Is training a dog hard? Well, that depends on how you look at it.
Certainly, there is a lot of work that goes into successfully training a dog.
But if you’re patient, and take things one step at a time, you’ll be successful.
And the payoff is definitely worth it – a well-trained dog adds companionship and security to your life.
Dog training can be easy or difficult and it’s really the owner’s attitude that makes the difference. With consistency and patience most dogs can be trained to a reasonable standard which will result in a well behaved individual.
What is the hardest part of dog training?
The hardest part of dog training is often just getting started.
It can be difficult to find the time and patience to train your dog consistently.
But once you get into a good routine, the rest will fall into place. The key is to be consistent with your commands and rewards, so that your dog knows what to expect.
Are you up to training a dog?
This is a question that you need to answer honestly. If your children are out of control or feral then are you really going to be capable of taking on a different species for training?
If you are lacking in basic common sense then can you honestly expect to be able to train a dog if you are unable to find your own way from A to B?
Are you prepared to put in the time and effort to learn more about dogs, their behaviour, how they think and the various approaches to training?
Do you want a well mannered and behaved dog or is it just a fashion accessory to keep up with the neighbours? ( If the latter then you really shouldn’t have a dog at all).
Let’s face it. If the dog is just another toy like the 4 wheel drive and flat screen TV or if it is some sort of status symbol, or if you’re kids are the blight of the neighbourhood, then, you’ve got little chance of training a dog.
Can a dog train itself?
Yes, but it won’t be trained in the way that you expect it to be.
Dogs are clever animals and without guidance and parental input from their owners, they will develop lots of bad habits and learn all sorts of tricks that they really shouldn’t.
Just like unsupervised children, a dog will ‘teach itself’ how to behave, and, just like unsupervised kids, he will, in all likelihood become a nuisance.
Can another dog train a dog?
This is even better than the previous paragraph.
Yes, an older dog will teach a younger dog all of the bad habits, naughty tricks and pretty much everything else that it has learned will be passed onto it’s young counterpart.
What should you do before training a dog?
Before you begin training your dog, there are some important things that you need to do first.
The most important thing is to get familiar with the basics of dog training.
This will involve learning about proper nutrition, exercise and socialization, as well as understanding how to establish rules and boundaries for your dog.
You should also consult with an experienced dog trainer or behaviourist who can give you personalized advice and guidance for training your specific pet.
Improving your knowledge of dog training makes it easier
Before you even get a dog take time to learn more about the breed that you want and the aspects of training.
There are lots of breed specific books and other publications available that can take you through the various characteristics.
Additionally there are lots of resources around dog training, for certain types of dogs through to more generic training.
If you want to take away some of the difficulties of dog training then you are going to have to do some homework and learn how to do it.
Dog owners are often the hardest part of dog training
Dog training is not a weird type of science and anyone with a reasonable level of intelligence should be able to train a dog to be a well mannered individual.
The biggest and most difficult hurdle in training dogs is often the owner themselves.
Many people want a well trained dog but are unwilling to put in the work that is required.
If you really want a dog that will behave then you need to be prepared to do what it takes to train him properly.
This means being consistent, providing regular and appropriate rewards, using positive reinforcement and most importantly of all having the patience to see it through.
Once you have your dog appropriately trained, you will benefit from a close and rewarding relationship with your pet for many years to come.
Final Words
If you are serious about training your dog and want to be able to enjoy all of the benefits that come from owning a well behaved and obedient pet, then you need to be prepared to put in some time and effort.
There is no magic formula or quick fix when it comes to dog training – it takes dedication, commitment, and patience.
However, the rewards of owning a well-trained dog are more than worth the investment.
