{"id":1864,"date":"2024-06-28T08:49:42","date_gmt":"2024-06-28T08:49:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trackipet.ca\/?p=1864"},"modified":"2024-06-28T08:58:40","modified_gmt":"2024-06-28T08:58:40","slug":"dog-training-101-trackipets-essential-guide-for-pooch-parents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trackipet.ca\/?p=1864","title":{"rendered":"Dog Training 101 &#8211; TrackiPet\u2019s Essential Guide for Pooch Parents"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- wp:themify-builder\/canvas \/-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1866,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,27,30],"tags":[34,31],"class_list":["post-1864","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-posts","category-dog-training","category-obedience","tag-dog-training","tag-obedience","has-post-title","has-post-date","has-post-category","has-post-tag","has-post-comment","has-post-author",""],"builder_content":"<h1>Dog Training 101 - TrackiPet\u2019s Essential Guide for Pooch Parents<\/h1>\nCheck out our best tips and tricks so you can embark on your dog training journey with confidence!\n<section>\n\u00a0\n<\/section>\n<section>\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n<\/section>\n<section>\n\u00a0\n<\/section>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/trackipet.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/6_2.webp\" title=\"6_2\" alt=\"6_2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trackipet.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/6_2.webp 380w, https:\/\/trackipet.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/6_2-300x228.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 380px) 100vw, 380px\" \/>\n<h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">TrackiPet shares the best dog training tips and tricks for harmony in the home and beyond.<\/h1> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>Whether you\u2019ve just brought home an adorable puppy, you\u2019re fully bonded with your longtime hound, or you\u2019re embarking on the rewarding adventures of adult-dog adoption, proper dog training is essential. Dog training is important because it:<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <ul> <li>Facilitates cohabitation<\/li> <li>Helps you bond and communicate<\/li> <li>Improves socialization<\/li> <li>Provides mental stimulation<\/li> <\/ul> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>So, you know that training will help you cultivate a beautiful relationship with your furry friend. But where to begin? We\u2019ve made you this comprehensive guide to demystify dog training. Here\u2019s what you\u2019re going to learn today:<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <ul> <li>Part 1 - Knowing your dog and yourself<\/li> <li>Part 2 - Basic Obedience Training<\/li> <li>Part 3 - Socialization<\/li> <li>Part 4 - Behavior Training\u00a0<\/li> <li>Part 5 - Advanced Mental Stimulation<\/li> <\/ul> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>Sound like a lot? Don\u2019t worry! The most important thing is to have fun while you build a deep, lasting bond with your pooch.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <h2>Part 1 - Knowing your dog and yourself<\/h2> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>As with any great relationship, a little soul searching can go a long way in moderating your expectations and helping you craft your communication style.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <h3>Know your dog - Nature vs Nurture<\/h3> <p>Nature: What do you know about your pooch\u2019s breed? Are they a worker? Super energetic or pretty chill? Understanding your dog\u2019s genetic instincts can help you love their quirks and provide a fulfilling lifestyle.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>Nurture: Did your new puppy start its life indoors or outdoors? Socialize much? If you\u2019re adopting an adult dog, it has likely formed habits and behaviors based on its former lifestyle. All this life experience can have a\u00a0<i>huge<\/i>\u00a0influence on training.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>TIP: Information about your dog will help you strategize, but it isn\u2019t everything. Observation, love, and patience are the true keys to training success.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <h3>Know yourself<\/h3> <p>Let\u2019s get real; how much time and space do you\u00a0<i>really\u00a0<\/i>have to dedicate to training? Make sure you set realistic expectations for your dog training regimen. A few 5-minute training sessions each day will get you really far.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>TIP: Use training to build community. Exchange knowledge with other dog parents and qualified trainers.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>Finally, let\u2019s talk technique. There are a million dog training methods out their and\u2014despite what some might say\u2014they\u2019re pretty similar! All training methods rely on\u2026\u00a0<\/p> <p><b>Operant Conditioning<\/b>\u00a0- using rewards and\/or aversive consequences to encourage or discourage certain behaviors.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>Here are some of the most popular dog training methods in 2023:<\/p> <ul> <li>Positive Reinforcement - Immediately identify and reward desired behaviors with treats, toys, praise, and playtime.\u00a0<\/li> <li>Balanced Training - a balanced system of rewards and (gentle!) aversive consequences.