Raising a puppy can be an exciting but also challenging task. In the first weeks and months of life, you lay the foundation for the dog's later behavior, which is why it is important to follow a few basic rules. Mistakes made in this early phase of dog training can develop into real behavioral problems later on. In this article, you will find out how to train your dog correctly, which typical mistakes you should avoid and which principles will put you and your furry friend on the right track.
1. correct training begins with the imprinting phase
The first 12 to 16 weeks of your puppy's life are crucial. This phase is also known as the imprinting phase or socialization phasein which the dog is particularly receptive to new impressions and experiences. During this time, you should gradually get your puppy used to everyday noises, people and other animals. The more positive and stress-free these experiences are, the more self-confident your four-legged friend will be later on.
A common mistake that many dog owners make is to assume that puppies don't learn anything in the first few weeks. But the exact opposite is true. It is precisely in puppyhood that dogs develop their character. Situations that he gets to know now will be easier for him to cope with later.
Tips for the imprinting phase:
- Regular dog encounters and contact with different people help with the socialization.
- Playfully promote the impulse controlby, for example, making the puppy wait a short time before he can do his treat gets his treat.
- Use this time for the name trainingby associating your dog's name with positive experiences such as playing or feeding.
2. puppy training: the basics for a well-behaved dog
In the puppy training is all about teaching your puppy how to behave in the human world. A common goal is to house-training. The good news is that with patience and consistency, you can quickly teach your puppy to do his business outside.
This is how house-training works:
- Always take your dog outside after he has eaten, drunk or slept, as this is when he often feels the need to relieve himself.
- Reward him immediately with a treatwhen he has done his business in the right place. Here is positive conditioning is the key.
- Avoid punishments if a mishap occurs - puppies need time to control their bladder.
Another important task in puppy training is the bite inhibition. Puppies tend to bite your hands or clothing, especially during teething. It is important to teach the puppy that biting too hard is not okay.
This is how you train bite inhibition:
- If the puppy bites too hard, respond with a short "Ouch!" and stop the game immediately. Your dog will soon learn that biting too hard has negative consequences.
- Encourage the play instinct of your dog through tugging games or playing with dummiesto keep him physically and mentally active.
3. leash control and recall: two essential commands
A well-trained dog masters two things: Leash control and the recall. Both are essential for taking your dog for a relaxed walk and being able to control him reliably.
This is how you practise walking on a lead:
- Start the training with a short leashthat is not taut and reward your dog every time he walks relaxed next to you. Use a command like "Heel".
- Avoid constantly pulling the dog or trying to punish him. Instead, draw his attention back to you, for example by using a treat wagging a treat or calling his name.
- Patience and practice are required here. Your dog needs to learn that he should not immediately run to everything that arouses his curiosity - good practice for his frustration tolerance.
The recall:
- Start the retrieval training in a low-stimulus environment and always use the same cuefor example "Come" or a dog whistle.
- As soon as your dog comes to you, reward him with a treat or his favorite toy. This way, he associates coming back with positive experiences.
- Practice this regularly, especially with dog walksand gradually increase the distraction to increase the reliability of the recall.
4. common training mistakes and how to avoid them
There are some typical dog training mistakes that dog owners often make. These can lead to unwanted behavior patterns become ingrained in the dog. Below you will find the most important deadly sins of dog training and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Too much pampering
Many dog owners tend to spoil their dog with treats with treats. Although rewards are an important part of training, over-feeding can lead to the dog only wanting treats. treats only to treats. Make sure that rewards are dosed and used in a targeted manner.
Mistake 2: Inconsistency
In dog training consistency is crucial. If you allow your dog to do something one day and forbid it the next, he will be confused. Set clear rules that are followed by all family members so that your dog knows what is expected of him.
Mistake 3: Inappropriate timing
At the conditioning timing plays a crucial role in conditioning your dog. Reward him immediately after the desired action so that he can associate the reward with the action. A delayed reaction can lead to Linking errors lead to linking errors.
Error 4: Lack of impulse control
An uncontrolled dog is often perceived as difficult, whether it's on a walk or when dog encounters. Avoid always giving your dog everything he wants straight away. Practice with him that he has to wait for a short time before he gets a treat receives a treat in order to frustration tolerance to strengthen his frustration tolerance.
Mistake 5: Lack of castration
The decision as to whether your dog should be neutered or not depends on various factors. According to experts such as Gansloßer and Schlegl in some cases, neutering can help to minimize unwanted behaviours such as constant barking or aggression. Talk to your vet to make the best decision for your dog.
5. the right sleeping and feeding schedule
A well-structured sleep schedule is just as important as regular meals. Especially puppies need plenty of sleep to develop optimally. Make sure that your puppy has a quiet place where it can sleep undisturbed. In addition, feeding times should always remain the same to give the dog a certain routine.
6. additional knowledge and expert advice
If you have the feeling that you are not doing the puppy training or training your adult dog, it is worth seeking advice from experts such as a dog trainer or a behavior consultant. People like Breindl and Amy's have developed special programs for puppies and young dogs that are tailored to the needs of the respective breed and character.
Conclusion
Training your dog is a long-term task that requires patience, consistency and knowledge. Through a well-founded socializationclear rules and avoiding training mistakes, you can turn your dog into a well-behaved and happy companion. Behavior problems like constant barking, fearfulness or lack of impulse control can be avoided at an early stage. Always remember that every training session is an investment in the social skills of your dog - and that pays off for a lifetime!
Photo by Austin Kirk on Unsplash
