A well-behaved, well-mannered and obedient dog is the ultimate reward for every dog owner who is prepared to put in the time and effort. It’s very admirable to have a dog who is a genuinely ‘good boy’; who is calm and relaxed, and behaves appropriately in different environments. An encounter with your clever companion should be a memorable experience for anyone who crosses your path, but you also want your dog to go through life knowing his place in your ‘pack’ and understanding his role in your home.
We genuinely believe that all dogs will benefit greatly from training, so here’s a great starting point on your dog training journey:
Training communicates your expectations
Even though different dog breeds have different needs when it comes to interaction, all dogs will benefit from training. Training is not just about teaching your dog to obey commands, do tricks and look impressive, but it teaches him what you expect of him if he is to be a valuable member of your family. Dogs need to understand their place in your ‘pack’ – they can’t do this without your guidance and training.
Training stimulates his mind and body
Training is also mentally and physically stimulating for your dog. The more he learns and is stimulated by trigger and reward activity, the more constructive his behaviour. A stimulated, rewarded dog will be less inclined to bark neurotically or engage in destructive behaviour like chewing on things, digging in the garden or trying to escape the yard. Training activity also gives your dog (and you) a great workout, so it’s a win-win for both of you! Daily training will create a positive, secure bond, a well-behaved dog, and two healthy individuals!
Training by positive reinforcement
Your dog’s ultimate goal is to get food and/or attention from you. If you reward his behaviour with attention, he will continue to engage in that behaviour, which is why focusing on bad behaviour with punishment doesn’t stop the behaviour – he’s still getting attention from you! Difficult as it is to ignore a huge hole in the garden and a pile of dirt, or washing pulled from the line, consistently ignoring this unwanted behaviour eventually teaches your dog that you don’t want him to do it.
Instead, spend time with your dog teaching him what you want him to do by rewarding him with tasty treats and praise for his wanted behaviour. He will soon make the connection between this consistent positive reinforcement and what you expect from him. Knowing what’s required of him increases his self-confidence and curbs the neurotic, unwanted behaviour.
Training with a professional
There are many great books on dog training that give step-by-step advice, but nothing beats a few sessions with a professional trainer in a social environment. This will give your dog an opportunity to learn proper socialisation with other dogs and people, and it will give you a great foundation from which to continue a lifelong routine of training and behavioural reinforcement.
Training accessories
Depending on your dog’s training needs, you may have to add an arsenal of accessories. If he is insecure, your dog may need to be muzzled until he learns to be more secure and trusting. If he is hyper-active, he will benefit from a calming collar or spray. Most dogs, however, will respond positively to clicker training, which associates the clicking sound with the anticipation of a tasty reward.
If you have any questions about your dog’s temperament or training needs, speak to your vet to recommend a training professional and point you in the right direction for the ultimate human-dog bond!