\u00a0<\/li> <li>Scientific Training - Enhance your training regime by incorporating the latest studies about dog behavior, breed, environmental conditions, etc.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li> <li>Relationship Training - a slow, rich process of observing all of the factors that motivate your dog\u2019s behavior and addressing them from their root causes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>TIP: It\u2019s ok to mix and match!<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <h2>Part 2 - Obedience Training<\/h2> <p>Basic obedience training establishes consistent communication between you and your dog, as well as the essential commands for safety and cohabitation.<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>TIP: Keep training sessions short (5 minutes, a few times a day), consistent, gradual, and\u2014most importantly\u2014fun!<\/p> <p>\u00a0<img src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0703\/7878\/3009\/files\/Stages_of_TRAINING_-_final_480x480.png?v=1685343410\" alt=\"Chart Credit:\" data-uw-rm-alt-original=\"\" data-uw-rm-alt=\"CT\"><\/p> <p><strong>\u00a0Chart Credit:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PAWSabilityCenter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-uw-rm-brl=\"PR\" data-uw-original-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PAWSabilityCenter\" aria-label=\"www.facebook.com\/PAWSabilityCenter - open in a new tab\" data-uw-rm-ext-link=\"\">www.facebook.com\/PAWSabilityCenter<\/a><\/strong><\/p> <p>\u00a0<\/p> <h3>Reliable Recall<\/h3> <p>Teaching your dog to \u201ccome\u201d when called is a crucial safety skill. Avoid rampant squirrel chasing and running in traffic by training your dog to \u201ccome\u201d early and often.<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>Start at home. Create a small distance between you and your pooch. Then entice them to come to you with a treat. Once your dog comes to you reliably, incorporate the verbal command, \u201ccome.\u201d\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>Gradually add greater distance, then unfamiliar or distracting environments, into your training sessions. Make sure pup masters each new addition before leveling up!<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>TIP: It\u2019s tempting to use your dog\u2019s name for recall, but that can get confusing. Using the command \u201ccome\u201d gives you a better shot at true reliability.<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <h3>Leash Manners<\/h3> <p>What\u2019s more relatable than a dog who\u2019s tuggy on the leash? Make your walks\u00a0<i>way<\/i>\u00a0more pleasant with a few simple hacks.<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>First of all, choose a collar or harness that fits your dog properly. It should be snug, but not tight. Make pooch sit calmly while you put on their collar and leash.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>If your dog is pulling, give the leash a light tug, say no, and stop (or just stop). When the leash slackens, you can start walking again. Repeat as needed and reward proper walking with treats and praise.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <h3>House Training<\/h3> <p>Dogs are tidy, hygienic creatures, much like yourself. They\u00a0<i>want\u00a0<\/i>to keep their living space clean, so give new dogs plenty of opportunities to do the right thing.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>The best way to train a new dog\u2014puppy or adult\u2014to potty outside is to take them out often and regularly and to learn the signs that they have to go. When you want your dog to potty, take them to the appropriate spot, on leash, and wait quietly until they do. Reward them with a treat or play.<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>TIP: A puppy can reasonably be expected to hold it for the same number of hours as their age in months (until about 9 months).<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>Accidents are inevitable! Clean them up thoroughly to avoid repeat offending. Crates and pee-pee pads can be great support tools, especially if your dog needs to stay inside for long periods of time.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <h3>Sit, Stay, and Leave It<\/h3> <p>\u201cSit,\u201d \u201cStay, and \u201cLeave It\u201d are simple commands that will make your life easier and form the basis of a more advanced training regime.<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>Sit: Start by holding a treat in your hand, close to your dog\u2019s nose. Then raise your hand up. Their eyes will follow your hand, making them naturally sit down. Praise them and give them the treat. Repeat until they begin to stay seated a bit longer. Then you can introduce the verbal cue.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>Stay: Ask your dog to sit or lie down. Then give them a hand signal, like a stop sign. Wait a few seconds, say \u201cstay,\u201d and then give them the treat. Keep practicing, gradually asking them to \u201cstay\u201d for longer time intervals and at a greater distance from you.<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>Leave it: First, offer your dog a treat. Then, hold a second treat in your closed fist. Your dog will try to nudge it out of your hand\u2014don\u2019t let them! Be patient. Eventually, your dog should start to back off. The instant they do, open your hand and praise them generously. Keep practicing. When they regularly, consistently back away from the treat, you can add the verbal command \u201cleave it,\u201d then start to introduce other objects. Practice with a toy now and reap the benefits later, when Fido\u2019s got hold of a smelly critter or your favorite slippers.