Dog Healthcare Guide.
Training
It is important that your dog receives training. The more trained a dog is, the happier its disposition and it is easier to take your best friend on days out. If well behaved, you will be more able to let your dog off the lead on walks knowing he will return when called, this is safer for both your pet and yourself. Also, a trained dog is less likely to get into fights with other animals and suffer from injuries. Training sessions should be fun rather than hard work so always make sure you have toys and titbits on hand for rewards.
The main tasks your dog will need to learn are:
- To pay attention to its name
- To come when called
- To sit
- To stay
- To lay down
Dogs learn from association and conditioning. This means that training should take the form of action and reward. If your dog pays attention to its name, a reward should be given.
This will condition the dog to respond to its name as it will associate the action with receiving a reward. When the reward factor is eventually removed, the association remains and your dog is then trained to obey the command. Once your dog responds to its name, you may then begin to move away a few steps at a time encouraging your dog to come when called with the offer of the reward. Slowly increase the distance that your dog has to walk to reach you and in a short time, you will find that he will come to you from another part of the house or garden when called. The same principles can be applied to any task or command that you wish your pet to learn. Each time, begin the process by rewarding your dog for performing the correct action and then slowly remove the reward element.
Disclaimer
The information contained within this website is intended as a general guide only and is not necessarily comprehensive. AXA Insurance will not be liable for loss or damages arising, in contract, tort or otherwise, directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance upon any information contained in this website. Content sourced from the RSPCA and various other animal welfare and information websites. Guidance compiled by AXA and approved by the RSPCA.