How to Train Your Dog

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Every owner wishes to train his pet dog to obey his command. This training can be an ongoing and lengthy process depending on the dog and the methods used. The skill and understanding of both the pet and its owner also form an essential part of the training process.

Training methods today are being devised and given importance to, based on canine psychology and behavior.

Here are a few pointers to start with training your dog:

1. Does your dog not obey your commands? Do you think your dog finds it difficult to follow you?

The answer: YES

The solution: This isn’t as big a problem as most dog parents think it is. When you start training, try and bond with your dog first. Establish that ‘connection’ with your dog, so that your dog understands you and follows your instructions.

2. Does your dog respond when you call his name? Or does he simply look away?

Attracting and holding a dog’s attention often pose a problem with most dog owners, especially if their dogs are still puppies.

Due to a puppy’s short attention span, it is easier for the pup to get distracted by its surroundings.

Since it is advisable to start training at the puppy stage, getting your pup to relate to its name is essential. So, call out your dog’s name and prompt him to respond. Get his attention and when you do, reward him. Let him know, his response to ‘the’ name is what gets him the treat and cuddles. Follow this up gradually with training.

If your dog does not relate to its name, he will not know when you command him. Unfortunately, he will never learn to follow either.

3. Are you prone to losing your temper at the ‘drop of a hat’? Remember, loads of patience, persistence and perseverance are the key qualities to successfully training your dog.

Playing the hard-task master, losing your temper and harsh punishment…is an absolute NO…unless you want to end with a badly abused or aggressive dog.

4. Training should never be about pointing out the ‘wrongs’. A good trainer points out the ‘rights’ and encourages them.

Training your dog is all about positive reinforcement. Teach your dog what is right and what is expected of him. Use ‘Good Dog’ more often than ‘Bad Dog’.

5. Keep those ‘treats’ and ‘hugs’ handy. Reward your dog when he does something right. Let your dog know how much you appreciate his efforts.

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How to Deal with Your Dog's Behavior Problems?

Are you angry when your dog tears your sofa or bites your neighbor’s son? While you feel anger, do spare a thought to reasons behind your dog’s sudden aggressive behavior. The reason is most likely YOU and your incapability to impart proper training to your dog.

A trained dog will do your bidding and give you much pleasure and pride as an owner. But lack of training can turn your pet into a disobedient, aggressive and an unruly dog.

Dogs have their own behavior problems. Barking uncontrollably, disobeying commands, jumping and biting are some of the behavior problems that un-trained or ill-trained dogs exhibit.

So what do you do to curb these tendencies? Here are a few pointers:

1. As a dog parent, you need to study these problems and train your dog accordingly to make him more civilised and pleasurable as a companion. Make your dog understand what is expected of him and try and control unwanted behavior through proper training.

2. Start training early as training puppies is easier than training adult dogs. Establish that dog and parent bond first.

3. Teach your dog to socialize with other dogs and humans. Consider enrolling your dog in a training school where he will get ample scope to meet his like. Take your dog for walks in public parks and help him meet people.

A shy dog will not just hide from people, it is also prone to attack if it feels endangered. So, socialization is important.

Some breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers take to people naturally. Other breeds like Rottweilers, Dobermans are one-master dogs and not fond of too many people. Such breeds require special attention.

4. Most behavioral problems are known to arise from lack of proper exercise. It is wrong to assume that larger breeds need more exercise than smaller breeds. Most Terrier breeds do well with a lot of running around, while large breeds like the Great Dane take it slow.

A walk down the park can never be too tiring for any dog. Make out some time for yourself and your dog. What better way is there to bond with your dog….

5. Finally, it may be a good idea to enrol your dog in a reputable dog training school. Proper obedience training can solve almost all behavior problems of a dog.

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Obedience Training

1. Obedience training is best started when you and your dog have had a chance to bond. Your dog will follow your instruction, for which, effective communication through training is necessary between you and your dog.

2. On a basic level, your dog can be trained to understand and obey simple commands such as: ‘down’, ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘no’, ‘heel’, ‘stop’, ‘off’, ‘go’. Ensure that this is imparted correctly. Only proper training will enable your dog to respond and obey your every command.

3. If you are not sure of how to impart command training or obedience training in general, consider a dog training school and enrol your dog. Lack of knowledge is detrimental to dog training.

A disciplined and obedient dog is not hard to raise, but the undertaking requires a positive frame of mind, correct methods of training and loads of time and patience. For this, you have to diligently persevere with your training methods and schedules.

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Dog Training Schools

In dog training schools, there are professional trainers who train dogs and puppies and they are also experts in handling different breeds of dogs irrespective of their age, gender and size.

When you decide to send your dog to a training school, check out the following:

1. Whether there are certified dog trainers in the school having 5 to 6 years of experience.
2. Whether the school is nationally recognized
3. You can also visit the school before hand to see how the trainers go about training the dogs.

The training courses in a dog training school generally consist of a:

1. Kindergarten Puppy Training Course (Cost approx. $100-$300 for a month long session)
2. Basic Obedience Training Course (Cost approx. 200-$500)
3. Dog Socialization Course.
4. A value added package offer which includes all the above 3 course for $220-$650.

When you enrol your dog, be sure you carry your dog’s vaccination certificates, a proper leash and a collar. You may also take any particular treat you give your dog.

But, did you know that even the most elite training centers with their expensive courses may not give all the practical advises that exist beyond training schedules and books?

This is where The Woof Factor steps in. A site born out of the need to SHARE and HELP dog parents with their dogs, The Woof Factor experts advises you on how to raise, train and groom the new four-legged member of your family.

Our short courses on various aspects of dog training and care offers you that much needed information that helps you get started at home. Just sign in for our Mini Course and get loads of FREE information sent to your mailbox, everyday.