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TOP 10 BASIC DOG TRAINING METHODS – Dogs and Dog
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Dog training is the application of behavior analysis there are so many popular dog training methods out there that it can be frustrating to find out which is which and what method is going to be best for both your dog and you as an owner. If you find it immense and confusing, you’re not alone. Here are ten of the most popular dog training methods used today and who might benefit most from using them.
So, are you ready to start training your dog or puppy? Proper training and interaction are among your dog’s basic needs. Well it’s important to start training your dog as soon as possible.
At first, dog training can seem pretty immense, especially if this is your first dog. The truth is that training a dog is a very big project. If you take it step by step, you will find the task to be far less intimidating. Here is some information to help get you started training:
1 – Leash Training Dogs and Puppies
Leash Training Dogs every dog needs to learn to walk on a leash. Alongside the fact that most areas have leash laws, there will be times when keeping your dog on a leash is for his own safety. Learn how to introduce your dog or puppy to the leash, and then teach him how to walk properly on the leash. A loose leash walk teaches your dog not to pull or lunge when on the leash, making the experience very enjoyable for both you and your dog.
2 – How to Socialize Dogs and Puppies Training
Socialization training means train your puppy or adult dog to accept new pets, people, animals, and various places by exposing him to these things. Socialized dog is less likely to develop behavior problems and are generally more welcomed by others. Socialization can also help prevent the occurrence of fears and phobias. The bottom line is that socializing your dog or puppy will make him a happier, very well-behaved dog.
3 – Clicker Training for Dogs
Clicker training of dog is a common form of positive reinforcement. It is a simple and effectual dog training method. While it’s still fine to train your dog without clicker training, many people find it helpful. With clicker training, you can easily and successfully teach your dog all kinds of basic and advanced commands and tricks. It’s quick and easy to learn how to clicker train your dog.
Clicker dog training is also based on operand conditioning and relies heavily on the same principles as positive augmentation. In fact, clicker training may be grouped in as a method of positive augmentation, rather than as its own form of training. It relies on the use of a device to make a fast, sharp noise, such as a whistle or, as the name suggests, a clicker to signal to a dog when a wanted behavior is accomplished.
First, the dog needs to be determined to know that a click means a reward is coming. Then the dog can identify a behavior with a click and a reward. Finally, the verbal command can be introduced to form a new connection. Well this is a great method for learning new tricks, and it can help shape the basics into more difficult tasks. Many professional dog trainers use this method.
4 – Electronic Training
Electronic training of dog relies on the use of an electric collar that delivers a shock or a spray of citronella when a dog is not performing a desired task. It’s mostly used for training at a distance when a leash can’t be used. For example, shock collars can train a dog stay within the borderlines of an un-fenced yard. An electric remote collar can teach dog to work in fields or do hunting work. Mostly peoples who use these devices claim that there is less risk of a dog getting hurt by a choke collar or other mechanical devices.
But there are many problems with this training method. One is that it relies on punishment for bad behavior instead of rewards, meaning a dog learns what it’s not supposed to do, rather than what it is supposed to do. And another problem is that it can create a great deal of stress and lead to permanent anxiety issues for dog.
Professional dog trainers may see craved results from electronic training, but it is definitely not for use by average owners. There are many other options that put dogs under far less stress and pain. If you are going to use an electronic device, consult a professional trainer about the proper use and consider an alternative form of behavior correction.
5 – Scientific Training
Science-based dog training can be difficult to explain as it relies on information that is continually building and changing. It aims to understand dog nature, their ability to be conditioned, and the effectiveness of rewards and punishments of the dog. Pet behaviorists are constantly creating new studies and experiments to shape our understanding of dog psychology. Trainers rely on these studies to work with dog breeds. Before a behavior is corrected, everything about that nature must be understood.
It’s hard to point out an overarching methodology behind it. In fact, a lot of the methods used in scientific dog training are used by other forms of training a dog. Some scientific trainers believe that it is also important to learn how to strengthen good behavior without the need for rewards and to rely on dog psychology to find ways to improve off-leash relationship between owners and their pups.
