How To Train A Dog Questions & Answers
First Things First
The first thing you have to do if you want to train a dog is educate and begin training yourself. Then armed with knowledge you can guide and teach your dog in the most rewarding way possible.
Don't Become Overwhelmed
You don't have to teach your dog everything in one day. You just have to start. In fact if you tried to teach your dog everything in one day you and your dog would have a miserable time and most likely not learn much. Training a dog does not have to be a chore, it should be a joy for you build the relationship with the canine in your life. It is something that is beneficial to you both and makes both lives so much easier!
Where do I start?
There are so many great resources available not only on the Internet but also on television, in books, local professionals and so much more. You may be wondering where to start? What should you do first?
Well, the most important thing is to just start. Since your on this site your already making an effort to find the information on how to train a dog that you need. First get acquainted with the basics, which this site will help you with. If you want to start with some small changes or if your trick training, maybe a simple trick then go for it! Don't wait till next week or next month or next year. Do your research & make sure whatever you are teaching that you are teaching it correctly. Start applying positive reinforcement. Which basically means rewarding/praising your dog when they have done well not when they are doing something undesired. There are many things we can give place to by reacting incorrectly. You will need to take control and begin some, consistent training as soon as possible so your dog or puppy can learn the many important lessons a dog needs.
There are so many great resources available not only on the Internet but also on television, in books, local professionals and so much more. You may be wondering where to start? What should you do first?
Well, the most important thing is to just start. Since your on this site your already making an effort to find the information on how to train a dog that you need. First get acquainted with the basics, which this site will help you with. If you want to start with some small changes or if your trick training, maybe a simple trick then go for it! Don't wait till next week or next month or next year. Do your research & make sure whatever you are teaching that you are teaching it correctly. Start applying positive reinforcement. Which basically means rewarding/praising your dog when they have done well not when they are doing something undesired. There are many things we can give place to by reacting incorrectly. You will need to take control and begin some, consistent training as soon as possible so your dog or puppy can learn the many important lessons a dog needs.
Don't give up!! It's easy to get frustrated having to do certain things or lessons repetitively but it is worth it!!
What is dog training?
Dogs are trained for many reasons. Below are listed different areas of the dog training field as well as a brief explanation of each.
Basic Commands Like Sit, Stay, Come
Obedience/General Behavior Knowing boundaries, seeing humans as leader of the pack, potty training, good habits, stopping bad habits.
Trick Training Normally for fun or entertainment. Rollover, crawl, beg, retrieving etc.
Service/Assistance Training Teaching dogs to assist humans with disabilities.
Work Training Dogs who are trained for the work field. Such as aiding police, military, farm workers etc.
Show/Sport Dogs taught to perform in dog shows, agility courses and more.
Medical/Therapy Dogs are now being used in the medical field from sniffing out cancer to soul lifting therapy.
Hunting One of the earliest types of dog training. Dogs were taught to help gather food by aiding hunters with tracking, capturing etc. Many dogs are still trained to aid hunters today.
Protection/Guard Generally dogs are naturally protective of their humans and territory however many dogs have advanced and polished training in this area.
What about puppies, should we train them? Can we wait till they are older?
Those adorable little bundles of joy, enthusiasm and a few other surprises. The answer is yes, it is very important to train your puppy. It is the best time. So, NO don't wait! They have so much to learn but don't give up if your dog is already grown, they can still be trained! Though it is extremely better to train your puppy before they learn bad habits & behaviors. Training your puppy will save you from many problems & struggles as they grow older. How ever don't expect them to learn everything in one day or right away, they are puppies after all. ;)
Will it be hard to train my puppy or dog?
It does take some work, patience and consistent commitment will be required. It won't always be easy but it won't always be difficult. Sometimes it will seem hard, but it is well worth it to have a happy, healthy & well behaved dog. One who is a blessing to you and those around you.
How long will it take to train my dog? There is allot to factor in when estimating how long it may take to train a dog or puppy. It depends on what you are teaching them. How much you work with them and the dog or puppy themselves. What takes one dog 5 minutes to begin learning may take another 5 days and exercising what is trained will ensure they don't get rusty.
Generally, it never takes them too long to at least to begin to make progress. Don't give up on them, if you teach your dog the correct way they will learn soon enough. Though you will actually never quit training your dogs, it's an on going process they are still learning new things and so are you.
