Discipline
Having a dog is inseparably connected with the necessity to provide it with a proper upbringing. It is obvious that in order to ensure safety for your dog and establish good mutual relations, our pet needs to be obedient. It is advisable to start training our pets when they are puppies as the training is more effective then and we will soon get the desired results and eradicate any bad habits. However, if we decide to adopt an adult dog, it may become much more difficult and complicated.
Each dog needs to obey their owner’s commands, otherwise we won’t enjoy having them around. We will be irritated by their constant barking, destroying our furniture, other bad habits and posing threat to their immediate environment. How should we deal with our pets who cause us discipline problems?
Useful information
The most important thing is to adopt the appropriate approach to our dog and give him/her a lot of attention. Sometimes it happens that the dogs which feel neglected want to attract the owner’s attention at all costs, often by displaying unacceptable behaviour.
We have to remember that animals need physical exercise (certain breeds in particular). A dog that won’t have the opportunity to exercise and play, may become hyperactive or even aggressive.
Proper behaviour in public places (park, street) is a necessary skill for every dog. However, it requires practice. Without learning how to walk on a lead and obey our commands the results will be poor.
If our pet is particularly resistant to training, we should consult a specialist. There are many training centres in which qualified and professional dog trainers will provide us with useful tips as well as give our pet obedience training.
Basic principles in dog training
If you want to carry out such a training yourself, remember about:
1. Positive reinforcement – it is much easier to train the dog in a positive manner instead of using punishments, that’s why it’s so important to always reward his/her achievements and obedience.
2. Using a fun-filled training – the dog appreciates the owner’s willingness to play with him/her, in this way the game will become a training (fetching, walking on a lead, using educational toys and accessories, etc.).
3. Being consistent – we shouldn’t change our mind and should always require our commands to be obeyed.
4. Having a lot of patience – the learning ability differs from dog to dog, if the dog is slow leaner, he/she must be given sufficient time to learn the command.
5. Adjusting the training to a particular breed.
6. Making the training repetitive and systematic.
7. Acquiring knowledge about dog training by reading specialist magazines, books, Internet websites, etc.
Photos:
http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-5720755-best-listeners-don-t-talk.php
http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-12576501-beagle-dog-on-the-scent.php