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <h2>Part 3 - Socialization<\/h2> <p>Helping your furry friend feel comfortable around other dogs and people will make your life together safer, easier, and more fun. The steps to socialize adult dogs and puppies are much the same, but adult dogs might require more patience.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>Start at home with plenty of treats on hand. Invite trusted canines and adults one by one for short periods of exposure, always rewarding calm behavior. Gradually add kids, puppies, and less predictable environments. Always ask permission before allowing pup to approach strangers.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>TIP: If your dog struggles, don\u2019t give up, just slow down.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <h2>Part 4 - Behavior Training<\/h2> <p>Behavior Training is a way to address undesired responses to certain situations, like\u00a0<b>separation anxiety<\/b>,\u00a0<b>aggression<\/b>, and\u00a0<b>excessive barking<\/b>. Successful behavior training is deeply attuned to the root causes of the behavior and uses counterconditioning. According to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspca.org\/pet-care\/dog-care\/common-dog-behavior-issues\/separation-anxiety\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-uw-rm-brl=\"PR\" data-uw-original-href=\"https:\/\/www.aspca.org\/pet-care\/dog-care\/common-dog-behavior-issues\/separation-anxiety\" aria-label=\"ASPCA - open in a new tab\" data-uw-rm-ext-link=\"\">ASPCA<\/a>,\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>\u201c<b>Counterconditioning<\/b>\u00a0is a treatment process that changes an animal\u2019s fearful, anxious or aggressive reaction to a pleasant, relaxed one instead. It\u2019s done by associating the sight or presence of a feared or disliked person, animal, place, object or situation with something really good, something the dog loves.\u201d<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>TIP: Know when you need help. Mild and severe cases of undesired behavior can both be treated at home. However, especially with more severe cases, the help of a qualified expert can greatly improve your chances of success.<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <h2>Part 5 - Advanced Mental Stimulation<\/h2> <p>Mental stimulation can be just as important as physical exercise for your dog\u2019s wellbeing.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theveterinarynurse.com\/review\/article\/mental-stimulation-as-a-tool-to-enhance-canine-patient-mental-wellbeing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-uw-rm-brl=\"PR\" data-uw-original-href=\"https:\/\/www.theveterinarynurse.com\/review\/article\/mental-stimulation-as-a-tool-to-enhance-canine-patient-mental-wellbeing\" aria-label=\"Studies show that - open in a new tab\" data-uw-rm-ext-link=\"\">Studies show that<\/a>:<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>\u201cIntegrating appropriate challenge into the lives of captive animals can have a positive effect on behavioral and physiological indicators of stress, resulting in improved standards of welfare.\u201d<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>You can give your dog the mental stimulation they need by training advanced skills like trick sequences, scent tracking, and puzzle toys.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>Train advanced skills just like you train basic skills\u2014build gradually, reward desired behaviors, and reinforce learning.\u00a0<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <h2>Go forth and train!<\/h2> <p>So, to recap:<\/p> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <ul> <li>Patience and consistency are your most important dog training tools.<\/li> <li>Despite what many would have you believe, there is no one right way.<\/li> <li>Training should be fun for both you and pooch! It should also strengthen your relationship, communication skills, and confidence.<\/li> <\/ul> <h1 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" data-uw-rm-heading=\"level\">\u00a0<\/h1> <p>We hope that you now feel empowered and excited to begin your dog training journey.<\/p>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/trackipet.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/trackipet.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/trackipet.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trackipet.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trackipet.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1864"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/trackipet.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1864\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1873,"href":"https:\/\/trackipet.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1864\/revisions\/1873"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trackipet.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1866"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/trackipet.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trackipet.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trackipet.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}