What training is right for your dog?

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Humans go to school, get further education, and many people continue learning throughout their lives. Why then don’t we train our dogs, and teach them what is acceptable behavior? Yet, we expect so much from them – without taking the trouble to help the dog navigate the world in which he lives.?

What training is right for your dog??

There is “no one right way” to work with a dog. Training that works for one dog, may not be ideal for another. Dogs have different training needs and often need different training at various stages of their life. It's important to find what will work for your dog (age, temperament, background) and what your dog’s triggers are (treats, easily distracted, easily bored).?

When a training method doesn’t work, it doesn’t mean it is wrong – just that it’s not right for your dog in these circumstances or stage of his life.??

Training puppies, adolescent dogs, and adopted dogs often presents challenges and we focus on these dogs this week.??

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• Training a puppy.?

Puppies! They come in equal measures of fun, joy, frustration, cuteness, playfulness, ‘tearing your hair out’! However, these puppy months (they grow up so fast!), are the time to lay a solid foundation for the little cutie to grow into an obedient, well-behaved dog.?

Puppy training starts the moment the puppy comes home – if he’s from a reputable breeder he should already have had basic obedience and socialization training.?A puppy can be taught basic commands like no, stay, sit, down, and wait – just remember her attention span is short so a few short pieces of training per day is best. ???

The recommended training method for puppies is positive reinforcement where good behavior is rewarded with treats, and praise and no punishment are involved. This training helps to build the bond between the puppy and the owner.?

Clicker-based training requires a clicker and rewarding the puppy when he does something right. Relationship-based training focuses on building a strong relationship with the puppy by considering her personality when training her.?

The basis of puppy training is patience, consistency, clear boundaries, and avoiding punishment.?

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• Training the adolescent dog.?

Your puppy is about six months old - and no longer the cute, playful doggie. She has become obstinate, 'difficult', and ignores commands you taught her. If the owner doesn’t understand the reasons for this new behavior, it can have unfortunate and unnecessary consequences.??

The explanation for this behavior change is simple – she’s an adolescent! Yes, dogs go through adolescence just like humans do. As the dog’s brain develops, his thought patterns change. He can distinguish between right and wrong and often needs motivation to change his behavior.?

Positive reinforcement doesn’t work any longer – and another type of training is preferable during this stage, which is usually between six months and two years. Canine Cognitive Behavioral Training (CCBT) is a method that changes the dog’s perception and emotional response to triggers.?

CCBT allows the dog to make her own decisions by harnessing her cognitive skills and decision-making ability to change behavior. At this stage of his life, the dog doesn’t think about the consequences of his behavior, he just acts. CCBT can help him to reset his brain, think, and make a decision. Importantly, CCBT is a non-aversive, fears-free approach. ?

It’s a sad fact that many dogs land in shelters during this stage of their life. People wanted a cute puppy and were not prepared, or willing, to face the responsibility of training the dog to help him become a well-adjusted adult dog. They don’t realize, or don’t care, that they took on a lifetime commitment when they got the puppy.?

The positive side is that correct training can turn that difficult adolescent into a wonderful adult dog. We all went through that stage once…?

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• Training an adopted dog or a dog with behavioral issues.?

Training an adoptive dog, or a dog with a checkered past, needs special understanding and patience.??

Not all adopted dogs are the same – their age, background, training, and socialization will be different. It helps to get as much information as possible about the dog’s past as possible. The environment he came from will play an important part in finding the best way to train him and help him adapt to this new life.?

There are a few basic principles that will help to make the adjustment for you and the dog easier.??

Give the dog time and be patient. There are regular reports of people who brought adopted dogs back after only a few days. If you don’t have the patience and understanding to spend time helping the dog to adjust, why did you adopt her in the first place??

Get into a routine and set boundaries – dogs like routine and knowing what is allowed and what is not. Gradually build a relationship with your dog – games and playtime can help the bonding process.?

Start with low-key training before moving on to more serious training. Although positive reinforcement is widely recommended, it may not be suitable in some circumstances. When the dog is older than six months and knows right from wrong but doesn’t have the motivation to change his behavior, CCBT (mentioned earlier) can be a solution. It uses the cognitive decision-making of the dog to change behavior and is a safe way of training. ?

The help of a professional can make all the difference when you’re serious about having a long and positive relationship with your adopted dog.?Working with dogs who have a specific behavioral issue is a specialty. A reputable trainer will work with the dog, and you, to help him become the dog he was meant to be.?

?Your dog’s training is never finished! Just like humans improve their quality of life by continued learning the same is true for dogs. He may have passed his puppy training, but you need to reinforce the commands. Make it fun and part of your daily activities – like ‘sit’ before she eats, ‘wait’ for you to open a door, and using the important recall command.??

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• Training for?dogs who do specialized work.?

Dogs are used in many areas of life where they need specific training. A few examples are:?

Therapy dogs – dogs who provide affection, interaction, and petting on a volunteer basis, e.g. at a children’s hospital or old age home. They don’t need formal training but need a quiet demeanor, friendly character, and well-trained.??

?Service dogs are?trained to do a service for a handicapped person so that they can lead a more independent life. These dogs are focused on their handler and are highly trained to perform specific tasks.?

Dogs in the military and security sectors undergo specialized and focused training and often work in dangerous circumstances. They perform a vital and often life-saving service.?

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Let's train our dogs and help them to be the best they can be!?

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What is your experience with training a dog? Let us know in the comments.?

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