Beginner's Guide to Dog Training

There are a lot of things to consider when you bring home a new dog. Buying food and supplies, choosing a veterinarian, organizing your schedule for walks and playtime, and, sometimes dauntingly, training your dog. Training your pup can be difficult, but it offers great rewards in return and helps strengthen the bond between you and your new companion. Keep reading to learn a few dog training basics to help you get started on your pup's training journey.

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Why Train?

Training your new dog is critical, as they require disclipinary and training practices to act appropriately at home and in public. A well-behaved, socialized, and trained dog can bring joy to everyone they meet! And, reduces your worry by thwarting bad behaviors like jumping at strangers or chewing on your shoes.

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Teaching Basic Commands

You'll find that there are different methods for teaching basic commands like "sit" and "stay", but they boil down to a simple idea: creating an association between an action and the consequences of said action.

You can simply start by teaching a behavior you'd like the dog to exhibit ("sit" or "stay") and pairing with something exciting, like a training treat or toy. After you feel confident that you've paired the behavior enough, try to start slowly fading out the treat or toy with simple praise after performing the behavior.

There is really no "magical" trick here; dogs learn by consistency, so if you fail once or twice, keep trying!

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When Your Dog Misbehaves

There can be many reasons why your pup is acting up when attempting to train them. Some common issues are: they were not exercised enough before a training session, the cues you're using to train can't hold the attention of a high-strung breed like an active terrier, or your dog may have insecurity or anxiety from a previous household and can't assimilate behaviors appropriately.

It's good to observe and take note of what your dog does when they misbehave - dogs can use barking, growling, lunging, or gnawing (to name a few) as warning signs that something with the training is amiss. You can then research more in-depth about the specific issues your dog is displaying or consult with an experienced trainer who can guide you to determining the best course of action for your pup.

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