Best Tips for Training Companion or Working Dogs

Dogs are a man's best friend and this is apparent with the working dogs you see mostly in the countryside. Dogs are social animals and have been domesticated for centuries; to the point that we sometimes forget they are still animals. Clicker training dogs and employing other methods to establish a pattern of good behavior based on a command structure helps to mesh their animal habits with the needs of the humans with which they live. All of the behaviors to which dog owners object - soiling the house, barking, digging up the yard, fighting with other dogs, and biting -- are all normal canine activities. The point of a training program is to teach your dog how to channel those urges into better behaviors so you will have a sociable pet that responds to commands. Trained and learned behaviors are the factors that distinguish wild and domesticated dogs. 

What are the Core Principles of Dog Training?

Redirection of natural behavior is the first principle of dog training. Dogs are intelligent creatures that, if they lived in the wild, would be part of a pack with a dominance / submission social structure. There is always an "alpha" dog in the pack. Dog training places you in the alpha position. This does not mean that you have to be in any way aggressive with your animal. There is no need to take cruel or extreme measures. By your behavior you tell the dog you are the leader and by his nature the dog will want to follow you and please you.

Smart dogs quickly catch on to the principles of a training routine, especially if they see that what they are doing is pleasing to you. Your dog sees you as a friend. Give him the same respect you would give to any friend and he will give you the same loyalty and more. The image of dogs working to delight their masters is a common aspect of this centuries old relationship between man and animal.

There are some key things to remember to make training working dogs, specialty dogs, and household pets a success.