"Sit." "Come." "Down." These are some of the commands used in dog obedience training. Training is one of the most essential responsibilities a dog owner should take on. Not only will you and your dog learn commands and tricks, but you can also build a stronger bond with your dog in the process. And, that helps you to establish a leadership role position as a dog owner. As I mentioned in the previous ‘Leadership’ article, it is inevitable for a dog owner to know how to practice leadership exercise with your dog. If you don’t practice leadership well, your dog will try to be the leader of the pack because s/he feels the strong leader is a must to have in a pack. When your dog tries to become a leader of the pack, s/he will start displaying several unwanted behavior. That is why you must learn to feel comfortable being a strong leader for your dog even though acting assertive or using low-tone voice commands are not natural to your personality. Believe it or not, your dog needs to feel that you are ‘master and commander’ in the home in order for him/her to feel secure and relaxed. Training will also give your dog great mental stimulation which benefits your dog’s well-being when you incorporate training activities into your dog’s daily life. This mental stimulation can be more vital than vigorous physical exercise.
Different Types of Training
There are various types of dog training. Allow me to introduce some of the common training programs:
1) Puppy Kindergarten: puppies learn basic manners and build social skills by playing with other puppies. Puppies from about 8 weeks old can attend this type of class.
2) Obedience Class: it usually runs 6-8 weeks. Dogs and their owners learn basic commands like "Sit." "Stay." "Down." and "Heel." This class is a great tool to establish a stronger bond between dogs and their owners.
Group Class vs. Private Lesson
"Which lesson do you recommend, private lessons or group class?" There are pros and cons for both methods. Private lessons are, of course, more expensive. However, you can get 100% attention from your trainer in a private lesson whereas your trainer’s attention will be spread out in a group class. In this sense, the cost for a private lesson might not be so expensive after all if you would like 100% of a trainer’s guidance. In a group class, you may be able to learn a lot from other students who have similar problems and you can encourage one another. However, if your dog doesn’t get along with other dogs, I strongly recommend that you take a private lesson. The trainer and your classmates may not be able to concentrate on the drills if your dog gets agitated and can’t calm down around other dogs. Also, you and your dog won’t be able to learn anything under such a circumstance. You may feel embarrassed and get home exhausted mentally and physically. This is why you are better off with private lessons if your dog doesn’t get along with other dogs.
"Which lesson do you recommend, private lessons or group class?" There are pros and cons for both methods. Private lessons are, of course, more expensive. However, you can get 100% attention from your trainer in a private lesson whereas your trainer’s attention will be spread out in a group class. In this sense, the cost for a private lesson might not be so expensive after all if you would like 100% of a trainer’s guidance. In a group class, you may be able to learn a lot from other students who have similar problems and you can encourage one another. However, if your dog doesn’t get along with other dogs, I strongly recommend that you take a private lesson. The trainer and your classmates may not be able to concentrate on the drills if your dog gets agitated and can’t calm down around other dogs. Also, you and your dog won’t be able to learn anything under such a circumstance. You may feel embarrassed and get home exhausted mentally and physically. This is why you are better off with private lessons if your dog doesn’t get along with other dogs.
The Most Important Thing is to Have Fun!
Don’t forget to give your dog an opportunity to feel ‘success’ in a session. When your dog knows s/he did something right, not only they feel happy, that also leads to confidence. Your dog will start to understand a joy of learning. Also, please remember that your dog is watching every move you make during the training sessions. This can be a golden opportunity for you to become a leader. Don’t get panicky, don’t get too emotional. By leading your dog in a calm and dignified manner, your dog will start to trust and respect you more. This is a great way to establish ‘owner – dog’ leadership roles. However, the most important element of training is to have fun with your dog. Don’t make wrinkles between your eyebrows. Don’t yell at your dog just because s/he is not getting a command quickly enough. Remember to smile and enjoy the whole experience; your dog will, too. So, won’t you consider taking classes with your dog? It will be fun!
Well, next time, I would like to talk about ‘life with an aging dog.’ It will be a little sentimental and a personal article since I am living that life. Please look forward to it.
Don’t forget to give your dog an opportunity to feel ‘success’ in a session. When your dog knows s/he did something right, not only they feel happy, that also leads to confidence. Your dog will start to understand a joy of learning. Also, please remember that your dog is watching every move you make during the training sessions. This can be a golden opportunity for you to become a leader. Don’t get panicky, don’t get too emotional. By leading your dog in a calm and dignified manner, your dog will start to trust and respect you more. This is a great way to establish ‘owner – dog’ leadership roles. However, the most important element of training is to have fun with your dog. Don’t make wrinkles between your eyebrows. Don’t yell at your dog just because s/he is not getting a command quickly enough. Remember to smile and enjoy the whole experience; your dog will, too. So, won’t you consider taking classes with your dog? It will be fun!
Well, next time, I would like to talk about ‘life with an aging dog.’ It will be a little sentimental and a personal article since I am living that life. Please look forward to it.
Until next time, Be Kind to Man’s Best Friends!
comments/questions: info@doggieproject.com
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post. I will try to get the hang of it!
ReplyDeleteKind regards,
Elayne Taylor
dog trainer
This fantastic post was very nicely written, and it also incorporates many good facts. I appreciated your skilled means of writing the post. You have made it simple for me to understand. Good and precise info.
ReplyDeleteKind Regards,
Elayne Taylor
Dog Barking