Dog Obedience Training – When Does It Begin?
Obedience training is not about being mean to your dog nor is it about abuse. It is about making sure that your dog knows his or her place and knows the rules of the house. A dog that is not trained is one that can become a nuisance or even dangerous. It begins with puppy training for pets and owners alike and will continue throughout the life of the animal.
Pet training obedience begins the moment we acquire our new friend. Basic dog training starts with teaching the dog how to communicate the need to use the bathroom. A puppy is just like a toddler. It does not know what the rules are and we have to provide that training. Puppy pads, dog training collars and a variety of other training methods are used to start it on the way to knowing where it is appropriate to use the bathroom.
One thing to remember when you begin to train your dog, is that it is going to take a lot of patience. This is especially true of the housebreaking. The puppy does not know how to hold its bladder. There will be accidents and it is your responsibility as a loving pet owner to know the difference between being authoritative and being abusive. If you spot the accident as soon as it happens, this is an ideal time to correct the puppy. Hours or days later the incident is forgotten by the dog so it would be pointless to try to discipline the pooch that long after the accident. If one does this, the dog will not understand why it is being punished. You must be diligent.
If you have ever been to a shopping mall and witnessed a frustrated mother trying to drag her toddler through the store, you know what trying to train your puppy to a leash is like. They are unfamiliar with the collar and most certainly do not want to be forced to go where you want them to go. It is easier to give in and let the puppy do what it wants than it is to make them go in the direction you wish. This may be the easy way out but it will hurt the dog in the end. Obedience training is a must and you have to be the Alpha and teach the puppy what he or she must know.
No matter how frustrated you get, you have to remember that it takes time to teach a puppy. You cannot let the puppy sense your frustration or anxiety. Take a deep breath and if you need to, consider getting professional advice or sign up for a dog obedience training class. There are many dog forums that offer up plenty of hints and tips on training. In the end you will have your loving bond with your pet and have a dog that knows the rules.