Different Ways To Train Your Dog

Posted by John Charles

January 12, 2009

by John Charles

This article is written so that you might be aware of the various forms of dog training aids that are available to you.

In order for you to be able to know and understand your dog, it is essential that you take up some form of dog training, but with such an array of training possibilities available it is not always easy to know which one is right for you and your dog.

It is almost certainly true to say that most people, and indeed most dog owners are not aware of the various types of dog training that are available, and that a dogs training needs do change as they age, and develop.

While some dogs have never been trained, some others have already undertaken training before. Therefore, it becomes all the more essential to analyze and know what type of dog training your dog needs.

The basic level of training, the first level, is for beginners - puppies, and those older dogs who are being introduced into training for the first time. As the name implies, your dog will learn the basic things such as when to sit, or when to stay, and when to come when called. Its quite elementary, but vital.

Following on from the basic training is the intermediate level, which really is more suited to adult dogs than puppies. Here you will learn how to get your dog to walk nicely by your side without straining on the leash, and there will also be some advanced techniques of sitting, staying and coming etc.

The third and final type of dog training is the advanced course. This level is only meant for those dogs which have been through a minimum of one training course before and have passed it too. Here, in the advanced level, the different elements of the basic and intermediate courses are revised in detail right at the start of the course. Then it goes on to train the dog to act according to various commands and hand signals like come, stay, sit, heel, fetch, lie down et al.

Teaching your dog to respond to hand signals is indeed a great move forward, and once you have got to this stage you can then teach them how to walk beside you, off the leash, and without being disturbed or distracted by other dogs and people. You really do need to have a well behaved and obedient dog when you get to this level.

Now of course, we all want our dogs to learn what we want them to do, and to learn as quickly as possible. I have found that the best way to bring out the most positive results from your dog is to reward them when they get things right. Just a small treat can work wonders. Do not resort to shouting or hitting, this is unacceptable and in the long run does not work, but positive reinforcement by way of small rewards, does.

You must also be careful about choosing the right course for your dog"the course best-suited to it. That way, you may soon be able to boast of owning a dog that is obedient, well-mannered, well adjusted and the perfect pet one can have!

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