If you've just become the proud parent to a new puppy or rescue dog you're going to need to train them. Let our Orlando professional veterinarians share some valuable tips and advice on dog training.
Dog Training Tips
Whether you decide to train your new canine companion yourself or not, it is important to seek out a knowledgeable professional to give you the best training advice for your dog. It can make all the difference when training and building a relationship with your new dog.
At our Orlando animal hospital we see a lot of dogs on a frequent basis, and the most well-behaved dogs recognize their owner to be their alpha. These dogs have had consistent training and understand what's expected of them.
Here at East Orlando Animal Hospital, we are here to support you by making sure your dog is set up for a happy and healthy life. Having your pup spayed or neutered at the appropriate age is a great way to help your dog become calmer and less aggressive toward other dogs, and even potentially more open to training.
Our vets believe that a good foundation to start with includes making sure your puppy stays healthy and having your puppy spayed or neutered when they reach an appropriate age. Getting your canine companion “fixed” may help to make them less aggressive towards other dogs, calmer, and potentially more open to training. Whether you are looking for advice for training a big dog or a small dog, our veterinary professionals at East Orlando Animal Hospital are here to help.
Establishing House Rules
When it comes to training, your dog will respond best to consistency! That's why it's super important to be clear with yourself and your family regarding boundaries and what you expect of your new pup before you bring him/her home.
You need to be clear about what your pup is and is not allowed to do. Are they allowed on the bed? Is it okay for them to curl up on the couch? Are there any off-limit areas of the house? By clarifying your expectations, you can help to avoid confusion for both your family and your new pup once they arrive.
Teach Your Dog to Come on Command
One of the first basic commands your furry friend will need to master is “Come!” Make sure to always use their name when making the command, and be sure to follow up with positive reinforcement such as praise or their favourite treat.
Your pet will need to have a solid foundation in place for this command. For their safety and the safety of others, your dog needs to 'come' when called no matter what their attention might otherwise be on.
Be Quick with Treats & Praise as Rewards
Rewarding good behaviour with positive reinforcement will ensure your dog responds well to their training. Your puppy lives to please you and will be so appreciative of a reward, something as simple as a scratch behind the ear, a tasty treat or their favourite toy will make their day.
Puppy-Proof Your Home
Puppy proofing your house is as important as child-proofing because it keeps your new puppy safe and protects your possessions from getting destroyed while your puppy is still learning the boundaries you've put in place for them. Our professionals recommend a dog crate or pen when not being directly supervised because they are ideal for keeping your dog safe and help them relax while they play with safe dog-friendly toys.
Know a Teaching Moment When You See One
Not all behaviours are going to be good, you have to be able to recognize teachable moments as they happen. Professional dog trainers will tell you that dogs live in the moment and need consistency and repetition with their training.
If you’re going to enforce a rule or lesson, it has to be done immediately. Dogs don't dwell on the past, it only takes a few moments for them to forget what they've done, so they will be confused and unable to make the association between their actions and corrections unless they’re done in the moment. Fast, consistent repetition gets the best puppy training results.
Note: Dogs Do Whatever Makes them Feel Safe or Happy
We know that you love you canine companion like family, but at the end of the day you pup is not a human, a common mistake made by pet owners is attributing human emotions to their dog.
Dogs are not vengeful, they don't go about their day looking for reasons to upset or annoy you. They do what makes them feel safe which can sometimes lead to problem behaviours. When your dog inevitably misbehaves, keep in mind that they didn't plan to upset you, respond to the behaviour immediately and without anger. Your dog lives in the moment and so should your training.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
