17/09/2023
Hello and welcome to Cris' Pooch Patrol.
I got my start in dog training when, years ago, I had two extremely aggressive cocker spaniels, Rocky and Dreyfus. I found myself waiting until midnight to take my dogs out, so that they wouldn’t cause a scene. Lol.. I decided that I needed help and hired a private trainer. It was then that I discovered my love for working with dogs.
While working for Animal Behavior & Training Assoc. In California, I wanted and thought about getting into dog training full time, but how do you go about changing careers when you have a good job and are settled. Well, it’s better late than never, right? 😊
While I continue my education on animal behavior and dog training, I thought I would start this page. Here I will post some dog training tips and answer any questions you may have and anybody who is interested in some private lessons can PM me for more details.
So here are just the basics:
1. Begin by teaching your dog simple commands like sit, stay, down, come, and leave it. These commands will form the foundation of their training.
2. Use positive reinforcement:
a. Reward your dog for good behavior with treats, praise, or play. This motivates him to repeat the desired behavior and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
3. Be consistent:
a. Dogs are creatures of habit. Establish a consistent routine. This will help your dog understand what is expected of him and will reduce confusion.
4. Keep training sessions short and frequent:
a. Dogs have short attention spans, so keep training sessions brief. This ensures they stay engaged and don’t get bored or overwhelmed. Always end on a good note.
5. Be patient and persistent:
a. Learning takes time, so be patient with your dog. Consistency and repetition are key to successful training. If your dog doesn’t understand a command right away, stick with it and stay persistent.
6. Socialize your dog:
a. Expose your dog to different environments, people and other animals from an early (as a puppy) age. This helps them become well-adjusted and reduces the likelihood of behavioral issues later on.
b. If your dog is older and is not socialized, the training becomes desensitization to those things that trigger your dog. Consult a professional trainer before attempting to socialize/desensitize your older dog by yourself.
Remember, training should be a positive experience for both you and your dog.
Again, if you’re struggling with any part of your dog’s training or behavior, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance from a Professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide specialized advice and support tailored to your dog’s individual needs.
