10 tips on training a dog

As a responsible pet owner, it is important to make sure that your dog is well-trained – and obedient.

Teaching your dog how to behave appropriately, walk properly on-leash and return when they hear their name is vital. However, it doesn’t have to be a battle of wills. There are many humane ways to train your dog and increase the bond between the two of you.

In addition, it’s much better to prevent behaviour problems than to have to deal with them later on – so starting out on the right foot with your puppy is ideal.

The best way to train your dog is to reward them when they do what you want. This technique is known as reward-based training and it is the most humane and effective way to train your dog. 

It also makes training fun and helps strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Using training techniques that a dog doesn’t like can be dangerous for both owners and dogs. Punishment can cause fear, anxiety and aggression in dogs, and it can also damage the connection you have with your pet.

You can always talk to your veterinarian about classes in your area or if you have concerns about your dog’s behaviour.

Ten training tips

1. Puppies benefit enormously from socialisation. They need regular, friendly, social contact with humans and other dogs, particularly in the first 16 weeks of life. 
2. Friendly socialisation has been shown to decrease fear of other dogs and people and improve a dog’s ability to cope with new situations. Research has shown that dogs that have not been socialised are more likely to develop antisocial behaviours.
3. Puppies should attend a puppy socialisation class taught by experienced, qualified trainers. Puppies attending these classes should be healthy and have received their first vaccination.
4. All dogs should progress to transition classes and adult training classes so that socialisation and education continues for life.
5. Always use reward-based training with your dog. Rewards may be in the form of a food treat, squaker dog or verbal praise and attention – anything your dog likes!
6. Reward-based training generally involves ignoring any ‘unwanted’ behaviour. In this way the dog is not rewarded with attention for doing what you don’t want them to do. If a dog is not rewarded for certain behaviour, then they tend to stop doing it. For example, ignoring your dog when it jumps up to greet you rather then pushing it down means that your dog is not rewarded with your attention. This includes avoiding eye contact with your dog and only rewarding it with attention or treats when all four paws are on the ground.
7. Take 10–15 minutes each day to train your dog throughout its life.
8. When doing anything with your dog, be positive and use praise and rewards.
9. To modify existing problem behaviour, have the dog checked by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical problem and then seek the help of a qualified trainer who uses reward-based training techniques. A veterinary behaviourist may be required to help solve some behaviour problems.
10. Never leave a child under 10 years unsupervised with a dog, even a familiar family pet. Even the friendliest dog can react if it’s scared or feels threatened.