Guard Dog Training

One of the things that really angers most dog lovers is when they see an animal whose dog training has clearly been neglected. While some people may think dog training oppresses their animals, in fact it’s just the opposite. A truly loving pet owner will see that his or her animal gets the best training possible.

Dogs have a natural instinct toward sociability. They’re pack animals who look to a leader, an “alpha” dog, ” to know how to behave. Good obedience training establishes the pet owner as the “alpha” dog without harshness or cruelty, so that their pet responds appropriately to other people, other pets and to the world around them.

Good training also sets up a clear line of communication between a dog and an owner. Think of it this way: Suppose you found yourself in a foreign country where you didn’t speak the language. When you try to get something to eat, to get a job or even go to the bathroom, you don’t know how to ask for what you want. All people do is yell at you in words you don’t understand.

Eventually, however, as you learned the local language you will be able to have a happier, more fulfilling life there. The same is true of dogs that live as pets in a human environment. Through obedience training a dog learns how to associate behaviors with certain human sounds. Saying “sit” to a trained dog always results in the dog sitting. Saying “stay” keeps the dog in one place, and saying “come” brings the dog to its owner. With proper puppy training, both the owner and the dog develop a mutual understanding that each can trust in their relationship.

However, all puppies go through a period of “stranger avoidance” between six and 12 weeks. This is a natural fear that develops as a way to keep puppies safe from predators. During this time puppies exhibit more “startle” reactions to sounds and sudden movements. These reactions keep a pup safe, but they also could interfere with establishing relationships with people. That’s why it best not to rush a puppy through these behavioral period. Let it get its bearings first.

Dog training for obedience involves the owner and puppy learning a series of basic commands. Among these are “sit, ” “stay, ” “down, ” “come, ” “heel, ” “drop it” and “leave it.” In most cases, these commands are taught with the use of food rewards such as dog food, tiny dog biscuits or small pieces of appropriate human food such as string cheese or baked or boiled chicken. Each of these commands is intended to teach a certain posture to the dog that the owner can use to control its behavior.

Among the basic obedience commands, “stay” and “heel” may be the most difficult for puppies to learn. Puppies are naturally full of energy and playfulness and they want nothing more than to explore. Owners who find it hard to channel all that puppy energy must develop the patience to keep practicing all obedience commands until their dogs can do them well instantly.

One thing that is never, never, never appropriate in dog training is to strike, hit or physically abuse a dog in any way. Dogs, especially puppies, quickly become devoted to their owners and physical abuse will destroy that relationship. Always train a dog with firmness, but with patience and lots of love.

Dogs can become more loyal, obedient, and affectionate towards their owners through vigorous puppy training. Enroll your canine companion in some dog training Kelowna today!