Here’s the well-known training guides for dogs and their owners.
1. With the emphasis
Multiple and then shorter workouts or less and then longer workouts? In the first place it seems more convenient to make the course meetings as long as possible, the shorter the total course will be. However, this is not how it works in most cases:
As described above, a puppy will get tired very quickly (compare it to a human baby) and a course will have to consist of several shorter moments. 45 minutes is long enough for a puppy. A basic puppy course will take about 10 meetings. For an older dog, the times of a meeting can be extended. The duration of the course here strongly depends on the purpose of the course, but also on the speed with which a dog learns to show the desired behavior.
2. Structure of the training
The structure of the training depends on the type of course you are going to follow and the type of dog. What do you want to achieve? A well-behaved, social dog or a dog less afraid of the vet? A trainer can give an estimate in advance of the number of lessons that belong to certain courses and how they are built up. Of course, the trainer will also respond to a fast or slow progress in your dog.
3. Approach your dog
A good trainer will show the right approach for your dog, whether this is a private training or a group training. All individual dogs are different and the trainer knows what to look out for. Differences between the breeds are also known to the trainer. Different races have different characters. It is important to always use a positive training method.
Use of a clicker. Perhaps the most underestimated training method is the clicker training. A clicker is a simple, cheap plastic box with a metal strip. When you click on it you will hear a clicking sound. The idea is that every time your dog performs an assignment correctly, you click on the device and then give a reward to the dog.
The dog will then learn that after a click something nice / tasty comes. He will then learn to carry out the assignment as you wish. You will have to find out if this is the way a dog school trainer works. You don’t have to leave it for the costs. There is a chance that a dog is afraid of a clicker; you will have to introduce it more quietly. You may be able to do this in consultation with the trainer.
Sometimes, an example dog is important. What do you do if your dog doesn’t understand or doesn’t want to understand what you (or the trainer) want from him or her? Stubborn or stupid? An example dog might help. An example dog is a dog who understands what is required of him. If an example dog performs a command from the trainer properly, it may be an eye opener for some dogs and they may understand the command or simply want to imitate the command.
4. Different exercises
To prevent bored behavior, a good trainer will have a variety of exercises ready to keep every dog alert. In a good dog training you get a nice change between obedience exercises, thinking games, socialization exercises and agility. Constant observation ensures that the trainer will do something different with your dog at the right time.
Motivate your dog with the training. A dog likes to see you happy: Look at drug dogs: They do their job because their owner is happy with their actions. Often there is only a small reward: the behavior of their owner does the rest.
Apart from your reactions, candies and toys also work wonders. A dog will do a lot to get a reward: take advantage of that. However, be consistent about giving a reward and don’t stop doing it. An alternation of exercises and games is necessary. Predictability encourages boredom!
5. Quantity of exercises
It depends on what your dog can handle and what the purpose of the training is. A dog who comes to a training to learn obedience will need more intensive, but also different training than a dog that comes to exercise or learn tricks. Social skills training of a shelter dog will be even more intensive. There are special training courses for this type of dog, traumatized or not. If you are going to start with dog training at home, it is important to keep the training short. It is better to do short training more often than once long.
6. Look at your dog
What does the dog like? How do you keep him or her motivated? A trainer will give you directions for this. Variety works wonders in most cases, but insecure dogs may become even more insecure from a lot of variety. Predictability then provides security and confidence. Look at your dog and reward an insecure dog with every step, no matter how small.
7.Watch your own attitude
Your attitude is very important to the dog: this will also be explained by a trainer. Show that you are the boss, but don’t show this in a nasty way so that your dog gets scared of you.
Never yell at your dog! Show an active, enthusiastic attitude. If you, the boss, are bored, the dog will not really feel like putting his best paw on.
Change the environment of the workouts. If you follow a training at an accredited dog learning school, this will happen automatically: you are with the dog in a new environment to follow the lessons. If the exercises are always in the same place, there is a chance that the dog thinks that a certain day is expected only in that particular place.
Changing places keeps things exciting and is very good for most dogs. It will also contribute to a dog’s confidence: the owner is always there! Especially when you start working at home, it is important to change a lot of environment. If you only do the exercises indoors, you cannot expect the dog to listen outdoors. Be careful not to put the dog in a crowded environment suddenly, but build it up slowly.
8.Punish or not punish your dog
Physical punishment of a dog is of course not allowed. It will severely damage the dog’s confidence in you, its owner. Rewarding is a great way to learn. Such a reward really does not have to consist of always a candy: a pat on the head or a sincere compliment is also fine! As long as you show the dog that you are proud of him or her.
And last but not least. The above text may have led to the choice of training at a dog school. Prepare well by asking acquaintances about their experiences, look at websites, use the opportunity for an intake interview and dive into the costs. There are many dog schools that combine their training with, for example, a walking service or a dog pension.
It may be a nice feeling for your dog, but also for you if you are already familiar with the dog school and the surrounding area, so that you know the atmosphere and the way you approach it. This can provide a lot of rest.