Generally speaking, the dog spends its first months, even its first years, living and following its instincts. So, by training your loyal companion, you instil an education in him. The challenge is obvious: to ensure harmonious cohabitation by establishing a common code for communication.
A properly trained dog will respect your living space because yes, everyone must have their own. A firm "no" when he gets on the couch, chews your slippers, or invites you to play during mealtimes already gets a good result. This obviously takes time because human language differs from canine language. Your companion should gradually assimilate the new words, until they fully understand their meaning. Therefore, accessories are often used. For example, the trainer can instill the meaning of the word "sitting" by guiding the dog in adopting the posture using a leash. Toys can also be presented to him, allowing him to understand that these are the objects that belong to him.
Educating your dog can also prevent dangers. For example, during a walk, if your dog sees a cat in the distance and wants to run after it, teaching it some basic commands and recall can help you control it. Above all, training your dog allows you to establish rules of life so that it finds its place in a family.
When you teach your dog to obey different commands, you are also learning essential techniques to control him. Being able to tell your dog to sit or be quiet is helpful, but it can also potentially save his life when crossing the street, and keep everyone's peace, for example, when you walk into a business.
Keep in mind that it does not take long for a dog to get bored ... and decide to have fun by chewing on any object within reach, for example your brand-new shoes ... So, take your time and train your dog, as example teach him tours will keep him focused on a particular task, and entertain him for hours. Do not worry... dogs enjoy this kind of moment!
As human being and owner, we all have hobbies, whether it's practicing a favorite sport, reading, writing, playing board games, or whatever, but dogs need things to do too. Training your dog can be a great fun thing on a rainy day when you cannot take him out. He will enjoy it and feel more appreciate.
If you like sport, a dog trained in a discipline as “agility” type can share your passion. Your dog learns to overcome obstacles, to pass under tunnels, to jump…. His running speed can also be worked so that you form a synchronized pair. These sports activities dedicated to the canine breed are practiced both for fun and in competition. A good education is essential as your dog cannot be kept on a leash and even the collar is not recommended.
To train a puppy from an early age is to teach it cleanliness, respect, and obedience. It is also providing care, creating a climate of trust, and forging a solid relationship.
Keep in mind that training is also cerebral. Training your dog will keep his mind sharp and active. As they get older dogs get less and less physical activity but learning tricks will keep their minds alert and responsive.
Just like humans, dogs also have needs and it is important to take them into account to ensure their well-being. Your dog will try to satisfy you when he sees that some of his actions are rewarded. However, he too must feel that you are listening to him and that you want to make him happy. Otherwise, your dog will do everything to make you see his dissatisfaction.
To avoid this, it is important to know the needs of dogs which are:
Eat, drink and sleep,
Being able to exercise during a walk or a daily physical exercise,
Have physical contact and be stimulated with humans or other dogs.
To create and maintain a bond between the dog and his master, education is an excellent way. It also allows you to set limits and make people understand good manners.
Your dog will look at you as the leader of the pack, listen to you and not try to get your attention in destructive ways. But best of all, when your dog learns things, the two of you become a team.
Like the wolf, its ancestor, the dog is an animal that usually lives in a pack. Considered fully as a companion animal today, the canine species enjoy interacting with humans. He is also known to be man's best friend.
When your dog is out of control during a vet visit, it is distressing for both you and your vet. It is not easy for vet to examine the dog. So, teaching your dog to stay calm while the vet checks him will make life easier for you all, and you will not have to be embarrassed about your dog's behaviour.
Obedience must not be confused with submission. The objective here is to establish a relationship of trust and mutual respect between the dog and his handler, not to make your companion comply with all your wishes. So, you must prioritize this relationship and pose as a “pack leader”. This allows the dog to accept any commands you give him, even the simplest ones such as sitting, lying, and standing. Obedience is a one of great benefits of a trained dog.
Be careful, your pet needs your attention, your affection. It is therefore essential to reward his obedience. It does not have to be about stuffing it with kibble and other treats. A caress, an encouraging word… are all rewards to consider.
