Dogs are animals that love freedom and activities that allow them to move and entertain. However, it does not mean that you have to let your dog grow up all by itself. Dogs are animals that live in nature in a pack, so it is normal to expect their owners to lead them. Besides the unconditional love that the animal will get, the owner has to work with the pet from small feet and to train it in the best possible way.
Although there are experts dealing with dog training, with a bit of goodwill and persistence, but also following professional guidelines, each of us can discipline their four-legged friend. There is no need to waste your money; your pet doesn’t need to know all the tricks. It is enough to teach it basic things, and, most importantly, to be obedient.
The dog should be trained in an incentive way, not by punishment. Although even some professional trainers advocate for this form of learning, not all dogs will respond well to this. Therefore, it is better to turn to a positive training method or rewarding.
Physical Punishment Causes Distrust in a Dog
A dog that is disciplined is a lucky dog because it will never experience violence, increased tone or the anger of its owner. Although this may seem insignificant, dogs can feel your anger and nervousness. When they know that it is because of them, it can affect very demoralizing on them.
The goal of the training is to have obedient dogs who will listen to their owners because they trust them; not because they are afraid. Although dogs are intelligent animals, physical punishment is difficult to apply in a way that your pet correctly understands the message. Psychic punishment is not that undesirable, but definitely, there are better methods that will not make your dog feel bad.
Why Not Punish a Dog
The owner has to be careful about when to use this method, which penalty the dog will understand, not to be too violent, etc. If we exclude a debate that physical punishment can be defined as animal abuse, this training method is unacceptable for many more reasons.
Punishment disrupts the relationship of trust between dog and owner, especially if you start with this method after the dog has already developed some habits and behavioral patterns. Dogs can feel guilty, but they don’t understand why you treat them bad.
In the case of physical punishment, owners often hit pets with their hands and feet – this can make dogs to “grab” their owners. These sensitive animals are no longer sure whether their humans want to hit or cuddle them. Therefore, any contact becomes risky, because there is a big chance that your dog will bite you.
Dogs that have been beaten become anxious, doubtful about what their owners want from them. Because of stress, they can become too aggressive, but also develop diseases that, for similar reasons, also occur in people – problems with digestion, ulcer, depression, self-destruction, etc.
Use “Punishment,” Not Punishment
At the very beginning, we have to clarify that training without punishment refers exclusively to physical suffering, that is, it represents the human way of treating a dog. In this case, “punishment” refers to some measures that the owner must take to make the dog realize the consequences of its bad behavior.
In this kind of training, you don’t have to use painful and unpleasant methods, such as chocker, chain tension, kicking or yelling at your pet. The owner should raise the voice if the dog is troublous, but without gesture that a dog can interpret as aggressive. Simply, the dog has to learn the limits.
Negative Stimulus and Negative Punishment
For that, you will use positive (rewarding) and negative stimulus (confiscation or deprivation of something that satisfies your dog). Negative stimulus you can use, for example, when your dog wants to take your food from the table. Pointedly No!” or “Ew!” before your pup touches the food will stay into its brain.
Using a negative stimulus can’t be considered as a penalty. Our attitude, serious tone, and posture are the “punishment” the dog doesn’t want to see and will stop doing whatever it do to make the owner being displeased.
If you move away its favorite toy or just be indifferent after your loving pet made a mess in your living room, which is something that professional trainers call a negative punishment. Let your furry buddy know you saw what it did. Then start with cleaning, but don’t “talk” to the dog. Your pup will know that you’re unhappy with its behavior. But as soon as it did something good, be kind and call it a good boy again.
The method of negative stimulus you should perform only when it has positive effects on your pet’s behavior. If the dog continues to behave the same way after your “No,” you have to use a different approach. Of course, physical punishment is still undesirable, but some strict methods need to be considered.
Both mentioned training techniques are forms of negative incentive method, but not in a painful and unpleasant way. If none of these work, it is better to hire professional trainers, who will apply proven methods but still without using force.
Learn Your Pet Basics
The biggest mistake most dog owners made is waiting for the puppy to grow up to train it. The education should start as soon as your pet arrives home. This is not professional dressage, but the intention is to learn your dog a discipline.
The basics of any training are that your pet learns where to do number one and two, where it can move, which food belongs to it, so as when is the time for going outside. The before-mentioned technique of a negative stimulus can be applied very effectively as the beginning of a dog’s training.
Also, you have to learn the dog how to behave when you are outside. The leash is a must for the first time. Every disloyalty of your pet you should “punish” with a slight withdrawal, which doesn’t hurt. After a while, you will see if it is safe to let the dog walk by your side without a leash. Every time, talk to your pup authoritatively and repeat its name.
Be Authority to Your Pet
A dog that has not been trained to be a “good boy” is not as happy and stable as a well-behaved pup. People also don’t like spending time with stubborn and aggressive animals. So, if you want your dog to enjoy with you, you have to discipline it and establish some authority.
The essential thing is to start with dressage on time. The dog should learn from the first day that the owner is the boss. Also, you have to make it clear to your pup what is allowed and what not. Although you adore animals and just want to cuddle and play with them, you should set yourself up as a strong leader from the very beginning.
So, when your dog hits the pot, you take a superior posture and look at your dog seriously, but talk to it with a calm, authoritative tone and without any sudden movement. Repeat this action several times, and the dog will realize that you are dominant and that what it did is not good.
Your loving pet will probably make that heart-melting, sad face but don’t give up. That’s why the next time your pet listen to you, give it a treat. Be persistent, and do the same thing every time your pup did something bad and good. Soon, the dog will learn this principle of reward and “punishment.”
Don’t Exaggerate with Positive Stimulus
You have to show discipline, patience, and devotion to the education of your pet. Of course, don’t forget to be kind and loving to your four-legged friend, but don’t exaggerate. Many dog owners just want to make their pets happy. Then they decide to spoil them with treats, pampering, calling them sweet names and allowing dogs to sleep with them in bed. Neither this is a good way to train your pet. https://geembi.com
In fact, it is not dressage; it is typical pampering. It is true that the dog needs attention, love and care, but not to the extent that it becomes your boss. Although you may have the best intentions, pampering your pet won’t suit either your dog or you. Being overly attached to you will make it difficult for your pet to socialize with other people and animals. It will become too dependent on you and will be afraid of everyone else.
If you, as the owner, learn some basics, you can raise and make a connection with the dog before the training begins. During dog dressage, try to maintain this connection. Again, we will repeat that physical punishment won’t help in any case; often, it can have many negative consequences. Be the authority to your pet always, both when it behaves well and when it’s restless.
