Having a dog that behaves politely in public is one of the primary responsibilities of every owner.
Today, pets have much more freedom than before: they can follow us to cafes, restaurants, hotels, and even supermarkets. But not everyone loves dogs.
They travel with us on airplanes, board trains, accompany us on long car journeys, and have their own social life at the park, where they meet not always friendly dogs.
It's important to be able to count on the fact that our four-legged friend will be able to promptly respond to commands, and that it won't embarrass us or cause unpleasant incidents.
We're unlikely to be confronted by intolerant people if our dog behaves appropriately in every situation. A well-behaved animal will also be welcome in public places, not just among friends.
A good relationship between dogs and owners, or between dogs and trainers, is the foundation for providing your dog with proper training.
Therefore, we have compiled a beginner's guide to dog training with very simple tips that can help you educate your dog step by step and without difficulty.
When to start dog training?
A dog can be well-trained at any age. Obviously, it's easier if you start when it's a puppy, as it hasn't yet developed hard-to-change behaviors and habits, but the truth is that a dog can always be trained.
Breed may be a factor to consider since some dog breeds are more trainable than others, but I assure you that regardless of the breed, if you have patience and persistence, your dog will learn easily. You just need to show it plenty of affection and respect its pace.
Dog Training Methods
The two main dog training methods are:
The Gentle Method
The gentle method is based on building a trust relationship between the dog and its owner or trainer.
This method relies on finding positive motivations and stimuli: the dog is given a command, and each command corresponds to a reward, which could be a snack, praise, a caress, or a toy.
The dog is never punished, and the correct formula for learning commands is obedience = reward. The dog will learn that the correct response to commands is rewarded. Once the mechanism of positive reinforcement has created a habit, and the dog consistently responds correctly, the reward will no longer be necessary.
Setting up training as a game is the best and most gentle way to teach your dog to respond to commands. Remember that dogs were originally working animals, and they will be proud to please you when given orders.
No dog likes to be scolded, and there are even breeds that are naturally timid and introverted, which might withdraw into themselves, negating the trainer's efforts.
Generally, when this type of training is conducted by a trainer, the owner is involved to develop the necessary trust relationship with the dog to make learning effective.
This training system is not only the most widely used in general but is always used by owners and trainers for small companion dogs.
The Traditional Method
Unlike the gentle method, the traditional method is based on the opposite formula: disobedience = punishment.
In this case, the dog is trained using tools, mainly a choke collar. When a command is given, for example, "Stay," and the dog does not obey, the collar tightens around the neck, the dog is jerked and begins to choke. The impulse will only stop when the dog obeys the command.
Continuous negative reinforcement will be the stimulus with which the dog learns to respond to commands, but it is a humiliating and painful method for the dog, and the animal might rebel, an event that would necessarily lead to the use of systems such as electric or spike collars.
The relationship that will be created between dog and owner or trainer will be one of subjugation, not trust, and the animal might develop feelings of resentment, fear, anxiety, or anger, or destructive behaviors.
This system is probably more effective in terms of time, but anyone who chooses it should be aware that its effectiveness is based on an educational method that traumatizes the dog.
The traditional method is still used for animals of breeds considered at risk of aggression, for example, Pitbulls, especially if adopted as adults or with an unstable temperament, and for working animals such as hunting dogs or K9s (those working for the police or army).
For companion dogs, the gentle method is almost exclusively used.
Dog Training Modes
Training a dog requires a lot of patience, but there are also some rules to follow:
1) Training Duration
Training sessions should be short, as dogs have limited attention spans and can easily become bored. 30 minutes per session is sufficient for effective training.
2) Training Location
The location of the training is also important: it should be a quiet, noise-free area where the dog can move safely. Avoid crowded places with too many distractions, or locations where there might be dangers or chances for the dog to run away.
How to Impart Basic Commands
To train a dog effectively, you need to give simple rules. The command must be clear, the word simple and brief, and not easily confused with common words (for example, if the dog's name is Spot, the command should not be 'Stop' but 'Stay!')
