Dog Training Basics – How to Train a Dog

Despite domestication, communication between humans and dogs is sometimes a little bumpy. While the human half of the pair is generally the more intelligent, dog training sessions can sometimes give people a legitimate reason to think otherwise.

While dogs understand and respond at the level of a human two-year-old, the similarity ends there. Their senses operate differently - their vision reacts differently to colour, their hearing is more acute and they have a highly developed sense of smell - and their minds process information differently as well. In order to avoid human frustration and canine misbehavior these differences need to be taken into account.

Descended from wolves, dogs are by nature pack animals. Due to this, they're social creatures, functioning best with active interaction within a strict hierarchy.

During the first few months of training, it’s best to set aside an hour a day, beginning training as young as possible. It’s not too early with some breeds to start at four weeks, provided too much isn’t expected.

Elimination ('potty') training details we leave for elsewhere, but all training follows similar guidelines.

Dogs instinctively follow a hierarchy - there are alpha dogs, beta dogs, and on down to the omega, so establish your dominance early on.. To ensure a happy relationship between owner and pet, the human (whether male or female) must always be the alpha male of the pack.

Depending on the breed, and individual, some will accept this more easily than others. Like humans, some are simply more assertive than others. Attitude is important, and should be used in conjunction with leashes, collars, commands and other training aids which are highly useful. Ensure that you never let your dog be the boss.

Physical force isn’t needed to enforce your dominance. Occasionally, when used appropriately, that will be necessary. However, it is normally just a matter of being firm and having the patience to wait for compliance.

For many, placing them on their backs when young and placing a firm hand in the middle of the chest until they lower their paws - a sign of submission - will be enough. For more assertive dogs, reinforcing this by putting your face close to theirs, emulating dominant dog behavior, can help.

Allow the dog plenty of time for free running behavior, essential to dog health, but make sure that running behavior is curbed when undertaking leash training. Running should be allowed before or after training, not during. At least, not in the beginning.

It is best to start simply, choosing short, clear commands that sound distinctly different: sit, stay, down, come. Use a firm, but not harsh voice. The dog needs to understand that you're in charge, but not angry. Avoid double-word commands like 'sit down' or 'stay down'. These confuse the dog as they sound too much alike.

Each verbal command should be accompanied with the same tone, look and hand gesture. Eventually these can separate, but to begin with it's crucial to provide the simplest, most consistent form of communication.

Dogs, like two-year old humans, have limited capacity for grasping the subtleties of language. To assist their understanding be extremely consistent. A single command should only be used for one thing. 'Down' can mean 'don't jump on me or anyone else', or it can mean 'get on your stomach', but it should only be used for one behavior.

By establishing yourself as alpha, and gaining the respect of your dog, it will naturally be inclined to follow and obey you. Consistency, patience and repetition are the keys to a happy relationship.

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