It is never too early to start dog manners training for your dog. Even puppies can be trained to be well behaved in most any situation. Be careful, however, not to use dog training tricks too early, as this will teach them that the best way to gain obedience is by gaining control over their owners. They will learn to obey by looking to you, not by what you say.
There is a Six-Week On leash Training classes for puppies of all ages, available through Therapy dog International. This is an obedience class specifically for dogs, with the trainer using a command of “sit” to command the dog’s attention. This class also teaches dog manners training, such as sit, come, lay down, and stay. The trainer will include a few short hand-on exercise sessions, usually no more than ten minutes each session, using a combination of treats and praise. This is a small, quick, hands-on therapy dog obedience class with lots of fun, plus you will have a chance to interact with the puppy and the owner to see how well the dog responds to training.
If you are considering buying a Therapy dog, you may want to think again until you have had the opportunity to study a dog or two. Therapy dogs are bred for a specific purpose, to assist people with sensory processing disorders. The therapy dog will use its nose to detect electrical signals from fetuses in the womb, and it will use its mouth to cleanse mucus from the lungs. Therapy dogs are the last line of defense between the fetus and mother as well as any nearby infants. Most owners feel very bonded with their dogs, and this is why many owners of Therapy dogs choose them over other dog breeds.
However, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association both recommend against adopting Therapy dogs. Because of the risk involved with these breeds’ tendency to bite, medical disaster, as well as injury to children, the Association recommends against owning any dog training classes, dog manners training programs, or classes that require participants to wear headgear, eye protection, or masks. While dog training sessions can be fun and lots of fun, they should never be taken lightly and should never be undertaken by those without adequate knowledge of the subject matter.
A basic obedience class is the first step in dog manners training. This is usually held at a dog park where there are other dogs. There are typically safety precautions in place, so it is best to dress appropriate, not too fancy, and wear your walking shoes. Many owners prefer to “teach” their dogs in this fashion. Some people prefer to enroll their dog in obedience school, although this is rarely necessary.
It may take more than one lesson to properly train your dog, depending on how well your dog responds to training. In most cases, dogs learn their tricks quite quickly. However, it is important to keep in mind that they learn the tricks in the context of the entire training session. For instance, if one dog is doing tricks such as his owner’s dog tricks, he may not learn the dog manners rules if he continues to do these tricks after the trainer has told him not to.
Obedience training and dog manners require regular follow-up. Even if you think your dog has mastered the basics, it is still a good idea to practice the training at least once a week. This can be done simply by walking your adult dog to the park or to anywhere where there are other dogs. Dogs are naturally sociable creatures and being around other dogs can often trigger their natural tendencies toward obedience and manners.
Dog trainers have a number of methods for teaching obedience and skills such as being considerate of others and having a firm command over your dog. However, one of the most effective ways to make sure that your dog learns commands is through one-on-one training with your dog. Through one-on-one training, you can establish yourself as the leader of the pack and teach your dog basic skills, such as staying calm when your dog barks. If you use dog training DVDs, you can easily follow along with your dog and work at building a bond between you. There are also many dog training books available on the market that outline in detail exactly how to train your dog and develop a bond between you and your dog.