In this article, I’ve mentioned the best dog training tips for beginners that will help them to train their dogs at home.
Keeping a dog is not an easy job. You do not just have to take care of your dog well; you also need to give your little pet the right dog behavior training. Dog behavior training is crucial for any dog parent. Without proper dog training, your pet won’t behave properly, or they will listen to your commands.
Consequently, it will be tough for you to handle your dog as it grows up. Hence, many experts suggest that dog parents follow Dog training tips for beginners as soon as possible.
But as a dog parent, you might wonder what the need for dog training is. Well, to help you understand better, let me explain everything to you one by one:
What are Dog training tips for beginners at home?
Dog behavior training is a method of teaching dogs good behaviors by offering them rewards. The rewards can be anything, like small treats, play with a toy, and lots of verbal praise. These techniques help train dogs and how they should behave.
In some instances, dog behavior training includes physical punishments for unwanted behavior. However, it does not matter what methods the dog trainer follows. The end goal is to teach dogs good behaviors. So it would be easy for the dog parent to control their dog better.
For example, if your dog barks at strangers or visitors, you can resolve this through dog behavior training. The dog trainer will teach your dog how to behave around unknown guests differently.
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Types of Dog Behaviour
Before discussing dog behavior types, which will lead to behavioral training, many dog owners experience behavioral issues in puppies, dogs, and mature dogs. Some dog owners often misinterpret, misunderstand, or mishandle behavioral issues.
The problems, if not adequately addressed, can cause lots of grief. It is mainly because they want to acquire a dog. After all, they look cute or are a popular breed.
Let’s categorize some dog behavior that is commonly shown in daily life.
Aggression
The dog owner’s aggressive behavior is one of the actions that need to be addressed by the dog owner. You will notice some visible signs in dogs: growling, showing their teeth, lunging, snarling, and biting. There are no specific breeds that will exhibit these characteristics.
These symptoms are usually when certain dog breeds come with these traits and have a history. For example, Pit Bull is an example. It also depends upon the way you treat your dog. Some dogs have aggressive behavior owing to abusive treatment at the hands of dog owners.
So, the new dog owner must check out or seek a vet’s opinion or a trainer. Keep the aggressive dog away from people and other dogs to avoid severe consequences.
Barking
Barking is how dogs vocalize through barking, whining, howl. It is OK if it’s within limits, and excessive use of their vocal cords may be annoying. You first have to identify the underlying reasons for their barking. Some of the standard types of barking are:
- Warning or alert
- Playfulness and excitement
- Attention-seeking
- Anxiety
- Boredom
- Responding to other dogs
Dogs are from a pack breed, and they obey orders. The breeder or trainer usually recommends using commands. Use “NO Barking” and “Quiet.” to control the barking. Exercise utmost patience and consistency, and imagine you are dealing with the tantrums of a toddler.
Chewing
Dogs have an instinct for chewing, and they will chew sandals and shoes as if they are chewable items. Though it is an activity they like, it starts when they are puppies. Puppies have teething issues and love to chew anything they can, like tables’ wooden legs. Left unattended, it can cause massive damage to the things around it and may become a behavioral problem.
Some other characteristics of chewing are boredom, anxiety, and excess energy. As a dog owner, give them chewable toys and pig’s ears, and they can keep them busy. When you are likely to be away from home, let them be in their crate or a confined area in your home.
On odd occasions, you will find your dog resorting to chewing the wrong item. Learn to use appropriate commands through a dog whistle. Please give them a chewable toy to distract them. Exercises and play with them to tire them to overcome this behavioral issue.
Digging
Almost all dogs will dig either in the backyard or on the cushion on which it rests. It’s an instinct to get comfortable in their resting cushion. Some breeds, such as terriers and spaniels, resort to digging because they hail from hunting breeds and have a long history.
Dogs also dig to hide their toys and or bones. It may also sometimes, owing to excess energy, they want to resort to digging. It is fun to watch them searching, but it can be frustrating if they start digging in your backyard.
So, determine their intention and distract them with your command or give alternate activities such as exercising, playing with their toys, or throwing balls in the open field. It is all about communication. Some trainers recommend having a sandbox where the dog can freely enjoy their digging instincts.
Separation anxiety
Like humans, dogs feel separation anxiety as they love to be in the company of family members. It happens almost every day when you are about to leave to work or go out of town. You may observe other signs of separation anxiety are their acts of misbehavior. They will express their concern in various forms, such as whining, following you all over, or in extreme cases, chewing objects around.
Handling separation anxiety can become a behavioral issue. It will help if you communicate with your dog as you would with a toddler when you are going away. There are other methods that you can adopt to minimize separation anxiety.
Urination
Your early lack of puppy housebreaking training can lead to Inappropriate urination and defecation. It can be very frustrating dog behavior most dog owners face. The frequency of such occurrences can limit socialization in public places or places you may like to take your dog.
Please discuss this with your vet or a trainer to get insights into this problem. If there are no underlying medical issues, excitement, fear, anxiety, and territorial marking can be valid explanations for this inappropriate behavior.
Urination and defecation start with the puppy, older and mature dogs. Therefore practical behavioral training is necessary to eliminate this habit.
