Help, my dog does what he wants: a guide to dog training

A sunny afternoon in the park. You call out, "Luna, come here!" but instead of listening to your call, Luna enthusiastically continues chasing the ducks. Once again, your dog is doing what he wants. A situation that many dog owners know all too well.

You feel helpless and frustrated. You may wonder if your dog respects you at all or if you are doing something wrong. Don't worry, the feeling of despair when your dog disobeys you is common. But there is help, and that's what this article is for.

The short version is: "In dog training, it's important to be consistent and patient, use positive reinforcement, and establish clear communication and bonding between you and your dog." For the details, just keep reading.

Table of contents

General dog training and obedience

Training dogs is not always easy. Sometimes they can seem like little furry rebels who like to have a mind of their own. But don't worry, that's perfectly normal. Dogs have a mind of their own, just like us humans.

Understanding the behavior of the dog

In order for your dog to obey you, it is important to understand his behavior. Dogs are naturally curious and love to play. When they are doing something they shouldn't be doing, they are often just exploring their surroundings or looking for entertainment. They are not intentionally trying to annoy you. But they need to learn that there are limits, and that's where education comes in.

Effective commands

For your dog to obey your commands, they must be clear and consistent. Use short, simple words and be consistent in your choice of words. For example, always say "sit" instead of "down," "down," or "sit." Also, always give the command in the same tone of voice, no matter who in the family says it. This will make it easier for your dog to recognize and obey.

But remember: dogs respond better to positive reinforcement than to punishment. Always praise your dog when he performs a command correctly. This shows him that he has done something right and motivates him to do it again in the future.

Dog guide

Remember to show your dog that you are the boss. This doesn't mean you have to be strict or harsh. It means that you set clear rules and enforce them consistently. Your dog needs to know that you are in control and that he can trust you. Be patient and persistent. In time, your dog will learn to accept your leadership role and follow your instructions.

Corrections and measures for dogs

Misconduct and its consequences

Your dog has knocked over the trash can and you are wondering how to make him understand that this is not okay. The most important thing is not to punish him, but to help him understand. Remember, your dog is not vicious, he is just curious and still learning. When your dog makes a mistake, your reaction is crucial. Yelling or harsh punishments won't help. Instead, calmly and firmly say "no" and show him what to do instead. For example, if he is digging in the trash, direct his attention to his toy. This way, he understands that his action is undesirable and what he should do instead. It is important to make him understand that certain actions have consequences.

Rebuke dog

At some point, every dog owner faces the question: when should I reprimand my dog? The key lies in the right timing. A dog will only associate a reprimand or reward with his behavior if it is immediate. So if you come home and reprimand your dog for something he did hours ago, he won't understand why. Rebuke your dog only when you catch him in the act. And remember: a calm, firm tone is much more effective than yelling. Be patient and consistent in your instructions. Every dog learns at his own pace, and in time your dog will learn to understand your "no" and perform the desired behavior.

Effective scolding

Scolding is an inevitable part of dog training, but it's important to do it right. Yelling or physical punishment are not only cruel, but can also make your dog anxious and unsafe. Effective reprimanding means taking a stern but calm tone and using short, clear commands. A simple, firm "no" is often enough. And after that? Steer your dog in the desired direction and praise him for it. Positive reinforcement - such as loving words, petting, or treats - builds your dog's confidence in you and motivates him to perform the desired behavior. Remember: dog training is not a one-way street, but a path of cooperation and mutual understanding.

Behavioral change and emotional states of the dog

Techniques to make the dog feel safe and reduce his fears.

Any dog can exhibit insecurity, whether it's fear of loud noises, discomfort in new environments, or nervousness around strange people or animals. But don't worry, there are techniques that can help you make your dog more confident and reduce his fears.

First of all, it is important that you as the owner remain calm and composed. Your dog senses your mood, and if you are nervous or stressed, it can increase his anxiety. Give your dog firm and consistent instructions and show him that he can trust you. Practice new situations or sounds in a safe environment and reward your dog when he is brave.

With time and patience, your dog will learn that he has nothing to fear, and his insecurity will decrease. Always remember that patience and love are the keys to overcoming your dog's fears.

Reasons for hyperactivity and what to do about it

It can be difficult to have a hyperactive dog. He seems to be constantly on the move, can't calm down, and may even have trouble listening to commands. This excessive activity can have several causes: Breed, age, lack of exercise and even diet. However, it is important to know that hyperactivity is often a sign that the dog has unmet needs.

One of the most effective remedies for hyperactivity is adequate physical and mental exercise. Extended walks, play and exercise can help burn off excess energy and keep the dog's mind busy. A balanced diet and regular daily routine can also help reduce hyperactivity.

And remember, every dog is unique. What works for one dog may not work for another. It's important to be patient and try different methods to find what works best for your dog.

The development of the dog

The quiet years

If your dog is always in action and hardly ever takes a break, you may be wondering when he's finally going to slow down. The good news is that most dogs become calmer as they age. The exact age varies depending on the breed and personality of the dog, but generally dogs become calmer around 2 to 3 years of age. This is because their physical development is complete and their energy naturally decreases. Also, by this age they have often learned the basics of training and are therefore calmer. However, it is important to continue to provide your dog with enough exercise and mental stimulation to keep him healthy and happy.

The age of the bat in the dog

Flegelalter is a stage in a dog's development that is often compared to puberty in humans. It usually occurs when a dog is between 6 and 18 months old, although the exact age can vary from breed to breed. During puberty, dogs may test out how far they can go by ignoring commands or exhibiting undesirable behavior.

The best way to handle this phase is patience and consistency. Stick to your rules and training strategies and continue to give your dog positive feedback when he exhibits the right behavior. After all, flailing is just one phase that your dog will successfully navigate with the right guidance and patience.

Can clicker training help with dog training?

Yes, it definitely can! Clicker training is a proven method in dog training and can help shape desirable dog behavior and reduce undesirable behavior.

What is clicker training and how does it work?

In clicker training, you use a small portable clicker to mark the exact moment your dog performs a desired behavior. For example, if your dog sits when you say "Sit," click the moment his rear end touches the ground. Immediately after that, give him a reward. Over time, your dog will learn that the clicking sound means he has done something right and that the reward will follow. This method is very effective because it gives your dog immediate feedback.

The advantages of clicker training

One of the main advantages of clicker training is that it is a method of positive reinforcement. That is, it is based on rewarding correct behavior rather than punishing undesirable behavior. This can help build a stronger bond between you and your dog and reduce stress or anxiety during training. Clicker training also allows for very accurate communication with your dog, which can make training more effective.

All in all, clicker training can be a valuable tool. However, as with any training technique, it is important to be consistent and adapt the training to your dog's individual needs and abilities.

You can find more information about clicker training in our articles:

Your way to an obedient dog

It's no secret that training a dog can be challenging. But with the right knowledge and techniques, you can get your dog to listen to your commands instead of getting his own way. Understand that your dog is not acting out of defiance, but because he doesn't understand your instructions or feels unsafe. Positive reinforcement, clear communication and patience are your best tools in dog training.

Remember that every animal is individual and needs time to learn new rules and commands. Don't expect your dog to change overnight, but be happy for every little bit of progress. With consistency and love, your dog will learn to listen to you over time.

A well-trained dog is a happy dog. And a happy dog is a happy owner. So get out there and start your journey together.