Guides and tips
The importance of training for every dog
Training is not a luxury or a solution for “problematic” dogs. It’s a fundamental part of daily life between dogs and humans. Dogs aren’t born knowing how to live harmoniously in a human-centered world. They need guidance, consistency, and communication.
Training is the way to offer all that, with respect to each dog’s personality and needs.
Guides and tips
Training is for every dog
Basic training
There are no “good” or “bad” dogs. There are dogs who have been taught how to respond to the world around them, and others who are still trying to figure out what is expected of them. Training bridges that gap. It’s not just for “difficult cases” or “issues.” It’s essential for every dog, regardless of age, breed, or behavior.
Not limited by age, breed, or size
Small dogs :There’s a common misconception that small breeds don’t require training because of their size. However, they can also show undesirable behaviors such as fear or aggression toward other dogs or people. Some may show dominant tendencies or be overly social without boundaries, both of which can lead to challenges.
Large breeds :Bigger dogs are often seen as dangerous due to their size but with proper training, their behavior can be completely controlled. Training large dogs is not just about safety, it also helps break the stereotypes associated with their breed.
Senior dogs :Older dogs may learn at a slower pace, but training remains important. It helps stimulate their minds and prevents the development of unwanted behaviors that can come with age. The pace simply needs to be adjusted to their capabilities.
Essential for social living
Training is crucial for harmonious living with both humans and other animals:
Public spaces :An untrained dog may cause problems in public, draw unwanted attention, or put their guardian in an awkward situation.
Interaction with people and animals :Training helps dogs become more sociable and less likely to cause fear or confusion. Well-trained dogs are also less likely to show aggression toward others.
Preventing abandonment :Training can be the reason a dog remains with their family instead of ending up in a shelter due to behavior problems that could have been avoided.
Helps prevent behavior problems
Training can prevent many common behavior issues before they escalate into serious problems:
Aggression :Without proper guidance, a dog may become aggressive toward people or other dogs. Training promotes socialization and teaches how to manage aggressive tendencies.
Separation anxiety :Lack of training can lead to separation anxiety, often expressed through destructive behavior when the dog is left alone. With the right approach, dogs can gradually adapt to being apart from their guardian.
Destructive behavior :Dogs need direction, without it, behaviors like chewing furniture or destroying personal items often arise.
Unpredictable walks :A dog that hasn’t learned how to walk properly on a leash can become a danger during walks by pulling, running, or trying to escape.
Training a dog isn’t just about commands or correcting behavior. It’s an ongoing process of communication and connection that’s built on trust and cooperation.
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Positive reinforcement
The only effective method
What is positive training?
Positive reinforcement is based on rewarding desired behaviors and either ignoring or redirecting unwanted ones. This means the dog learns to associate good behavior with positive outcomes, such as treats, play, or affection, instead of fearing punishment. Positive training focuses on building trust between the dog and the guardian, creating a healthy relationship free from fear or stress.
Benefits
Builds trust :The dog doesn’t fear making mistakes, knowing that effort will be rewarded. This strengthens communication and cooperation.
Strengthens the bond with the guardian :Positive reinforcement helps establish a strong connection with the dog, which supports their overall wellbeing.
Improves self-control :Through positive reinforcement, dogs learn to manage their behavior, wait their turn, and stay calm in situations that used to overstimulate them.
Effective training requires a solid partnership between the trainer, the guardian, and the rest of the family.
The goal of training is to create an environment where the dog is happy and safe, while also adapting smoothly to human society.
Common misconceptions
“Positive means permissive” :Some believe that positive training means letting the dog do whatever he wants. In reality, it sets clear, respectful boundaries and encourages the right behavior through rewards.
“You never say no” :Positive training does include saying “no” but always with an alternative. For example, if a dog shows aggressive behavior, we don’t punish him, instead, we guide him toward a better response.
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Who trains the dog?
Roles and responsibilities
The trainer's role
The dog trainer is the expert who guides the training process by offering tools and methods that help solve behavioral problems. Their mission is to understand the needs and challenges of both the dog and the guardian, design a training strategy tailored to the dog’s personality and abilities and train both the dog and the guardian.
The trainer demonstrates the right methods for teaching basic commands (such as “sit,” “come,” or “stop”) and other behaviors, whether it’s about training a puppy or addressing behavioral issues in older dogs.
