Planning on getting a dog? Then you should be prepared for the associated responsibilities with dog ownership. One of your main jobs as a new dog owner is to socialize them and teach them to be friendly towards others.
For that to happen, you need to train your dog, but what does this mean? Training is not just teaching them how to sit and fetch. It involves so many other things as well.
Let’s dive into why your dog probably needs some training and what you can do to ensure you have a socialized and friendly dog.
Why your dog needs training
You’ve maybe noticed that some dogs can be aggressive and misbehave. This usually means they weren’t trained. If dogs ever misbehave, it likely means they haven’t been properly trained.
If this is your dog, then training them will be beneficial for you and them. When properly trained, a dog should remain calm and know how to react to their surroundings without fear, aggression, or anxiety. Untrained dogs sometimes cause dog-related accidents.
There are more than 4 million dog bites every year in the US, and they don’t happen because the dogs are evil and vicious. Accidents like this are almost always a case of improper training or lack of which would imply the owner is at fault.
With dog-related incidents, finding a personal injury lawyer is necessary to get through all the negotiations with the insurance party. Also, the lawyer needs to establish liability. But all the legal drama can be easily avoided. How? Well, by training your dog. Let’s take a look at what you can do as a dog owner.
Every dog is different
If you have more than one dog, you need to know that different rules may apply. When training them, one dog might learn quickly, while the other dog might take more time and a different approach.
Remember to keep training positive and rewarding for your pup. You can give your dogs a treat every time they do something good and this will encourage good behavior.
Steps to Consider
1. Start with the basics
The best thing is to start at the beginning. Teach them the basics, such as sit, fetch and stay. Once they learn these commands, you can move on to more complex ones.
These are a great way to start as they keep your dog safe in many situations. If they want to run into the street, you can just use these basic commands to stop them.
2. Use clear language
Use short, simple words and say them in a calm, firm voice. Always use the same word for the same command so your dog doesn’t get confused. Practice a few minutes each day instead of long sessions that might make your dog tired or bored.
Don’t make the sessions too long. That won’t have a positive effect and will only make your dog tired. And try to end each session on a good note. Praise your dog and use a positive tone so that they feel proud and excited for the next round. You can also use training methods like positive reinforcement to help your dog start associating yummy treats with behaving well.
4. Encourage Socialization
Socialization is also a big part of training. It means helping your dog feel comfortable around people, other dogs, loud sounds, or new places. Puppies should start socializing early, but older dogs can learn too.
Take your dog on walks, to the park, or let them meet friendly dogs and people. This helps them stay calm and happy in different situations. A trained dog is less likely to bark or act out because they’re not afraid.
What to do when things go wrong
Sometimes, training doesn’t go as planned. Your dog might not listen or they might forget what they learned. This is normal, and like people, dogs have good and bad days. Be patient with your dog and take a break if needed. Never punish your dog for not understanding something. Instead, go back a step and practice what they already know.
Don’t expect training to take a day or even a week. Consistent practice over a long period of time will build up those good behaviors until they are like second nature to your dog.
Ask for help if you feel stuck
If you ever feel stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many dog trainers and online classes that can help you. Just make sure the methods they use are positive and kind. Stay away from people who use fear to train – that’s never okay.
If you don’t know who to hire, try reading some online reviews. Or maybe asking some other dog owners you know.
Key takeaways: The benefits of training your dog
The goal is a happy and friendly dog. Training your dog helps them feel loved and secure and reduces any risk of accidents. Dog bites often happen when the training is missing, so you need to ensure your dog is ready for the outside world.
They need to learn the basic commands and learn how to interact with people. All dogs are friendly and want company. They just need to be taught how to react to certain surroundings.
As a dog owner, it’s your job to teach your dog everything they need to know. Don’t forget to reward good behavior. But also remember not to get angry if the dog forgets a part of the training. It’s important to stay calm in those situations and repeat the part of the training if necessary.