Whether you find yourself with a puppy or a rescue, you need to know how to train a dog. Knowing how to train a dog is important and will serve you well no matter how many years you own dogs.
Earliest Time to Train a Dog
You can start training your dog as a puppy as early as 8 weeks old, allowing you to train them how you want from the start.
Latest Time to Train a Dog
When it comes to training a dog, age doesn’t matter. If your dog can still understand you and physically do what you’re asking, old age won’t be much of a deterrent.
Best Method to Train a Dog
While there are multiple training methods, there is only one shown not to have negative results as time goes on. Using positive reinforcement is proven to develop the most trust and establish a positive bond with no fear involved in your relationship.
Why Negative Reinforcement and Dominance Training is Bad
Negative reinforcement and dominance training are two of the most common training methods which involve punishing or intimidating your dog. These training methods teach your dog to be afraid of you and the repercussions of failing to do something correctly. This relationship is built on your dog’s fear of you, which is an unhealthy relationship.
How To Train a Dog
When it comes to training your dog, use positive reinforcement to reward them for doing things you want instead of punishing failure. You can train your dog anytime in their life, and dogs are often trained after being rescued or rehomed.
Finding a Reward
Find a reward for your dog or puppy to motivate their learning. This can be a treat, a toy, or regular kibble if they like it. Reward them after they do something you want them to, like going to the bathroom outside, entering their crate or kennel, or following a command.
Get Them Used to Being Handled
Touch your dog’s ears and paws to get them used to the feeling, as it will make clipping their nails and vet visits much easier.
How Long to Train a Dog at a Time
Dogs, especially puppies, oftentimes don’t have a long attention span. Try training them for 5 minutes at a time a few times a day.
Be Consistent in Your Motions
When teaching your dog a command, make sure you use the same hand motion to help them associate it with what you want. Using different motions for the same command will confuse your dog.
Start Simple
Make sure to start with simple, basic commands, like sit, stay, come, and lay down. These commands are the most needed and are building blocks for other commands.
Leash Training
To get your dog used to wearing a leash or harness, have them wear it inside for periods of time until they’re comfortable in it, then clip on the leash and walk them inside for short periods until they’re accustomed to it.
Crate/Kennel Training
If you wish to use a crate or kennel, you need to teach your dog it’s a safe space. Bring them in it when they’re calm and happy and give them treats for a positive association. You can even feed them in the crate or kennel to further reinforce this.
Potty Training
When potty training your dog, take them outside after all activities, meals, and naps and reward them after. If your dog wants to go outside, make sure to let them and reward them for initiating it on their own.
Training Them Not to Bite You
No one likes it when a dog or puppy starts nibbling on you a little too forcefully. If you notice your dog start to put you in their mouth, give them a toy to chew on instead. This teaches them what’s okay to chew on and doesn’t reinforce bad behavior.
Practice in New Environments
Your dog needs to know how to behave in different environments, not just in your house. Make sure to practice their training in different areas to make sure they’re confident and comfortable everywhere.
Being able to train your dog in a way that builds their faith and trust in you means you know how to train a dog using the best methods that result in your dog trusting you fully.
