If you're taking on the commitment of having a dog join your family, you'll want to be prepared for all the ups and downs that come with the training process. It can be overwhelming for some, but if you go into this armed with the right information and resources than you'll be able to establish good behaviors with your dog early on. Here are 5 dog training tips for you and your pooch!
1.Stay Committed
Everyone who has ever had a puppy knows that training them can be a long and difficult process. From nipping and food-stealing to the dreaded potty training, it can be a monumental task to take on. However, it's crucial that you stay committed. It's important to train your puppy while they're young to establish proper behaviors for the future.
2. Don't Reward Bad Behavior
As tempting as it can be to give your dog treats all the time, it's important to be sure that you're not rewarding bad behavior. The most notable example of this is feeding your dogs when they beg at the table, but giving them treats after excessive barking or digging in the trash isn't particularly helpful either. Rewarding your dog for bad behavior keeps them from understanding what they should or shouldn't be doing. We can't expect them to understand what's right if we're incentivizing them to do wrong!
3. Let Your Dog Socialize
Socializing with other people and dogs can go a long way for your dog psychologically. Studies have shown that socializing your dog prevents anxiety, loneliness and depression. Dogs are naturally incredibly social creatures, so you want to be sure that you're accommodating that need. As for HOW to socialize your pet, dog parks and obedience classes are great places for your dog to interact with other dogs in a place where you can keep your eye on them.
4. Be Observant for Aggression and Anxiety
While it's not unusual for dogs to struggle with aggression or anxiety, not enough people consider seeking help for their pets. Just because something occurs frequently doesn't mean that it's normal or pleasant for the animal experiencing it.
Be on the lookout for different ways aggression and anxiety can be expressed in dogs. The three primarily recognized forms of aggression are dominance-based aggression, dominance possessive-based aggression, and fearful aggression. Anxiety is most frequently expressed as car anxiety, crate anxiety, low self-esteem, and separation anxiety. A qualified dog trainer can help you and your pet navigate these potentially complicated issues, but it's up to you to spot the symptoms.
5. Find Dog Training Classes
Dog training classes are a fantastic resource for owners and their beloved pets. You can find trainers that specialize in everything from puppy potty training to helping dogs struggling with trauma. While taking care of a pet is a massive responsibility, you don't have to take it on alone. No pet owner has all the answers to raising a pet, but a qualified dog trainer can help fill in those gaps.
Get High-Quality Dog Training Today
Do you think dog training classes would be beneficial for you and your dog? If so, Russell's K9 Academy has reliable, empathetic, and innovative programs for you. You can book online with us today, or reach out to us directly through our email at russellsk9academy@yahoo.com, or by phone at (386) 265-350.
We'd be happy to answer any questions you may have about our services and how they can be customized for your pet. We hope to hear from you soon.
Stay updated on our news and events! Sign up to receive our newsletter.
