Dog Training 101. Or Should That Be Owner Training 101...
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Home Family -> subcategory Pets.
Dog Training 101: Or Should That Be Owner Training 101?
Summary:
Effective communication with your dog in a language they understand is key to successful training and obedience.Keywords:
Dog training, dog obedience, dog psychology, how to train dogs, dog behavior---
Having grown up with dogs, I’ve always been around them. Even when our family didn’t have one, I took to the neighbor's Boxer as my own. Despite this lifelong experience, we were clueless about proper dog training. As long as our dog wasn’t making messes, chewing on our belongings, or ignoring us completely, we thought we were doing fine.
Like many dog owners, I assumed I knew how to train a dog. The occasional sit or shake of a paw, usually for a treat, seemed sufficient?"until I got my own dog.
As my puppy grew, she became more of a challenge. She would wander off, ignore calls, and turn into the Tasmanian Devil when guests arrived. The breaking point came when she leapt onto a visitor’s shoulders?"a non-dog lover evaluating me for a volunteer position. The memory of his horrified face is something I won’t forget.
The mistake? Treating dogs purely as furry companions, always succumbing to their pleading eyes. I didn’t realize that dogs view us differently. Being pack animals, they are highly aware of their position within their "pack," which includes you and your family?"even if it's just the two of you.
Understanding this aspect of dog psychology is critical for a happier dog. You need to establish yourself as the Alpha or leader of the pack. Own the furniture, make your dog stay on the floor or in their basket. Don’t feed them scraps from the table; they should be in their basket during meals and eat only after everyone else.
Think this approach seems harsh? Consider how it aligns with natural pack behavior. The leader eats first, sleeps in the best spot, and is unfazed by subordinate dogs seeking attention. Acting as the leader communicates to your dog in a way they naturally understand.
When you arrive home, ignore your dog’s excited jumps for attention until they calm down. Then, praise them. Over time, your dog will understand their position in the hierarchy and will greet you quietly, knowing this behavior earns them your approval.
Still not sure training benefits your dog? Consider their perspective. Living in a human environment is confusing for them. Without guidance, they feel compelled to take charge?"a role that stresses them out, leading to unruly behavior as they struggle to make sense of our world.
By taking on the leader role, you relieve your dog of this burden. Like a well-trained soldier, they’ll be content knowing their place and what's expected of them?"comfortable deferring to your lead, trustful that you'll handle the bigger issues.
In essence, when you communicate effectively and establish clear boundaries, your dog flourishes, enjoying a sense of security and structure in their life.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Dog Training 101. Or Should That Be Owner Training 101... .
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