Without proper dog behavior training, a dog will be a pain in the neck around the house. There are many aids available to help this process, from dog training videos to books to classes with trained teachers. The most basic training can be done using a paperback book from the library or in a “sleepover” dog training school.

The best time to start basic dog training is when the dog is a young puppy just out of the nursery box. Owners need to make sure that even very young puppies begin to understand which behaviors are appropriate and which aren’t. Keep in mind that some behaviors which seem destructive to humans are actually just normal dog behaviors. For instance, the human master will be unhappy when the puppy chews on household items and view it as inappropriate behavior. For the puppy, however, the chewing is an activity that feels good to his baby teeth. Both consistent behavior modification and appropriate toys and rewards are necessary for successful dog behavior training.

There are also very specific training issues, such as teaching the dog the right places and times to relieve itself. This is another case where it’s important to be realistic and aware of the normal range of canine behavior. It’s not realistic to expect a baby to be housebroken. It’s also perfectly reasonable for more mature dogs to have an accident now and then. It’s not reasonable or appropriate to expect a dog to wait 12 hours for the chance to eliminate. The dog’s needs must be met in order to get the desired behavior from the dog. It’s helpful to put down newspapers in a specific place or somehow make a specific “rest stop” that a dog can use in the case of emergency.

Housebreaking may be a dog behavior training most people are comfortable doing themselves, but more complicated behaviors may require the help of a professional. This can range from simple commands like sit and stay and heel to more complicated behaviors such as those for home security. Televised programs on dog training may help and can often be purchased as videos. Online behavior training help is also available.

A professional dog trainer may be required when the owner has no experience in a particular area, such as crate training. Even a long time dog owner may not have experience training a dog to stay in a crate while its owners are away. The decision to crate a dog should be weighed against the needs and comfort of the dog, and not simply as a convenience, or an excuse to ignore the dog. Many owners find professional training in a campus setting more efficient and effective than trial and error at home.

Dog behavior training must also be realistic. A greyhound may not be trainable to live in a penthouse with no opportunity to run and exercise for example. A professional trainer can give valuable input about the needs of specific breeds and the personalities of individual pets to make training more efficient and effective.

Proper dog behavior training can be an important factor in forming a successful relationship with a dog. Basic dog training is best begun when the dog is very young, even though a small puppy will not be able to follow instructions perfectly. Additionally, all training must take the dog’s natural behaviors and needs into account. More complicated training may require additional resources, such as dog training videos or books. Hiring a professional dog trainer may be the easiest path for inexperienced dog owners. Always remember to keep training goals realistic, and the health and happiness the dog in mind.

- Paul Proctor

Dog Training on eBay 

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