Preparation is key to a successful training program. This is why it’s necessary to plan ahead for your dog training. While the training is where the gist of the hard work lies, a significant portion of a successful training regimen lies within your preparation. Remember, “failure to plan is planning to fail”. Dog training can prove an arduous task or even a frustrating one if you don’t have the necessary physical, psychological and mental preparations at hand. But, with a game plan in mind, the training might not prove to be a difficult task after all. Here are some tips that will prepare you and your furry friend for the training that lies ahead.
- CHOOSE A DOG THAT FITS PERFECTLY WITH YOUR LIFESTYLE.
When preparing for dog training, there are certain things many people don’t consider, and this eventually results in frustration during the process of training their dogs. Considering the kind of lifestyle you lead and the type of dog that will fit perfectly into your picture is a point to consider when preparing for dog training. As a matter of fact, it should be the first thing to consider.
It is vital to note that not all dogs will fit into your lifestyle. For instance, if you’re the kind of person that loves to unwind, then a Jack Russell Terrier is a lousy choice for you. Russell dogs are famous for their incessant barking and high energy. As polar opposites, it’s advisable that you don’t get this type of dog. Instead, get a dog that you are comfortable with. Before rushing to buy a dog, research the personalities and requirements for the various breeds. You could ask the dog’s owner/seller about the breed’s personality.
Often, most breeds of dogs tend to live between 10-15 years; it is, therefore, advisable that you ensure your dog’s temperament is a good match for your lifestyle. - PREPARE MENTALLY FOR FUTURE TRAINING SESSIONS.
Mental preparation helps to get your mind focused for literally any obstacle that might come your way; this is why preparing mentally before training sessions is best for an effective dog training.
When you are in training sessions with your dog, prepare your mind beforehand to ensure you are calm and in neutral mode. Being calm and impersonal will prevent an adverse outcome on your training. You should always remember that the goal of dog training is to be able to reinforce good dog behavior and not to ignore the negative traits; this is a common mistake dog owners make.
Though mental preparation seems a bit rigorous, it’s important to note that training to deliver a well-trained dog requires great determination and conviction to come to fruition. - PROGRAM ENOUGH TIME FOR TRAINING.
Another way to prepare for dog training is to develop enough time for training. In the past the time dedicated for training was 5 minutes spread out throughout the day and not more than a total of 20 minutes per day. This standard training is best for puppies, and this is because they naturally have a short attention span. Hence, they get bored quickly. You should evenly spread your training time with puppies to prevent loss of interest.
Do not limit your training period to only those 20 minutes of training per day. Always try to keep an eye on your dog beyond the training sessions. Watch over your dog’s behavior and monitor if it is doing what you taught it in training. Training is more than timed sessions; it continues throughout the day when interacting with your dog. - CHOOSE THE PROPER TRAINING PLAN.
Deciding which type of dog training to pursue is one of the most significant decisions most owners face. While many people are aware of the importance of dog training, they are oblivious to what type of training is best for their dog.
Generally, there are three approaches:
● Traditional Approach
● Modern Approach
● Balanced Approach
These different approaches to a training plan are all valid if properly applied. There have been several debates about which method of training is the best (I’m sure you’ve been involved in such discussions). The truth is, modern methods are far better than the other approaches because they are more humane and painless. The traditional approach centers on punishment, and this is often a bad idea, it hurts the dog and makes it more aggressive. In contrast, modern methods make training sessions less demanding and an enjoyable experience for both the owner and the dog.