At the same time, they teach the guardian how to apply these methods in daily life, so that training continues effectively even after the sessions are over.
Responsibilities
Behavior assessment: The trainer evaluates how the dog reacts in various situations to identify any issues or difficulties.
Guidance in training techniques: Guidance in training techniques: They show the guardian how to correctly use treats, positive reinforcement and other tools.
Customizing the training plan: The program is adapted to the individual needs and personality of each dog.
The trainer may also work with other professionals, such as veterinarians or animal behaviorists, when behavioral issues may have psychological or medical causes.
The trainer provides the knowledge and methods, the guardian applies them daily, and the family incorporates the training into everyday life. Only when all parties are consistent and cooperative can dog training be truly successful.
The guardian's role
The dog’s guardian plays the most important role in the training process. While the trainer provides the guidance and techniques, the guardian is the one who must apply them consistently in daily life. The key to success is maintaining that consistency and adapting the training to the dog’s specific needs.
Responsibilities
Consistent application of training: The guardian should apply what they’ve learned from the trainer every day during their activities with the dog.
Behavior observation: The guardian monitors the dog’s reactions and adjusts training methods accordingly.
Creating a routine: Training must become part of everyday life. Consistency and frequency of training sessions are crucial to the dog’s learning.
The guardian’s role is closely tied to empathy and understanding. Patience is essential, as well as recognizing signs of fatigue, discomfort, or stress in the dog. Training should always be a pleasant experience for the dog, not a source of pressure.
The family's role
Dog training should never be the responsibility of just one person. Especially in larger households, every family member needs to follow the same strategies and rules. This is vital, as dogs can become confused when faced with inconsistent behavior from different people.
Participation guidelines
Uniform rule enforcement: Everyone in the household must apply the same commands and techniques consistently.
Avoid mixed messages: If one person allows something and another prohibits it, the dog will struggle to understand what’s expected.
Shared responsibility: When all family members take part in training and help manage the dog, the animal learns to respond properly and adjust to everyone’s expectations.
Collaboration and unity are essential, particularly in homes with small children or many members. When the entire family follows the same rules and repeats commands consistently, training becomes more effective and the dog feels more secure.
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The benefits of proper training
Benefits for everyone
For the dog
Reduced anxiety :Proper training helps the dog understand the boundaries and expectations set by his guardian, creating a more predictable and calm daily routine. When the dog knows what is expected of him, he feels safer and less anxious. For example, a dog who knows when it’s time to eat, play or go for a walk experiences fewer doubts and worries, as his life gains more structure and stability. Anxiety is also reduced when the dog knows how to respond to situations that make him uncomfortable, such as being around other dogs or walking in public spaces.
Increased confidence :Training boosts a dog’s confidence by helping him recognize his abilities and understand that he can meet his guardian’s expectations. When a dog is rewarded for correct actions, he feels proud and capable. This is especially important for dogs who have experienced difficult situations or developed insecurities. Through positive reinforcement, training gives the dog the sense that he has control over his environment and that his actions lead to positive outcomes.
Improved quality of life :Proper training equips the dog with the skills needed to enjoy his activities and socialize with other dogs and people. A well-trained dog can walk safely without pulling on the leash, interact with others without fear, and take part in social activities without showing signs of aggression or anxiety. All these skills contribute to the dog’s well-being and a higher quality of life.
For society
Fewer abandonments :Proper training helps reduce dog abandonments. Dogs with behavioral issues or who haven't been trained properly are more likely to end up on the streets, often due to a guardian’s lack of knowledge or the dog's inability to adapt to the home. Training offers the tools to correct these behaviors, lowering the chances of abandonment and giving dogs a second chance at a better life.
Safer environments :Training also helps create a safer environment for other dogs and people. Dogs that follow commands, avoid aggressive behavior, and remain calm in public settings reduce the risk of accidents or attacks. A dog's good behavior in social situations increases public safety and supports a positive image of dogs as friendly and responsible companions.
For the guardian
Confidence :A guardian who has trained his dog properly feels more confident in managing different situations. When a dog is obedient and responsive to commands, the guardian doesn’t have to worry about behavior problems in public or at home. This confidence allows the guardian to enjoy spending time with the dog without the stress of unwanted behaviors.
