10 Tips for Training Your Dog Like a Pro

Training your dog can be fun and challenging, and it's important to remember that it takes time and patience to be successful. If you’re a new dog owner, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed when it comes to training your furry friend. Even if you’ve had dogs your whole life, you might still feel overwhelmed at the prospect of training! Either way, worry not because we've got you covered! In this blog post, you'll learn ten tips for training your dog like a pro!

1. Begin with basic commands:

Start with basic commands such as "sit," "stay," "come," and "down." Train your dog in a quiet and distraction-free environment first, then increase the difficulty by practicing in high-distraction environments to cement recall practices. Don’t forget to use positive reinforcement techniques (with treats or praise, depending on your dog’s preference) throughout your training!

2. Consistency is key:

It’s crucial to be consistent in training so your dog can be successful. Always, to the best of you and your family’s ability, use the same commands, tone of voice, and body language when practicing training. It's also important to establish rules and boundaries for the household and stick to them (e.g., whether your dog is allowed on the couch, etc.).

3. Use positive reinforcement:

Dogs respond well to positive reinforcement. When training, always promptly reward your dog’s positive behavior with treats, praise, and playtime. This will encourage them to associate positive behavior with a positive reward, encouraging them to continue to behave well. 

4. Keep training sessions short:

Dogs have short attention spans, so keeping training sessions short and sweet is important. Aim for 10 to 15-minute sessions, and take breaks and give your dog some downtime in between. 

5. Practice in different environments:

Dogs need to learn to behave well in different environments, so it's important to practice training in different locations. Take your dog to the park, on walks, and in busy, dog-friendly places to help them become more well-behaved and well-socialized.

Click here for suggestions on dog-friendly locations to practice training and here for information on the importance of socializing dogs.

6. Be patient:

Training your dog takes time, so be patient and try not to get frustrated with your furry friend. Remember that dogs learn at their own pace, so celebrate small wins along the way to keep things fun for everyone.

7. Use appropriate training tools:

Use appropriate training tools such as a harness, leash, high-value treats, and a clicker for training sessions. Remember to be consistent with what you use to establish expectations for your dog! Talk to a professional dog trainer if you need help deciding which tools to use. Additionally, browse high-quality dog accessories on K9 & Company’s website for tools to get you started.

8. Avoid punishment:

Punishing your dog (i.e., negative reinforcement) can be counterproductive and lead to more behavioral issues when used as a training technique. In fact, most trainers do not recommend using it at all! Instead, use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior and remember, training takes time and patience!

9. Be a good leader:

Dogs look to their owners for leadership and guidance. Be a bold, confident leader for your dog, and they will follow your lead.

10. Seek professional help if needed:

If you need help training your dog, seek professional help. A professional dog trainer can provide expert advice and guidance to help you and your furry friend succeed.

Training your dog requires time, patience, and a lot of love. By following these ten tips, you'll be well on your way to training your dog like a pro! Ready to dive a little deeper with specific (and common!) training issues? Check out our blog here.

No matter what, remember to be consistent, use positive reinforcement, and be patient. With a little hard work and dedication, you and your furry friend can have a happy and well-behaved life together!

Don’t forget to look at everything K9 & Company offers, including high-quality training supplies, at their website today!