Not every pet parent thinks of dog training. But have you ever wondered if dog training is really worth it? Is it an investment you must spend on?

Although a time consuming task, making your dog trained can benefit the dogs for all ages. Dog training is not just about making them learn new skills; it is a great way to make you and your pet’s life better. 

Dog training is an important part of owning a dog and it can be started at any age. Let us learn more about dog training and find out if your furry friend really needs it or not.

Why is training so important?

Training is an important part of owning a pet. Dog training is a way to communicate with our furry friend and strengthen the bond we have with our dogs through positive attention.

Let us have a look at some other advantages.

• Ensures safety

Proper dog training ensures safety for both the dog and the owner. Trained dogs act less aggressively and are less likely to get in dangerous situations.

• Better communication

The pet parent and the dog can better understand each other’s needs when proper dog & puppy training is provided to the dog. Commands like ‘sit’, ‘stand’, ’come’, and ‘go’ provide clear instructions to the dog, thus making it easy for the dog to know what is expected from them.

• Promotes good behaviour

You don’t want your dog to climb over the guests and tear off their clothes. By regular dog & puppy training, you can reduce their destructive habits such as chewing, biting and excessive barking.

• Strengthens bond

Through proper dog training, dogs learn to trust their owner’s guidance, knowing that following the commands will lead to positive outcomes. Regular training sessions create opportunities for building a trustworthy relationship between the dog and the owner.

How to train a dog?

Below are a few tips to follow on how to train a puppy or a dog.

• Start with the basics: Begin with simple commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘come’.
• Use positive reinforcement: reward your pet’s good behaviour with treats, praise or playtime
• Keep sessions short: start with training for 10-15 minutes a day and gradually increase training time.
• Be patient and calm: Use a calm but assertive tone along with a lot of patience.
• Socialize your dog: Expose your dog to different environments, people and animals and notice their behaviour.
• Use a leash for control: leashes help to ensure your command during the walk.
• Gradually introduce new commands: Practice old commands and also introduce new commands alongside.
• Practice regularly: Consistency is the key to efficient dog training.
• End with a positive note: It will help to keep your dog motivated.

Dog agility training

Dog agility training is a fun way to provide physical and mental stimulation for your dog. It involves guiding a dog through a series of obstacles with precision and speed.  Key obstacles include jumps, tunnels, weave poles, seesaws and so on. Introduction to each obstacle builds confidence and accuracy in the dog. 

Before going for dog agility training, make sure to check that the equipment is stable and is according to the size and skill level of the dog. 

How to choose a dog harness?

Here are some of the pointers to consider while choosing the best dog harness.

• Consider your dog’s size, weight and breed to make sure it is the best fit for them.
• Choose the harness with fabric which is not only gentle on the dog’s skin, but is also strong and durable. 
• The harness must be easy to clean as it will pick up a lot of dirt and dust in a day.

Must read what is the need for dog harness & step-by-step guide to selecting the best one.

Best dog training treats

Dog training treats can be used as a great training tool. Treats can be used to motivate your dog to repeat the behaviours that you want. While selecting the dog training treats, choose smaller, soft and easily chewable options that can keep the dog stay motivated and focused. Treats made of natural ingredients, minimal fibres and no artificial additives are the ones you should be offering to your dog. 

A very important thing to note is that the treats must be adjusted in the dog’s daily food intake to maintain a balanced diet. There are treats available in the market made of chicken, fish, meat, banana, coconut, beetroot, apple and other natural ingredients. The training sessions will no longer be boring for your furry friend with these dog training treats. 

Dog training leads and leashes

Having a right dog harness or a dog leash is crucial to leash train dog. A dog training lead comes in various lengths and fabrics, which allow better control and flexibility during training sessions.

Selecting the right harness is an investment for your dog’s comfort and safety. By considering the factors such as breed, size, comfort and safety features, you can make your dog’s training session an effective one.