Are you planning on getting a dog and are wondering how to train a dog? Keep reading and learn about the 5 steps to dog training here.
Want your new dog well-trained? Wondering how to train a dog?
Whether you have a new puppy, rescue dog, or a dog from the shelter, training your dog is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Dog obedience training makes them behave in public and remain attentive around strangers. When you training your dog, you not only ensure your dog is safe but also your family’s comfort.
With dog training, you make your pet respond to simple one-word commands like "sit" and complex multi-step tricks like catching a Frisbee. Training your dog can be difficult. But here are 5 easy to follow steps that’ll make training your dog a breeze.
Illustrate Your Command
When you start dog training, you should make it clear what you’re asking them to do. Since dogs don’t understand human language, you need to illustrate to your dog what the command means.
For instance, if you want your dog to sit, give the order, and then gently push its bottom to the ground. You can also have a second person try to imitate the action when you give the order. It helps the dog catch on faster and learn the action.
As you illustrate the command, you should establish your position as a positive and firm leader. This way your dog is going to show you more respect and listen to what you tell them.
Show the Treat
You can use a treat to reinforce your dog’s behavior. Choose treats that the dog loves but can’t every day. It helps your dog get excited about training.
When you give the order, show your dog the treat. It’ll encourage them to complete the command. As hard as it may be, you should not give in to your pet’s puppy dog eyes and give it the treat before it’s done the command.
Make sure you give out the treats in a consistent manner. Try to stick to the same treats and vary them from other treats you use daily to feed your dogs.
Get Excited
Dogs respond well to exciting movements and noises, especially during training. Try incorporating hand motions and animated noises like clicks and whistles into your training sessions. They can help your dog learn faster.
When your dog understands and completes the command successfully, you can also show your furry friend that you’re happy. You can shower your pup with love by rubbing their head, praising them, or giving them hugs.
These positive reinforcements will understand the learning process, making them eager to complete new commands. Since dogs live in the moment, you need to praise and reassure them right away. It helps them understand your excitement and praise.
Repeat the Commands
Apart from positive reinforcement, you need to repeat your commands over and over. Your dog needs to hear your orders enough times to recognize them.
Repeating the command is also vital to let your pet know they will get a reward once they complete it. Even if your dog completes the command on the first try, you should repeat it to ensure its actions are consistent.
Gradually Decrease Attention
After the first 10 or 15 tries, you can slowly decrease your enthusiasm when your dog completes the command. You should still let your furry friend know that they are doing a good job.
But instead of an animated compliment, you can give a forceful “good dog”. You can also give your dog a treat. The decrease in excitement and attention shows your dog that completing a command is an expectation.
Essential Commands Your Dog Should Learn
Different dogs may take different time to learn different commands. Nonetheless, here are some easy commands for most dogs:
Sit
Teaching your dog to sit is one of the basic orders you can teach your furry friend. If you teach your dog how to sit, it’ll be easier to control them. What’s more, it prepares it for harder commands such as “Stay”. Hold the treat above your dog’s head and move it behind their head until they sit. Give them the treat when they complete the command.
Come
When you lose grip on your pet’s leash or by accident leave the front door open, you can use the “come” command to get hold of your dog. This command will help keep your dog safe and out of trouble. Put your dog on a leash and command them to come to you while you tug gently on their leash.
Stay
Just like the “Sit” command, the “Stay” signal can make it easy to control your dog. Before you teach your dog this command, ensure they’re experts at the “Sit” cue. It’ll make mastery easy. With your dog in the sit position, stand in front of him and show an open-palm hand as you command them to stay.
Heel
In case you work out with your pet or live in areas where there isn’t enough room on the sidewalk, you can teach your dog to heel. It helps your dog walk calmly beside you. The skill is much more important for large or strong dogs as it makes it easier to control them during walks.
With your dog at the left side of your knee and the leash in your hand, start walking as you give the "Heel" command.
Go Potty
When potty training dogs, you can use the “go potty” verbal request to ask them if they need to use the bathroom. It can help you train your pet to pee or poo at the same spot.
Take your dog in the yard when they want to go to the bathroom. As your dog squats and starts to go, you can give them the cue “go potty!”
Learn How to Train a Dog with Qualified Dog Training Classes
Like children, your dog has a short attention span and will get bored fast. This is why you should try and keep your dog training sessions 10 to 15 minutes long. It helps increase memorization and makes learning go faster. If your training lasts too long, your dog can be unfocused and antsy.
Don’t know how to train a dog? K-9 Culture has got you covered. Whether you want aggressive dog training or private dog training, we can help you teach your dog obedience. Book a consultation for dog training classes.
Helping Humans Have a Dog that is a JOY to Live With!
K-9 CULTURE DOG TRAINING
Serving the Dallas Metro Area
972-245-1587