Dog Training: Tips & Tricks in South Bend, IN

Do you have a new puppy in the family? Or do you have an existing dog who just needs a little bit more training? Either way, if you’re looking for information about how to train your dog successfully in South Bend, we’ve got you covered.

In the article below, you’ll find some basic information to help you get an idea of how to train your dog. With the help of these tips and tricks, you should be well on your way to successful training in no time, and your dog should be on his way to becoming better behaved than ever before.

potty training dog south bend

The Best Training Tips Include

 

Start with potty training

If you’re training a puppy who isn’t housebroken yet, make sure to start with potty training. This is the most important first step for a new puppy to learn, and your dog will need to be potty trained before he can spend time out of his crate and learning other skills.

Potty training may only take some puppies a couple of weeks, but it can take others a month or so to really get the hang of it. During this time, keep any other commands you teach your dog to a minimum.

 

Get the basics first.

Your dog needs to learn some basic commands before he can start on more complicated ones. “Sit” and “lay down” are both good places for him to start. These commands are useful in many situations and can be taught easily by simply using a treat as a motivator.

For “sit,” hold the treat above your dog’s head until he naturally sits down. Then say “sit” and praise him, giving him the treat. For “lay down,” pull the treat down along the ground until your dog naturally stretches out to get it. Then say “lay down” and give him the treat.

 

Use high-value treats.

Make sure you’re enticing your dog to learn with some high-value treats he will actually want to receive. Some dogs will only train well when given small bits of cheese or other similar “junk food” items. This is okay in moderation, especially if you’re only giving these treats until your dog learns his commands. Just make sure you’re not giving any unsafe foods.

You can also purchase dog treats that are made with ingredients that will appeal to your dog, including blueberries, peanut butter, bananas, and much more.

dog eating high valued treats

 

Don’t overexert your dog.

Puppies and even older dogs have shorter attention spans than humans do, so it’s important to give your dog plenty of breaks between training sessions. Don’t overdo it, and don’t overexert his body or his mind. This way, he will be more likely to retain the information he learns during a training session.

This is also an important step because it gives you a break, too. You will need to rest and relax just as much as your dog will, and your bond with each other will grow stronger if you aren’t spending all your time together just on training.

 

Include playtime and exercise.

Your dog needs lots of downtime in between training sessions, too. Make sure he gets a lot of playtime and exercise alike during these times so he can improve his physical and mental abilities both. A dog who gets enough exercise and playtime is more likely to learn quickly and understand his training better.

Additionally, playtime with toys that stimulate your dog’s mind and exercise for his body can help him get tired more easily. This, in turn, makes him calmer, which means he is more likely to pay attention to you during training sessions.

 

Practice every day.

Most importantly, be sure to practice with your dog every single day. Your dog will forget his commands over time if they aren’t reinforced, so go through the list of commands you have taught him daily for best results. Make sure to mix up the order, though, so he doesn’t just memorize them in one way!

Daily practice doesn’t have to take long. You really only need to set aside about 20 minutes per day to work on commands your dog already knows. This way, he will remember them in the future and can practice perfecting them in the meantime as well.

Dog training South Bend

 

Conclusion

As you can see, a big part of successful dog training involves both patience and effort. If you are willing and able to put forth the effort and stay patient with your dog throughout the process, both of you will be much more likely to succeed with your training.

If you are having too much trouble training your dog yourself, you can always look into working with a professional instead. Although a professional may cost more than training yourself, this option is best for some dog owners who need a little extra help and guidance throughout the process.

 

 

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About Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic

Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic is a full service, AAHA accredited veterinary practice located in Mishwaka, Indiana. In addition to general wellness care like vaccinations and wellness exams, we also provide holistic veterinary care such as acupuncture and a variety of alternative medicine options.