It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a new puppy or a new-to-you adult rescue: Obedience training for dogs is the best way to cement your bond with your furry friend. Read on for tips, tricks, and best practices as you begin your dog training journey together.
Dog Training Basics
The best training methodology is science-backed, dog-friendly positive reinforcement training.
Dogs respond best to training that rewards them when they do something right instead of punishing them when they misstep. That means not using aversive collars, like choke, prong, or shock, which use pain to train. You shouldn’t worry about establishing yourself as a drill sergeant or “alpha” either.
Successful dog training puts a focus on fun, and allows the canine student to be creative throughout the process. The most effective training requires plenty of dog treats, an upbeat attitude, and gentle consistency as you teach.
Dog Potty Training
Potty training is an essential part of dog ownership. Dogs aren’t prewired to understand that they need to do their business outside, so it’s up to pet parents to teach them where it’s acceptable to eliminate.
Potty training should begin the moment your puppy or adult dog arrives home. You can set yourself up for success by always accompanying your pup outside to supervise during the training phase, even if you have a fenced yard.
Remember to keep treats in your pocket so you can reward your dog the moment they finish eliminating in a pet parent-approved place.
Learn to read your dog’s body language so you can predict when to take them for a potty break. One easy indicator: If your dog keeps leaving the room where everyone is gathered or seems distracted, they probably need a bathroom break.
Crate Training
Most dogs can benefit from a spot of their own where they feel comfy and safe. For many dogs, a dog crate is that space.
Used properly, dog crates can protect your pup from dangerous items around your house and keep them from chewing on inappropriate things. Crates can also help speed the potty-training process, as well as provide a safe haven if your dog needs a place to recover after surgery.
To crate train a dog, pick the right-sized crate and take your time introducing it, using treats and favorite toys to make the space feel welcoming and positive. This is key to your dog considering the crate a palace and not a prison.
Leash Training
Teaching dogs leash manners is important for both you and your dog. You don’t want them to pull you around on the leash; pulling can also put pressure on your dog’s neck and lead to injury.
Like all dog training, leash training requires a pocket full of treats, a positive attitude, and plenty of patience. Teaching your dog to walk on a leash is a marathon, not a sprint. There are many distractions your dog may encounter during a walk, and they have to learn how to behave in the face of each of them.
Choosing a leash that’s a safe length for your dog and comfortable for you both to use can make this process easier.
Puppy Socialization
Socialization is the process of exposing your puppy to new scenarios, locations, and people at their own pace, which helps them learn to navigate the world with confidence.
While it’s critical that new puppies experience thorough socialization before their socialization period ends at approximately 16 weeks, it’s important to keep it up throughout your dog’s life. Every dog can benefit from gently expanding their horizons at their own pace.
Clicker Training
Clicker training is a science-based positive reinforcement technique that turns the sound of a plastic toy clicker into a marker sound that tells your dog they performed a behavior you like—and often, that that behavior earned them a treat.
Clicker training is a powerful, force-free methodology. It can be used for everything from basic training and tricks to more complex behaviors like leash reactivity.
Basic Training Cues
Your dog can learn all sorts of cool tricks, but there’s a core group of basic training cues that should be required learning for all pups, including:
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Down: Often confused with an “off” cue, “down” means “put your belly on the ground.” It’s a great way to keep your dog comfortably anchored in place.
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Come: This cue can be a literal lifesaver. Teaching your dog to come when called is simple at first, but where most pet parents slip up is not practicing it in unique locations (which can ensure a dog will reliably “come” when called no matter where they are or what else is happening) and maintaining the behavior throughout the dog’s life.
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Stay: This behavior is almost as important as “come” in that it also helps keep your dog safe. Worried that she might slip out the front door when you get a package? Teach a solid “stay” and worry no more!
Hiring a Dog Trainer
Sometimes you need support as you teach your pup, which is where a professional dog trainer comes in. A trainer can help troubleshoot challenges and answer questions.
Dog training classes range from private in-home sessions tailored to your needs, to group classes filled with other students.
The most important part about choosing a dog trainer is ensuring that they use the most up-to-date, science-based positive reinforcement training. Anyone who suggests that you need to be the “alpha” or a “pack leader,” or recommends punishment tools like a choke or prong collar, should be avoided.
FAQs about Obedience Training for Dogs
How much does dog training cost?
The cost for dog training classes varies depending on the region of the country; size and location of the class; and tenure of the trainer. Group classes at a local pet supplies superstore can cost as little as $20 per lesson, while private in-home lessons with a certified trainer can go for over $100 per class.
When should my puppy start obedience training?
The best time to start puppy training is right now. Puppies are eager learners who love learning new skills, which means you can get to work using dog-safe training techniques as soon as they settle into their new home.
Just remember that you’re not teaching your new best friend to be obedient; you’re giving your pup the skills to understand how to navigate our world.
Is my dog too old for obedience training?
It’s never too late to begin your dog obedience training. Even a senior couch potato will enjoy and benefit from new tricks. Keep lessons short and fun—and provide lots of treats for a job well done—and your senior will be a training superstar in no time.
