Before carrying out the training of a dog we must know how to differentiate between education and training. Educating a dog is teaching it to behave correctly throughout its life; It generally corresponds to the puppy stage, when he learns the rules of coexistence. Training a dog is a more specific training that aims to learn certain commands or exercises Dog training Houston.
The ideal is that both go hand in hand and complement each other but, above all, that they have the same method in common: positive teaching.
How to train a dog positively?
As we mentioned, training refers to the teaching of specific orders that are usually accompanied by a word or gesture. These can be: “sit”, “lie down”, “stay”, “give me your paw”; But you can also teach them more complex exercises such as always walking next to you on the street or even bringing you things!
Positive training is the best way to teach your furry these exercises while strengthening your bond. This way you will turn training sessions into fun exercise for your dog. This method is based on motivation, reward and fun.
Traditional training is based on negative reinforcement; The dog learns through punishment, obeying orders out of fear.
You should NEVER scold, yell or hit your dog . This type of training is not beneficial for either of them, quite the opposite. You should also not use choke or electric collars or punish him when he does not obey a command.
Training a dog with positive reinforcement
If you are wondering how to train a dog, the keys are patience and consistency . Any training must be carried out consistently and with friendly treatment.
Some tips for good training are:
Choose a quiet place without distractions.
Training at least 3-4 days a week.
Short 10 minute sessions.
Tranquility, affection and patience.
Choose short, clear and concise words for orders.
Don’t stop practicing the exercises you have already learned.
Congratulate with enthusiasm and caresses.
Reward with treats.
Without yelling, scolding, corrections or punishments.
If your dog makes a mistake during training, simply say “no” in a firm voice and do not reward him. He always performs the same exercise in each session until he learns it and not several at the same time. Once learned, you can start with the new one and add the previous one as a review.
And now, we tell you how to teach your dog the most basic commands :
How to train a dog to come when you call it?
The call command is the most important and all dogs should learn it by heart. It is the first thing you should teach your furry friend as soon as he gets home. Remember not to confuse the command “come” with his name.
With it you can call him whenever you want him to come and it is essential to be able to release him on the street. You can use a clicker or a whistle to get her attention faster and, of course, a delicious treat.
Before you start calling him from afar, you must relate the sound to the candy. To do this, simply ring it and give it the treat; Once he learns that that sound means candy, it will be much easier for him to come when you call him. You can also do it directly with the word “come” .
Move away a little and repeat the command so that he comes closer for his prize. Go further and further away to increase the difficulty. Then do it from another place in the house where he can’t see you. Once you have this mastered, you can start trying it in the park.
How to train a dog to sit?
Let him smell his treat and, with it kept in your hand, put your closed fist above his head against his muzzle, so that the dog looks up. Most dogs naturally place their butts on the ground. Then say the word “sit” or “sit” and give him his reward. If he doesn’t sit up on his own, you can help him by lightly pressing your hand on his butt to make him fold his hind legs.
How to train a dog to lie down?
When your dog has learned to sit, you can move on to the next command: “down!” . This is one of the easiest. Make him sit, as he already knows, and, instead of giving him the treat, direct your hand towards the floor to encourage him to lie down. When he is lying down, give the order for him to link it to that movement and give him his reward. If he doesn’t do it on his own, you can slide his front legs forward.
How to train a dog to paw?
This order is not really necessary since it is not useful on a daily basis, but it is a classic.
First, tell him to sit so that he is more comfortable and it is easier to give you his paw. Additionally, you will also be more focused after giving this first order.
Stand in front of him, show him his treat and let him sniff it with your closed fist. Normally she tries to open her hand with his paw to get it; When he does this, say “paw” or the word you have chosen and open your hand for him to take it. If he doesn’t hit your hand, you can tap his paw or hold it to help him understand what you want.
It is important that the order is always accompanied by the hand gesture. Once he learns to give one paw you can teach him “the other” so that he gives you both.
How to train a dog to stay still?
First we must start close and progressively move further away. Call him by name followed by a “quiet” or “stop” and accompanied by an open hand raised. Walk and stop while saying the order. You can try telling him to sit first (once he knows this command well) and then moving away little by little to teach him the new command. This exercise is very practical on the street.
If you want to learn more about dog training, we recommend that you read this article about the best dog training books and this other one about the use of the clicker.
Remember that each dog learns at a different speed and that you must be constant and patient. Sometimes it can take a long time to learn an order, don’t despair!