15 Essential Dog Training Facts Every Owner Should Know

So where do you start with dog training?

By Laura Pakis, Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Blogger,

Having a trained dog isn’t the same as having a well mannered dog, but if your dog knows a few basic commands, it can be helpful when tackling bad behaviors.

You could take a class, work one on one with a trainer, or do it yourself.   With the right attitude and some background on dog training, it can be fun for both you and your dog!  Here’s some tips to help you get started:

• It is easier to develop good behaviors than to change bad ones

  • Start off on the right foot- encourage good behaviors from day one. It is much easier to reward good behavior than it is to fix a bad behavior.

• Take training in small steps – go at the pace of your dog

  • Taking on too much at a time can be confusing and frustrating for your dog. Break your training down into smaller steps to ensure success.

• All dogs are different and learn at differing rates

  • Every dog will learn at a different rate. Do not compare your current dog to any other dog you have had in the past. Your dog is an individual and should be treated like one.

• Even the cleverest dog can encounter difficulties

  • Don’t get frustrated if your otherwise brilliant dog gets stuck on a particular command or behavior. Move slowly and make everything as clear as possible.

• You are always training

  • Your dog is always watching and learning. Make sure you are always enforcing and rewarding good behavior, while simultaneously discouraging unwanted behaviors.

*For more training tips see 15 Facts Everyone Should Know About Dog Training part 2