Simple Training Techniques You Can Do With Your Dog At Home

Proper training and socialization are part of your dog’s basic essentials. Training your dog as soon as possible is the foundation for building good behavior. Training can be confusing, especially if it’s your first time taking care of dogs. However, if you take it step by step and develop an organized week by week coaching schedule, you’ll find the task less intimidating. 

 

Aside from that, dogs often behave depending on how they are treated. That’s why showing affection and taking care is a significant factor in training them efficiently. You can check out Petsumer.com to know more about taking care of your pets.  

 

Listed below are some of the simple training techniques you can try with your dog at home.

 

Start with an Obedience Training

 

There are several ways to do obedience training for your dog. You can choose between signing up for a training class, hiring a dog trainer for an individual session, or sending your dog to a trainer. However, you can efficiently train your dog at home to save time and money.

 

Schedule 10 to 15 minutes of training sessions with your dog, twice or thrice a day. Avoid using too much time because puppies have a short concentration span. On the other hand, adult dogs are easily bored. Start the training by teaching the basic commands. Here are some of the basics you can try:

 

• Sit: It’s the easiest command you can try, but it’s also essential as a foundation for more difficult commands. Spend at least 5 minutes every day to practice this.
• Down: Teach your dog the down command for only a few minutes, but repeat it several times per day. Although this is a bit difficult, it can help your uneasy dog to relax. 
• Stay: This command teaches your dog self-control. You can practice this during mealtime, or if you’re reading a book or watching television.

 

Train Your Dog to Walk on a Leash

 

Training your dog to walk on a loose leash will reduce leash-pulling when you take it out. This is also a way to occupy your dog when it’s barking too much. If your dog has a manner of pulling, using a regular flat buckle collar may not be enough. You need to have a collar that has an extra loop and pull tightly when your dog pulls so that the dog doesn’t slip out.

 

When your dog suddenly pulls, stop instantly and don’t budge. Don’t let it move forward even if you find yourself turning in circles. The best way to do so is to change the direction to teach the dog that it won’t go in the direction that it wants. The next time, your dog will pay attention to you and figure out which way to go.

 

There are times that you won’t be able to get your dog’s attention even if you offer treats. If you encounter this problem, walk in the opposite direction and say, “let’s go” without pulling your dog. Walk away while holding the leash, leaving your dog with no choice but to follow. Once it starts following you, give it treats and praise.

 

Use a Crate for House Training

 

Use a crate to confine your dog if you aren’t able to supervise it. This is an excellent tool to manage your dog’s behavior. If your adult dog is new to the crate, introduce it slowly. Entice your dog by putting something in the crate, like treats or toys. Let it explore the container and don’t force it inside.

 

Ensure that the crate you use for your dog is large and sturdy enough for it to move conveniently. Your dog should be able to stand up and stretch out without any hindrance. Provide your dog with a silky blanket, toys, and water. Show affection and don’t open the crate when it barks. If you do so, the dog will feel that it can go out if it barks.

 

Continue using the crate as the dog may enjoy having its sanctuary. However, never use the crate as a punishment and don’t leave your dog alone for too long. The cage should be considered as a comfortable and protective place. When you release the dog, take it outside for relaxation.

 

Use Positive Reinforcement

 

Using positive reinforcement with your dog means that you’ll be rewarding the behaviors you like and ignore those you don’t. This training allows every member of the family to get involved. For example, allowing your child to train your dog can be dangerous. But with this method, children will be able to play a part in the training by giving the dog treats or toys.

 

Positive reinforcement also establishes communication with your dog by rewarding it for the good things that it did. It’s more likely that your dog will repeat those good behaviors. For example, if you catch your dog urinating on the carpet, instead of punishing or scolding, you can ignore the action. Your action will tell your dog that what it did is not good because you didn’t give an award. So, it’ll only use the bathroom. Every time your dog does good things, it can earn praise and treats.

 

The positive reinforcement method also strengthens the bond you’ve got with your dog. Positive reinforcement helps you teach your dog and builds trust. Your dog will enjoy being with you and will look forward to the treats rather than worrying about the punishment.

 

Takeaways 

 

At first, training your dog may not be easy. However, if you follow the tips and techniques in this article, your training will become more efficient and effective. Start with obedience training and teach your dog to walk on a leash. Use a crate for house training. Don’t underestimate the power of positive reinforcement. Keep at it and make the exercise fun. If you do it well, you can build a strong bond with your dog.