We all want to have a sociable dog that behaves well, both with people and with other animals. But to achieve that, it is imperative that we, as human beings, Let's educate him properly and respectfullyUsing everything in our power to care for him and for him to trust us. We can't forget that, yes, we're the ones who feed and water him, but we maintain a relationship of friendship and companionship with the animal; no one would ever think of hitting or yelling at their friend, right? 😉
Obviously, dogs are not human, and unfortunately there are things they don't understand, so it's necessary to set some boundaries for them. clear and consistent boundaries so that their life is not in any danger and they can integrate well into the family and society. Below you will find a very complete guide with tips for your dog to obey you, feel happy and maintain a strong and positive bond.
The sooner you start training him, the better.
A puppy's brain is like a sponge, absorbing everything very quickly. Therefore, if you have the opportunity, do not hesitate to train him from puppyhoodAt this stage it is easier to introduce basic rules of coexistence, socialization and small commands of obedience.
Even so, adults can learn too. An older dog may take a little longer to grasp commands, but with Patience, consistency, and good positive reinforcement. It is entirely possible to change behaviors and teach new skills. Age should never be seen as an excuse for not educating.
In any case, if you see that one day he is not in a good mood, is tired, is afraid or is distracted, avoid forcing him to do something he does not want to do. Mutual respect should be the most important thingTraining is a joint process, not an imposition.
Don't expect miracles on the first day
Furthermore, you have to be consistent and work with the dog in very short sessionsIn many cases, 2-5 minutes several times a day is enough, and in others, 10-20 minute workouts can be beneficial, always adapted to their attention span and energy level. Several short sessions a day are much more effective than one very long session that ends up boring them.
It's also important to understand that he won't always be equally receptive. There will be days when he'll grasp everything immediately and others when he'll seem to have forgotten what he learned. It's not a step backwards, it's a normal part of the process.Stay calm, take a step back if necessary, and celebrate every small step forward.
Types of learning: negative, indifferent, and positive
When discussing dog training, three main forms of interaction with dog behavior can be distinguished: negative, indifferent, and positiveUnderstanding them will help you choose better how to act in each situation.
Negative dog training
Negative training usually goes accompanied by punishments, shouting, or harsh corrections When a dog does something we don't like, such as chewing on a table or breaking something, many owners raise their voices or use threatening body language to express their anger.
This approach is not only unnecessary, but deteriorates the relationship with the dogReacting with verbal or physical violence generates fear and insecurity, and can lead to more serious behavioral problems, such as aggression or emotional blocks. The animal doesn't learn what to do; it only tries to avoid punishment.
Indifferent dog training
Indifferent training is the most common type, often without many people being aware of it. It consists of not paying attention to what the dog is doing for much of the day. When alone or unsupervised, the dog does what it wants and makes no association between its behavior and a consequence.
This approach doesn't correct unwanted behaviors or reinforce appropriate ones. It simply allows the dog to behave. Learn by trial and errorwhich often translates into bad habits that are difficult to change later on.
Positive dog training
Positive reinforcement training is the best method for obedience training. It uses pampering, food, games and attention to build a good relationship with the pet and teach it what behaviors we like.
Instead of punishing what he does wrong, he focuses on reinforce what it does wellEach time the dog performs the appropriate behavior (sit, come when called, relieve itself outside, etc.), it receives a reward: a special treat, a caress, a kind word, or a playtime.
This type of training is the one that It better protects the dog's emotional health.It reduces stress, fosters trust, and creates a strong bond between human and animal.
Positive reinforcement outweighs negative reinforcement.
Establishing a positive relationship with your pet helps create a special bond between the owner and the animal. Without that bond, dog training becomes much more difficult. Positive reinforcement is stronger and more effective than any punishment, and it also promotes the mental well-being of both.
If, for example, you get angry when your dog doesn't come to you and, upon seeing this, you scold or punish him, he may be afraid to approach you next time. On the other hand, if you reward him when he comes, will associate your name and your calls with something pleasantThat will make it approach you happily, wagging its tail and eager to continue learning.
