Training your dog is an important part of helping your dog to be happy and healthy, and it is also an important part of getting to know your dog.
Here are some important things to keep in mind as you train your dog:
- Be quick and consistent: It is important to always respond the same way when your dog does something you want them to do more, or less of. If it takes you more than 1-2 seconds to respond (Praise/treat), dogs will not associate their behavior with your reaction, which can make them confused and prolong training.
- Keep it positive: Use of small low calorie treats, time with a special toy, or even cuddles are great ways to reward your critter. Training methods that involve physical harm, shock or choke collars, yelling or removing food has been scientifically shown to increase food, anxiety and aggression in dogs.
- Keep it short: Training sessions should be short and fun for your pet. Sessions should generally be less than 15 minutes, if things get tough take a step back and try something more simple for them. Patience is key; it takes more than a day to train a dog! Remember to try to end on a positive note.
- Socializing: The first 3-16 weeks are the most important time in a dogs’ life for social development. It is important that they have lots of healthy and positive experiences with a variety of people and animals during that time. Exposing them to different sounds and places also helps them be comfortable and resilient later in life. Make every socialization experience is positive. Give your friends and family members treats to feed your puppy/dog when they come to visit! After 16 weeks it can be harder for dogs to learn social skills, but it is still possible with patience and training. It is also important to respect your dog’s tolerance. Forcing them to socialize with other pets by putting them in a small room when they have no means to get away if they are scared often makes them more fearful of other animals. Always make sure they have a way to escape if it is too much for them.
- House training: Puppies need to pee more frequently than adults. Take your pet outside on a leash every 3-4 hours overnight (or as much as possible) and after meals, naps, and play sessions. Immediately after they pee/poop, praise them with your voice and a treat. DO NOT PUNISH ACCIDENTS!
- Training tip: Giving treats and praise should be done every successful step of the learning process. When starting out even a small step in the right direction (looking down when you want them to lie down) is cause for a reward. As you go forwards you will be able to see more and more of the desired behaviour, and should be able to use less and less treats before they show the final behaviour!
Additional Resources:
Dog Training Infographic PDF