How to Train your Dog with Love?
When you adopt a holistic lifestyle for your dog, you will find it a lot easier to train him or her with love than by coercion.
The First Step
You are the proud owner of a new dog. Your first concern is to make the initiation into your family as easy for him or her as possible. The breeder from whom you have bought him has assured you of his sociable nature. But you still don’t want to take any chances.
You just hope he doesn’t misbehave with anyone. You expect him to accept you, your family and the environment you provide him without much fuss. Frankly, it is a bit of too much of wishful thinking.
True, you can try and get a fair idea of what your dog is thinking, but believe me it is a tough task understanding what they really want, especially in the initial stages. While you address your dog’s behavior, it would pay to look at their individuality. Especially, the factors that lead to a particular behavior in your dog (e.g., aggression), and the consequences of such a behavior.
Know Your Dog Better
- Don’t rush them into learning too much at a time.
- Give them time and space to learn at their own pace. Give them time to settle down.
- You can gauge their responsiveness by observing their behavior towards you.
- Their reaction towards their food and the way they look forward to praise/ reward.
Once you get an idea about their motivating factors, the job is easy for you. Your dog will start enjoying the training session and that is what is essential.
The Training Days…
Dogs is the most sociable of animal, but there is a common misconception that as he is sociable, it will be easier to train him. This is where we are often mistaken. Yes, most of them are very sociable but that shouldn’t make you take them for granted. Some of them can also be very aggressive.
Dogs will be willing students when you treat them with love and respect. Dog treats can also prove to be very good tool while training them. This encourages them to work harder. In fact the first few months will be very crucial in building up your relation with your dog. It will have the greatest influence on them as well.
Transforming Your Dog’s Behavior
It is quite possible to be at your wit’s end while training your dog. He might turn out to be quite a handful especially if he is aggressive. Just relax. You have to handle this issue sensitively or else you will end up damaging your relationship with him irretrievably.
If you use force or coercion trying to train him, he might not understand why you want to change him. You will have to patiently try and make him understand the acceptable social behavior. Lavish him with love and treats whenever he exhibits gentleness.
This will encourage him to accept the training and make him more obedient.
In case you want your pet to be in the competitive field, you have to ensure that he still retains a measure of aggressiveness that can be controlled. Or else you will lose the competitive advantage.
Some Handy Tips…
1. You have to try and spend maximum time with them at the same time should not let them be too dependent on your presence. Otherwise, the moment you go out they will start getting anxious for your return.
2. It is better to let them get used to a routine. Pets love routine and discipline.
Try not to confuse their routine with unexpected scheduling of activities.
3. Show them your confidence in their abilities. Nothing works better than a well-meaning appreciation. They will never forget what they have learnt.
4. Don’t be too hard on them if they mess around. Be strict but with love.
5. Try and use as much of natural alternatives such as herbs, flower essences, aromatherapy and homeopathic remedies for their health needs.
6. Allow your dog to mingle with other pets. Don’t let them live a life of seclusion.
7. Consider giving them a natural diet, which will increase their immunity. A healthy dog will always have a cheerful disposition.
