will include getting your
dog used to a dog collar or a dog leash, getting your dog
to use his ‘toilet’, getting your dog to stop
chewing anything except his own chews, getting your dog to
stop barking unnecessarily, etc. You can then move to dog
obedience training where you can teach your dog to obey simple
prompts like ‘come’, ‘sit’ ‘stand’,
etc. You can then move on to dog action training where you
will get your dog to perform certain activities like retrieving,
hunting, herding, etc. Remember that some breeds have an inborn
tendency to perform a particular activity so if you have a
specific requirement it is best to choose a breed that suits
your requirement. With a little training, this inborn tendency
can be tapped into. You may want your dog to participate in
events or you may want your dog to learn to play a few games,
all you need to do is to train them to perform that activity.
It will be easier for you and your pup if you get two things
out of the way before you begin a full- fledged training.
They are given below:
1. Getting your pup used to a collar: Choose a good buckle
collar for your pup, these are the safest and most comfortable
for your dog. Later you may switch to halter collars or choke
collars depending on the breed of your dog and its natural
physical strength. Initially, you will your pup resisting
the new addition around his neck by scratching at his neck
or by trying to bite it off or you may even here your poor
dog whimpering. Do not worry though, as it will take your
pup a little time to get used to the collar. You can begin
by putting the collar every few hours for small intervals.
Slowly increase the time and finally leave the collar on.
2. Getting your pup used to a leash: Within a few days of
getting your dog used to wearing a collar, attach a leash
to his collar and let him loose in the house or fenced backyard.
Keep an eye on him to ensure that he doesn’t chew the
leash. In a couple of days, hold the leash and walk your dog.
If you speak to him in a pleasant manner, he will accept the
leash more readily. After some time, tie your dog to a stationary
object so that he gets used to the idea of being restrained
with it.
Remember that the key to success in any dog training be
it dog obedience training or dog agility training, is,
- Quality time with your dog
- Consistency in methods and commands
- Patience at the highest level
- Praise at the right time and relative to the task accomplished
Do this in the first two lessons and you will automatically
ensure that these rules are applied to all dog training lessons.
Once you have got your dog to wear a collar and leash you
can start continue your dog training including dog obedience
training, dog agility training, dog crate training and dog
training equipment will depend on what you choose to train
your dog in. Training your dog is not difficult and dog training
supplies are today easily available including dog training
collars if necessary. You will find dog training fulfilling
with every success.
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