By Buddy Bloudin
You did it!
You’ve just adopted your new best friend, congratulations!
Training is going…okay…it’s not great but he’s learning yet consistency eludes him.
So, how do you ensure your dog is not only getting the most out of their training but stick to what they learn?
Just as it’s important to train your pet what to do and not do, it’s important to make sure the methods you are using assist in these efforts.
Many owners set out with wonderful intentions to properly train their beloved pooch only to slip into unforeseen bad habits and mistakes that are easy to fix.
Check out this guide and avoid some of the pitfalls of training to have your dog train effectively and most importantly, stick with it!
One of the easiest ways to ruin your hard work training your dog is by overstating their commands.
Sure, it’s going to take some time for your dog to understand the connections between the commands you articulate and the action that is desired, but by repeating commands over and over again you are reinforcing the idea that it takes multiple times before they are to listen.
Be patient with your dog and remember to train them the way you expect them to behave going forward.
You’ve been at it again and again and your beloved four-legged friend finally comes to you on command.
He’s doing great in your backyard.
So, why did he bolt off like a bottle rocket the second you brought him on the family trip to the lake?
The fact is, many times animals can become overstimulated or overwhelmed when placed in a new environment.
Be sure to train your dog in multiple environments and scenarios so that they can become accustomed to performing your commands in those situations as wells.
This also reinforces the notion that commands and obedience should be executed at all times, not just during certain moments or your backyard.
Patience is the ultimate key when training and you should take your time in all aspects during your training sessions.
Rushing your dog and rewarding them too early will teach them that they don’t have to wait or complete the desired task that has been commanded to receive their reward.
You’re training your dog and want them to respond appropriately in the future.
Thus, make them wait and remember to only reward positive behavior that fully completes the task desired. Giving in early will only set your training efforts back and your dog’s development as a whole.
Destroyed furniture, eaten shoes, and broken heirlooms.
But the training went well so what is going wrong?
While temperament, species, and age will play their roles respectively, a lack of physical activity for your dog can disrupt even the most well-behaved and trained dogs.
Maintaining a workout schedule for your dog to release their energy can help deter negative behavior and keep their minds focused when it is time to train.
Playing catch, going for a run, or even just a simple long walk around the park can go a long way in assisting your pet to become a better student and a happy pet overall.
Taking the time out each day is also a great way to strengthen your bond and stay healthy yourself.
This should be obvious, however, life can get in the way and things fall through the cracks.
Remember, your pet is a responsibility.
They are your responsibility.
So make the time to train your dog during your busy day.
Too many times, humans make the mistake of deferring this responsibility to a professional or trainer or pet-boarding school.
While these esteemed programs can reap a ton of benefit for your dog, it is important to realize that it is up to you to continue their training and education at home and in different environments.
Your dog will also need to become accustomed to hearing and obeying commands from you personally.
The last thing you would want is to spend a lot of money in an attempt to properly train them only for it not to stick or only work with another instructor.
Help your dog and yourself by sticking to consistent training to ensure your dog’s success.
Like any training, practice makes perfect, and the overall theme is that training your dog is going to take time, patience, and a consistent schedule.
To learn more tips and tricks involving dogs, cats, and more, be sure to check out the rest of the Best4Pets blog for all of your pet needs.
From veterinarian directories, shelters, helpful hints, pet boarders and more, Best4Pets has just what you need to help your existing or future furry friend.
By Alejandra Peimbert|Sun, Aug 18, 2019
