Dog Training: What Is It?
Because domestic dogs have evolved from ancient canines that were pack animals, their instincts lead them to obey their "Alpha Dog," the leader of their pack. For a domestic dog, the Alpha is most often the human with whom he lives. Dog training teaches dogs to behave in specific ways that are desired by their humans. There are several basic schools of dog training, including Obedience, Tracking, Agility, Hunting, Retrieving, Schutzhund (German for "protection dog"), and Guard.
Wild dogs still possess innate instincts that enable them to live appropriately with their dog companions. Over many years, humans have perfected and exaggerated many of these characteristics through selective breeding. Different breeds now have widely varied distinguishing traits that indicate their particular abilities.
When domestic dogs live with humans, they need to learn behaviors that will maintain safety for the people, the dogs themselves, and other pets. We’d like them to be good companions, as well. Since dogs can’t work out these details by themselves, we have developed dog training. The training is sometimes carried out by a dog’s owner, and sometimes by a professional dog handler.
Communication between the dog and his trainer or owner is the most difficult part of training a dog. In dog training, the basis of communication is that desired behaviors are rewarded, while undesired behaviors are ignored or corrected.
Basic dog obedience training includes five commands: "sit", "down", "stay", "come" (recall), and "leave it" (close). In teaching these commands, you can increase your dog’s interest by using dog biscuits or treats as training tools. For example, if you want your dog to respond to the command "sit", you might show him a dog biscuit and hold it over his nose. The dog will be excited, but may sit down automatically to look up at the treat. When his bottom hits the ground, you say, "Sit!" and give him the reward. Praise him, pet him, show him that he has done the right thing. He will associate the act of sitting with the word "sit" as well as with the reward, and will soon learn to respond to your command every time.
The recall command, "Come!" is the most significant of all dog training commands. It is very important never to punish a dog if he answers a recall command. Punishing a dog when he comes to your command will make him associate punishment with the recall command. If the dog needs to be corrected, you should always approach him instead of calling him to come to you.
When you correct a dog, you should never use violence or physical assault. If you use force when training your dog, it is unlikely that he will obey or learn. Dogs will lose their enthusiasm for training and their interest in a certain command if they associate it with physical punishment. Moreover, if you punish your dog physically, he may be so stressed that he turns aggressive himself. This is certainly not the goal of training.
