Dog Training : How to beat the blues

The other day, I came across a client who was at his wits end owing to his truant dog. This blog post is born to throw some light on the topic of dog training. Mind you, there are tomes and tomes on the topic and so much information on the net that one can easily get deluged and confused. Here is my take on the issue. Believe me, it works.   

The house breaking of the pup should ideally begin around 8 weeks of its age or after it has been brought home. It is important to set the rules slowly yet firmly to inculcate desired traits and behaviour. If due care is not given to this aspect the pup will pick up bad habits and will become an ill tempered dog who is a nuisance.

The dog is a creature of habit. The first requirement in house training is to follow a set time schedule for feeding the pup. As the pup usually relieves itself soon after feeding, it should be taken to the designated area immediately after feeding to allow it to finish its business. Soon, it will associate that particular spot and the time for relieving itself.

It does not understand what is a good behaviour or what is a bad behaviour. However, it understands love and anger or reprimand very easily. It has an inborn desire to be loved and pampered by its master. This desire holds the key to its training.

A positive reinforcement like soothing vocalizations, gentle pats, a happy tone of the voice and tidbits are the agents used for positive reinforcements. For example, if a pup shows a desired behaviour like sitting when made to sit by the owner, the owner needs to immediately reward him with gentle pats, soothing vocalizations or even a tidbit. Slowly, the dog will make an association between the command “sit” and his desired behaviour of “sitting” leading to a “reward”.

Similarly, the dog understands anger - an admonishing tone of the master. Therefore, if it exhibits an undesired behaviour, a prompt reprimand in the form of a stern “no” or “bad boy/girl” enables him to make a similar association. Never ever hit the dog. A firm “no” or a spank with a rolled newspaper is enough to drive home the message. 

Dogs are one of the most intelligent of all the domestic animals and can be trained to obey simple words of command. The dog must be introduced to various words of command gradually. Make it a fun activity for the dog by keeping the lessons short and rewarding. Basic commands that must be taught to every dog at home are “Sit”, “Come”, “Heel”, “Stay”.  

Remember, the key to having a well trained dog is based on three “R” (Reward, Reprimand, Repetition) and three “P” (Patience, Patience and some more Patience)!

All the best!