Certain dog breeds - the German Shepherd, Rottweiler, and Mastiff, for example, are predisposed to provide protection for their owners. Defense training requires a solid foundation in sociability, prioritization, and obedience. It takes a long time to concentrate and the methods used are sometimes repetitive because it is also necessary to stimulate the intelligence of the animal.
It is possible to learn how to teach your dog, or hire a reputable dog training company, who will teach your dog how to protect you from human attack, how to avoid food poisoning, how to counter attacks from other animals and so on. An attack or defense dog will therefore know how to protect its territory, as well as yours (place of residence, immediate environment during outings, etc.). Having a watchdog therefore gives you the guarantee of being protected by a loyal friend, both at home and abroad
Did you know that it is important to socialize your puppy in the first few months after adoption? Indeed, you must expose it to different stimuli, do desensitization work, put it in contact with other puppies and other humans, etc.
With a good training, you will be more comfortable with your dog in the presence of your loved ones. If you teach your dog cool tricks, you can demonstrate them around you, and your dog will be flattered to get their attention. Dogs love the attention they get, just as they love to be the center of it when they perform tricks for your friends or family. Of course, you will also be recognized as an outstanding trainer!
In addition, Dog training is a great option to help your unconditional friend behave better in society. Learning is about interacting with you, of course, but also with those around you, particularly your family and possibly your other pets. The dog learns for example to give the paw to greet your visitors instead of “threatening” anyone who dares to come to you. He can learn to form a harmonious relationship with dogs of another breed, cats ... if he is properly educated.
This sociability with strangers is important when walking with your dog. His knowledge of good manners, for example, prevents him from defecating anywhere or wanting to attack the first stranger who crosses your path.
Knowledge and understanding of its environment has a positive influence on canine behavior.
We must know that the socialization process starts long before your dog is born. People responsible for mating play a vital role in your future relationship with the animal.
It is wrong to believe that in socialization everything happens between 8 and 16 weeks and that you are solely responsible for its success or failure.
Of course, this period is very important, and you must expose your new companion to several situations during this time. However, certain things remain predominant regarding the psychological balance and social development of the puppy before your arrival:
Genetic factors
Mother's education
The education offered by the person supervising the scope
In order to optimize adaptive capacity, receptivity and the desire to interact with humans, it is necessary to have a mother who demonstrates these characteristics, because she will pass them on to her progeny. For example, a shy female dog who is reluctant to interact will (by imitation) teach her puppies to be suspicious.
Another quite different example demonstrates the genetic factor: two parents with a history of shyness could greatly increase the chances of producing puppies with shy and nervous temperaments. Therefore, the choice of parents with stable, healthy, and social behaviours will optimize the chances of producing offspring with better receptivity to socialization.
The way the mother raises and educates her puppies will influence their behaviour and how the puppies deal with stress, and therefore, how they adapt to new situations. It is therefore essential that weaning occurs naturally and that the person responsible for the litter does not impose a too hasty or too drastic cut between the puppies and the mother.
When is it time to start weaning? When ALL of these conditions are met:
-The puppies are at least 7 weeks old and in good health.
-Puppies are able to eat dry kibble, feed and drink independently.
-The mother shows signs of impatience during or at the end of the breastfeeding session.
-The mother feels the need to be absent more and more frequently.
To properly educate your dog, you must start by observing him well and getting to know him. Education will be different depending on the owner, the dog, and their history. There are many methods for teaching your animal the right behaviors.
To get started, it's important to determine with everyone in your family what rules to apply and what you will not put up with. You must homogenize your attitudes and not contradict yourself, so that your dog quickly understands what prohibited him.
Most of dog’s expert think it is advisable to set up rewards and punishments to congratulate them or to let them know your dissatisfaction. Be careful, dog breeds associate rewards and punishments with present action. So congratulating him after 10 minutes will have no impact on him.
In order for your dog's education to be successful, it may be advisable to hire a professional such as a dog trainer. Thanks to his knowledge, he will teach you the techniques to have authority over your dog while promoting your bond. In addition, you may find available tools that can help you get better understanding about your dog behavior.