Dog Training - Training a dog requires certain attributes in the trainer himself, if he is to succeed in the training process.
The dog trainer has to be:
Smart or Smarter than the Dog. The dog has cunning and wile in his personality and will many a time outwit the trainer. Instead of getting angry, the pet trainer must get smarter.
Patient. Without patience, the trainer will not be able to train the dog properly and will do irrevocable harm.
Knowledgeable. The pet owner or trainer has to understand the dog's personality before the training can start. He/she has to categorize the dog mentally as shy/nervous/bullish/naive/crazy etc and adjust himself/herself accordingly.
The following three basics must be adhered to.
The training process can start at fourth to fifth month of the age. Basic -No!, and name association should have been done at the pup (one month) stage itself.
The process will consist of periods of repetition and reward for at least 15 minutes daily. This is flexible depending upon how much the trainer and the dog can handle.
The training must take place before food is given to the dog. Food can thus be a 'reward' for being a good dog.
Basic training is accomplished with the help of a collar, leash and a choker. The choker , when put on properly, will tighten when the dog strains away and loosens when the dog ceases the pulling action.
How to give Commands
Remember and follow the following basic principles.
Speak always in an even voice to the dog. Do not raise your voice or shout at it. This will only confuse the dog.
Pay particular attention to the tone of the command. Adhere to the same tone throughout the training process. Avoid inconsistencies.
Reward a successful execution of a command with a tidbit and signs of affection. Ignore 'failures'.
Keep the dog on a leash while giving the command under training.
Ensure that the dog follows each command before moving on to the next command.
Avoid hitting the dog in any circumstances. Use an appropriate tug on the choker and tidbits and praise to admonish and reward a dog.
Stop a training session when the trainers or the dog's attention starts wavering.
Some Important commands. Follow the sequence. Teach the dog, one command properly before proceeding to the next.
Heel
Speak out the dogs Name.
Command HEEL to the dog, letting the dog stand at the left side.
Pull back and snap back the leash if the dog tries to run.
Let it associate the command with the action.
Once the dog is in proper position, pat it and stroke it , letting it know, that it is doing things right.
Sit
Once the dog knows how to heel. Teach it the second command -Sit.
Let the dog trot /walk properly at your left (heel).
Stop and give the command SIT after calling the Dog's name.
Pull the leash and push down the dog's hind quarters to show it the sitting position.
Force the dog down to sit , putting pressure on the rump.
Give it a tidbit or stroke it , when it follows your command.
Stay
After the dog learns the sit command, the stay command can be taught.
Sit is prolonged into STAY.
In order to differentiate between the two, do not call out the dog's name before the command.
Put the leash in your right hand and put your left palm in front of the dogs nose.
Face the dog and repulse any forward movement of the dog, and repeat the command stay.
Repeat a few times till the dog understands and then reward it.
In the next few training times, move slowly away, making the dog understand that stay means no movement.
Stand
Let the dog heel. Bring it to a gradual halt.
Put your right hand before the dog's nose and say the command STAND.
Gently caress the dog's back with your other hand. If the dog tries to sit, exert a slight lifting pressure under the body indicating to the dog that he has to stand.
Repeat and reward till it gets it right.
Come
Command the dog to Sit, then to Stay on the longest leash available with the trainer.
Then in a friendly voice ask it to COME.
Pull the leash a bit to give it direction and encouragement.
Give it a small reward when it begins to understand the command.
After the dog has mastered the above basic commands, remove the leash and teach the dog to follow the commands. It is important to teach the pet dog these commands without the aid of the leash in a small enclosed yard or small garden so that it does not run away.
This completes the basic training. Now it is up to the trainer to teach the dog , more command such as Go, Stop etc as and when required. Advanced obedience training for guard dogs, hunting dogs etc will take place under the guidance of an expert after the basic training is completed satisfactorily.
