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Anytime is a great time to start training your dog. Even if you have an 8-week old puppy or a dog in their golden years, now could be the best time for some enriching, bond-strengthening training!
Unfortunately, many dogs are turned into shelters for mishaps as a result of poor training. However, this can be avoided just by giving some guidance to your dog and teaching him or her some simple commands.
Whether you are a new pet parent, or you have been parenting a four-legged buddy for a while, here are the top 6 training tips for your dog.
Housetraining your dog
Did you know that housetraining is one of the best ways to keep you and your dog happy and content for years to come? Housetraining may take some effort, but it's well worth the trouble. Not having to worry about your pet ruining your floors and furniture while you are away helps establish a healthy bond with your pet.
Using a crate is the most effective way to stop your dog from "going" in your home. Crates help with housetraining because most pets don't like having icky waste in their den; thereby, teaching control until it's time to go outside.
For more information on housetraining your dog, see these housetraining tips.
Teaching your dog to sit
The sit command is a very simple command to teach, and is beneficial in many situations. Teaching your dog to sit can help you teach him or her to sit next to the dinner table, which will help reduce "begging". The sit command also allows your dog to sit still while putting on a collar or a leash.
Once your pet can follow the "sit" cue, try using it before he or she is meeting new people. Always say sit before the individuals approach you so your dog isn't inclined to jump on guests. Great tools for teaching the sit command are healthy treats as rewards.
Teaching your dog to stay
Just like the command "sit", the command stay can help your dog stay out of trouble. Stay helps your dog stay in a certain spot as opposed to running out the front door. It also teaches your dog to stay on the sidewalk while traffic passes by.
Teaching your dog to walk on a leash
Having your dog walk on a leash properly is important not only for your dog, but for you as well. Stopping your dog from pulling reduces stress on your dog's spine and stops him or her from pulling you into dangerous situations like oncoming traffic. It also allows you to take a controlled leisurely walk with your dog, which helps strengthen your bond.
Until your dog learns to walk on a leash without pulling you, all walks should be a training session. Also, you will be giving your dog treats often, so make sure that the treats are small and healthy.
Teaching your dog to come
Having your dog come when called reduces the chances of your dog getting lost or running away.
Teaching your dog how to stay down
Teaching your dog the down command stops unwanted behavior like jumping on guests. The down command is a useful skill that can help your dog control his or her impulses.
Training your dog with commands
Training your dog is a big responsibility, but it's one that creates a great bond between you and your dog for years to come. Just remember that dogs need a good "leader" and the quicker you can show them that you are it, the quicker your dog will learn the necessary commands.
Using the help of a dog trainer
Taking your dog to a trainer can be beneficial for both puppies and older dogs. If you adopted a dog from a pet shelter, having a dog trainer can help you introduce new rules for your home. Training can also help with socializing your dog since you will meet other dogs. Finding the right dog trainer can be a bit daunting so here a few helpful questions to ask a trainer:
It may take some time to find the right trainer for you and your dog, but once you do it's important to follow the trainer's rules for your pet. It's also important to continue to train your dog at home. All the efforts of a dog trainer can be spoiled with just a small deviation in training at home. If your trainer uses equipment or specific collars and leashes, you should also invest in the same collar and leash system. Finding a good trainer doesn't have to be stressful. The most important thing is to make sure you and your pet are having fun together while training.
Your dog is your buddy, your pal, and your constant friend. It's important to make sure you have a loving bond. Training your dog properly will reduce any issues you may encounter in the future.
Basic training can begin as young as 7 weeks, which means your puppy will be able to "grow up" knowing you are the leader of the pack.