What is obedience dog training

Handling your dog is so important for making trips to the vet or the groomer as painless as possible for both the professional and your dog. Some groomers will even charge less for well-behaved dogs because they do not need help from an assistant.

Imagine your dog is chasing a ball or a squirrel and is going to run into a busy street. Having a dog that comes reliably also makes it more likely that the dog can be trusted off-leash in appropriate areas. A dog who can be off-leash is a joy to have, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or swimming.

Stay is another very useful command that can be used in a variety of situations. Unfortunately, people litter, and there have even been cases of people purposefully leaving out items that are dangerous for dogs. Still, this can also be lifesaving for both your dog and the animal they were about to catch. This is great if your dog loves playing fetch but you hate constantly bending over to pick up their ball. Some common behavior issues include jumping, counter surfing, and garbage raiding.

Jumping typically happens when your dog is excited about you or your guests entering the house. Do not offer any attention until all four paws are on the floor.

Counter surfing and garbage raiding can be more difficult to address if your dog is able to take something from these areas; they get rewarded with whatever they steal usually food. We suggest keeping your puppy tethered to you or always in the same room.

You should also invest in a garbage can with a latching lid; dogs can easily nose open the lid on step-on garbages. It is an unnecessary temptation for your puppy.

Every puppy needs obedience training to become a well-mannered member of the family. Obedience is even more important for puppies that will become service dogs as they need to behave in many different settings. In terms of who trains your dog and where they are trained, you have a few options. You can either work with a trainer or do it yourself.

Trainers may offer one-on-one lessons, group classes, or even boarding. Hiring a trainer is valuable because they are experts who have worked with a number of dogs on many different behavioral skills. Of course, doing the training all by yourself means you save a lot of money, but there may be some skills you struggle with depending on how experienced you are.

Regardless of what you choose, the best methods for training dogs are force-free. Using force with your dog can result in fear and even aggression and will only serve to damage the bond between you and your furbaby.

Focus on positive-reinforcement-based training instead. Continue Registration. Related Articles. Companion Dog Letter. And just as important, training will deepen your bond with your dog. It will make him a better dog, and you a better and more responsible owner. Many owners who finish basic obedience training get their dog Canine Good Citizen certified. You can also get your dog involved in canine sports like agility or rally , compete in obedience trials , or prepare to become a therapy dog.

Every dog was bred with a specific purpose in mind and it is great to work with your dog to utilize his skills. Pembroke Welsh Corgis , for example, are herding dogs. So get your dog and get down to it. You will both appreciate the hard work and the results. To learn more about AKC training , check out the video below. Find more information on getting involved in canine sports, here. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side.

Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration. Home training may allow you and your dog to focus more on each other.

Group class training helps your dog learn to focus, even when there are distractions from other dogs. In some cases, you may not have any choice but to train at home; remote or rural areas may not have a local training school where you can take group classes. Most training schools are happy to allow you to attend and observe a class or two to be sure the style of instruction fits with your beliefs leave you pup at home for this.

Most dogs learn best through positive reinforcement training ; rewarding the dog for making the right choice and withholding rewards, or ignoring the dog for making an incorrect choice. When observing a class, take note of the dogs; do they look happy?

Excited to work? Is the instructor encouraging dogs and owners? Does the class seem to be run in a safe and effective manner? Keep looking for a school where you feel comfortable; both you and your dog will succeed best in this environment. There are some important differences to note between trainers and behaviorists. Trainers are equipped to handle symptoms, but not necessarily the underlying causes of the symptoms. Training other behaviors and getting a dog used to being alone, for example, can help reduce separation anxiety.

The root cause, however, would likely need to be determined by a behaviorist, who could then refer you to a trainer if he or she was not able to help with the training issues.

Some trainers have certifications from training schools or organizations. There are many types of classes available at different training schools. Puppies and owners who complete at least six weeks of class and meet various other basic training and care-taking requirements earn the AKC STAR Puppy certification.

The CGC certification is a bit more rigorous and shows that your dog has obedience training and is under control around other people and dogs. Many schools also offer dog sports classes that you can advance to after basic obedience training, including agility , AKC Rally , tricks, and Flyball. Any training school should tell you what equipment and supplies you should have before you attend the first class. Most schools want you to arrive with your dog on a flat buckle or snap collar and a regular four-to-six-foot snap-on leash.

But if you have a big, strong dog, and he is hard to control on a flat collar, then body harnesses can be a great option. A good training class will do more than just teach you how to train your dog.

These days, there is a lot more information available about dog behavior, socialization, and dog body language , and an effective trainer will discuss these topics in class along with the training topics at hand. Another often overlooked discussion point involves handling and grooming.