Dog Training - Basic Elements: How to Start Training a Dog

Training your pet doesn't just mean teaching them to follow commands based on your needs, but also building a strong relationship with them. It's a learning process where you'll need to understand your dog's behavior to get them to respond correctly to your demands and, of course, to spend quality time together.

There are many training methods, and to help you make the right choices, we offer recommendations so you can train your dog at home without too much hassle, and so your pet feels as comfortable as possible.

How to train your dog - effective methods

There are so many dog training techniques that it can be a difficult challenge to find the one that suits both your four-legged friend and you. However, you don't need to be an expert to educate your dog, and below, we present some effective methods to help you do so.

Reward-based training

The basic principle is that your pet will learn a certain behavior knowing they will receive a reward, such as a toy or a special treat. See 👉 HERE all our DOG TREAT offers. Misbehavior is not rewarded. On the contrary, it is punished by the removal of rewards. Coercive methods are not necessary.

Secrets of the method:

• immediate reward - the reward must come within seconds after the dog has done what you asked;
• short commands - dogs don't understand human language, but they are receptive to short words associated with a behavior and a reward; use commands like: "Sit!", "Down!";
• consistency - everyone in the house must use the same commands and the same reward system;
• perseverance - at first, you give your dog rewards every time they execute the command correctly; later, only sometimes, until finally, they are no longer needed.

Alpha-type training or dominant model technique

Your pet sees the family as a pack and behaves according to a social hierarchy. When the dog considers itself an Alpha male, for example, it will need to be taught to see you as the Alpha and submit to you. This technique involves applying the mechanism: "You do this first, and then we do what you want." Thus, if your pet wants to go outside, it will have to sit down first before you open the door, or bring you the leash. See our category of ▶️ LEASHES AND COLLARS.

Secrets of the method:

• show the dog that it is not your equal - do not allow the dog to sit with you on the couch or in bed;
• do not stoop to the dog's level - it is essential for your friend to look up to you, to perceive you as being bigger and more dominant than them;
• consider the dog's personality - take into account the dog's breed and personality; if it is docile, you can combine the Alpha method with the reward method, for example.

Rival-model or mirror training

It is based on the fact that your pet learns through observation. That is, you provide a model of good behavior or a competitor for resources, and the dog learns to do things by copying that behavior. You can choose someone from the family to be the model or competitor. The mirror method means that you are the model or rival. The dog learns by example. If it initially refuses to eat from its bowl, get down to its level, put food in another bowl, and eat from it while the dog watches you. See our category of ▶️ DOG FOOD

Secrets of the method:

• strong bond - the method works perfectly when there is a strong bond between you and the dog; they feel comfortable following your example and trust you;
• a lot of patience - it involves investing a lot of time, repeating the same things until the dog understands;
• dog involvement - you will have to take them everywhere with you so they can observe and feel you.

Relationship-based training

Training combines several techniques. The basic principle, however, is to personalize the process, depending on the communication you have with your pet.

Secrets of the method:

• understanding dog behavior - you will need to observe your dog's body language, to see what rewards motivate them the most;
• controlled environment - you teach your dog to do what you tell them, in an environment where you are in control; if you want them to respond to the "Sit!" command, you first train them in a quiet room;
• learning through prior success - the dog will learn that if they responded appropriately to the "Sit" command in your living room, they will receive the same reward if they do it in a park.

If the method doesn't work, it's essential to figure out the cause instead of punishing your dog. This type of training leads to building a strong relationship between you and your dog, but it takes time and patience.

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Why it's good to have a trained dog

Dog training is as important for their cognitive and emotional development as the way you take care of their physical health, using the best grooming products. 👉 HERE you'll find all types of DOG GROOMING PRODUCTS, and below, the answer to the question: "Why is it good to have a trained dog?":

• a sociable dog - a well-trained dog is like a properly educated child; it will not cause problems in relationships with other dogs and will not be aggressive towards guests or new family members, such as a child;
• mutual joy - once you've taught your dog to behave in a certain way, it's a lifelong lesson; your pet becomes a joy for the whole family and will be very happy itself;
• building a strong relationship - training is a continuous process of mutual understanding; you will try to understand your dog, and they will understand you;
• avoiding aggressive behaviors - if you have a dog that feels it is the Alpha, training it is an effective way to avoid aggressive behavior it might have to assert its dominant position;
• giving the dog more self-confidence - untrained dogs that don't feel they have a leader to follow can feel disoriented, become depressed, hyperactive, or isolate themselves; through training, you give the dog a purpose in life and, at the same time, they will feel the pleasure of doing what you tell them.

Activities and games for your puppy that you can practice at home

Training your dog means continuous learning and mutual understanding. They respond correctly and quickly to your commands, without fear, and you better understand their behavior. Remember that training methods, such as those above, are effective insofar as you adapt them to your dog's personality and your needs.

Photo source: Shutterstock

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