Whether you’re still planning to get a new dog or you’ve just gotten one, you’re probably already thinking about training him. Especially if he is displaying unwanted behaviors. Like many dog owners, your first instinct might be to pay an external professional or obedience school to train him, but did you know that you may experience far more effective results by training him yourself? Apart from the obvious money you will save Best dog training Houston, this is generally the most effective training, since you’re the one with whom the dog will be spending the rest of his life with and your home is now going to be his home as well.
Another good reason for choosing DIY Home dog training over residential training is that your dog will have his focus directed to you as his perceived ‘Alpha Leader.’ This is very key for long term changes to his behavior rather than short term change that obedience school may promise. In most cases, giving him structured Home training could be the best way to ensure that you are able to live together in harmony. Also, many dog owners are not very comfortable with the idea of sending their pets to residential dog training simply because they do not really know what goes on inside those training facilities. The following discussion should give you an idea of how these establishments work and ease your worries about enrolling your dog if you are considering this option to give you a fair and balanced view of both choices.
Professional trainers commonly use residential dog training techniques that involve four basic parts, namely: Command, Marker, Reward, and Release. It is important that these parts of dog training are executed in exact sequence. Here’s how it works:
Say, for example, that your dog is being taught the “Sit” command. The first step would be to issue the command in a firm voice. Trainers usually hold a treat or toy above your dog’s head at this point so that the dog is forced to sit back on his haunches. The “command” part is thus accomplished.
The second part of this residential dog training technique, the “marker,” involves the giving of a signal to your dog whenever he does what is expected. A simple “Yes” and a nod would often be enough to accomplish this part. The trainer will give the signal in a calm and gentle voice so that the dog understands that the trainer is reacting positively to his actions.
Now we come to the “reward” part of residential dog training. The trainer will gradually lower the treat to your dog’s mouth, making sure that the dog does not move from his seated position. The trainer will refuse to give him the treat if he jumps up to get it and then the process has to start all over again.
The final step, “release,” is where your dog learns when he has successfully completed the desired action. Most residential dog training professionals release a dog simply by rubbing his neck or sides and then giving praises like “good job.”
Every new command that your dog is taught in residential dog training normally follows these four steps. They are essential in ensuring success and in making sure that your dog remembers all the commands even after he has left training school.
Home Training works in a similar manner, but emphasis is also put on you as an owner to set clear identifiable boundaries of acceptable behavior for your Pet. For example, the designated toilet area and becoming comfortable with his sleeping quarters would be prime examples of home specific training.
Whichever route you decide to go down, positive reinforcement and a constructive, consistent attitude are your responsibilities. Follow this advice and you will be well on the way to a perfectly behaved pooch in no time.