Dog training is arguably one of the most popular hobbies there is. In fact, dog training has been described as man’s best friend for as long as I can remember. Dog training has many applications and benefits. It can be applied to puppies and old dogs alike. It has an effect on the dog’s behaviour, on the owner’s behaviour, and on the overall well-being of both the dog and the owner.
The basic idea behind dog training is that a pet dog behaves according to its instinctive responses. Dog owners need to understand this and adjust their actions accordingly to achieve the desired results. Dog obedience experts call these instincts ‘pack’ instincts and believe that by training the pet dog in obedience, the owners can retrain their emotions and the pet dog itself, so that such behaviours are permanently changed. Dog obedience training may involve the dog going through an obedience school, being taught a series of commands, the correction of certain wrong acts, the creation of a structured environment where the dog can learn new skills and techniques, and finally, the completion of an obedience course.
Dog owners also go through dog training with the intention of transforming their pet into a compliant, friendly animal who demonstrates good behavior. However, in order to make the transformation possible, the owner must first apply adequate motivational training to their dog, in the form of rewards. Rewards are given not only as a reward for good behavior but also to reinforce compliance, motivation, and loyalty. As a result of the motivational training, the animal is able to learn new skills, develop a positive response towards the owners, and eventually adapt to various situations, becoming better able to cope with the challenges that come from modern day living.
Apart from rewards, dog training also involves the rewarding of dogs with various dog sports and games. This is done in order to encourage the pet to exhibit good sportsmanship and to maintain its athletic ability. For example, the dog owner can reward his dog with treats for winning competitions in dog agility or dog sports. The owner can also give his dog a treat when it has performed a trick that it has been asked to do. It is important to use only dry dog treats. Also, it is important to avoid giving the dog extra treats whenever it exhibits good behavior.
While dog training through positive reinforcement dog training, the trainer should also incorporate the use of negative reinforcement. Negative reinforcement dog training involves rewarding the bad behavior of the pet with a punishment, such as a spray of water or a loud noise. The trainer should be careful not to use too much force when using negative reinforcement. This is because any sudden and strong pressure could harm the dog, especially when handled improperly.
There are also other dog training techniques that will enable owners to train their pets for dog sports and obedience training. One way to train pets effectively is through dog training DVDs. Dog owners who enjoy spending time with their dogs can purchase obedience dog videos that teach them the basics of dog sports and obedience training. Once they understand and execute these instructions properly, the dogs will learn to communicate well with their masters and show increased levels of compliance and devotion. Some obedience dog training DVDs also include tricks for the dogs to learn and master.
Another effective means of dog training includes positive reinforcement dog training. When using positive reinforcement for training purposes, the owner should be able to provide sufficient rewards and praise after the dog responds correctly to a command or action. When providing positive reinforcement for dogs, it is essential to remember that it should only be given to the dogs after they have followed basic obedience training and rules. If a dog has been performing improperly, the owner must first make sure that the dog’s behavior is not causing any harm or threat to himself or others before he gives the dog positive reinforcement.
If a dog is performing exceptionally well using good behavior training, owners may want to consider giving him some treats. But, using treats for dog training must always be done in moderation. Some dogs may react negatively to treat treats, which is why it is important to keep in mind that giving him treats too much is just as bad as not giving him any treats at all. So, how much is enough? If your dog shows good behavior and acts well without having to be rewarded with treats, then a reward is not necessary.