Focus should be on positive reinforcement methods
Training your dog is as fundamental to their safety and well-being as the food you feed them. A dog needs boundaries and love, but they also need to feel secure. A well-balanced, gently trained dog that feels free from danger will grow into a great canine citizen.
When you decide to bring a dog, adopted or bought, into your life, that dog comes with a significant responsibility — ensuring the public is safe. Whether that dog is a puppy, middle-aged or an adult, you must ensure they are given the proper tools to succeed in life.
Many responsible rescues and shelter organizations make obedience classes mandatory upon adoption. If you buy a puppy from a reputable breeder, they can be a strong resource for training tips or they may be able may refer you to trustworthy trainers. Your veterinary clinic may also be a strong resource to recommend trainers or obedience classes.
Ultimately, you have the final say on the trainer you will be working closely with and side-by-side. A dog can develop lifelong u
nsocial habits or conduct in the hands of the wrong trainer so ensure you do
your research before you hire one. Ask the trainer for many refe
rences and speak to other dog owners for recommendations. Do not hire a trainer because they have a large following on social media. You must ensure the trainers' techniques and teaching methods are not harsh or penalizing.
Find a trainer who focuses on positive reinforcement on your dog. Avoid trainers who endorse outdated restraints such as prong collars, shock collars, choke chains or are combative and reckless when handling dogs.
A dog trained with kind positive reinforcement such as food or high-value toys will build a solid healthy bond with its owner.
A dog trained with hurtful aggressive methods will develop trust issues and feel unsafe and anxious.
These negatively trained dogs will most likely foster aggressive behaviour towards humans and other dogs. These poor dogs live in fear as they do not know when a simple walk will turn painful from one of these destructive collars.
Positive-trained dogs trust their owner and feel safe they will not be led into a situation they cannot handle.
Dogs are individuals with differing personalities, necessities and demands. Taking these features into account can help you find a trainer who looks at your dog as an individual.
A great trainer designs training sessions around your dog's needs and personality.
If your dog has developed bothersome habits, take a hard look at its current environment and living conditions.
If their daily routine has been upset or has become unstable, they may be acting out because they are confused. Dogs flourish with a routine they can count on and trusting borders they can depend on.
Please, under any circumstances, you should never hit your dog because hands are always for affection. A dog disciplined by physical slaps may bite someone and, most likely, it will be a child.
When a dog sees a human hand coming close to their face, they should instinctively be able to trust that they are about to be touched with love and affection.
Please be kind to animals.