Dogs are among the most intelligent domesticated animals. They have been proven valuable in various lines of work due to their ability to be trained to obey commands. Many of them can comprehend certain words and associate them with actions they have to do. And that is achievable with good Command Training.
With this, you can train your dog by making them learn to respond to commands even when at home. Commands like sit, stay, and heel can help enforce discipline to the dog, and practicing them regularly helps build your bond with them.
Here are tips you need to look at when training commands to your dog.
Set Up a Reward System in Comman Training
One of the best ways to learn something is when you are rewarded. The same goes for dogs, too. An excellent way to teach your dogs something is through positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is a way of introducing a good stimulus as a reaction to a specific behavior one does.
For example, if you ask someone a favor, you may give them something as a reward. You could do the same thing with dogs. You can do something as simple as patting them or complimenting them by saying “Good job!” or the usual “Good boy!” or “Good girl!”
One of the most popular methods of positive reinforcement in dogs is giving them delicious dog treats when they can follow your commands or instructions. It signals that they must do what they were asked to do correctly. It is also a good motivation for them to listen to your commands.
Use Their Names in Commands
Another important way in Command Training, to teach your dogs commands is that you have to give them all your attention. You have to make them realize that your training matters to you and them. There are different ways that you can do this. What matters is that you can get the dogs’ undivided attention.
One of the things you have to ensure before you start training your dogs with commands is that they can quickly respond to their names. If, for example, they are still puppies and you want to try and teach them commands early on, teach them to acknowledge their names.
You can do this as soon as you’ve had your new puppy. Introduce their names by associating them with the name. It can be as simple as saying the name while locking eyes with them. Many puppies can begin acknowledging the name as theirs within 1-3 days.
Your dog’s name can be an integral part of command training. A way to utilize their name effectively in training is to say their name before you do the command. This way, your dogs understand that they must do as they are told and even become more discipline dogs from the start. However, make sure you do not overuse it.
Practice Good Eye Contact while training
One of the most effective ways of communication is eye contact. It is a form of non-verbal communication that can imply several things, depending on the context of the situation.
Dogs often use eye contact to express different things. Mainly, it can mean they need something or want to bond with you.
You can also use eye contact with your dogs to signal what you want to convey, like a relaxing bonding time or other activities you may want to do with them.
Making eye contact with your dogs while teaching them commands helps engage them in the activity. It keeps them focused on you and encourages them to listen to what you say.
Allot Ample Time for Training
When you want to teach your dog commands, you must train them regularly. The American Kennel Club recommends that dogs do one session for 5 minutes. Shorter training periods are better as more extended periods may only bore the dog.
If you want to teach different commands regularly, spread them throughout the day or even the week. Do not make it too tiresome on your dogs. They would, after all, get bored with a long routine and will start refusing. It is best to train your dog at a pace they are comfortable with.
Also read: 5 Massively Affordable Dog Training Packages in Delhi NCR
Be Patient in Command Training
When you train your dogs, always remember to be patient! Dogs, especially puppies, will take a while to process what you teach them. Mastering commands does not happen overnight. It is a process that will be gradually inculcated in the minds of your beloved canines. As long as you keep on training them at a consistent pace, they can master commands before you know it.
Moreover, try not to exhibit adverse reactions or reinforcements when your dogs make mistakes. Mistakes are little slips that they can soon overcome. When they make mistakes, try not to react too much and calmly continue the training. Dogs can get discouraged when they can sense your adverse reactions.
To Sum it Up
Training a dog with basic commands is not as easy as you think. However, there are many strategies you can use to help your dogs learn. It takes knowing your dogs well to see what learning styles work for them so they can learn and act on the commands in no time.
