Dog Training - The Methods Are Changing

Like everything else, dog training methods are constantly evolving. In some cases, what was once considered proper is now considered abusive.

One thing that hasn't changed however is the need to start the training early. Sometimes it's hard to think that training is even necessary, especially when you bring home a new puppy and watch him peacefully sleeping in the new bed you have purchased. Can you even think of a cuter sight?

Just remember that depending on the breed, that tiny puppy will soon be 40 pounds, and what you think is cute now may become annoying. Very few people enjoy a large dog jumping up, putting their paws on them, and maybe even knocking them over.

Teach your puppy manners from day one and they will stick with him into adulthood. Let them get away with inappropriate behaviors early and they think this is OK, If this is you, then you shouldn't wonder why you can't get your cute puppy to behave as he or she gets older.

It wasn't too long ago that dog training methods were punishment based. Even professional trainers required a dog to be at least 6 months old before they would consider helping to train your pet. There were several reasons for this, but near the top of the list was the fact that younger and smaller pups would not be able to withstand the physical correction that was typically used at the time.

The irony here of course is that the dogs, especially the larger breeds, were big enough and stubborn enough to simply ignore commands. Training was more difficult.

Things like electronic shock collars and electric fences were common, but now, they're harder to find.

Fast forward 30 years and dog training is now different. The current protocols are more friendly and loving. You'll find trainers will now work with puppies starting at around 8 weeks old. It's a puppy kindergarten if you will, with your pet focusing on socialization.

Negative reinforcement is out, and more positive behavior training is in. Young pups are taught basic commands like sit, stay, come, and lie down. They are taught how to walk on a leash. They are even learning how simple tricks like shaking hand or giving a paw, and how to greet a guest properly.

The other big change is that dog owners are now encouraged to take part in all training activities. That can be with a professional trainer, at a training school, or simply on their own. And with the wealth of instruction now available, more and more people are doing the training themselves. These self training courses are now based on fact and research, scientific principles, and even psychological studies into temperment and animal behavior.

Even the most basic programs will teach dog owners simple techniques like clicker training and luring.

Clicker training used a small item that when you press it, will make a clicking sound. The dog hears the sound, and associated the click with the reward you have chosen to give him. Your pet learns that when he hears the click, he's about to get something good. And he naturally will repeat the action you want to teach.

Luring means using something good like a toy or treat to get your pet to do what you are asking. He learns to follow the lure in order to get his reward.

Notice that rewards are present in both methods. Positive training and reinforcement is clearly the best method of dog training.

If training your dog is something you want to do on your own, there are only two products on the market that we recommend completely.

Recommended Dog Training Courses

SitStayFetch - This course is by professional dog trainer Daniel Stevens and has been ordered by over 60,000 customers. If you want to understand why your dog acts the way he does, and get an easy system for changing your dog's behavior, this course will show you all you need to know. It gets our highest recommendation and you can find out more by clicking here.

Dove Cresswell's Dog Training Online - If you learn better by watching video than you do by reading, then this is the course for you. Dove Cresswell is a Hollywood North dog trainer and has often been called the "Dog Trainer To The Stars", having worked on several feature films. Check out the free sample video she offers and you'll quickly see why her complete video course is so popular. You can read about the course by clicking here.