Are you ready to start training your dog or puppy? Proper training and socialization are among your dog's basic needs. It's important to start training your dog as soon as possible.
At first, dog training can seem pretty overwhelming, especially if this is your first dog. The truth is that training your dog can be a very big project. If you take it step by step, you will find the task to be far less daunting.
We have compiled a list of the top 5 tips that our dog experts recommend for training your dog. Let's have a look at them.
1. You Get What You Reinforce - Not what you necessarily want
A great example is when your dog brings you a toy and barks to entice you to throw it. You throw the toy. Your dog has just learned that barking gets you to do what he wants. The solution? Ignore his barking or ask him to do something for you (like “sit”) before you throw his toy.
2. Catch your dog being good - Use clear cues and gestures
It’s easy to get caught up in scolding when your puppy is getting into trouble, but rewarding him out of the blue for being good lets him know he’s doing the right thing.
3. Reward Properly - Learn to be quick with treats and praise.
If the treat comes more than a few seconds after your pup has done what you’ve asked, he has no idea what he did to earn it, or you may inadvertently reward the wrong behavior. He’s happy to take it, but you failed to reward what you were teaching.
4. Be consistent
Consistency is crucial to success. Whenever you’re training your dog, it’s important to get as many family members involved as possible so everyone’s on the same page.
If you are telling your dog “off” when he jumps on the couch and someone else is saying “down,” while someone else is letting him hang out up there, how on earth is he ever going to learn what you want? Staying consistent will help you achieve that.
5. Make sure your dog gets enough deep sleep
Several studies have shown that deep sleep improves procedural memory and increases neuroplasticity. Essentially, for your dog's brain to be able to consolidate the information you taught him during the day, he needs to get enough deep sleep.
The Furever Cloud Calming Bed was designed by dog experts to ensure deep and sufficient sleep for our furry pals. If you'd like to give it a try, you can get yours here.
To Conclude
Keep in mind that dog training is an ongoing process. You will never be completely finished. It is important to keep working on obedience training throughout the life of your dog.
People who learn a language at a young age but stop speaking that language may forget much of it as they grow older. The same goes for your doggo!
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**Always seek for professional advice if your dog is not behaving properly. These are just tips based on our experience and from the advice of dog training experts. Please do not rely on this information to combat any severe behavioral problems your dog may have.**