Training your pooch at home!
Let’s transform our home into a training ground and watch as our furry friend become the obedient companion we’ve always dreamed of!
When you bring home a pooch, you dream of nurturing an obedient and well-mannered companion. While everyone cannot seek a professional trainer, we can give basic training to our pooches to transform them into a delight. Rocky was a 3-month-old pup when we got him home. With no prior experience of living with a dog, I was appalled with how to train him. But with persistence, and of course, hard work, I have trained him with basic commands.
Infact, training your dog at home can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both you and your furry friend. Whether you’ve just brought home a puppy or you’re looking to brush up on your dog’s manners, home training offers numerous benefits. Not only does it strengthen the bond between you and your dog, but it also provides mental stimulation and helps to instill good behaviour.
Here are few tips for successfully training your dog in the comfort of your own home:
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Establish clear communication: If one person in the family is happy when your pooch jumps on the bed and another one cringes, your dog will not understand what is expected of him. Effective communication is key to successful dog training. Dogs rely heavily on body language and vocal cues to understand commands and expectations. So, it is important that each member of the family says the same thing. Use clear, concise commands and gestures to convey your expectations to your dog.- Start with basic commands: Begin your home training sessions with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. These fundamental commands form the building blocks of more advanced training and are essential for teaching your dog good manners and obedience.
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Small is beautiful: Break down each command into small, manageable steps, and gradually increase difficulty as your dog becomes more proficient. Remember to keep training sessions short and engaging to maintain your dog’s focus and motivation.- Use positive reinforcement: Dogs love to please us. When your dog responds correctly to a command, immediately praise them and offer a reward. By rewarding desired behaviours with treats, praise, or toys, you can encourage your dog to repeat those behaviours in the future. For example, if you call your dog and he comes to you, give him a pat or a treat. Never call your dog to punish him. Else, he will associate punishment with coming and will refuse to follow your command in future.
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Address undesirable behaviours: Behaviours such as jumping, chewing, and excessive barking, should be addressed at the very beginning. Instead of punishing your dog for these behaviours, focus on redirecting their attention and providing alternative outlets for their energy. For example, if your dog tends to chew on furniture, offer them a variety of chew toys and praise them when they chew on them instead. Again, be consistent, patient, and use positive reinforcement.- Be patient and consistent: Do not be stressed if your dog takes time to learn. Invest time and effort into your training sessions, and remember that progress may be gradual. Celebrate small victories along the way, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Just be patient and consistent.
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Seek professional help if needed: Some dogs are difficult to train as they have already developed some habits. So, if you’re struggling to address specific behavioural issues or if you feel overwhelmed by the training process, seek professional help. A qualified dog trainer can assess your dog’s behavior, provide personalized guidance, and offer effective training techniques tailored to your dog’s needs.
Establish clear communication: If one person in the family is happy when your pooch jumps on the bed and another one cringes, your dog will not understand what is expected of him. Effective communication is key to successful dog training. Dogs rely heavily on body language and vocal cues to understand commands and expectations. So, it is important that each member of the family says the same thing. Use clear, concise commands and gestures to convey your expectations to your dog.
Small is beautiful: Break down each command into small, manageable steps, and gradually increase difficulty as your dog becomes more proficient. Remember to keep training sessions short and engaging to maintain your dog’s focus and motivation.
Address undesirable behaviours: Behaviours such as jumping, chewing, and excessive barking, should be addressed at the very beginning. Instead of punishing your dog for these behaviours, focus on redirecting their attention and providing alternative outlets for their energy. For example, if your dog tends to chew on furniture, offer them a variety of chew toys and praise them when they chew on them instead. Again, be consistent, patient, and use positive reinforcement.
Seek professional help if needed: Some dogs are difficult to train as they have already developed some habits. So, if you’re struggling to address specific behavioural issues or if you feel overwhelmed by the training process, seek professional help. A qualified dog trainer can assess your dog’s behavior, provide personalized guidance, and offer effective training techniques tailored to your dog’s needs.Every dog is unique and training methods may need to be adjusted to suit your dog’s personality and learning style. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll soon enjoy the benefits of a well-trained and well-behaved dog in your home.