What novice trainers miss out in their training
If you've recently become the proud owner of a new puppy or are planning to, congratulations! It's an exciting journey, but it can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to training. However, we're here to provide you with some helpful tips to ensure you have a well-trained furry friend.
While many novice trainers may focus solely on the basic commands like sit and paw, it's important to note that good puppy training encompasses much more than that. Proper puppy training teaches impulse control, setting boundaries, and socialization skills, all of which are critical to your puppy's development.
Impulse control is essential for a well-behaved pup. This involves teaching your furry friend to manage their impulses, grab things that aren't theirs and resist the urge to do things like jump on people or chase after squirrels. To achieve this, you'll need to establish some clear rules and boundaries and use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior.
Fast results can be achieved by using hand signals and body language. Dogs are visual animals, and they respond well to these cues. Incorporating these signals into your training routine can help your pup learn much faster.
Eye contact is important when training your pup. A puppy that won't look at you won't do what you ask. Make sure you have your puppy's attention before giving any commands. This is especially important when teaching recall or any other commands that require your pup to come to you.
It's never too early to teach recall. Teaching your pup to come when called is vital for their safety. It's also a great way to reinforce the bond between you and your pup.
Teaching bite inhibition is also vital at a young age. Puppies need to learn that biting hurts and is not acceptable behavior. This can be achieved through gentle play, the 'ouch and ignore' technique and positive reinforcement.
Getting your puppy into working mode is the secret to good training. Dogs are happiest when they have a job to do. This can be anything from fetching a ball to performing agility courses. Giving your pup a job to do can help them burn off excess energy and improve their behavior.
Owners can unwittingly cause resource-guarding issues. Resource guarding is when your pup becomes possessive over food, toys, or other items. This can be prevented by teaching your pup to share and trade items with you.
Puppy parents can unwittingly create separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is when your pup becomes anxious and distressed when left alone. This can be prevented by gradually building up the amount of time your pup spends alone and making sure they have plenty of toys and comfort items to keep them occupied.
Training your pup can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By incorporating these tips into your training routine, you can help your pup become a well-behaved and happy member of your family. Remember to be patient, consistent, and always use positive reinforcement. A professional trainer will save you a lot of time, unwanted behavior and future problems. Call me (Matt Jones) now for a training appointment or advice 07774 780515.