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Obedience Training
Most new pet owners may be relatively unclear about the kind of training that is offered to puppies. It is important to understand the differences according to your objectives. Obedience training could mean teaching your dog how to sit, and it could also mean teaching him how to surf!
Some of the questions you are probably asking are: “What do you want from your dog?” and “How will my dog benefit?” and “What is the right time to start work?” If that sounds like you, read on.
What do you want from your dog?
While basic behavior training covers the essentials of housebreaking, socialization and some basic commands, obedience training concentrates on improving your dog’s response to a variety of specific commands, such as sit, down, come and jump. Advanced obedience training in show techniques and specific job-oriented training also come into this school of learning for your pet.
When should you start?
Some breeders start teaching pups some basic commands after the first month, but experts feel the most impressionable age for a puppy is between its seventh and sixteenth week. This is the time when it must come in contact with people, different types of people, different types of noise and experiences, different animals, car rides, etc, which all form a part of basic training. Once this ground is covered, you can move on to obedience training. It is important to understand that training is a lifelong process for pets; one which you should continue at home long after he has earned his degree in manners from a skilled trainer.
How will your dog benefit?
- Some basic commands that generally form a part of obedience training are sit, come, down and heel. The benefit of learning these commands is obvious. Not only will they help you handle your pet, they will keep him and those around him safe. To get to this level, your dog must have mastered his behavioral training regimen.
- You can also opt for more advanced kinds of training. If you would want to enter your pet in competitions, there are specific training courses as he will need to know how to perform tricks.
- Many dogs have jobs nowadays, for which specific training is necessary. If your dog has aspirations of joining the bomb squad or helping the blind, obedience training school is the place for him. His skills in obeying commands will be further refined under the guidance of trained professionals.
- Agility training could be a fun activity for you to undergo with your pet. You could teach your dog how to play Frisbee or soccer with you and the family.
Whatever path you choose for your pet, do remember to consult your vet before you proceed. He needs to be ready, especially if you a rigorous schedule lined up.