Dog Obedience Training
Simple Principles in Dog Obedience Training
Even dogs with some of the best well breeding or dogs that are well adapted to humans still need some basic obedience training, because these skills are not something they pick up on their own. To be successful in obedience training you need to understand the differences between effective and non-effective training techniques. They are the following:
First Principle: CONSISTANCY
Consistency is the first basic rule in effective dog training. This covers the use of words, tone, and the actions that accompany the word or command. Before you begin training you will need to come to an agreement with the dog owner on what it is they are wanting the dog to learn and how to accomplish it.
At first the word commands, such as "come", does not make sense to a dog. It is only reasonable to conclude if he does not understand the way humans are, then he does not understand our language. So to make the training understandable, you should use the command in a very consistent manner so that the dog will learn to associate the word with the meaning you attach with it.
An example would be if you use the word, "come", then you need to make sure everyone else in the household using the same word. The command "Come" specifically means that the dog should approach the giver of the command. So if you are using this command make it a point not to do actions that would make the command confusing for the dog.
Don’t be deterred in your training efforts if the dog does not come to your right away, be patient and don’t force or scold him. If you punish the dog over and over after giving the command they will begin to associate the word with the punishment. The dog will not want to follow the same command because in his mind it leads to punishment.
Being consistent in your dog commands is to be followed by anyone who works with the dog. For instance if you are teaching the word "come", others should not use the words, ’come here boy’ or ’here’, because this will only confuse the dog.
Principle Two: KEEP IT SHORT
The hours devoted to training and the words used as command should be kept short. Keep in mind that the attention span of dogs is very short and that getting them engrossed with a specific activity can be very hard, if not impossible. Puppies usually react to a specific stimulus, but not for a very long time, they may begin to chase a moving toy, and quickly lose interest, then move on to the next thing.
They can quickly loose interest in an activity sometimes within just moments after beginning, and will need something else to stimulate their senses. They also often become board during training and that is why it’s best to limit the time to 10 - 15 minutes a day.
Principle Three: DO NOT USE FORCE and PUNISHMENT
A trainer should never hurt the dog in any way, you should make it a goal to have the training be a positive experience for all involved. You should absolutely never punish a dog just because he did not do something he wasn’t prepared for, nor force a dog to do something he does not understand.
Don’t push the animal too hard while dog training. The dog does not understand that he should learn things "instantly" and he does not realize that you are becoming impatient with the speed he is picking up the training. If you are angry the dogs can sense it but does not know why.
So do not use force as this does not communicate your meaning properly, instead gives a negative reinforcement. By praising a dog for good behavior and obeying commands he will learn exactly what pleases you and what is expected from him.




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