Basic Principles of Training Your Dog
My-Dog.info > Dog Care
There are so many fun things that you can train your dog to
do! Roll over, fetch the paper, catch the FrisbeeŽ, give a hug,
shake a paw, sit up pretty, jump over a jump / through a hoop,
and hide and seek are only a few of the many entertaining things
that your dog can be taught to do. First things first though!
There are some very basic things you and your dog should know
before you challenge him or her with complex tasks!
Before you get a dog, or when you bring the puppy home, it is
wise to sign out a few good basic doggie training guides from
your library, veterinary clinic, local bookstore, or Internet.
Look for training guides that present common sense techniques,
and that use solid behavior principles for learning. Your
veterinarian will be able to provide a suitable list of
resources. Dogs can be trained to do very complex tasks without
resorting to harsh techniques. Positive rewards such as praise,
petting, and treats will motivate any pooch! The summary below
provides an introduction to the principles of training so that
you have a starting point, but due to space constraints does not
delve into the fine details of dog training. Knowing more than
the basics is very important if you plan to show your dog in
competitions, such as in obedience division for example, because
training needs to be focused (using dumbbells and approved
signals for example) from the very beginning to optimize progress
of their skills.
Dogs are not geniuses, but they are very astute and
intelligent, and capable of very complex learning. The way you
interact with the dog is pivotal. Consistency, clarity, and
repetition are very important. Short training sessions (~10 min.)
that are repeated daily until tasks are successfully learned, and
then periodically reinforced will provide the best results.
Initially, ensure that the environment is free of distractions.
Your attitude should be that of an upright standing posture
generally; using a gentle but firm voice tone when giving
commands. Avoid rambling instructions. Do not yell. Dogs hear
much better than we do!! Yelling just puts the dog on high alert.
Whatever they think about yelling humans (and who are we to
know!); a stressed, loud voice breaks the concentration,
calmness, and beautiful partnership bond that makes dog training
so successful. This does not mean a clap of the hands, or shaking
of a can of stones to garner attention is inappropriate, but
anger has no place in intelligent training. Forcing the dog by
coercion or fear will prove to be universally counterproductive.
Avoid physical punishment. The use of food treats is a powerful
motivator. Note that many dogs will become overexcited with food
treats, and those dogs should have treats only when a real
breakthrough occurs. A dog that is focused on the treat, and not
on you, is not a good pupil!
Direct eye contact in dogs is a sign of dominance. If you
stare at a dog that respects you as their leader (which is
essential for proper training), they will eventually evert their
eyes, and may even lie down or roll over. If a dog thinks he is
dominant "alpha boss", he will hold the stare, and may
perhaps become growly or aggressive. Knowing your dog is
important. If any indications of doggie dominance are evident,
immediately contact a veterinarian, behaviorist, or trainer for
guidance. Early management of these signs can mean the difference
between a problem dog and a perfect dog.
Also, some breeds take to certain higher-level tasks better
than others. The Collie excels at herding, the Lab at fetching,
the Poodle at hunting and many tricks (these breeds all have a
high doggie IQ according to studies). Expecting a Jack Russell
Terrier to ferret out game or go all-out in a race is much more
natural than herding, so keep in mind breed-specific talents, and
focus training on those areas that suit your dogs size,
temperament, and breed.
The essence of training is to establish you as "doggie
boss" using dog-level communication signals (standing over,
enforcing no jumping up)?they need to respect for you from the
time they; as a puppy come into your home. Alphas in a dog pack
have body language cues that will very quickly educate a
youngster dog regarding their proper place in the pack and you
can use some of these body language cues to gently educate the
young dog regarding their place in your home as a member of the
pack, not a boss. Remember that you and your dog are a
"team", so focus always on providing a positive
learning environment. This will lead to a very strong bond
between you and your dog!
Remember that young children (10 and under) are at
higher risk for dog aggression due of their small body size,
tendency to stare at a dog, pull tails or ears, due to their high
voice pitch and volume, and high physical activity (waving arms
etc.), so they should not be involved in basic training. Children
over 12 years of age may have a role in training with adult
supervision, but until basic training (Kindergarten) is complete,
you must ensure that the dog is supervised during sessions since
the dog may sometimes respond in unexpected ways. Even after
training, never leave a very young child and dog alone
unsupervised.
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
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