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Dog Training Basics
If you have just brought home your new puppy, you are probably feeling overwhelmed with your little bundle of joy. As you form the beginning of deep bonds with your pet, you should also be thinking about the best way to bring him up. Yes, this tiny, cuddly creature will soon grow, and start asserting his personality, and in all likelihood, will not remain quite this easy to control at all times.
It might be time to start planning your puppy’s future, and like all new parents, start thinking about school.
If you are a first-time pet owner, you may have conflicting feelings about training. But it is important to understand that you don’t have to teach your dog to do pirouettes, but it is a very good idea to ensure he has good manners. Starting with the obvious, you will have to, at a bare minimum, housebreak him. You will also want to be able to leave him at home alone, at least for short periods of time. And of course, you want your friends and the new guy in your life to get along! Training can make all this very, very simple.
Why do I need to train my dog?
If you are still feeling doubtful about the use of training, here are a few basic reasons to sign up:
- Freedom for you and your pet: You definitely do not want to have to live your life tied to your house because you didn’t take the time to housetrain your pet. There are a number of simple training techniques that can be employed to make sure your puppy learns where to eliminate and how NOT to chew up all the furniture. Crate or clicker training can help wonders.
- You will be able to enjoy your dog better: By establishing the ground rules for your relationship, you can set boundaries without feeling guilty. Dogs are not born wanting to eat food off of your plate! If you teach him what to do right at the beginning, life will be much easier.
- Control will be simple: Especially if you have a big dog, physically controlling him could be an issue. Training will help in simple acts – which are sometimes not so simple if a dog is unhappy – such as bathing and going for walks.
- You and your animal will be safer: A well-behaved dog can be taken for drives without fearing that he will be ill or lunge at passersby. He can be introduced to friends and guests without fear of things turning ugly.
- If you still are not convinced, consider this: dogs are pack animals and like following rules. They will help him thrive. The process of training will also help you establish a clear method of communication between you and your new pet and train you how to play with him, praise him and care for him in the best way possible.