Having a pet to come home to can be stress-relieving, especially from a tiring day at work or from being away from home for too long. If you live alone, you won’t be feeling that way since your pet will be there to keep you company.
However, if you are a first-time pet owner, especially if it’s a dog, it can be quite overwhelming since we all know that dogs are full of energy. You may not be able to keep up if your dog isn’t obedient. But don’t worry, there are ways to keep them disciplined. Here are some easy steps to train your dog.
Start with the Basics
The first rule is always to start with the basics. Basics mean easy, so make sure that you avoid starting with complicated commands or tricks. The most important and easiest is potty training, which you need to start as soon as they start to do their own “thing”. You need to take note of their behaviour and know the usual time. You can allot a specific area inside the house, or let them roam outside and be comfortable choosing their spot.
Be Consistent
Practice makes perfect. Therefore, be sure that you stay consistent when training your dog. Dogs are like our kids, and they learn from repetition. The more often you tell them what or what not to do, they will immediately learn from it.
No to Dominance
If you notice that your dog becomes dominant over another or any other member of your household, be certain that you take action immediately. Do not tolerate your dog’s behaviour or else it can lead to a more problematic and drastic manner.
Never Hit Your Dog
Whatever happens, never hit your dog. As said earlier, dogs are like our kids, and it would take some time to have them learn all the tricks and commands we want them to master. Either they made a mistake or they don’t want to follow at all, do not do it. It also applies to the “come” command. Never let them come to you just to scold or punish them. It will only make them fear you.
Always Give a Reward
Whenever they do something right or positive, always reward them. You can give them some treats, praise them for being a good boy or girl, or you can simply take them for a walk if they love being outdoors. Don’t forget to put a dog harness on to keep them safe from being lost. It also doubles as a training guide to keep them well-behaved.
Patience is the Key
Because training a dog takes a lot of time, you need to be patient to succeed. It does not only apply to dogs but other aspects of life as well. As much as you want them to learn quickly, give them enough time. Your dog will master them all eventually. Also, believe in yourself that you can train your dog properly. Remember, it is teamwork.
If you don’t have the extra time to train your dog, you can always enrol them in a trustworthy training school for dogs. However, teaching them yourself not only helps you learn more about your furry companion but can also form a strong bond that you will never find anywhere else.