Begging
Dogs mustn’t beg; dog owners should be made responsible. Dogs enjoy eating and have no concept of when to stop. Dogs must be encouraged to eat their food, but they often long for food and looks, especially when you are having your meals. There is a vast difference between dog food and your food.
Encouraging or feeding them may result in dogs contracting health issues. Leftovers on your table for your dog are table scraps, and they are not treats for your dog. Every family member has to understand this, and just one time may become an issue in the long run.
Once again, communication becomes essential; when eating, command your dog to eat its food or confine it in another room with a chewing toy or a bone. Rewarding with a treat is a good option if your dog behaves well.
Chasing
Anything in motion for a dog is an object for a chase. It comes with their natural predatory instinct. They will chase birds, cars, strangers, and other animals, indicating their territorial marking. They will vocally express by barking until they are gone from their view. In some instances, nervous strangers will run, and your dog may begin to chase them. They assume they are playing with your dog, not realizing that the strangers are scared.
Besides, training and keeping the dog on a leash can minimize this problem. The use of commands will be helpful. Having a dog whistle or noisemaker on hand can draw your dog’s attention. It will help your dog focus on your cue before running off on a chasing mission.
Unwanted Jumping
Jumping up is another characteristic of behavior in dogs. It starts in their early stages of life as puppies and later jumps up to welcome or greet people around. They will jump to get edibles on tables, are excited to seek your attention, or grab an item in a person’s hands. It can be annoying if this habit persists and can be scary or even dangerous for strangers.
Proper training and learning to ignore your dog may work. The use of commands will also help you in controlling this habit. Reward with a treat for good behavior. Your dog will understand and possibly will follow your order.
Biting
Biting and nipping on dogs are attributed to various reasons. It’s an instinctive behavior that must be controlled by proper training. Puppies tend to bite or nip anything around. Mostly they love shoes and sandals, which can be destructive. Take many precautions with items around your home, and stow away in places your dog cannot reach. Some puppies or dogs bite or nip for the following reasons.
It could be fear, defensive behavior, abusive upbringing, predatory instinct, and, most importantly, pain or being unwell. Trainers recommend socialization, proper behavioral training, and an understanding of the dogs’ breeding history.
How to deal with dog behavior problems?
There are numerous methods for handling canine behavioral issues, besides getting obedience training for pups. Try the following basic dog training tips for beginners:
Prevention:
Prevention is one of the first things you should do to control your dog’s behavior. If you know what triggers your dog for specific unwanted dog behavior, you should try to prevent it. For example, if your dog barks hearing the doorbell, replace it with something else.
Know Your Dog:
You also need to know your dog. Sometimes dog misbehaves because, as a dog parent, you fail to understand what your dog wants. For example, peeing inside the house is a common problem when dealing with a puppy or senior dog. To avoid this issue, you have to take your dog outside in your backyard or the open area from time to time for pee breaks.
Exercise:
One of the common dog behaviors is chasing or digging. It is a sign of nervousness or high energy in your dog. You can resolve this through regular dog exercise or a walk in the park or neighborhood. Playing with your dog will help a lot. It helps in conserving the dog’s energy. Also, it helps strengthen the bond you have between you and your dog.
Ignore The Behaviour:
Certain behaviors are for attention, such as jumping up, barking, or begging. These behaviors will eventually get changed. So if you notice any odd behaviors, you should use the correct commands or ignore them.
Redirection:
As a dog parent, you may not like some behaviors, but these behaviors benefit your dog. Such as chewing or digging. So you cannot completely stop the behavior. Instead, you can try other available options, such as providing safe chew toys.
Socialization:
Always encourage your dog to socialize with other pets and dogs. It would help in dealing with unruly dog behaviors. Introduce your dogs to various social settings, and once they are aware, their behavior will change. Use appropriate commands regularly that will help your dog understand what is right. It will help in barking less or aggressive behavior.
Stay Calm:
No matter how your dog behaves, it would help if you stayed calm. Shouting at your dog or punishing would scare your dog or may encourage aggressive behavior towards you. It would help if you used corrective and reinforced commands. It is akin to how you bring up a toddler in many respects. Your dog needs clear direction through orders.
Practice:
Training your dog is not a one-day game. It requires patience and discipline. Another important thing is that you continuously practice obedience techniques with your dog. It will help if you practice with your dog regularly. As well as, by practicing with your dog, you will teach him different commands and actions.
So your dog can understand other gestures. Plus, it will help you to strengthen your bond with your dog. If you live with your family, ensure everyone follows the same orders, or your dog may get confused.
Should you consider dog behavior training?
While training your dog on your own may be a good idea. It might not work for everyone. As a dog parent, you must spend a lot of time with your dog. Plus, you will need to understand your dog’s different behaviors, which may pose challenges as a dog parent.
However, when you consider dog behavior training, it helps you in many ways. Trainers can demonstrate different techniques and help you through the whole training process. They will also guide you about puppy training problems and how you should behave with your dog.
Moreover, training classes also help your young puppy socialize with other puppies and people in a controlled environment. This way, your dog will get more and more exposure and get to learn about different things.
As a dog parent, you will learn to prevent behavior problems and start using them immediately.
So I would highly recommend you consider dog behavior training. Start when you get a pup. It will strengthen your relationship with your four legs pooch. It will make your life and that of your dog comfortable. You will be a proud dog parent.
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