When it comes to dog training, different breeds need different types of training. Many dog owners do not realize this and when it finally comes time for training they use incorrect methods and get no results. This can then lead to costly dog behaviour therapy which could have been avoided if you just tried out a different training method.
It is always a good idea to learn everything about a breed before you bring a dog home. So just how does training differ from breed to breed?
The Different Training Methods
There are thousands of training methods available to try out these days, but not all of them will be right for your dog. Think of when you want to lose weight; there are thousands of diets to choose from but not all of them will fit you because every individual is different. The same goes for your dog, even breed specific training does not always apply to some dogs. Generally however you should follow breed specific advice.
Terriers in particular often need firm training. They can be quite fiery and their instinct is to chase anything that moves. So for that reason housing them with different animals can be a struggle. Not all terriers will need firm training and by firm training that does not mean harsh – it simply means consistent training. You will have to have a lot of patience but it will be worth it.
Breeds that will need firm confident training include Rottweiler's and Alsatians. They are guarding breeds and so they will need more time spent socializing them with people and other dogs. Their instinct is to guard and protect and so they can be more dominant than other breeds. You have to train them thoroughly if they are to be good, loyal, well behaved pets.
Dogs which will require lighter training include Chihuahuas. They can be sensitive, so you should never be too firm with them. Be persistent, but don't yell. They generally like to please their owners though they can also have a cheeky temperament too!
Breeds that will do well in training include sheepdogs and retrievers. They have a lot of energy and they like being kept busy. Spending a lot of time training will help to keep their minds occupied.
Generally the best way to train any breed properly is to find out the purpose of that breed. By finding out what drives them, you can develop a method that will work. It will also help you to reward them too when they do things properly. If a dog is intelligent then you can teach them more things such as "hide and seek" where you hide toys and get the dog to find them.
Some dogs will only require basic training. This includes things such as "sit", "stay" and "down". They are commands that will help to keep you and your dog safe when you are out for a walk. They will also help you to control your dog when visitors arrive at your door. The amount of training you take part in depends upon how trained you want your dog to be. Training should start the moment you bring your puppy home, but it should only get stricter once the puppy reaches a certain age. This will again change depending upon the breed as some breeds mature quicker than others. As a rule smaller breeds tend to mature quicker than larger breeds. Saint Bernards for example can take up to 3-4 years to mature properly and come out of their puppy stage!
You know your dog. You will be able to see whether one method is working or not. The main thing is to make training as fun as possible. Even if you have to be firm, try and make the treats at the end worth it. Your dog will learn to hate training if you punish them. So make it fun and know when to give up. Training periods for any dog should be kept short. If you try to train for too long then your dog could quickly lose interest and that is when you could undo the progress you have made so far.
