15 Tips to Help You with Dog Training
When it comes to dog training, there are numerous approaches and possibilities. Just as our dogs are unique, so are the training methods. No matter if your dog is sensitive or a roughhouse - these 15 tips will help you persevere in training!
Get Support
You grew up with dogs and know how things work, or rather how the dog works? That's great and will definitely help you with training. A dog trainer can support you with specific challenges and provide the necessary fine-tuning. Attending a dog school can also be helpful.
Establish Firm Rules
Just like you, your furry friend must adhere to certain rules. Only then can a harmonious coexistence function. So think carefully about what your dog is allowed to do and what not. And both of you should stick to it.
Consistency is Key
Rules are meant to be broken - at least for your four-legged friend. He will certainly not tire of testing his boundaries. For this reason, consistency is essential not only during →leash training. If the dog is not to be petted at the table, that applies to friends and family too!
Pay Attention to Fairness
Not only do you have needs, but your dog does too. And no, it's not just about petting and food. It's important to recognize and respect your dog's individual wishes. For example, if your dog does not want to cuddle at the moment, let him have his peace.
Stay True to Yourself
Everyone has an opinion, advice, or a new approach when it comes to dog training. Don't let that unsettle you. No one knows your furry friend as well as you do. If you have found a suitable training path for you, stick to it.
Don't Forget the Fun
Amid all the ambition, don't forget the fun! Feel free to take breaks from dog training, put leash training aside, and play around. Playing together also strengthens the bond with your dog.
Pay Attention to Your Health
Of course, you should always pay attention to the →health of your furry friend (and your own) during dog training. This starts with the mindset and ends with the snacks for training.
Beliebteste Snacks für deinen Vierbeiner
Mistakes are Okay
Do you want to do everything perfectly? Having a model student on the leash is great. But don't forget that mistakes are part of every learning process. If you and your furry friend have a bad day, don't despair. Take a break, cuddle up on the sofa, and take it easy for the rest of the day.
Ensure Balance
If nothing seems to work, your dog is just frustrated, and you're starting to lose your patience, you might be lacking balance. Especially if your dog is a real bundle of energy or a true athlete, this can be very helpful. Constantly holding back and walking nicely on the leash can be very exhausting for many dogs. Occasionally running around, playing with you, or having a good romp helps to release pent-up energy.
Don't Humanize
A dog is not a human. Obviously. But especially when it comes to training and behavior, this is often overlooked. Dogs are often attributed human-like thoughts and emotions that may not actually occur. Your poor furry friend is sad because he can't say hello to everyone in the park? Hardly. Maybe your dog is just frustrated because he usually gets to play.
For this reason, it is very important to engage with the body language of dogs and possibly work together with a dog trainer.
Allow for Rest Periods
Did you know that your four-legged friend's sleep time averages 16-18 hours per day? Newborn puppies can even sleep up to 22 hours daily. So, amidst all the training, one thing should not be neglected: rest periods.
Consider Your Dog's Character
Is your four-legged friend more sensitive and gentle or a tough nut that can take a lot? Depending on your dog's temperament, you should also adapt the training. Being aware of your pet's individual character traits can help approach things more calmly in training. A dog that has always preferred his peace will rarely become a cuddly toy, no matter how hard you work on it.
Tailor Training Goals to the Breed
Many breeds are bred for specific purposes. A Border Collie herds, a Dachshund hunts, and a German Shepherd guards. This means: If your dog is fixated, sniffing intensely, or barking and you can't change this behavior no matter what, consider whether it might be genetically determined. Often, breed-specific traits cannot be untrained. That's why it's so important to thoroughly research the breed of your desired pet before purchasing.
In Calmness Lies Strength
When troublemaker Erna starts acting up on the leash again, there's only one thing to do: take a deep breath. Especially if your dog has a short fuse, it is even more important that you stay calm.
Did you know that your emotional state transfers to your four-legged friend? If you are calm and relaxed, it will be easier for your dog to relax as well.
Don't Compare Yourself to Others
Is your dog the loudest in dog school? Is leash training a foreign concept? And on top of that, the neighbor's dog can stay alone for hours while your furry friend can't even manage an hour? So what? Your four-legged friend can certainly do other things just fine! Don't compare yourself to others, because in dog training, only two things matter: you and your furry friend.
