If you have ever wanted to teach your dog certain commands to have greater control, you may have wondered how to train a dog. In this article we will see how to train an adult dog so that it learns the most important training commands and some practical tips to make learning faster and more effective.
Why train a dog?
If you still have doubts about the importance of training your dog, I will tell you that there are many reasons to do so K9 training Houston. In addition to being a moment of learning and mutual fun, it has other advantages, such as:
- More security: it will help you increase security and confidence in your dog
- Better communication: Training creates a language to communicate with your dog. Your dog will begin to better understand what you want from him
- Better relationship: Improve your relationship with your dog by sharing moments of learning and fun.
- Better management of behavioral problems: it will help you better deal with certain situations that may present problems
Contrary to what some think, training your dog is not a question of dominance. Although we use the term “commands,” your dog will see training at all times as a game where there will be a reward (food). We will always rely on positive training and will not use punishment or aversive methods at any time.
When to train a dog?
Another question that may be going through your head is when to train your dog. Is my puppy too young to be trained? Is my dog too old to teach him things? Broadly speaking, we can train an adult dog as long as there are no health problems (joint problems, veterinary advice, etc.) In the case of puppies, basic training can be taught (sitting, lying down, still) to from 7-8 weeks.
Basic tips to train your dog
If you want to know how to train a dog, you must first take into account a series of things that are of great importance for training.
training place
The choice of training location is very important. At first we will start in a closed and noise-free place, such as the living room of your house or a backyard. We must understand that the more distractions there are, the more difficult it will be for our dog to concentrate . That your dog is focused on the exercise is one of the most important things, that is why you should start training your dog in closed spaces and once he responds well to commands, increase the difficulty by practicing open spaces (where there are more distractions).
Duration of sessions
This is also very important. Don’t try to teach your dog all of these commands in a single day or weekend. You must start small and be patient. A 10-minute session in the morning and another in the afternoon is more than enough . If your dog is a puppy or older, you should reduce it to a couple of minutes. If at any time you see that you lose concentration, it is preferable to leave the exercise for another time.
Tools needed
One of the good things about training is that you don’t need many things to do it, beyond the obvious (having a dog and time) these are some things that we are going to need in our training sessions:
Meal
Fundamental. We need something that motivates your dog to do the exercise. Without motivation your dog will have no interest in working and you will not see results . It’s that simple. It should be something that motivates your dog to get it. Look for food that is irresistible to your dog (pieces of sausage, chicken, apple, cheese, carrot …etc.)
In addition, food will also serve as a decoy in training , that is, as an object to guide him to do the action we want him to do (sit, lie down… etc.)
Another thing that is no less important is that you have the food prepared in adequate portions and enough portions so as not to run out of them during exercise (remember that your dog should not be distracted at any time). The appropriate portions will depend on the size and age of your dog.
training strap
Although when we work indoors it will not be necessary at any time, when we go outside we must use the leash to ensure safety, especially when working with the call. For training we will use a trainer leash . We use this leash simply because it allows us to adjust the length of the leash, allowing us to work with our dog on a leash but with some freedom of movement.
prize pool
Although it is not strictly necessary, it is very practical and will be very comfortable for you. A treat bag will allow you to put the treats (food) inside to avoid having to carry it in your hand at all times. You will also see that this way your dog will not be distracted by the smell of the treats and will be more focused on the only piece you have in your hand.