Every dog owner is keen to raise a dog that is happy, healthy and well behaved. In order to achieve this it is necessary to complete some type of dog obedience training with your four legged friend. There are many different training methods out there and some are more effective than others. The key to success lies in simply finding the type of training which will best suit your needs – and of course your dog’s need as well! You may choose to carry out your own training program at home, or you might feel more comfortable turning to a professional dog trainer for support. Whichever method you choose, there are some fairly universal tips that can be applied in most cases.
The Responsibility of Owning a Dog
One of the most widely overlooked aspects of dog training is often the responsibility of being a dog owner. It is not enough to simply train your dog – you also need to embrace the responsibility that comes along with being a dog owner. It is up to you to raise a respectable canine citizen by working with your dog’s natural instincts and motivators. If you have a great relationship with your dog which is grounded in trust and co-operation then you will find obedience training much easier to manage. This is where many dog owners struggle when attempting to train their dog alone at home.
If you do feel that you would benefit from the support of a reliable dog obedience trainer, then I would highly recommend you contact MNDogTraining.com to discuss your requirements.
What Sort of Dogs Need Obedience Training?
It is common for many dog owners to state that they do not need obedience training because they have a ‘good dog’. That may well be the case, but every dog owner needs to consider dog obedience training whether they feel their dog needs it or not. It could very well be the case that your dog is well behaved around you, but they may have some undesirable traits that you are not noticing. For example, if your dog is overly excited on your return home then he could be exhibiting signs of separation anxiety. Similarly, if your dog barks at non-family members visiting you home then she may need additional socialization. It is important to realise that obedience training is so much more than teaching your dog to sit and stay, it also involved teaching appropriate greetings, socialization, coping strategies for being left alone and so much more. Training can also help to develop the natural bond between a dog and its owner and can ensure that your dog is safe and reliable at all times.
Easy Training Tips For Beginners
One of the best tips for any beginner embarking on dog obedience training for the first time is to learn about the instincts and the ancestry of your dog. Domestic dog breeds are descended from wolves and many of the traits and behaviours have been retained. Dogs see their role as that of a protector who needs to guard their pack – as a dog owner you are part of that pack. When you understand the root of your dogs behaviours it becomes much easier for you to manage them effectively. Training is not about removing these natural instincts, but instead directing them in a more appropriate manner.
As noted, dogs are naturally pack animals. Every pack needs a leader and if you do not clearly define yourself as the pack leader then your dog will attempt to take that spot! Dogs desire a structured pack and he needs to know his place if he is to be comfortable. Set a hierarchy early on and encourage your dog to submit to you as his leader. This need not mean using punishment or aggression – good training regimes involve encouragement.
In summary, dog obedience training is something that any pet will be able to benefit from. It will not only allow you to raise a well behaved dog who can cope with any situation, but it will help you to develop a strong bond with your pet as you establish the pack hierarchy within your household.
