Dog Obedience Essentials

Proper obedience training is the cornerstone of good behavior in dogs. It has often been said that there are no bad dogs, only uneducated owners. Most dogs want to please their owners, but untrained dogs simply do not know how. Well-trained dogs are happier and healthier –- and so are their owners. Here are some guidelines to enacting an obedience training program for your dog.

Equipment

Effective training does not require many supplies, but there are a few basics that will ease the process. Choose a dog collar that is suitable and comfortable for your dog. Then, decide which leash is best for training. Acquire the best gear for your dog and learn how to use it properly.

Getting Started

Before you begin training, choose the best method for you and your dog. Training techniques vary, but most trainers agree that dogs respond best to positive reinforcement, such as praise or treats. One common training variation, known as clicker training, includes the use of conditioned reinforcer.

Training Sessions

Success is usually attained in small steps. Training sessions with your dog should last 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times per day. This is especially true for puppies because of their very short attention spans. Longer sessions can cause even an adult dog to become bored. Start by teaching fundamental commands. Once your dog has mastered the basics, you can move on to fun tricks and advanced commands.

Troubleshooting

Training takes time, and you and your dog are likely to hit a few bumps along the way. Expect to see some common behavior problems, such as displays of defiance or aggression. Calmly correct the misbehavior, but do not punish your dog. Positive results can be achieved with patience and consistency.

Alternatives

Some people prefer to leave the training to the experts. A professional dog trainer can come to your house and train your dog for a fee. You may decide that sending your dog away to a training school for a period of time is worth the expense. Many dog owners prefer to join a local training class so they will be under the supervision of a dog training instructor without leaving their dogs with someone else.