Effective Dog Training Tips for Beginners
Wolves are social creatures, and maintaining the orderly functioning of a pack without chaos involves establishing a hierarchical system based on seniority and respect. Subordinates must absolutely obey their superiors. This means that in the eyes of a dog, each member of the household has a fixed role. It's not uncommon for some mothers to complain, "It's always me who feeds the dog, takes it for walks, and cares for it alone. My husband barely ever helps, yet the dog listens only to him. Why is that?" From the perspective of the owner, when they are the ones taking care of the dog, they naturally assume the dog will regard them as the master and obey their commands. However, the dog's true thoughts might be, "This person feeds me, walks me, bathes and brushes me, and can satisfy my every need. Therefore, I am the alpha, and she is the one serving me, a subordinate of lower status." Do you think this is an accurate portrayal of the situation?
When it comes to dog ownership, taking the dog out for walks daily has become a staple of "dog ownership etiquette." Therefore, owners are expected to take their dogs out for walks at fixed times each morning and evening. However, this can actually make the dog more stubborn and difficult to manage.
Dogs are highly sensitive to time. If you take your dog out for walks at 6 AM and 5 PM every day for a week, it will quickly learn to expect these times. From then on, as the walk time approaches, the dog will be ready to go, and if the owner is busy, it will eagerly prompt them, becoming anxious and even barking continuously. In apartment complexes, when a dog barks, owners may feel compelled to comply with the dog's demands to avoid neighbor complaints. Over time, this pattern of being coerced into walks can undermine the owner's authority. Therefore, the time for walks should not be too predictable. The owner should always prioritize their convenience, and sometimes, skipping a walk is acceptable. As long as the routine is not fixed, the dog will not become restless or bark at specific times.
Moreover, many owners consider walks and bathroom breaks as a package deal. Once this habit is established, it becomes necessary to walk the dog to ensure it can relieve itself. To avoid their beloved pet holding in urine and affecting its health, owners must carry newspapers and plastic bags, leading their dogs out regardless of the weather. Therefore, it is crucial to separate the act of walking from bathroom breaks from an early age. You can choose a specific spot in your yard or a designated area as the dog's toilet. Teach the dog that when taken to this spot, it should relieve itself. This way, you won't have to worry about your dog's physiological needs, regardless of the weather.
If a dog has developed bad habits, such as relieving itself during walks or barking at other dogs, some owners might think that hitting or scolding it is the only way to correct the behavior. However, this is a misconception! Hitting or scolding only fosters feelings of "enmity" and "fear" in the dog, and it may remember the pain but not the reason for it (especially if the dog has a good memory, which can lead to longlasting resentment). Moreover, when you scold the dog, your passionate tone might sound like you're actually cheering it on, causing it to bark even more enthusiastically, leaving you exhausted. The correct approach is to ignore the dog, "not speaking" and avoiding eye contact, creating a situation that is "painful" for the dog. This will help the owner regain leadership and make the dog服从, establishing a proper masterservant relationship.
The previously mentioned "leading the dog on walks" method also operates on the same principle. It is crucial for building a good relationship between the dog and its human companion. Always remember, never to give the dog any attention.
In addition to maintaining leadership, praise is also essential during training. When the dog performs well, it's important to immediately acknowledge its good behavior. Dogs with a strong instinct for obedience will think, "My owner is pleased with me; what can I do next to earn more praise?" The "stick and carrot" approach must be used, combining rewards with discipline for the best results. When the training is complete, immediately express your approval and pat the dog on the head or neck. This will give the dog a sense of happiness, which is beneficial for further training.
We hope that all dog lovers can make their pets more compliant. Genuine effort is the key to success.
