Dog Training

A dog is a very intelligent animal, but it doesn't think like a human. Teaching a dog is mainly based on positive associations with a given action. When we teach a dog the "sit" command - we reward it with treats, the same applies when teaching a dog to be clean in the house and to toilet in the garden. If this action becomes associated with something good, it will learn it quickly. Dog training should not be based on shouting or hitting. Often the problem is that the puppy doesn't know why it was punished.

What is allowed and what is not

Before we bring a dog into our home, let's think about what will be allowed and what we will forbid. A simple example: when the puppy is young, we want it to sleep with us in bed, but when it grows up we would prefer it to sleep on its own bed, especially when its weight exceeds 25 kg :). Unfortunately, breaking a dog of this habit can be difficult. Imagine now a social gathering of friends at your home. Everyone is sitting at the table, and your puppy starts jumping and running around the table demanding a treat. It's hard for it to understand why it used to get treats, but now it doesn't. It may behave similarly when it accompanies us to a café or restaurant. We will then certainly be asked to leave the venue. Setting boundaries for a dog is very important so there are no problems later.

Who is the leader of the pack?

When buying a dog, remember that you are its leader. Then we won't have a problem getting the dog to follow our commands. If, on the other hand, we let the dog "walk all over us" and the dog thinks it is the guide of the pack, then its training will be much more difficult. Unfortunately, most of a dog's bad behaviour results from mistakes that we, the owners, make. Dog training is a big responsibility, especially for owners of large breeds. Regardless of the breed we choose, it's worth attending training in basic obedience. During the classes we will learn how to motivate the dog to act, what mistakes to avoid.

Dog Socialisation

Sometimes it's also worth enrolling your puppy in so-called dog nursery, where it will have contact with other dogs. Dog training also involves taking it with you and accustoming it to the surrounding world. A dog must be used to urban sounds. Then we can be sure that when it grows up, it won't be afraid of passing cars, buses or cyclists. Also remember not to show your dog too much affection if you notice it is afraid of something. For example, if it hears a bang caused by a firework explosion. Don't pick it up, don't cuddle it, this will only make the dog more aware that there is something to fear. The best solution, when we see that our dog is scared, instead of constant petting, is simply to distract it. Give it its favourite toy, a treat or a chew toy. On a walk, throw a stick or ball for it to fetch. Remember that your pet won't raise itself. It depends on us what it will be like when it grows up.