How to train your dog systematically?
How to train your dog systematically?
Training a dog not only enhances the bond between man and dog, it also improves the quality of life for the dog. A well-trained dog is more likely to fit into family life and know basic manners and commands, which makes pet owners incredibly happy.
So, how can you train your dog systematically? This article will provide you with a set of effective training methods, from basic to advanced, to help you develop a well-behaved and obedient dog.
1. Develop a training plan
The first step in systematic training is to develop a detailed training plan. Adjust the training content and rhythm according to the dog's age, breed and personality. Here are some basic elements:
(1) Goal setting: Make it clear what skills you want your dog to master, such as basic commands, social skills, and behavioural norms at home.
(2) Training Duration: Control each training session to 5-15 minutes to ensure that your dog stays focused and avoids fatigue.
(3) Training frequency: It is recommended to train at least once a day and set certain goals every week.
2.Basic Training
Basic training is the starting point for all dogs to learn, and the following basic commands are the most important:
(1) ‘Sit’
- Steps:
1. Stand in front of your dog with a snack in your hand.
2. Place the treat in front of your dog's nose and slowly move it upwards to induce him to sit.
3. As soon as the dog sits, reward and praise him.
- Point: Repeat several times to make sure the dog understands and responds.
(2) ‘Come’
- Steps:
1. Find an open area and have your dog stand within a certain distance of you. 2.
2. Give the command ‘Come’ and step back slightly to entice your dog to come towards you. 3.
3. Reward and praise the dog as it approaches.
- Point: Practice in a disturbed environment to increase the difficulty.
( 3) ‘Down’
- Steps:
1. Have your dog sit first.
2. Place a treat in front of the dog's nose and slowly move it forward to induce the dog to get down. 3.
3. Reward the dog as soon as he is down.
- Point: This command helps to train your dog's control.
(4) ‘No.’
- Steps:
1. Say ‘No’ when the dog behaves inappropriately. 2.
2. Then lead the dog to other activities and give guidance.
- Point: Avoid using negative reinforcement, and try to guide in a positive way.
3. Comprehensive training
After mastering the basic commands, you can start some comprehensive training, the following methods can help enhance the dog's obedience and flexibility:
(1) Social Training
- Purpose: To train the dog to interact with other people and animals. - Methods: - Take your dog to regular dog parties or social events. - Allow your dog to have contact with strangers to enhance its social skills in a safe manner.
(2) Environmental Adaptation Training
- Purpose: To adapt the dog to different environments and sounds. - Methods: - Train in different places, such as parks and streets. - Gradually increase the number of distractions, such as other dogs, pedestrians and vehicles.
(3) Advanced Command Training
- Objective: To learn more complicated movements, such as ‘turn round’, ‘shake hands’, ‘stand up’, etc. Method: - Gradually increase the difficulty of the commands. - Gradually increase the difficulty of the commands, and flexibly use the existing basic commands in combination. - Whenever the dog successfully executes a new command, reward the dog promptly.
4. Correction of problematic behaviours
During the training process, some problematic behaviours may be encountered, such as barking, biting, jumping around and so on. At this time, targeted correction methods are needed:
(1) Identify the problem: Observe the timing of the problem behaviour and find out the intrinsic cause (e.g. boredom, anxiety, lack of exercise, etc.).
(2) Provide alternative behaviours: Provide the dog with appropriate alternative behaviours, e.g. provide toys to avoid chewing on furniture, train him to bark at the right time and place.
(3) Lead and Reward: Provide timely praise and reward to the dog for good performance to enhance its awareness of the correct behaviour.
5.Continuous Training and Evaluation
Training is not a quick fix. Ongoing training and evaluation are important steps to ensure that your dog learns:
(1) Regular review: Arrange weekly time to review what has been learnt and keep the dog in training condition. (2) Record Progress: Record each training session and keep an eye on your dog's progress and problems so that you can adjust your training plan.
(3) Increase Challenges: As your dog's ability improves, you can gradually increase the difficulty and complexity of the training to ensure its continued progress.
In the training process, the dog will inevitably appear uncooperative or mischievous phenomenon, in order to be able to successfully complete the training, we need to use some auxiliary tools to help the dog to complete the training, such as dog trainer.
The dog trainer can help the dog understand our instructions faster, so as to complete the training better and more effectively, a good dog trainer can systematically help us to train and guide the dog, so that the dog's bad habits can be improved. Let's work together and enjoy the fun of growing with your dog!