Dog Training 101-The basics
Obedience and discipline— two words every parent wants their child or pet to master. No parent wants to be embarrassed because of ill behavior. So, first things first, get the dog to trust you. Let them know you don’t pose a threat.
Though the cliché is you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, I don’t believe that. Every dog wants to please their owner, so age is not a factor when it comes to training. However, the earlier it begins, the better. A lot of people may say don’t do it too young because their immune system is low. But, they are a sponge for knowledge; so ideally, the goal is to start between 12 and 16 weeks of age. I don’t recommend sending them to actual schools or training facilities until they are fully vaccinated, but training in your own environment can begin.
If you have time, you should train your own pet. 3 hours per day is good, but if you cannot invest that amount of time, 30 minutes to an hour per day is ideal. The more time you spend with your dog, the more loyal and obedient they will become. Like a child, their attention span won’t be there the whole time. When you see them getting bored, you may want to stop, take a break, and then proceed.
If you have a hectic schedule and can’t manage to train for 2-3 hours per day, I do recommend getting a trainer—especially if you have a large breed. Breed doesn’t play a huge factor in the ease of training, however. All dogs crave knowledge and want to please their masters. There are advantages to having a trainer because they can provide experience, a professional outlook, and can supply the structure dogs need. Whichever route you choose, consistency is KEY.
A few basic commands should be on the immediate list. They include: sit, stay, and come. You may also add: wait, heel, and the command, “No.” In the beginning, I also recommend teaching them it’s not ok to urinate or defecate in the home. If you choose to let them out through the back door, use it every time. If you use the front door, use it all the time. Eventually they’ll scratch the door when they need to be let out. One strategy I don’t recommend is “potty proofing” the house, unless they will be in the house 12 hours per day. It’s counter-productive because you’re telling them it’s okay to urinate on the pad inside the house. I like crate training because most dogs don’t urinate or defecate where they eat. So, when you leave home, put them in the crate. Eventually you won’t even have to close the door of the crate. With repetition, they will get it.
Regarding proper discipline techniques, I don’t like physical abuse or hitting. I like to incorporate using stern voices and deepening of the tone. Body language and stern commands are a great tactic. Just like a mom looks at a child, body language and certain facial gestures play a part in obtaining good behavior. One trick I learned when growing up was to put pennies in a can and shake it. The loud noise lets them know to get in line, and it’s an alarm to let them know they are misbehaving. As far as positive reinforcement, treats, high-pitched voices and having one-on-one time are gestures that reassure your pet they are doing something good.
If your pet has repeated behavioral problems, getting help from a professional could help redirect that behavior. You may just need to spend more time with them. Maybe they need more affection. Don’t give up or get frustrated if you think your dog “doesn’t get it.” Remember, even Rome wasn’t built in a day. Just use repetition, and, again, be consistent.