To the vocal commands, when possible, add a visual command, i.e., a gesture that replicates the given order. For instance, with the vocal command "Stay," you would pair the classic stop gesture, i.e., a raised hand with the palm facing outwards.
This system with dual commands will be very useful when Fido is older and begins to have hearing problems.
Dog Training Tools
There are useful, or necessary, tools that will help you provide better and quicker training to your dog:
Educational Training Products
Clicker
This is a sound-emitting device that makes a clicking noise. When the dog performs the action correctly, press the clicker and give a reward.
You can also train the dog before the exercise by placing it in a quiet room. Show the dog the reward, press the clicker, then reward it, so it learns that the sound equals gratification.
Using the clicker allows you to phase out treats when the dog gets used to the sound.
Target Stick or Clicker with Ball
This is a modified version of the classic clicker. The device makes the clicking sound but has a kind of stick with a ball on the end that allows the dog to visualize the tool, creating an additional incentive for the activity when it sees the stick. It's touched to the dog's nose, and then the treat is given.
Dog Treats
Since this form of training involves giving a reward when the dog performs the action correctly, you'll need to have small treats to offer as a reward.
Ensure they are small and not very calorific, and that the dog is not overfed. It's advisable not to use treats or foods that are given to the dog daily, as it should associate that particular snack with work time.
Whistle
Great for calling the dog, especially during long walks in the countryside. Initially, use it along with a command if it's easier.
Portable Mat
Excellent for training the dog to perform static commands like "go to bed" and "rest." Very useful when taking the dog to public places, especially to restaurants.
Leash and Harness
These tools are essential during the training session. Regarding the harness, if the dog is particularly boisterous, you can purchase one with a dorsal handle to allow you to control the dog directly from the harness and not just with the leash.
All these products are not very expensive, but can be useful in case of learning difficulties, to simplify exercises, and to speed up training sessions with your four-legged friend.
Basic Dog Commands
The basic commands are:
Sit
Stay, or Heel
Come
No
Leave it
Lie down, or Down
Go to bed
Fetch
Go
Commands should be given clearly and consistently. Don't change them each time. If you use 'Stay,' don't switch to 'Stop,' as it will only confuse the dog.
Sit
Start by showing the dog a treat and raise your hand above its head. The dog will follow your hand, lean back, and sit. As it begins to sit, say "Sit" and immediately give the treat.
Praise and pet the puppy, and repeat the command several times. The dog will understand that each action is followed by a reward and the behavior will soon become a habit.
This is probably the easiest command and should be taught as the first step in properly training your dog.
Lie Down, or Down
This command can be very useful for calming the dog down if it gets overly excited or potentially boisterous.
Show the dog a treat by placing it near its nose, then lower it to the ground and keep your hand between the front paws. Wait for the dog to lie down and then reward it with the treat.
Repeat at least 5 times.
Come
This training requires two people: one holds the dog still while you move away, then release it when you issue the "Come" command. As soon as the dog approaches, reward it with a treat.
Go
For the "Go" command, two people are also needed. One holds the dog still while the other walks away without looking back. The distant person shows the dog a treat or toy, and once in position, simply tell the dog "Go," and it will rush towards the food.
Stay (or Heel)
This command is essential when walking with the puppy and it's difficult to keep it by your side without continuously pulling on the leash.
Start by making your dog sit, then begin walking while issuing the "Stay" or "Heel" command. If the dog pulls on the leash, don't make the common mistake of pulling in the opposite direction but stop silently and wait for it to stop pulling, then start walking again and repeat.
No
This command is usually learned naturally by dogs but can still be taught during the training phase.
Hold a treat in your hand and offer it to your dog with your palm up, letting it take it. Repeat a few times.
Then offer your hand again but this time close it and turn it with the palm down so the dog can't take the treat. Let it sniff but don't do anything.
When the dog stops sniffing, turn your hand up and give it the treat. After a few repetitions, start issuing the "No" command when you turn your hand down.
