The Benefits Of Dog Training

2023 Author: Molly Page | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 12:41

Training is the development of certain skills in a dog in order to control it. Regardless of whether the natural inclinations and characteristics of the animal are used or suppressed during training, ultimately obedience is required from it, i.e. upon a certain signal (command, sound, gesture, smell, kind of object or object), the dog must perform certain actions.

Training sessions are the shortest path to achieving mutual understanding between owner and dog, mutual respect, interest and love. You must admit that it is difficult to love a dog that, like a madman, pulls and jerks on a leash, under no circumstances wants to walk at the foot, and it is impossible to let it go without a leash - it runs away, does not fit, picks up everything, barks at people. There is little joy in chasing her for hours in all the surrounding yards, trusting in God that someone would not be afraid to catch her by the collar, or she ran into the entrance. And if you run out onto the road? You need to have a certain amount of masochism in your character in order to get used to such things, to come to terms with them and at the same time to have tender feelings for the animal.

Conventionally, the types of training can be divided into 4 main groups:

1. Training in general obedience, 2. Training in a special service (sentry, search, hunting, driving, blind guide, etc.)

3. Sports training (IPO, agility, all-around and etc.)

4. Circus training,

This article will focus on the Basic Obedience course for puppies and young dogs.

Obedience. Officially, obedience training includes a general training course (CODE or OKD) or a controlled city dog course (UGS). For all courses there are standards and test rules approved by the Central POCTO Club or other canine organizations.

For many breeds, the availability of training diplomas for exhibitions and further breeding is not required. "That is, you could, if you want …" And if you don't want to, then you don't need to.

It is enough to teach your animal how to perform certain disciplinary skills so that it is obedient, controllable, pleasant for you and those around you. So what do these skills include?

These are:

- execution of the commands "sit", "lie down", "stand", - movement next to the person at the left foot on the command "next", - approach on the command "to me", - cessation of unwanted actions on the command "fu" (it is impossible), - the ability to stay in place on the command "place", - the ability to go (return) to the specified place, - the ability to bring and serve an object on the command "fetch", - a calm attitude to the muzzle.

Any of the most difficult training is built on the basis of these skills, and a dog that performs them flawlessly in any conditions is the standard of obedience. If you decide to seriously engage in training, you need to learn well some rules, which must be followed.

The main principle:

- from simple to complex; you cannot move on to a complex skill without consolidating its simple foundation;

- if the command is given, it must be executed;

- the dog cannot stop performing the skill without permission, you must give another command or allow a free state;

- to develop a reflex to a sound command or gesture, they must precede mechanical impact;

- lessons should be started in conditions with a minimum number of distractions, conditions become more complicated gradually;

- at the initial stages, you must have a treat with you, a stock of patience and perseverance - always.

Now let's take a closer look at the teaching technique.

A set of commands "sit", "lie down", "stand". The puppy can easily learn to execute the commands "sit, lie, stand" for a piece of delicacy at the age of 3-4 months, but this does not mean that at this age he is capable of the final performance of the skill: at the first command, take the desired position and maintain it until the next command … This can be required from a puppy at least 7-8 months old. The first lessons should be at home, when the puppy does not need to run anywhere. Holding the puppy by the collar with your left hand, show him a piece of treat with your right hand and lift it over his head, preventing him from jumping. At the same time, pronounce softly but persistently “sit”.

When the puppy sits down, give a treat, praise. Repeat 2-3 times and release the puppy. Do this several times a day, get the puppy to sit down before the first command, first seeing a piece, and then not seeing it. Take classes outside.

Complication of the skill. Place the puppy in front of you or at the left leg and take a step back or to the side. Most likely the puppy will get up and follow you. Return to him, repeat "sit" and achieve the required position. Gradually increase the sitting time and distance from the puppy. Don't rush to complicate things and don't overdo it! When the puppy has mastered the command "sit", you can start learning to lie. " Place the puppy, stand half-turned to him, show the piece and lower your hand with it down to the front paws of the puppy, saying “lie down”. The puppy will reach for a piece and lie down. Make sure that at the same time he does not raise his butt, if this happens, press on the croup and force the puppy to lie down completely. Give the treat right away and praise the puppy. Most likely, the puppy will jump up after that, at first it is not scary.

Gradually increase the number of exercises per session and the number of sessions per day.