Dogs should be trained not only for owner’s comfort but for
the people surrounding as well. Training dogs is an important part of an owner.
It not only makes a stronger bond between the pet and the owner but also helps
coexistence within the society.
Firstly, it is important to understand a dog’s behaviour and
nurture it accordingly. As found in humans there are variety of natures capable
in dogs as well. It necessary to understand that they communicate through body
language and vocalizations, display of emotions such as fear, excitement,
anxiety. Understanding the issues and training helps enhancing the process.
Also, training a dog as early as possible can be quite beneficial. While training we can even use interesting techniques such as food, toys which can help them cope up faster and can repeat the actions as per the trainer.
Owner should learn to know their dog’s body language and for
that vocalization is key to understanding their emotions and intentions.
Usually signs of stress, playfulness, fear can be recognized and adjusted in
the training session accordingly.
The key to make dogs learn quicker is to teach them basic
commands like sit, stay, come, sleep etc. These one-word commands can be
grasped by dogs quicker which can help them to further train and focus
properly. Owners can also provide some treats when the dog gets the command
completed rightly so that it can encourage them and motivate them to do so.
There are various types of training available for trainers
such as clicker training, leash training, crate training, reward-based
training.
Punishments such as physical corrections or harsh scolding
should be avoided because it can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs.
It harms the trust between the owner and the dog and the outcome maybe
aggressive. Rather than that we can encourage them with patience and teach them
accordingly for better bond and dogs wellbeing as well.
Training sessions must be short around 10-12 mins so that
the dog does not get frustrated. The sessions must be held daily for better
grasping of the dog.
Your dog should also be socialising with other dogs or pets,
also with people so that it can boost their confidence and reduce the
likelihood of behaviour problems. Having your dog socialising with surrounding
people can also boost the coexisting nature of animal and human beings.
Excessive barking can be problematic and can disturb the
surrounding. Identifying the trigger for barking is crucial and redirecting the
dogs attention or teaching a quite command can address this issue and it is an
important job of the trainer.
Dogs are such emotional animals that they are often compared
the humans, this being said they may experience separation anxiety when lest
alone, leading to change in their behaviour and aggression towards the owner.
Gradual desensitization and providing mental stimulation can ease the anxiety.
By establishing clear communication and building trust, dog
owners can shape their pets into well behaved, happy, and confident puppies.
The journey of dog training requires patience, commitment, and lots of love.
The owner can train their dogs better with their
relationship with food by establishing hand feeding powering up a marker using
food for training can help the dog. The owner should make a bond, engagement, communicative
relationship, and be able to walk the dog most places. So, owner should teach
the dog about places. This can enable the owner to involve the dog in more of
the owner’s life.
Training should involve resolving anxiety, or reactivity –
to go anywhere to do anything. It is an absolute priority and needs to come
first to be able to progress.
The owner should keep their movements slow. The goal is to
avoid surprising your dog if you are planning to leave your room, try and get
your dogs attention subtly before you stand make a quite noise like a sigh.
Body language is an important key to show that you are not
going to harm the dog. Avoiding eye contact and indirect body language is a
perfect of showing your dog that you are not a threat. Remember not to tower
over them either. Crouch down to their height and avoid leaning over them.
The owner should always in the first place should observe
and then respond with their actions accordingly. Learn the signs of dog anxiety
and look out for the earliest signs. If their pupils dilate and they step back
or growl, stop whatever you are doing and give them space. If you get a
positive response, like a tale wag, or they step forward or reward the
behaviour with a treat of their favourite. Let them have their space and come
to you first.
Always respect their space. If you force an interaction, you
are not building trust. Give them a space where they can go to be on their own
and where you will not pet them. This can be a blanket, mat or crate.
As mentioned, you should find what your dog prefers and get to know them. Find out what your dog enjoys doing the most. Doing something your dog enjoys will strengthen your bond also, play can be a perfect reward at times instead of using food.