Scientific dog training relies on doing a good deal of research and staying updated on the latest studies. For that reason, it may be best for professional trainers. Still, it’s a good idea for dog owners to stay informed and pay attention to new research when it becomes available.
6 – Positive Reinforcement Dog Training
This dog training method begins with rewarding a desired behavior immediately, within seconds, after it happens. That way the dog comes to connect the behavior with the reward. Some dog trainers combine this method with clicker dog training. This gives the dog a distinct sign of the exact moment of the behavior was finished. Commands also need to be short and to the point. Sit. Stay. Come.
Positive reinforcement requires consistency. Therefore, everyone in your household needs to use the same commands and reward system. Start with regular rewards every time your dog does the right thing. Then, gradually move to intermittent rewards as the behavior becomes consistent. Sometimes beginner trainers accidentally reward bad behavior. For example they might let the dog outside when the dog start barking at a squirrel or another dog
Only wanted behaviors get rewards, which can include dog treats, toys, praise, and pets. It can also be easy to overfeed when your dog is in learning process, so use small treats when you are rewarding with food. This method is great for learning commands, but you need patience for correcting unwanted natures.
7 – Relationship-Based Dog Training
Relationship-based training merges several different training methods, but focuses on a more individualized approach for both dog and owner. It is a relationship between dog and human that drives everything. This training method strives to meet the needs of the dog and the trainer, to foster communication, and to strengthen their bond. Basically, it’s about being mutually beneficial for dog.
The owner must know how to read their dog’s body language, nature, behavior and what rewards most motivate their dog, and how to meet their dog’s basic needs before each training session begins. Positive reinforcement of dog motivates good behaviors. Mostly the dog’s environment is controlled to limit possible unwanted behaviors. New information is built on previous success.
For example, a dog must learn to “sit” in a quiet room before trying to perform the command in a park with squirrels and kids and other distractions. Difficulty grows gradually, when a dog doesn’t perform the desired behavior, the owner must figure out why instead of punishing. Is the dog focusing on distractions? Hurt? Unable to hear? Or just unwilling to perform?
This relationship-based dog training leads to a deep and meaningful bond, but it takes time and patience. It may not have enough to differentiate it from other dog training methods, but rather seems to be inclusive of many aspects of other successful methods. You may find that your relationship with your dog improves regardless of which training method you use, and certainly that bond will help you continue your training.
8 – Basic Commands & Fun Tricks dog Training
There are some basic dog training commands and tricks that every dog should know like come, speak, stay, back up, etc. Basic commands give your dog structure. In addition, they can help you overcome common dog behavior problems and will help keep your dog safe. Well what’s more fun than showing off your dog’s cool tricks?! Dog tricks are a great way to take your dog to the next level and give your dog some mental stimulation.
9 – Proofing Behaviors and Troubleshooting Dog Training
Learn how to proof behaviors so your dog will be as obedient at the park or a friend’s house is he is in your own living room. Remember, just because you have reached the final stages of dog training, it doesn’t mean that behavior problems won’t crop up. Know about the most common dog behavior problems and how to deal with them.
Practice behaviors in a variety of situations with different levels of distraction. Without proofing, your dog may act well in your living room, but seem to forget all his training when he is outside the house. Teach Your Dog Self-Control: This method teaches your dog that nothing in life is free, but that he needs to earn things like food and attentiveness through obedience.
10 – Training Your Dog to Be Your Running Companion
Train your dog to be your running companion; your dog should master loose-leash walking before you start training him to run beside you. A canine companion that pulls on the leash is frustrating when walking, but downright risky at faster speeds. Remember that the environment is full of rewards, like squirrels and interesting smells.
Now that your dog is politely walking at your side, it’s time to speed things up. When you’re out for a walk or running, it’s handy to have a cue, such as “let’s go,” that tells your dog it’s time to move on and get walking.
Building Endurance now that your dog knows to stay at your side and parallel your pace, it’s time to get his body in shape. Well just as humans need to build strength and endurance slowly, so does your dog. Start by combining small stretches of running into your walks. Then, on each subsequent walk, gradually grow the portion of your time spent running and decrease the portion spent walking. After several weeks, your dog will have adapted to running long distances.