How to Train a Dog | Tips to Train Puppy

How to Train a Dog

Training your dog or puppy can be a challenging task, but it’s a rewarding experience, too. It helps to strengthen your bond with your dog. How to train a dog is a big question with many answers, but don’t worry, I’ll cover all the phases of dog training.

Hey! My name is Sam, and I’m one of the dog trainers at Pet Doubts. Today, we see dog training tips, tricks, and behaviors that will make the process easier for you.

Training your dog not only makes them well-behaved, but it also improves their overall health and well-being. But remember, knowing how to train a dog can be confusing, especially if you are a first-time dog owner.

Introduction

I will share a few tips to help your furry friend become the best-behaved dog in the neighborhood. From basic commands and positive reinforcement to socialization and exercise, we cover all the essential aspects of dog training to ensure your furry friend is happy, healthy, and well-behaved.

So, let’s dive into dog training and learn how to train a dog like a pro. We’ll review some tips and tricks on training a dog, including dos and don’ts, helpful techniques, and FAQs.

Two Normal Techniques to Train a Dog

Some experts like one way more than the other, but it’s really up to you to decide which to use. Some people think reward-based training makes your dog like you more because they associate you with happy feelings when you do what you want. But with aversive-based training, your dog might be afraid of you instead. They’ll do what you say only because they want to avoid feeling bad.

Award-based Technique

Reward-based or positive reinforcement is a popular and effective way to train your dog. This method focuses on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. Whenever your dog does something you want them to do, like Sit, Stay, or Come when called, you give them a treat, praise them, or give them a toy they love.

The idea is that by giving your dog positive reinforcement, they’ll associate good behavior with good things and be more likely to repeat that behavior. Over time, your dog will learn to perform the desired behavior on command without needing treats or rewards.

One of the best things about reward-based training is that it helps to build a positive relationship between you and your dog. Your dog will learn to trust and look to you for guidance, and you’ll feel more connected to your furry friend.

Plus, it’s a fun way to train your dog – both for you and them! Remember that while reward-based training can be efficient, it’s essential to use it correctly.

Always give your dog rewards for good behavior, but never give them tips for bad behavior. And be patient – it can take time for your dog to learn new behaviors, so don’t get discouraged if they don’t get it right away.

Aversive-based Technique

Aversive-based training is when you use positive discipline and negative reinforcement to get your dog to behave. That means you might use scary noises, physical corrections, or harsh scolding to get them to do what you want.

Aversive-based techniques for dog training refer to using punishment or negative reinforcement to discourage unwanted behaviors in dogs. These methods are often controversial and can be harmful if misused. As such, it’s essential to understand the potential risks and benefits before using them.

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Examples of aversive-based techniques include hitting or yelling at a dog, using shock collars, or using prong collars. These methods are intended to stop a behavior by causing discomfort or pain. While they may be effective in the short term, they can have negative consequences.

One potential risk of aversive-based techniques is that they can damage the relationship between you and your dog. A dog may become fearful or aggressive toward its owner if constantly punished. Additionally, aversive-based techniques can increase the risk of injury or harm to the dog, mainly if the method is not applied correctly.

Furthermore, aversive-based techniques may not be effective for long-term behavior change. While a dog may stop a particular behavior in response to punishment, it may not learn the desired behavior in its place. As such, positive reinforcement techniques, which reward desired behaviors, may be more effective in the long run.

If you choose to use aversive-based techniques, it’s essential to use them correctly and cautiously. It’s best to consult a professional dog trainer who can guide you safely and effectively using these methods. In any case, it’s essential to prioritize your dog’s health and well-being and avoid using methods that could cause unnecessary harm or distress.

Dogs are like little kids; they can learn a lot. They’re almost as bright as a two-year-old human. They want quick results and don’t care much about the details. As they grow up, they start understanding what we say. Some intelligent breeds can even understand over 250 words! But all dogs pay more attention to your body language than the actual words.

Three Different Types of Intelligence In Dogs

Natural Intelligence

This refers to a dog’s ability to learn and solve problems independently, using its instincts and natural abilities.

Adaptive or Versatile Intelligence

This type of intelligence refers to a dog’s ability to learn from humans and adapt to different situations. Dogs with high versatile intelligence can learn new tasks quickly and apply their knowledge in different contexts.

Working and Obedience Intelligence

This type of intelligence refers to a dog’s ability to follow commands and perform tasks that require training and discipline. Dogs with high working and obedience intelligence are often used in jobs like search and rescue, police work, and as service animals.

Fundamental Obedience Dog Training

The American Kennel Club perceives five fundamental orders that each canine should know. They are:

  • Come
  • Heel
  • Sit
  • Remain
  • Down

And from my side, here are some other basic tricks you can teach your dog to keep them entertained and obedient.

