Many people love the idea of having a dog in their lives, and it can be one of the best moves you make for your family. They give you companionship, and a love like no other. They can also be great for your lifestyle. However, while the idea of having a dog is amazing, you also need to think practically. Training them so that they listen to your commands and are well-behaved is part and parcel of dog ownership, but for some people, this is where you can go wrong. With that in mind, here are some of the best options to try to help you train your dog more effectively.
Be consistent
One of the key areas that new dog owners fail in is consistency when it comes to training their dogs. The commands that you say may differ from time to time, the way you treat your dog or give them praise may change depending on the day or how much time you have. The truth is, this can confuse your dog and hinder their chances of progression. It is always worth being consistent and doing things as often as you can. Saying the same thing and offering a reward in the exact same way can help.
What could help?
Sometimes you need to think of extra help and things that you can do, so it may be worth thinking about the additional things you can add to your home. Many training sessions will take place outside, so this is when installing an outdoor fence can help with the situation. Avoiding your dog wandering off or being distracted. You could also look into puppy training sessions and classes that you can attend. Often having outside help can help you to achieve what it is you set out.
Have confidence in yourself
The biggest issue you may face is one with yourself, and having the confidence to actually implement dog training and to make it consistent. You may doubt your ability, but this is when a dog can sense weakness and also fail to acknowledge or take notice if there is no assertiveness in your commands. Have confidence in yourself and your ability.
Take into account your dog’s personality
Every dog will be different. You may have had dogs in the past and had no issues with training but struggle with your new addition, and that is because they are different beings, just like we are as humans. Some dogs may need extra practice, some dogs may work well with additional praise or extra reward for their behaviors. Working out your dog’s personality will start to come naturally and you will begin to realize what works for them and what doesn’t.
Do plenty of research
Finally, do plenty of research before embarking on any training schedule with your dog. Some breeds react differently, may take longer, or need extra help with certain things so it is good to have a basis of knowledge before starting out.
Let’s hope these tips help you when it comes to training your dog.
