Obedience Training For Dogs
Sometimes as pet owners, we need to be less than loving. Or so we think when it comes to obedience training. It breaks our hearts to have to discipline our dog. Those sad, puppy dog eyes stare up at us and we wind up caving in. The dog has our bluff. Puppy training is hard when all you want to do is love and be affectionate to the new family member. But, we have to remember that obedience training is absolutely essential to the well-being of our canine companion and the sanity of the household.
Pet training obedience begins the moment we acquire our new friend. Basic dog training starts with teaching the dog how to communicate the need to use the bathroom. A puppy is just like a toddler. It does not know what the rules are and we have to provide that training. Puppy pads, dog training collars and a variety of other training methods are used to start it on the way to knowing where it is appropriate to use the bathroom.
One thing to remember when you begin to train your dog, is that it is going to take a lot of patience. This is especially true of the housebreaking. The puppy does not know how to hold its bladder. There will be accidents and it is your responsibility as a loving pet owner to know the difference between being authoritative and being abusive. If you spot the accident as soon as it happens, this is an ideal time to correct the puppy. Hours or days later the incident is forgotten by the dog so it would be pointless to try to discipline the pooch that long after the accident. If one does this, the dog will not understand why it is being punished. You must be diligent.
During the initial obedience training you have to teach the puppy how to be walked on a leash. At first the puppy will fight it and you’ll feel like you are doing more dragging than walking. Be persistent and remember that you are the one in charge. You must be the puppy’s pack leader. It is you that assumes the Alpha role; otherwise the puppy will try to run the show.
No matter how frustrated you get, you have to remember that it takes time to teach a puppy. You cannot let the puppy sense your frustration or anxiety. Take a deep breath and if you need to, consider getting professional advice or sign up for an obedience training class. There are many dog forums that offer up plenty of hints and tips on training. In the end you will have your loving bond with your pet and have a dog that knows the rules.
Pets Editor
Dog Fancy Magazine – Dog Fancy Magazine is dedicated to the care and enjoyment of pet dogs. Each issue features articles about canine health, dog nutrition, dog behavior and dog breeding.
