Dogs are a man’s best friend, and for good reason! They offer companionship, protectiveness, and joy. What’s not to love? Unfortunately, not all dogs are created equal, and sometimes they can be a little challenging. If you want a dog that you can depend on, then you need to take the time to train them correctly. In this article, we will discuss some of the basic training that you need to do in order to properly prepare your pup for the real world.
Introduction To Dog Training
When you bring a dog into your home, the first thing that you need to do is formally introduce them to your other pet dogs. This is important because it will help establish proper canine social skills and create an environment where all of the dogs feel comfortable around each other. To start, you should try to find another dog in the same size and temperament as your new addition. This will reduce the amount of stress that you and your dog may encounter during those early training stages. After all, you can’t just throw a dog in with your cat and expect everything to be okay! With this rule in mind, it’s easier to say no to potential puppy matches that are too rough or aggressive.
Basic Diet
When you bring a dog into your home, the first thing that you need to do is determine what type of food they like best. There are no hard and fast rules for this, but most dogs enjoy plenty of meat products, which makes meat-based snacks a smart choice. Other dogs prefer softer foods, like raw chicken or fish bones. It’s also important to note here that some dogs are strictly vegetarian while others are meat-based dieters (like most humans). You should aim to feed them healthy, nutritious meals that will keep their energy levels up and maintain a pleasant disposition.
Taming
Dogs are naturally inclined to be wild and reactive, but you can train them to be gentle and obedient through proper and consistent handling. Like most animals, dogs have a soft spot where their instincts tell them to feel safe and secure. This is called their ‘bitch-spot’, and you can get around this by using a technique called ‘dominance training’. What this entails is training your dog to recognize their place in the pack hierarchy and to know that you are the dominant animal. To start this process, you need to grab a handful of dry dog food (without the gravy) and walk around with it in your hand for a few minutes. You should do this in the presence of your dog so that they get used to the feeling of being handled by someone while being fed. You should also try to be consistent with this routine and not allow your dog to become accustomed to the feeling of being handled by anyone other than you! Once you have established a good rapport with your dog while training, it will be much easier to train them to obey your commands. Take time to learn how to use your voice effectively and how to reward your dog with treats when they exhibit good behavior.
Minding
You should also take the time to teach your dog how to be obedient around other animals and humans. This is called ‘socialization’ and it’s an important part of their training regimen. One of the best ways to do this is to take them to places where other dogs and animals live. These places should have open spaces where your dog can run around and meet other dogs and animals their own size. Doing this will help expose your dog to new situations and challenges and let them learn how to interact with others. It also provides you with the opportunity to practice your dog’s manners while teaching them new skills.
Training Routine
The above steps will help you establish good habits in your dog, but you should still have patience and make sure that they understand each command thoroughly before moving on to the next. This is especially important with large breeds like the German Shepherd, where repetition is important to ensure that the dog learns the task at hand. In general, you should plan on spending at least two hours per day on training your dog, although this can vary depending on your needs and the skills that you are trying to teach them. It is also important to note here that younger dogs may require more attention than older dogs do, as they are generally quicker to learn new things.
Health
Dogs are a part of the family for many people, and since they are an important part of the family, it is essential that you take care of their health and well-being. Like most animals, dogs are susceptible to various diseases and infections. You should make sure that they are vaccinated for these diseases and if they are not, then you should consider getting them vaccinated before going on a long trip. Make sure that your dog gets their yearly checkups from a vet, and if they are ever sick or injured, then it’s important that they get treated right away. Just like with humans, dogs that are not treated for certain conditions can develop health problems.
Bringing a dog into your family is a wonderful thing, but it takes time and patience to ensure that they are well-trained and well-behaved. When you are confident that they have what it takes, then you can enjoy your dog’s company for years to come.