Teaching your dog becomes a process that involves a lot more than just making them sit on command. Even though "sit" is the first lesson for many trainers, it's merely a first step towards having a well-mannered, self-assured, and content dog. The very basic dog training consists of teaching the dog crucial skills such as their safety, communication with humans, being social, and providing them with plenty of mental stimulation. These skills will make the dog's adjustment to the human way of life much easier and strengthen the relationship with their owner.
Here are the most crucial training types that every dog should learn, other than "sit".
Why Basic Dog Training Is More Than Commands Only?
Dogs are pack animals, and they need society to give them the guidelines and rules to follow. The proper training:
Makes the dog safer not only to himself but also to others
Eliminates the dog's and the owner's stress and anxiety
Stops bad behavior before it gets too serious
Increases the love between the dog and its owner
Day-to-day life becomes less of a hassle for both pet and human
Each Dog Should be Trained in Some Basic Commands
- Recall Training (Coming When Called)
This is one of the most important safety commands.
The reason it is important:
Prevents dogs from getting lost or running into dangerous situations
Allows for control of the situation in public places
Important tips:
Always use the same command, for example, “come.”
Give rewards like treats or praise generously
Begin in quiet areas with no distractions
- Leash Training (Loose-Leash Walking)
Leash pulling is a very common problem that sometimes makes walking the dog quite difficult.
Walking with the dog becomes a nice experience, plus control
Such situations cannot lead to injuries for either the dog or the owner
The main aspect of training:
Teach the dog that it is proper to walk next to you without any sign of excitement
As soon as pulling starts, stop moving
Only reward the dog when walking calmly
- Socialization Training
Socialization is the act of making dogs feel calm around strangers, other animals, and places.
What makes it necessary?
Playing with other dogs
Getting used to different sounds and places
Being in contact with people of diverse ages
- Stay and Impulse Control Training
Impulse control is a command that makes a dog wait and restrain itself.
Why is it significant?
It's the trainer who prevents the dog from jumping, pulling, or running.
And it helps dog obedience in everyday real-life situations.
Situations in which impulse control is applied:
The dog has to wait before eating
The dog has to stay in a position until it gets a release
The dog has to walk slowly through the door and not hurry
- Leave It and Drop It Commands
These commands are of utmost importance for the safety of the household and maintaining peace among the family members.
Benefits:
Prevention of dogs from consuming harmful substances
Taking care of possessions through non-chewing
Training tips:
Using low-value items as the starting point
Giving a reward every time the dog listens
Do not run after the dog for the items
- House Training (Potty Training)
Every dog has to be shown very clearly where they can and cannot relieve themselves.
Importance:
Hygiene is maintained
Routine and predictability are established
The main practices:
Take the dogs out at the same time every day
Give a reward right after the success
Don’t punish for the mistakes
- Handling and Grooming Training
Dogs should be trained to accept being touched and manipulated without any resistance.
This training covers:
Handling the paws, ears, and mouth
Grooming and bathing
Vet and grooming appointments
Benefits:
Less stress during medical care
No more fear-based aggression
- Calm Behavior Training
It is common to overlook the process of teaching a dog relaxation.
Its advantages:
No more excessive barking
Hyperactivity is decreased
Emotional stability is thereby fostered
Techniques are:
“Place” or “settle” training
Calm behavior rewards
Mental facilitation
Why ¨consistent and positive reinforcement are important¨
Training effectiveness demands:
Good communication
Constant rules
The positive reinforcement involves treating the show by treating, playing with it, and talking with it.
The use of severe punishment will ruin trust and drive fear-based behaviour, while reward-based training will create confidence and cooperation instead.
Conclusion: Building a Good and Happy Dog
The training of a dog is not a matter of total domination but rather that of a proper communication exchange, safety measures, and mutual respect.Besides all that, dogs must be taught not only the command 'sit' but also the recall command, proper leash behaviour, socializing, impulse control, and tranquility. A well-trained dog that is able to boldly confront the world and live in harmony with other family members will be the end product of these necessary training foundations.
Are you looking to train, socialize, and keep your dog in a happy mood? Then, Petfolio is the place where you can get training tips, pet care guides, and practical advice that are all of expert backing. You can read our most recent posts, unearth reliable knowledge, and above all, provide your pet with the care and love that they rightly deserve.
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