When the dog stops sniffing, turn your hand up and give it the treat.
You can vary the exercise by hiding the treat under a foot, in a small container, or under a handkerchief.
Go to Bed
This command is not only useful for putting your dog to bed but will be especially helpful when the dog comes with you to a restaurant and needs to lie quietly under the table without disturbing others.
Place the travel mat (which will later become optional but is very useful at this stage) under the table, gently push your friend's neck down, say the command and make it lie down.
If it tries to get up, or resists, you can push the front paws forward, applying pressure on the back. Repeat several times. To facilitate this activity, you can start with the "Sit" command.
Fetch and Leave it
Start with a toy that your dog is passionate about, like its favorite ball or a stick. Have Fido stay beside you and throw the object far away.
Release the dog from the "stay" and issue the "Go" command, and it will eagerly rush towards the thrown object. If the dog grabs the object and plays with it but stays away and doesn't bring it back, lure it towards you with another toy or treat and call it invitingly.
As soon as it starts to return towards you, say the "Fetch" command. When the dog comes back to you with the first object in its mouth and drops it to take the new toy, say "Leave it".
How to Train Your Dog to Go Potty
When a puppy arrives in a family, the first challenge is to teach it to do its business in the right place. Those with a garden will find this practice much easier to teach, but then there's the issue of nighttime.
Those without a garden will need to teach their dog to use a puppy pad, which is useful not only for puppies but also for older dogs that may have difficulty going outside or suffer from incontinence.
Training Your Dog to Go Potty Outside
First, choose a specific, quiet, and private spot. Puppies often can't go out on the streets because they haven't completed their vaccination cycle or can't walk much, so choose a corner in the garden or a place close to home.
Be ready to take the puppy out right after it eats or drinks a lot. Dogs are like children; they eat and then need to go to the bathroom, so take advantage of meal times to teach them where
to go.
If you don't make it in time or the dog goes inside the house, don't get angry and especially don't rub its nose in the urine, as this will only traumatize it and might make the learning process take much longer.
Training Your Dog to Use a Puppy Pad
Like with outdoor potty training, teaching a dog to use a puppy pad is largely a matter of timing. Be ready to take it to the pad right after eating, or when you see that it needs to urinate.
Some useful tips for getting your dog used to the puppy pad:
Place the pad in a quiet but visible spot, or if you have a garden, near the patio door, so it's easy to transition to going outside. It should never be near food, water, or the dog's bed.
Remove rugs or any objects that might confuse the dog.
Scent the pad with a little urine or use an attractant spray so the puppy knows that's the right place.
Change the pad frequently: remove feces each time and change it after two or three light uses. Dogs don't like to go where there's already a lot of waste.
If the dog goes in the house, or always in the same spot, clean it with a disinfectant that leaves a chemical smell, so the dog doesn't return to the scene of the crime.
There are also washable synthetic grass mats that can be useful for teaching the dog that's the type of terrain to go on when it starts going outside.
And if your dog has incontinence issues, read here!
Products for Dog Potty Training
The tools for teaching your dog to go in the right place are the following.
Synthetic Grass Mat (Dog Litter Box)
This is a mat that simulates grass, is made of synthetic grass, and is washable.
Puppy Pads
Puppy pads are absorbent mats for dogs that are used to teach a puppy to go in a specific place in the house. There are two types:
Disposable pads
Washable pads
Urine Repellents
These sprays repel dogs. If sprayed where the dog has urinated or where it shouldn't go, the dog will stay away from the spot.
Attractant Spray for Urine
Contrary to repellents, this spray is used on the puppy pad to attract the dog and facilitate learning to use it.
Urine Collector for Male Dogs
This is like a cone, similar to those used for road works, but the base acts as a container for urine when the dog lifts its leg.
From the Staff of Cani Piccoli
If this post has been helpful and you want to know more about caring for, the well-being, and training of dogs, we'll do our best to help you. Find here lots of useful information to better understand your furry friend.
