Teaching Dogs Good Behavior
There are many reasons that people have dogs. Some are companions and family pets while others are hunting partners and professional working dogs. Whatever the reason may be, most will agree that an ill-behaved dog can be a nuisance. To prevent frustrations and stress, it is most useful to train the dog, or to have it trained by a professional dog trainer or behaviorist that specializes in dog obedience.
These people have the expertise of working with many types of dogs, they understand patterns, they know breeds and personalities and they know how to work with nervous, sensitive dogs as well as boisterous, outgoing dogs. Good trainers have seen it all and they know how to make sure the dog benefits from the specialized training they deserve.
These professionals provide training based on researched methods and use tools that are known for their success. Some may use basic teaching methods, others very advanced techniques that can include, modern technology such as GPS-enabled devices that track the dog’s movements.
Training reinforces positive behavior to ensure the dog continues behaving well. Trainers understand dogs and make use of tools and materials that will best support the training they provide. Therefore, the methods they utilize have been developed to increase results for the specific dog, its breed, temperament, size and its purpose.
Another option is for the owner to provide the dog training, which is not really recommended for working dogs as they are trained according to specific methodology. House pets are easier to train, most of the following tips can be quite useful to makes sure the dog is obedient and responds positively to training.
1. Positive reinforcement is a great way to ensure the dog will exhibit good behavior every time: reward their good behavior with a small treat. It reinforces good behavior and teaches the dog that the owner is pleased with their behavior. If the dog behaves in an unacceptable manner, delay the treat, remove a toy, or show with body language, always being mindful not to create emotional distance between the owner and the dog.
2. Let the dog understand they are the animal and are subservient in the home or environment, and that the only time they are allowed to take on the role of the leader is when danger threatens the safety and harmony in their environment. This is achieved by studying and understanding the dog’s body language and responding accordingly: the human should show confidence and authority and eat first (before the dog), walk first into a room, and leave it first too, also when the dog is on a leash - the human should lead. This type of training is often referred to as dominance training and was popularized by dog expert Cesar Milan.
3. Forge a strong bond with the dog as deemed by the relationship based training method. The relationship between dog and owner is important and is created by the owner that reads the dog’s body language correctly and understands what motivates the dog’s behavior and when positive reinforcement is applicable. The owner shows plenty of patience even when the dog’s behavior is not acceptable. This method takes time for the desired outcome, since it asks for lots of patience from the owner. In the end this approach may lead to a deep, lasting understanding bond between dog and owner and will build their relationship on mutual trust, love and respect.
The above are mere tips, and every owner may know what works best for them and their dog. What is important though, is to accept that training of some kind is essential.
Astute trainers with proper training tools are the key to unleashing your dog’s potential. For over 30 years, Dogtra has collaborated with industry professionals to create class-leading tools for e-collar training, GPS tracking, and ball training to support dog owners in developing top-notch dogs. Trusted by professional dog trainers, K-9 officers, and hunters, Dogtra enhances your training journey with durable training products, equipped with patented accurate and intuitive control, to ensure the best experience. Join us, and together we can make every dog exceptional. For more information visit Dogtra.com.
