Training Guides:
There are endless methods when it comes to dog training. Some people will tell you that the key is to use punishment to make sure your dog doesn't think he can get away with naughty behavior. Some people argue that positive reinforcement works better, where you reward your dog with positive feedback every time he is well behaved, and then others insist that you have to “be the alpha dog” and become the leader of your “pack.” Although different tactics work for different dogs, focusing on teaching dogs what you do want them to do is usually a more effective approach. Positive reinforcement is probably the least stressful, more enjoyable and most rewarding for you and your dog, though we have found the following helpful feel free to use your own common sense and judgement on what works best for You, Your Dog and Your Situation.
With that in mind the AICCA have scoured the internet and assembled a range of Free Downloadable PDF Guides and simple to understand info-graphics that while by no means exhaustive, will hopefully at least set your feet firmly on the right path.
Learning how to train your dog isn't always easy and doesn't happen overnight but the sooner you start, the easier it is.
As the info-graphic on Dog Development below explains there are critical windows of opportunity as your puppy develops and matures over their first few months and years of life. Being aware of this timeline and structuring your chosen methods of training around each deadline is the ideal to which every good trainer should aspire.
With that in mind the AICCA have scoured the internet and assembled a range of Free Downloadable PDF Guides and simple to understand info-graphics that while by no means exhaustive, will hopefully at least set your feet firmly on the right path.
Learning how to train your dog isn't always easy and doesn't happen overnight but the sooner you start, the easier it is.
As the info-graphic on Dog Development below explains there are critical windows of opportunity as your puppy develops and matures over their first few months and years of life. Being aware of this timeline and structuring your chosen methods of training around each deadline is the ideal to which every good trainer should aspire.
Older Dogs can indeed overcome missed milestones. Many a heart warming adoption story will attest to just that; but it won't be easy and will require much kindness, understanding and no little effort on your part to bring them back to the dogs they should have been from the start.
For absolute novices; we recommend the two books below; these full texts will cover everything you need to know both before you bring your puppy home and for those first very important few months afterwards:
For absolute novices; we recommend the two books below; these full texts will cover everything you need to know both before you bring your puppy home and for those first very important few months afterwards:
| Before you get your puppy |
| After you get your puppy |
Just like their owners no dog is perfect, each will come with their own individual quirks and personalities. Some Good, Some Bad; remember with training and patience nothing is insurmountable.
If you've got some experience or are feeling confident enough to try and resolve the problem yourself or If one specific aspect of training is giving you trouble; we would recommended the following range of brief refresher articles:
If you've got some experience or are feeling confident enough to try and resolve the problem yourself or If one specific aspect of training is giving you trouble; we would recommended the following range of brief refresher articles:
| Come-sit-down-stay |
| Destructive chewing |
| Digging problems |
| Dogs Children |
| Excessive barking |
| Fear of People |
| Fighting with other dogs |
| Home Alone |
| House Training |
| Hyperdog!! |
| Walking on leash |
The above is merely the tiniest, tiniest tip of the dog training iceberg; whatever tactic you decide to use to train your dog, there are some ground rules you should abide by too:
The 10 Commandments of Dog Training
Thou shalt set the ground rules early, and stick to them! It’s essential that everyone in the household understands what the rules are and abides by them. There’s no point in teaching your dog something if he is allowed to do the opposite with someone else. Discuss the rules in advance with your family and even let visitors know the rules so that nothing will undermine your efforts!
Thou shalt not be unfair! Your dog can’t read your mind so be patient with him.
Thou shalt be consistent! Don’t confuse your pet by varying your commands. Make your command words clear and simple and stick with them. If the command is “stay” then the command is “stay,” not “stay there.” Dogs like simplicity.
Thou shalt practice frequently! Your dog needs practice. It’s better to practice 10 minutes every day, than to practice randomly every few days for a long period of time. If you slack, your dog will forget commands and behaviors.
Thou shalt stick to “dog time”! Dogs live in the moment. Minutes after they have done something, it’s forgotten about. Therefore rewards should be given immediately after your dog has shown positive behavior so that he can make a connection between positive behavior and reward.
Thou shalt not be weak! ALWAYS make your dog follow through with the command you have set them.
Thou shalt use treats strategically! For commands your dog already knows, use small treats, so when it comes to encouraging him to learn a new behavior, he knows a bigger reward is on offer.
Thou shalt not shout! Your tone should always be positive, but at the same time assertive and firm. Shouting will only make your dog feel tense and therefore less likely to do the command.
Thou shalt not expect too much too soon! Every dog is different. It will take some dogs longer to learn than others.
Thou shalt end the training session on a positive note! Leave him with lots of praise, a treat, some petting, or five minutes of play. There’s much more chance he’ll be happy to join in with the next training session if the last one ended on a high :)
Thou shalt not be unfair! Your dog can’t read your mind so be patient with him.
Thou shalt be consistent! Don’t confuse your pet by varying your commands. Make your command words clear and simple and stick with them. If the command is “stay” then the command is “stay,” not “stay there.” Dogs like simplicity.
Thou shalt practice frequently! Your dog needs practice. It’s better to practice 10 minutes every day, than to practice randomly every few days for a long period of time. If you slack, your dog will forget commands and behaviors.
Thou shalt stick to “dog time”! Dogs live in the moment. Minutes after they have done something, it’s forgotten about. Therefore rewards should be given immediately after your dog has shown positive behavior so that he can make a connection between positive behavior and reward.
Thou shalt not be weak! ALWAYS make your dog follow through with the command you have set them.
Thou shalt use treats strategically! For commands your dog already knows, use small treats, so when it comes to encouraging him to learn a new behavior, he knows a bigger reward is on offer.
Thou shalt not shout! Your tone should always be positive, but at the same time assertive and firm. Shouting will only make your dog feel tense and therefore less likely to do the command.
Thou shalt not expect too much too soon! Every dog is different. It will take some dogs longer to learn than others.
Thou shalt end the training session on a positive note! Leave him with lots of praise, a treat, some petting, or five minutes of play. There’s much more chance he’ll be happy to join in with the next training session if the last one ended on a high :)
