All dogs require some level of training. Pet dogs require toilet training and manners training whereas working dogs may be trained for scent work or herding work. As an owner you are responsible for your dog, therefore it is your job to keep them physically and emotionally safe and also ensure they do not cause harm to others. These responsibilities are easier once you have a way to communicate with your dog.

©Elina Volkova

Positive reinforcement is the preferred method of training because it is a fear free method of training, creating a good bond between owner and dog. It helps a dog to be emotionally secure and enables communication.  This means using treats or toys as a reward to praise your dog when they demonstrate a desired behavior. Punishment is not recommended and dogs can become fearful and aggressive as a result of punishment and therefore it should be avoided. You should not punish your dog if they act in a way you do not like, simply divert them to a more suitable behavior.  If you are struggling to train your dog, and are resorting to punishment it is best to speak to a dog behaviorist who will be able to inform you of the best way to apply positive reinforcement to your current situation.

It is never too late to train a dog. It can be easier to train a puppy, as during their development they are keen to learn and they do not have established habits and behaviors that require change. But many older dogs respond to positive reinforcement training well.

Positive reinforcement is all about rewarding the desired behaviors in order to communicate more effectively with your dog. Teaching your dog to sit, is a good example of this. Using a treat to teach your dog to sit. You can hold the treat near their nose and wait for them to sit. You can move the treat slightly up so they must lift their head to follow it. When their bottom touches the ground, say “Yes”, “Good”, or “Treat” and then give them the treat. The word doesn’t matter but be consistent and pick a word or intonation that will not be overused in everyday conversation. After a few repetitions, fade out using the treat in your hand to avoid the treat becoming a necessary prompt. Wait for your dog to sit or make a small upward hand movement (without the treat), mark with your verbal marker and give a treat. Once the behavior is predictable, say the verbal cue  “sit” just BEFORE your dog starts to sit. Once they sit give them the treat as a reward. Repeat as needed. You an view a demonstration of this technique: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV5xUWlpNxo. This theory applies to all cues and behaviors. You can use treats and positive reinforcement such as praise to teach your pet new behaviors and cues. You should reward desired behaviors and divert unwanted behaviors to an alternate human-approved behavior, eg if your dog is chewing your curtain, you can give them a chew toy instead, which will provide them with mental enrichment. A treat does not always have to be a single biscuit, using a kong filled with dog safe peanut butter can be a great way to teach a dog to go to their bed. It is a lasting reward that provides enrichment. It is up to you to determine the level of training your dog requires depending on your lifestyle but all dogs should be safe around adults, children and other animals in order to avoid adverse accidental events.

There are many different types of dog training classes. Socialization classes teach your dog to be comfortable with a variety of people, breeds of dogs, novel objects, sounds, surfaces, veterinary and grooming care, and environments. It is important these classes are started when your puppy is young (between 8 and 12 weeks of age) and in their developmental stage known as the socialization period (lasts up to 12 to 14 weeks of age). As your puppy develops into a juvenile, adolescent, and adult dog, continued controlled positive social experiences are beneficial and can usually be accomplished in a well-run foundations training class for life skills and manners. Life skills and manners classes are there to teach your dog to be comfortable and adapt to our human domestic household and world, and help build fluent communication through positive reinforcement training.  This generally includes teaching them to be comfortable with veterinary and grooming care, performing cued behaviors such as come when called, sit, go settle on a bed, and to walk on a lead.  There are often different levels of  training classes and it is recommend to start in the beginner class, even if your dog is well trained, a group environment can cause them to be unsure or distracted. Agility is a dog sport which involves jumping, A-frames and more. Full participation with agility obstacles is not recommended until your dog is over 12 months of age due to their joints still growing. If you would like to participate in agility but your pet is young, some foundation training with agility in mind will help your dog excel in agility as they mature. What classes you attend with your dog should be based on the level of training you wish to achieve as well as your pet’s enjoyment. Some pets may find classes, especially louder classes like agility, overwhelming.

If you have tried to train your dog yourself, or if you have tried training classes but you are struggling to make progress or if they have a specific behavior, you are unsure of how to resolve you may need help from a behaviorist. Your veterinarian can usually recommend someone suitably qualified and experienced. It is a good idea to speak to your vet if your dog is experiencing behavioral issues, especially if it is a sudden change in behavior. Pain and disease can cause behavioral changes. If you have rescued a dog, you may be able to work with the rescue center's behaviorist to help them settle in and address any behavior concerns.