Mastering Dog Training: Tips & Essential Precautions

Section 1: The Optimal Time for Dog Training

Training a puppy is most effective when they are around 70 days old. The ideal approach is to begin training from the moment the puppy comes home. This is because at this stage, they haven't picked up any bad habits, and their limited strength makes them easier to control, simplifying the training process.

During the period from birth to one year, a dog's brain is continuously developing, making it another prime time for training. However, once a dog reaches adulthood, their physical strength increases significantly, requiring more energy and patience from the trainer to initiate training.

Section 2: Principles to Follow in Dog Training

When training a dog, it's crucial to adhere to principles such as "gradual progression," "tailoring to the dog's needs," and "individualized treatment." Additionally, rewards and penalties should be clearly defined, and training sessions should be managed appropriately.

"Gradual progression" means taking training step by step. Dogs cannot master complex actions all at once, so it's important to reinforce their memory of each action through repeated training, showing patience and avoiding haste.

"Tailoring to the dog's needs" suggests that training methods should be chosen based on the dog's nervous type, personality traits, and training objectives. Dogs can be categorized into types such as excitable, active, calm, and weak. The training method should be selected based on the dog's strengths and weaknesses.

Section 3: Utilizing Commands and Gestures in Training

Hand signals play a vital role in dog training. It's essential for owners to combine them with verbal commands and use them consistently. Ensuring that each gesture is distinct and easily recognizable, and controlling the speed of movement, helps dogs understand the signals and complete the training tasks, forming conditioned responses.

It's also important to differentiate training gestures from everyday movements to avoid confusion and ensure effective training.

Section 4: Encouraging Dogs with Rewards During Training

Reinforcement is key to forming conditioned responses in dogs. After a dog completes a task accurately, it's best to provide ample rewards, such as treats or toys.

Inducing behavior involves using food, toys, and the owner's actions to encourage specific actions in the dog. For example, when teaching a dog to sit, you can hold a treat and give the command along with a gesture. Reward the dog immediately upon success, and with consistent training, the dog will form a solid conditioned response.

Section 5: Using Prohibition Techniques Appropriately

Prohibition commands are also essential in training. They should be combined with vocal cues and physical stimuli, such as a firm tug on the leash. For instance, if a dog picks up food from the ground while out, a "no" command can be accompanied by a strong pull on the leash to discourage the behavior. Over time, this can lead to inhibitory responses and achieve the desired training outcome.

Section 6: Preparing Adequate Tools for Dog Training

While material conditions are important in training, it's essential to choose practical and costeffective tools. Common training items include leashes, collars, balls, and sticks.

Dr. Oxygen Pet Tips: Always maintain patience and confidence when training your dog. With consistent repetition, your dog can successfully achieve the training goals you set.