  • Shake Hands: Teaching your dog to shake hands is a classic trick that never gets old. Start by getting your dog to sit and then hold out your hand for them to sniff. Once they show interest, say “shake” and gently take hold of their paw, rewarding them with a treat. Repeat the process until they start offering their paw on their own.
  •  Roll Over: Rollover is a great trick to impress your friends and family. Start by getting your dog to lie down, and then say “roll over” while gently guiding them to roll onto their back. Reward them with a treat and repeat the process until they can do it independently.
  •  Play Dead: Teaching your dog to play dead is a fun trick that will have everyone laughing. Start by getting your dog to lie down, then say “bang” or “play dead” while gently pushing them onto their side. Reward them with a treat and repeat the process until they can do it independently.
  •  Spin: Teaching your dog to spin is a great trick that is easy to learn. Start by getting your dog to stand before you and then hold a treat before their nose. Slowly move the treat in a circle, saying “spin” as they follow it. Reward them with a treat and repeat the process until they can do it independently.
  •  Speak: Teaching your dog to speak is a useful trick that can be used to get their attention or deter intruders. Start by getting your dog excited, then say “speak” or “talk” while gently barking at them. Reward them with a treat and repeat the process until they start barking independently.
  •  High Five: Teaching your dog to give you a high five is a fun trick that will make everyone smile. Start by getting your dog to sit, then hold your hand for them to sniff. Once they show interest, say “high five” and gently raise your hand. Reward them with a treat and repeat the process until they offer their paw independently.
  •  Jump Through a Hoop: Teaching your dog to jump through a hoop is a great trick that requires some equipment. Start by getting your dog to sit and then hold a hoop before them. Say “jump” while gently guiding them through the hoop. Reward them with a treat and repeat the process until they can do it independently.
  •  Crawl: Teaching your dog to crawl is a great trick to impress your friends and family. Start by getting your dog to lie down, then say “crawl” while gently guiding them forward with a treat. Reward them with a treat and repeat the process until they can crawl independently.
  •  Balance a Treat on Their Nose: Teaching your dog to balance a treat on its nose is a fun trick that requires patience and practice. Start by getting your dog to sit, then place a treat on their nose. Say “stay” and wait a few seconds before saying “okay” and letting them eat the treat. Repeat the process until they can balance the treatment for more extended periods.
  •  Find It: Teaching your dog to find objects by name is a great trick that can also be useful around the house. Start by getting your dog to smell an object and say its name. Once they recognize the name, hide the object and say “find it” while encouraging them to search for it. Reward them with a treat once they find it.
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Teaching your dog impressive tricks leads to well-behaved and happy dogs, a stronger bond, and a better quality of life. This aligns with responsible pet ownership and is a win-win situation for you and your dog.

FAQ’s

It’s essential to establish a routine for taking your dog outside to eliminate and use positive reinforcement to reward them for going to the appropriate spot. Consistency is the key, and accidents should be handled calmly without punishment. Crate training can also be an effective tool for potty training.

Excessive barking can indicate a bored, anxious dog or a lack of training. The first step is to identify the cause of the barking and address it. Providing more exercise and mental stimulation can also help. Teaching the “quiet” command and rewarding your dog for being quiet can also be effective.

Basic obedience commands, such as sit, stay, come, and down, can be taught through positive reinforcement training. This involves rewarding your dog for performing the desired behavior and withholding rewards for undesirable behavior. Consistency and patience are key, and it’s important to practice regularly.

Training your dog to walk on a leash involves teaching them to walk calmly beside you and not pull or lunge. Positive reinforcement training can be effective, and a front-clip harness or head collar can also help. It’s important to increase the distance and duration of walks gradually.

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Training your dog to come when called involves using positive reinforcement to reward them for coming to you. Consistency and patience are the keys, and it’s important to start training in a low-distraction environment and gradually increase the level of distraction.

Teaching your dog to greet people calmly involves teaching them an alternative behavior, such as sitting, and rewarding them for performing it. Teaching your dog not to jump on anyone, including family members, is important.

Crate training involves teaching your dog to view its crate as a safe and comfortable space. Positive reinforcement training can be effective, and it’s important to introduce the crate gradually and not use it as punishment. It’s important not to leave your dog in the crate for extended periods.

Teaching your dog not to chew on everything involves providing appropriate toys and using positive reinforcement to reward them for chewing on those toys. Consistency is key, and it’s important not to provide access to items your dog shouldn’t chew on.

Teaching your dog to stay off furniture involves teaching them an alternative behavior, such as going to their bed or mat, and rewarding them for performing it. Not allowing your dog on the furniture is important, even as a reward.

Introducing your dog to other pets or dogs should be done gradually and in a controlled environment. It’s important to supervise interactions and reward your dog for calm behavior. If there are any signs of aggression, it’s important to separate the dogs and consult a professional trainer.

At Pet Doubts, we understand the importance of a well-behaved and happy dog. That’s why we offer a wide range of dog training and obedience services to help you and your furry friend achieve your goals. Whether you want to teach your dog basic commands or impress your friends with advanced tricks, our experienced trainers can help.

Now you know how to train a dog. If you are our regular visitor, you must know Mr. Aly. He served his life to make the world better for pets. He is one of the best authors I know. So check out his blog on signs that indicate whether your cat is content and happy. If this article helps you or your dog to learn anything new, hit the like button gently, leave a comment, and remember, no matter what, always love your dogs. ๐Ÿ™‚