Whether you are just about to get a puppy for the first time or simply want your old ball of fur to finally absorb some of the most basic commands, it is actually never too late to start teaching that famous “stay” command and begin training your pooch.
In an attempt to glean the most important tips for having a well-behaved dog, we are listening to what Elizabeth Bachle, a technician at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences pharmacy has to say.
Positive Reinforcement
When Buddy does something good, try to make him do it again by rewarding him with a treat. A nice tummy scratch will also do the trick.
“One of the most important decisions you can make for your dog is the training method you decide to use at home or in group classes. There are many methods out there but I highly encourage the use of positive reinforcement techniques, such as clicker training, and discourage the use of punishment when training any dog,” Bachle says.
“Punishment can have a lot of negative effects, including fear, aggression, or distrust, while reinforcement is effective, builds confidence, and makes training fun for you and your dog.”
Group Training
If your one-on-one training sessions seem to be getting nowhere fast, you can always try training classes as an alternative.
“The foremost benefit of group classes is the guidance and knowledge of an experienced instructor to help troubleshoot, advise, and assist you to accomplish your training goals. Many trainers offer private lessons and behavior solutions in the case that you need more individualized help,” Bachle suggests.
At the end of the day, it is all about patience. Much like small children, dogs have short attention spans and each breed learns at a different pace. Remember, if done with patience and persistence, training your ball of fur can and should be an enjoyable bonding experience for you both.