A new dog can be a lot of fun, but it also means you’ll be a puppy parent and teacher.
Why train your dog?
If you teach a dog basic obedience it means they are less likely to develop bad habits or unwanted behaviour. It’s important to start with the basics to teach your dog how to walk on a lead and respond to basic commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’.
Dogs are intelligent animals, and they crave knowledge. Often, dogs will misbehave due to boredom. The lessons you can pass onto your dog will give them a sense of purpose and it will help build your relationship.
When should you start?
The best age range to begin is between 7 to 14 weeks old but dogs of all ages will be ready to learn.
Before you start, remember that dogs prefer a rewards-based learning system. Throughout the training process, give your dog something they like such as food, toys or praise. Reward your dog for good behaviour and they’re more likely to do it again.
Here's 6 ways you can set your dog up for success1
No distractions
Dogs can get easily distracted. Pick a place that’s quiet to allow them to focus on the lesson. Keep their toys out of sight, avoid televisions noise or music, and make sure there’s no other activities happening at the same time, such as children playing.
Be consistent
Short, regular sessions will keep your dog engaged but not overwhelmed. Put aside 2 to 3 minutes, multiple times a day, to give your dog the chance to learn and adjust to rewards and positive reinforcement.
Ignore setbacks
Don’t react if your dog makes mistakes. Failure is part of the process. Instead, ignore your dog’s behaviour and try again. Focus on the task until your dog starts to show improvement and make sure to reward any progress or significant milestones.
Be patient
Consider the learning curve for your dog. It may take several attempts before they show progress, but patience is important to maintain lesson focus. Your dog will be able to sense if you’re anxious or worried. Prepare to play it cool; if a lesson isn’t going well, call it quits and try again later.
Finish on a high
Try to finish the lesson on a positive, whether it be a reward for a job well done or the successful completion of a task. If your dog has mastered a new skill make sure you give them one last opportunity to show off their new talent before you wrap up. It will make them excited to learn more.
Have fun
Lesson time is a chance for you to spend time with your dog and create happy memories. It may be a challenge at times but try to make the experience fun, celebrate the big milestones, and enjoy watching your dog learn and grow.
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