Dog training can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people. It can range from employing the most basic training methods to the more complicated or advanced training methods that a professional dog trainer would employ. There are methods which are more ideal to a specific breed of dog. Obviously training used to teach a Labrador retriever would not be appropriate for a small house dog. However basic obedience training would benefit any dog, Dogs: Man’s Best Friend Or Unreasonably Dangerous Product?
Basic obedience dog training includes teaching your dog the simple language commands. Obedience training is critical to keeping your dog safe and under control. In addition basic obedience training requires the socialization of the dog. Socialization will allow the dog to properly interact with people and other animals. You must train your dog to respond to the basic commands such as come, site, down, off, quiet, no, whoa and stay. This is best done using command, action and praise or clicker training.
Many people are unable to effectively train their dogs. As a result they seek the expertise of a qualified dog trainer. This can be expensive but in the long run may be the most cost effective method. In addition most trainers spend most of the time training the dogs owner to be a proper handler. Many dog trainers will confide that is frequently easier to train a dog than it is the dogs owner.
If you still want to do your own training you can purchase one of the many very good dog training course that are on CD or DVD. Even if you do use the services of a dog trainer having a dog training DVD on hand is a good idea. Dogs sometimes develop bad manners or habits overtime and the training course will give you the tools necessary to correct the problem. In addition you should continue to train your dog through its entire life. This reinforcement training is very important. Using a the training course to review proper training techniques is a good ideal.
If there is one key ingredient to successful dog training beyond the basic love of the dog it is patience and persistence. Keep training sessions to less than 30 minutes each day followed by a play session. This will ensure that your dog will be eager to respond to training. If your do does not respond to training on any given day then spend time playing with the dog and try again either later or the next day. Just like people dogs will occasionally have off days where they are unable to properly respond to training.
During training, consistency is highly important. Try to train your dog at the same time each day so that his bodily rhythm will easily get attuned to the impending exercises. In this manner, the dog will be more focused and ready for the activities. Most trainers feed their dogs prior to training to assure the dog has the energy and focus to respond to the training session.
Not properly training a dog can be a death sentence. Many animals that end up in dog shelters and ultimately put down have behavioral problems that could be cured with proper training. The owners just did not invest in the time and energy necessary to properly train their dog. In the end it is always the dog who suffers.