Has your canine buddy finished his petucation yet? If not, you might want to work on it. Fido does not need to perform spectacular tricks or understand commands in three languages, but he should obey basic commands. In this article, a local Longwood, FL veterinarian shares some basic dog training ideas.
Be Consistent
Consistency is one of the most critical factors to consider here. When giving your dog commands, always use the same words or phrases. Dogs do not understand the intricacies of human language. To Fido, ‘Lay down’ and ‘Go lay down in your bed right now’ may mean different things.
Discipline relies heavily on consistency. Do not allow your pet to lay on your bed one day and then punish him the next. This will not only confuse Fido, but it may also give him the sense that it makes no difference whether he obeys you or not. As you may imagine, this can result in serious and long-term behavioral disorders that may be difficult to address.
Keep Classes Short
Dogs are extremely intelligent, but they do not have very lengthy attention spans. Fido may become bored with long, drawn-out classes. Keep your sessions short and sweet. About ten to fifteen minutes at a time should suffice.
Pick The Right Time
Timing is also an important consideration. There is definitely a sweet spot here, which will be determined by Fido’s hunger and energy levels. Choose a time when he is awake but not exhausted or ready for a nap.
Offer Suitable Rewards
Fido will not be impressed with a gold sticker, and if you tell him he got 100 on an exam or received consecutive As, he will most likely tilt his head and give you that very cute inquisitive look we all know. It is crucial, however, to reward your pet for his growth. Treats are a more tangible option. Just stick with safe options, like plain, boneless meat. You can also provide little amounts of kibble, training treats, or thin slices of hot dogs. Whatever you choose, be careful not to overdo it. If your furry pupil becomes overly full, he will most likely want to slumber rather than attend school. Furthermore, this can cause your dog to gain weight, which is not good for him. (We’ll discuss the consequences of pet obesity in another blog.)
Ask your Longwood, FL vet for tips on choosing good treats.
Select A Suitable Class Curriculum
Did you know the typical dog can learn more than 165 words? Some dogs can grasp far more than that.
The most important commands that every dog should know are Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Leave It, Drop It, and Down are also extremely handy.
Whatever order you choose to teach commands in, make sure to focus on one at a time. Don’t go on until your dog has mastered the current command.
Keep It Positive
You’ll have far more success if your canine buddy enjoys his lessons. Keep it entertaining for Fido! Rewards (treats) can undoubtedly help, but a good mindset is also necessary.
Do not try to work with your pet if you are upset, depressed, or unpleasant. Dogs are incredibly observant and are excellent at picking up our moods. If Fido notices you’re down, he may develop a negative relationship with training. That is the last thing you want!
This also applies to the methods you use. You may come across items and programs that focus on negative sensations, such as fear or pain. These things have strong negative implications and can make dogs fearful, uneasy, or aggressive. Needless to say, that is likely to create many more problems than it solves.
Don’t Stop
Don’t assume that training has to end once your pet has mastered those key commands. Make sure your dog practices his routine regularly. This not only helps to keep the training fresh, but it also boosts Fido’s confidence. When our canine friends accomplish something well and are rewarded or complimented, they get adorably proud of themselves.
What do you teach Fido once he has learned the fundamentals? You can progress to more advanced training. You may be able to train your dog to fetch your slippers or turn on a light. Another alternative is to teach your pet some interesting tricks.
There are a handful that will forever be adorable, such as Spin, Shake, Crawl, Speak, Fetch, Kiss, Play Dead, Back Up, High Five, And Roll Over.
Do Not Be Afraid To Ask For Help
Some puppies pick up commands fast. Others? Not very much. If you find yourself at a dead end, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. A professional trainer may cost you time and money in the short term, but they will make life much easier for you in the long run.
Book An Appointment At Our Longwood, FL Animal Clinic
Is your canine companion due for a checkup? Does Fido require immunizations or parasite control? Please contact us, your Longwood, FL pet hospital, for all of your puppy’s veterinarian care requirements. We are dedicated to providing excellent service and attention.
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