When you bring a new canine companion home you can look forward to lots of cuddles and love, but you will also need to prepare for a lot of hard work. Some of that work includes training. Here, our Toledo vets talk about training dogs of all sizes, big and small dogs, and offer tips and advice on making it a success.
Advice on Dog Training
Have you added a new puppy or rescued dog to your family? Now comes the hard part – training! Our Toledo veterinarians share our best dog training advice for new owners.
Regardless of the way you choose to go about dog training, there are some advice and tips you can follow to make it easier. One thing you should keep in mind is that dogs of all ages are generally easier to train if they have been fixed (it also has some great health benefits as well!).
1. A puppy is just like a human baby or toddler.
Don't expect them to have the same abilities as a full-grown dog. Consider what they are capable of at their age and adjust your expectations accordingly. It won't be long before they are a full-grown adult dog.
2. You will need to puppy-proof your home.
You should be sure to provide your puppy or new dog a secure place when you need to leave the house without them. Either a safe room or a crate. You should provide them with dog-safe dogs including chew toys and a comfortable place to rest.
3. Your new puppy won't understand English.
Your new dog will need time to learn your commands. This includes the word no. In the beginning, it would be helpful to show them what you would like from them as you are using the word.
4. Learn your puppy's body language.
While your dog or puppy will be unable to speak to you, you should be able to determine what they need based on their behavior.
5. Use treats that are appealing when training.
While regular treats can be a good starting point when training, you can take it one step further by offering them hearty meat like beef or chicken.
6. Reward for good behavior.
While you likely don't hesitate to scold your puppy when they misbehave, you may not always think about positive reinforcement. Giving your dog praise and rewards when they behave as desired can go a long way in their training.
7. Remember that they are a dog, not a person.
While we may occasionally find similarities in the ways we show affection, humans and dogs are entirely different. This means that your dog will not ever think about seeking revenge or anything of the sort.
8. Your dog's behavior depends on you.
While you can scold your dog for doing something they shouldn't, you should always also consider the fact that you likely play a role in the behavior. Whether it's leaving things in their reach or behaving a certain way yourself. You should also look to yourself throughout the training as well.
9. Make sure you reward quickly after good behavior.
Dogs move on to new things quickly. So if your puppy does something that requires praise, you should be sure to reward it quickly when it is still fresh in your pup's mind. He’s happy to take it, but you failed to reward what you were teaching.
10. Always praise your for coming to you.
Regardless of what the situation is, even if your dog is 'bad', you should always be kind and happy when your dog comes to you. If you are angry or negative toward your dog when they come to you then their behavior may decline and they will likely also begin to avoid you.
11. Be kind and positive when interacting with your dog.
Your dog can sense your emotions and can see your expressions. They will react to you according to how you act toward them. Always try to be as positive as possible when speaking to them.
12. Give your puppy a lot of exercise.
Lots of exercise isn't only good for your pup's health, it can also help top prevent boredom that can lead to destructive behaviors.
Puppy Care
It's exciting to bring home a new puppy! This adorable new animal companion can't help but make everyone who sees them smile.
As fun as this is, there are a handful of important healthcare matters to address before their first birthday.
Your vet will put together a customized puppy health care plan that meets the specific needs of your furry friend during their first year, and offer you lots of support and guidance along the way!
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.