Give him simple and consistent orders
So that neither he nor you forget the orders, It is essential that the signals are clear, short, and always the same.Use simple words like "sit," "drop," "paw," or "fetch." Choose one word for each behavior and stick with that same word. View good resources It can help you choose appropriate terms and effective methods.
If today you say "come," tomorrow "here," and another day "let's go," the dog will have more difficulty understanding what you're asking. On the other hand, if you always use the same verbal command and the same gesture, The partnership will be much faster..
It's also important not to give one instruction and then immediately give a different one if the first one hasn't been followed. You must repeat the first instruction until the child does it correctly, and Help him with your body or with a reward If necessary. Every time he does something you want, don't forget to give him praise. well-chosen prizes (sweets, caresses, toys, affectionate words).
How to create a positive bond with your dog
There are two things that most dogs instinctively love: eat and hunt/playHarnessing these natural motivations will help you make training fun and highly effective.
Food as a positive reinforcement
Food is a powerful resource, but it must be used wisely. The prizes should be special.That is, treats that are tastier or different from what he eats daily. If you use small treats only during training, the dog will understand that working with you always brings something valuable.
At first, you can reward each time they perform the correct behavior. Once the behavior is ingrained in their mind, you can space out the treats gradually until they disappear and the main reward is your attention, the game, or the habit itself.
The game and the "hunt" as motivation
You may not be able to go hunting with your pet, but you can playing chase, throwing and fetch with objectsChasing something moving, running after a ball, or tugging on a chew toy helps the dog release stress, have fun, and see you as someone worth collaborating with.
Each dog has a preference for a certain type of toy: balls, ropes, plush toys, discs, etc. It's important to observe your dog and discover what motivates them most, because those will be the toys they prefer. your best allies during training.
Practical keys to teaching basic commands
In addition to the general principles, it is worth taking into account some specific tips from dog trainers for teaching basic tricks such as respond to name, not bite, sit or stayThis can complement these practical tips.
Teach him/her his/her name
Once you have the perfect name for your dog, start using it from day one. The goal is that associate your name with something pleasantYou can use very small pieces of sausage or soft treats:
- Call his name only once and, as soon as he looks at you or comes near, offer him the prize.
- Repeat this exercise several times a day, in different places around the house.
- When your dog comes to you without needing a constant reward, start spacing out the treats.
How to teach a puppy not to bite
If you have a restless puppy, it's normal for them to want to chew on everything. It's their way of exploring the world and also of relieving teething discomfort. Offer them toys designed for chewing And when he's biting something he shouldn't, calmly say "no," stop the action, and offer him his toy.
When he stops biting the forbidden object and stays with you, rewards that decision With gentle touches, a kind voice, or a small treat, he will gradually learn what he can and can't chew on.
Teaching "sit" and "stay" step by step
For "sit," use a treat in your hand. Place it near his nose and gently move it up and back, so he has to lower his rear end to follow. The instant he sits, say "sit" and reward him. Repeat until the command is sufficient without moving your hand.
For "stay," first make sure he understands "sit" or "lie down." Ask him to sit, say "stay" in a firm tone, and hold your hand open in front of you. Wait a second or two, return to him, and reward him. increasing the time and distance very graduallyIf he gets up, simply repeat the exercise without yelling or punishment; he will learn that there is only a reward when he stays in his place.
The importance of knowing your dog and respecting its boundaries
Every dog is an individual with its own personality, energy level, fears, and motivations. Before demanding too much of a dog, it's essential to understand its needs. What makes him nervous, what excites him, what scares him.
If, for example, certain noises, objects, or situations make him anxious, avoid training him immediately after exposing him to those stimuli. It's better to work when he's calm. relaxed and receptiveTraining in a quiet environment, without too many distractions, greatly facilitates concentration.
In adopted dogs or dogs with previous traumatic experiences, it is necessary to have a special sensitivityForcing, yelling at, or pushing a fearful dog will only worsen the situation. In such cases, it's best to proceed more slowly and, if complex problems arise (aggression, intense phobias, severe anxiety), seek the help of a professional. professional dog trainer.
With these tips, your furry friend will get used to it more easily. your new life with youHe will feel safe by your side and training will become a time of play, communication and joint learning that will strengthen your bond day by day.
