How to Train Your Dog: 10 Tips

From the first day a dog, even a puppy, enters the house, a long journey of educationThe key here, just like with children, is to keep things straight. That is, be firm, consistent, authoritative, and avoid jumbling up contradictory commands. Meanwhile, remember that any dog ​​behavior can impact its education. It's not necessary to pull too hard on the leash when walking; instead, have it walk alongside you. And woe betide if it gets into the habit of having food while you're at the table. It'll always ask for it. Remember, however, that it's equally crucial play with your four-legged friend. So, with the dog We must not waste our reputation and the affection we receive by becoming too submissive. They are intelligent and know how to detect our weaknesses. The training ground where the education of the dog It is our home, to which we must add all the areas where we take him for walks (and in this case too, education is very important: an ill-mannered dog becomes frowned upon and unapproachable).

Avoid strong-arm tactics

We see 10 essential tips for how to train a dog well, with the right amount of lightness, without panicking, without beating him, and ready to reap the desired results.

The arrival at home

Good habits should be established from the first day you're home. For example, train your dog to do his business regularly, at set times, and then, little by little, to do it outside. In the initial phase, it's a good idea to observe your dog, so you can get to know each other better. If your dog becomes agitated and nervously sniffs every nook and cranny when it comes to toileting, the message is clear: you need to take him outside or he'll soil the house. At the same time, avoid leaving fragile and small objects within his reach, which he could easily destroy. Don't give in to temptation.

The right spaces

Soon, your dog will have his own kennel. And not just as a small space to rest, but as a privileged and personal place in his domestic life. A space all his own. Dogs will always tend to prefer a room where they can spend time with their owner; integration occurs from puppyhood. As for sleeping space, it can be a classic kennel, or even a basket or crate with high sides (with a mattress and a washable cloth), or simply a comfortable rug. The important thing is that it's the right distance from potential pets. drafts of cold air.

How to scold a dog

Your dog must learn to listen to you. Ultimately, their behavior is similar to that of children: they aren't always willing to do what you ask. And sometimes it's necessary to scold them. Do so when necessary, and without overdoing it. For example, when they bark excessively and for no reason. This behavior should be discouraged from the beginning, to prevent the dog from later developing the habit of barking, perhaps just to get attention.

Reward him quickly

From the moment the dog performs the action for which he deserves a treat to the moment you reward him, no more than three seconds should pass. The reason is obvious: if the time delay drags on, the dog won't associate the treat with the action, and you'll have wasted a piece of your educational puzzle. Rewards can be varied: praise, petting, appreciation. But even a small treat is always appreciated.

Play often

Play, in its many forms, serves at least three important functions for dogs. First, it entertains them, relaxes them, and puts them in a good mood. This makes them even more pleasant company than usual. Second, the playful instinct (present as early as three weeks of life) is a dog's outlet for tension. This is why, for example, it's important to let them run after and search for one of their favorite objects. Finally, play is a key channel for strengthening the bond between dog and owner. Both have everything to gain from it.

When to start giving commands to a puppy?

The sooner you start giving commands to your puppy, the better it is for everyone. After the first ninety days, you can already begin with the first commands: Sit, Lie Down, Down. Then you move on to the second, crucial phase, during which you must avoid confusion. Educating a dog doesn't mean training him. And focus carefully on two aspects: teaching him to walk and to eat properly. For dogs, too, a good diet guarantees good health and longevity.

Teach them to walk

Physical activity is also essential for dogs. When walking them, keep in mind some good habits. First: they should walk at your side, except when chasing an object you've thrown and need to catch. Second: don't pull too hard on the leash, and if your dog tends to pull, stop until he calms down. Third: when the environment allows, let him walk off-leash. Fourth: consider the "Come" command essential. It's one of the most important words your dog must understand and follow, for obvious safety reasons and to avoid accidents. Only after that come other essential commands: to make your dog sit, crouch down, or lie down.

Education with food

While dogs, in general and some breeds in particular, are always hungry, their relationship with food and mealtimes is fully part of our companion's etiquette. The dog must get used to waiting for his mealtime, and it depends on us and our behavior. It's up to us to ensure a varied and balanced diet, the right portions, and, above all, regular eating schedules. Don't be alarmed if your dog eats quickly; it's part of his competitive spirit: it's best if you can persuade him to slow down.

What not to feed your dog

Avoid leftovers

Dogs have a much more delicate digestive system than humans, and this must be taken into account when choosing a diet. Once you've allowed your dog to sit next to you, waiting for food, while you're at the table, it will be difficult to break this habit. Also, avoid giving food if your dog whines (another bad habit) or barks.

Foods to Avoid

There are quite a few of them, and it's best to be informed to avoid unpleasant surprises. Chocolate, for example, is highly toxic, and even a few dozen grams can be lethal. Onions and garlic are poisonous to dogs. And chicken, turkey, and rabbit bones should absolutely be avoided. They're too small, and risk shattering and piercing the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

The sense of taste is different

A dog's sense of taste isn't as developed as a human's. This leads them to tend to eat anything and everything. This is another reason to carefully plan a proper diet, perhaps with the advice of a veterinarian. Feeding should be done a couple of times a day, rather than concentrating it in one time and thus overloading the digestive system.

How many words can a dog learn a day?

Dogs are not humans, and their learning capacity, in terms of words, is not unlimited: how many can they learn per day? Professor Shany Dror of Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, along with a group of researchers, attempted to measure the rate at which a dog is able to enrich its vocabulary. They examined dogs from different countries, and ultimately concluded that the most intelligent dogs can learn even two words a dayWho are they? Border collies, a breed widely used for herding flocks and obeying shepherds' commands. In 2010, a border collie named Chaser demonstrated to the experts examining him that he was capable of learning 1.022 words. A world record.

When is it too late to train a dog?

A dog can be trained at any age. It's never too late. Of course: good habits, starting with obedience to our commands, should be acquired from a young age. But a dog is capable of learning regardless of his age. Obviously, we're talking about training, that is, daily attitudes, and not training, for which at a certain age it might be too late.

Read also:

• How to take care of your dog
• Benefits of a dog for the owner's health
• How to Talk to Dogs and Make Yourself Understood