How to Train Your Dog: Expert Tips for Success in Obedience and Behavior
Dog training is not only important for keeping things in control, but it also adds quality to your dog's life. Having a well trained dog ensures safety, reduces behavioural issues, reduces anxiety, provides mental stimulation and can help build a bond between you and your dog. Training doesn't have to be that hard either, many tricks are easy to teach and don’t require any special training experience. Here is a breakdown of the best ways to start training your dog.
1. Use Positive Reinforcement
Why It Works: Dogs learn best when they’re rewarded for good behaviour rather than punished for mistakes. Positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and affection, makes learning enjoyable and motivates your dog to repeat the behaviours you want. Our Deer Velvet toppers is a great treat to bring into training sessions as it is easy to break up and give in small amounts.
How to Apply It: Every time your dog performs a desired behaviour, immediately reward them. Start with treats or toys as rewards, then gradually switch to verbal praise or affection.
2. Be Consistent with Commands and Routines
Why It Matters: Dogs thrive on routine, and inconsistency can confuse them. Using the same command words for each action (e.g., “sit,” “stay,” “come”) helps dogs understand exactly what’s expected of them.
Tips: Set a routine and use the same words consistently. If everyone in the household uses the same commands, your dog will learn faster.
3. Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun
Why It Works: Dogs, especially puppies, have short attention spans, so training in short bursts keeps them engaged and helps prevent frustration.
How to Do It: Aim for sessions that last about 5–10 minutes, a few times a day. End on a positive note by rewarding your dog for something they did well.
4. Be Patient and Persistent
Why It’s Important: Dogs need time to learn new behaviours, and it can take days or even weeks for certain behaviours to become habits. Patience helps build trust and ensures your dog feels safe while learning.
Tips: If a behaviour isn’t learned immediately, don’t get discouraged. Take breaks if needed and return to the command in a calm, positive state of mind.
5. Use a Clicker or Marker Word for Clear Communication
Why It Helps: Clicker training uses a small device that makes a “click” sound, or you can use a unique word (“yes” or “good”) to signal to your dog when they’ve done something right. This helps dogs quickly understand the exact behaviour you want to reinforce.
How to Start: Pair the click or marker word with treats initially so your dog learns that the sound or word means they’ve done something correct.
6. Practice Socialisation and Exposure
Why It’s Necessary: Dogs that are well-socialised are more comfortable around people, other animals, and in different environments, making training easier in various situations.
How to Do It: Expose your dog to different people, pets, and settings early on in a safe, controlled way. Reward calm behaviour, and don’t push your dog beyond their comfort zone.
7. Establish Clear Boundaries and Avoid Mixed Messages
Why It Works: Dogs need to understand what behaviours are and aren’t acceptable. Mixed signals can make training difficult and lead to confusion.
How to Apply It: If you don’t want your dog on the furniture, make sure all family members enforce that rule consistently. Reinforce boundaries with calm redirection rather than punishment.
8. Focus on Basic Commands First
Why It’s Essential: Basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “leave it” provide a foundation for more advanced training and ensure safety in different situations.
How to Start: Teach these commands one at a time. Only move on to a new command once your dog consistently performs the previous one.
9. Avoid Punishment and Negative Reinforcement
Why It’s Counterproductive: Punishment, like yelling or physical corrections, can create fear and anxiety, weakening your bond and causing behavioural issues.
Alternative: If your dog behaves undesirably, ignore or redirect the behaviour rather than punishing them. Reward positive behaviour instead.
10. Practice in Different Environments
Why It’s Important: Dogs need to learn to respond to commands in various settings, not just at home, as they might be easily distracted in new environments.
How to Apply It: Gradually train in different places, starting with low-distraction areas and working up to more distracting ones.
Training your dog with patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency lays a strong foundation for a trusting and happy relationship. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, and enjoy the journey together. A well-trained dog is not only a joy to have around but also more confident and secure, knowing what’s expected of them.