Dog training in Columbus is an important part of dog ownership! Dog training helps your dog learn good habits and live a more fulfilled life. Whether you’re looking for basic obedience training or more advanced off leash dog training, local trainers near you can help guide your pup on the path to becoming a well-behaved companion.
Start With the Basics.
Before you move on to more complex skills, take time to really focus on the basics: name recognition, wait at the door, sit and down. Then, you can start more advanced skills such as walking on leash without pulling, coming when called, and stay. If your pup isn’t yet obedience trained, then it’s really important to start by teaching him foundational commands that serve as the building blocks for more advanced commands later on. Skipping out on important basics will make things much harder when your dog has developed bad habits!
Use a Positive Reinforcement-Based Training System.
Understanding and appropriately applying all four quadrants of learning is key when trying to teach advanced dog training cues. Positive reinforcement should be the building blocks set when it comes to successfully training your pup. Experienced dog trainers in Columbus know how to use all quadrants of learning properly, but should always teach using positive reinforcement, only layering over positive punishment to skills that your dog knows and understands. Dog Dynamix Ohio is well-versed in (and very passionate about) balanced dog training, which begins by using a liberal foundation of positive reinforcement, then uses negative reinforcement, negative punishment, and positive punishment as your dog progresses in their training.
Create Realistic Goals for Your Dog’s Training Progress
Creating realistic goals will help you and your pup progress in a timely manner. It is important to remember that teaching your dog or puppy new commands can take time, so don’t be discouraged if it takes your pup longer than expected. Overloading your dog with more tasks when they are not ready for them has the potential to make them confused or frustrated. So, start off with simple commands, master them in areas of low distraction, and then gradually increase the distance, distraction, and duration of the tasks as they get better.
Practice Your Training During Walks and Other Activities.
Walks, playtime and other day-to-day activities are major opportunities for practicing your dog’s training. For example, instead of just letting your pup run free at the park, try asking them to “sit” or “down” for their favorite toy, and then throw the toy when they do so. If you’re taking a hike, practice “place” on tree stumps, and work on coming when called (on a long line, of course!). Inserting training drills in your every day life not only keeps things interesting but helps your do anticipate their obedience commands anywhere and anytime.