Stronger bond :Training is a collaborative process that requires interaction and cooperation between guardian and dog. As they work together to learn and practice new skills, their bond grows stronger. Positive reinforcement and mutual understanding build a relationship of trust and respect. Proper training helps the guardian better understand the dog’s needs and respond in the most effective way.
Less stress :When the dog is trained and well-behaved, the guardian experiences less stress in daily life. There’s no constant worry about the dog misbehaving or reacting badly in new situations. A well-trained companion reduces the frequency and intensity of conflicts, making life together more enjoyable and peaceful.
Keep training fun and positive. Dogs learn best when training is enjoyable and encouraging. Use games and rewards to make the process engaging for both of you.
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Common misconceptions and mistakes about training
Misconceptions
“He’s too young/too old, he doesn’t need training”
A dog’s age or size does not determine whether he needs training. Many guardians assume that small dogs or puppies don’t require training, or that older dogs can’t learn new behaviors.
However, every dog, regardless of age or size, needs training in order to understand social behaviors, boundaries, and the expectations of his guardian. Especially in older dogs, training can help prevent or correct behavioral issues such as aggression, anxiety, or hyperactivity. In puppies, training is a key part of early socialization, shaping proper behavior for the future.
Training provides benefits not only for the dog himself, but also for the guardian and society as a whole.
“I’ll yell and he’ll learn”
Anger and yelling are not methods of training—and they usually have the opposite effect. While the dog may sense his guardian’s frustration, he won’t understand the reason behind it. Using punishment or raised voices can cause anxiety or fear, leading to behavioral problems or emotional distance from the guardian.
Proper training relies on positive reinforcement, where the dog is rewarded for correct behaviors and the training process becomes encouraging and constructive rather than punitive. With this approach, the dog learns what is acceptable and desirable, avoiding the negative effects of fear or confusion.
“The trainer will fix him”
The role of a trainer is to guide the guardian and provide tools and techniques to train the dog correctly. However, training doesn’t end after one or two sessions with a professional. Daily practice and consistent effort are the responsibility of the guardian.
A trainer can help teach basic commands or address specific behavioral issues, but it is up to the guardian to maintain and continue the training at home, in everyday life, and in different situations. The success of training depends on consistency, follow-through, and the guardian’s patience.
Guides and tips
Tips for effective training
Positive training
Find a qualified trainer
Choosing the right trainer is crucial to the success of your dog’s training. A good trainer should use positive training methods, avoiding punishment or fear-based techniques.
Positive methods reinforce good behavior through rewards, creating a constructive and motivating learning cycle. The trainer should also clearly explain the techniques they use, so the guardian can apply them at home. It’s important to feel comfortable with the trainer and to trust that they understand your dog’s needs.
Involve the whole family
Training should be a group effort, with all family guardians involved and following the same commands and rules. If each person reacts differently to the dog’s behavior, it will lead to confusion and inconsistency.
Consistency is key to successful training. Everyone should follow the same process and use the same approach to reinforce or correct behavior.
Meaningful rewards
Rewarding effectively is one of the most powerful tools in training. Dogs quickly learn that certain behaviors lead to rewards such as treats, play, or affection. Rewards should be immediate and directly linked to the desired behavior, so the dog can clearly understand what action earned the reward.
It’s also helpful to vary the rewards to keep the dog engaged and motivated to learn.
Don’t compare your dog to others. Every dog learns and progresses at his own pace. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. Stay consistent and adapt the training to suit your dog’s needs.
Start now
Training should begin the moment your dog comes home. For puppies, early socialization and training are crucial in the first few months, as this period shapes their long-term behavior.
For adult dogs, it’s never too late to start but the process may require more patience and consistency. The goal is to teach your dog the right social skills, help him understand boundaries and expectations, and guide him to respond appropriately to different situations.
Guides and tips
Conclusion
Proper training is essential for building a healthy and balanced relationship between a dog and his guardian. Whether it's early socialization or adult training, the process requires time, consistency, and patience.
The trainer’s role is to guide, while the guardian is responsible for applying the rules and maintaining routine at home. Positive reinforcement, family involvement, and effective reward use are all key to success.
Through training, not only is the dog’s behavior improved, but the bond between dog and guardian is strengthened, leading to a better quality of life for both.
