Principles of Training Dogs

There are various principles of training dogs. These principles are important from exercise to serious training of pet and police dogs.

Exercise

Exercise is necessary for most dogs if they are to remain healthy. Dogs are like people in that some need more exercise than others.

The amount of exercise varies according to the size of the animal, age, breed and what the dog is being used for.

Even small apartment dogs should be allowed some freedom to move around and exercise.

Care must be taken when exercising young puppies; their bones may not be developed and risk of permanent injury could result.

Older dogs need exercise also, but caution should be taken that they are not overworked. Short and more frequent walks are more suitable for older animals.

Guidelines to be followed when Exercising the Dog

• Dogs should not be exercised strenuously after heavy meal.
• Dogs should receive a physical examination to rule out cardiac, circulatory or skeletal and joint problems.
• Before taking a dog out for strenuous exercise the dog should be conditioned over time.
• Dogs are just like athletes and need proper conditioning to strengthen muscles, joints, and cardiac systems, as well as to toughen foot pads. This is especially important for obese dogs.
• Dogs are eager to please their masters. They will not stop or give up a challenge and one must be alert to signs of fatigue.
• Excessive panting, changes in colour of the lips and face, vacant stares and changes in behaviour that might signal fatigue.

Training of Dogs

The amount and type of training depends upon the type of use. Almost all dogs should learn five basic commands viz., heel, sit, down, stay and come.

Trained dogs will respond and be under control.

Dogs that are well trained can provide enjoyment and be great companions, whereas untrained dogs can be a nuisance. Training should begin as soon as the new puppy arrives home.

The puppy should learn its name, the basic corrective word no, and the praise words, good boy or good girl.

The puppy must learn what types of behaviour are acceptable and what types are not.

The owner’s voice is the best corrective tool. A strong, authoritative “no” should be all that is necessary. “Good dog” “good girl” should be used when the puppy does something correctly.

The puppy will soon learn that it will be corrected if it does something wrong and praised when it does something right.

The puppy should never hit or threatened with a hand or an object. A puppy that gets hit will soon shy away from its owner for fear of being beaten.

When the puppy does something wrong it must be corrected immediately, so that it will associate the mistake with correction.

If the correction cannot be made immediately, it should not be made at all.

Puppies are babies and are quick to forget. If they are punished for an inappropriate behaviour that occurred several minutes earlier, the puppy may not realize why it is being corrected.

House Training

House Training is for to be a good companion and member of the family.

House training can be accomplished by allowing the new puppy outside shortly after eating or several times during the day. This will allow the pup to pass urine and defecate.

If an occasional accident occurs, use the words bad dog and immediately take the puppy outside. Patience, correction and praise will soon accomplish the objectives.

As the puppy gets older, it will make its way to the door and “ask” to be allowed outside.

Paper Training

Paper training involves laying several layers of newspaper down on the floor, usually in the area where the puppy will normally be fed.

Place the puppy’s food and water bowl on the newspaper; the puppy will usually relieve itself shortly after eating. Try to confine the puppy to the newspaper until it relieves itself.

If a mistake occurs, use the words bad dog and place the puppy on the newspaper area with elimination.

As the training progresses, the area covered by the newspaper can be made smaller and moved closer to the door.

Eventually, the newspaper can be moved outside and the puppy allowed to go outside to relieve itself.

Serious Training of Dogs

Serious training of dogs is made for dogs which involve in police, mine detection and disaster management.