There are several breeds of dogs, and each breed has their unique talents and capabilities. Dogs are known to be man’s best friend because of their loyal and compassionate nature, but they are also highly intelligent animals. Dogs have incredible learning abilities, and if they are adequately trained, they can assist humans for various purposes like herding, tracking, therapy, etc.
All puppies are born with certain instincts, but they need to be taught how to use them appropriately. While basic obedience training is essential for all dogs, some dogs may have champion DNA in their pedigree, enabling them to learn certain advanced tricks. Whether your dog needs simple training or specialized training, you might want to enroll them into a professional canine training academy, like A1 Kansas City Dog Training.
Here are some methods to train dogs and get specialized training for dogs.
Methods Of Canine Training
Owning a dog is not a luxury; it is a responsibility. Training a dog must be done with utmost love, patience, and understanding. There are numerous dog training methods, and it is necessary to find one that benefits both you and your dog. The method used should be effective and humane.
Here are some commonly used methods for training canines.
- Positive Reinforcement: This is the most common technique used by all dog trainers. It is a reward-based method, and the basic theory behind it is that dogs repeat good behavior when it is followed by rewards. If your dog displays a good behavior, you must reward them with treats, toys, or praises. In the case of bad behavior, you can take away the treats and toys. There are no harsh punishments in this method. Every member of the household must follow the same reward system to ensure consistency.
- ● Clicker Training: This method is based on operant conditioning, and it is often combined with positive reinforcement for better results. The technique relies on using a whistle or a clicker, and the sharp sound produced indicates to the dog that they have accomplished the desired behavior. The dog needs to be taught that a click means a reward so that they can associate the click and the reward with good behavior.
- Model-Rival Or Mirror Training: When you form a strong bond with your dog, they will often observe your moves and mimic them. This method of training depends entirely on the dog’s ability to observe. The trainer will use another person as a model, and they will be rewarded for good behavior or scolded for bad behavior. The dog must follow this example and learn to accomplish the desired action.
Types Of Training
Before you enroll your dog at a training academy, keep in mind that every breed is different, and they will explore their abilities at their own pace. It would be best if you prioritize your beloved dog’s well-being over the training.
- Obedience Training:
This is the primary training that all dogs receive. It often starts when the puppy is eight weeks old. For all puppies, obedience training mainly involves socialization, as it boosts their confidence and prepares them for various situations. Your dog needs to interact with other dogs to improve their social behavior. All the commands that the dog learns during this training period must be reinforced regularly.
- Agility Training:
This training teaches the dog to master various obstacles and win canine sports competitions. The obstacles include hurdles, tunnels, weave poles, seesaws, etc. The trainer will lead the dog through these obstacles, using only their voice and body language. This training can only be started after the dog reaches the age of one year, and it will vary depending on the dog’s size and personality.
- Protection Training:
Some breeds of dogs are very well-suited to protect and guard their owners and the owners’ house. They also often assist the police during investigations. These personality traits of the dogs include fearlessness, confidence, suspicion, alertness, etc. Training a guard dog is certainly not an easy task. It must be done by a professional trainer to ensure that the dog understands the difference between a dangerous stranger and a harmless stranger. Is this is your number one reason for getting a dog, then it’s best to start ahead and look for protection dogs for sale from professionals.
Looking For A Professional Canine Trainer?
If you live in Kansas and you’re looking for a professional dog trainer, look no further. A1 Kansas City Dog Trainers is a locally-based dog training academy. They offer a variety of high-quality dog training services at affordable rates.
They provide obedience training through board and train packages, and they also offer private classes to address your dog’s behavioral issues. Their specialized training classes include protection training, sports training, tracking, and narcotics detection.