The Basics of Training Your Dog - From Pack Animal to Man's Best Friend

By Peta Johnson

Behavioural and obedience training can take place either by you in the home, or outside of the residence by a prefessional dog trainer. The majority of dog owners prefer to train their dogs themselves within the home. The dog not only becomes accustomed to the owners commands, but it also allows for a bond to develop between dog and owner.

The 'Pack Animal'

Before you begin training your dog, it is important to note that dogs are, by nature, a 'pack animal'. As such, there is a chain of command and a hierarchy that must be established within the household, with you, the owner as the leader.

Just like the behaviour of a pack of wolves, your dog will position himself within the household (the pack) as leader if no one in the household takes on the role.

What training is best for your dog?

Behavioural problems in dogs can vary from excessive barking, constant digging and biting visitors to your home.

It is important to develop a cooperative, and most importantly consistent dog obedience training program. Much like a student learning by rote, it is important that you are consistent in your repetition.

Some training tips are:

• When giving instructions or commands, use the same words with the same tone of voice.

• Use a treat to distract the dog when attempting to remove something from the dog's mouth rather than pull.

• When the dog does a step correctly, give your dog a reward. If the step is not done correctly, start from the beginning rather than going directly to punishment.

• Exit/enter through doors before your dog

Reward and Punishment

Your dog will find rewards as an encouragement for good behaviour, and will be more likely to continue in this way if there will be a reward. So, it is important to never reward bad behaviour.

Punishing and yelling at the dog is a common mistake that people make when training their dog. The dog does not understand the reason for the yelling, and you will find in many cases that the dog will become more excited. Beatings or abuse must never be a form of training at any time. This will only make it worse and your dog will become scared and anxious. This is a sure way towards failure.

Remember, your dog is a pack animal by nature. Through repetition, consistency and rewards, your dog will look to you as leader and become an obedient and well behaved member of your household.

P Johnson writes on pet related issues. You can learn more by visiting, http://dogbehaviouraltraining.blogspot.com/