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A Guide to Popular Dog Training Methods
Dog training can be frustrating, especially after watching
television shows about any dog whisperer that makes the task
look so easy.
Dog training classes and professional obedience training are
popular options for pet owners, but the key is in continuing the
training outside of the canine classroom.
Key Things to Remember When Training
One of the most important things to remember when training a
dog is to have control and confidence in your abilities. By
nature, a dog wants to please his or her owner. With this in
mind, a dog owner needs to be consistent, persistent,
non-violent, non-intimidating and patient.
Dog Training Methods
Popular training methods are clicker training and crate
training. These methods can help teach dogs commands, rectify
behavior problems, and house-break a dog.
Clicker training is one that many dogs enjoy because they
like the sound the hand clicker makes: the sound of a click
means he or she will get a treat. The basic idea behind this
training is that a dog, while training, hears the sound of a
click and simply gets a treat. If the dog so happens to do the
appropriate action you are going to teach without hearing the
command, he or she will get a bigger treat. The dog will learn
during the training session that a certain action will bring
about a click and a treat. Once the dog grasps this, the verbal
command is introduced right before the dog performs that action
that will be rewarded with a treat. The dog will then learn the
verbal command associated with the action desired by the pet
owner.
Crate training is popular for house-breaking dogs of any age.
It is a recommended way to confine a dog in a less stressful
manner if one is out, has company over, or needs a dog to be out
of the way. Dogs need to be able to examine the crate when
beginning this form of training. Feel free to put toys in the
crate and begin putting food in there while leaving the door
open. Once the dog is more comfortable with the enclosure and
goes in freely, begin closing the door for short periods of time
and gradually lengthen the time the crate is closed. Look for
signs the dog tried to paw his or her way out and do not forget
that dogs will need to be let out for potty breaks in the
morning, half an hour after each meal, after one has been out
for an extended period of time, and before bed. If one works or
is out of the home often, a strict routine will need to be set
if using the crate training method to house-break a dog. The
schedule will help train the dog to control his or her bladder
and set an internal clock. When crate training, never use the
crate as a form of punishment or discipline; this will defeat
its purpose.
Dog training is not always easy. But when done with patience
and persistence, the results are rewarding for a life-time.
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