How To Get Started With Obedience Training

If you’re having a hard time getting your pet to listen to you, then you’re not alone. Many pet parents have difficulty getting their pets to be obedient. Having an obedient pet not only makes things easier when you want your pet to do something specific, but it also allows you to trust your pet to behave properly in new situations. If you’re looking to get started with obedience training, be sure to bring commitment, consistency, and patience. Below are a few tips for getting started: 

 

 

• Use Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to get your pet to do something and remember it. With positive reinforcement, good behavior or act is rewarded with treats and praise. Over time, your pet will begin associating the treats and praise with the behavior. 

 

 

• Go Slowly: Proper obedience training isn’t something that happens overnight. The most important aspect of proper obedience training is consistency. Although your pet may perform the task well on one day, there is no guarantee that they will do the same action the following day! Therefore, you want to be consistent with the training practice. For example, try a 15-20 minute training session two or three times a day. When your pet does the desired behavior, be sure to reward them immediately since most pets, and particularly dogs, have short attention spans.

 

 

• Start with Basic Commands:  Start training your pet with basic commands such as sit or stay. You may have to guide your pet in the proper position the first few times. Once your pet masters the basic commands, then you can move forward to more advanced commands and tricks. 

 

 

• Get Help from a Professional: If you don't have enough time to train your dog, you can get help from professional trainers. There are many professionals in your area who can give private training sessions. You can also send your pet to an obedience training class where they can learn from the instructor.

 

We’ll Take Care of Your Dog While You’re Away

Obedience training for pets takes a lot of patience and a lot of love. If you’re in the Prosper, Frisco, or Celina areas and are looking for a reliable veterinary center that offers a variety of services from wellness care and surgery to grooming and boarding, visit Windmill Veterinary Center!