Are the kids ready to go back to school? By kids here, we’re talking about your pets. With the “dog days” of summer coming to an end, thoughts are turning to the fall and new routines. Your dog no doubt enjoyed days at the beach and roaming free in the backyard and at their favorite dog parks. Now, as school-aged children prepare to return to school, it is a good time to think about furthering your pet’s education.
Care-A-Lot Pet Supply offers a variety of dog training classes at three of our locations in Moyock and Hampton Roads. If you recently welcomed a new puppy to the family, or you wish to help your dog with basic obedience and socialization, our expert trainers are ready to assist you. Some aspects of dog training may be done at home, too. Training your pet is one way to strengthen your bond and it lets your dog know to respect your authority.
As you work on basic commands with your pet, be mindful of a few points as you train:
Be Patient
Dogs will train differently, and it’s likely your pet will not get the commands correctly on the first try. Age, breed, and other factors can determine your dog’s aptitude. The key to successfully training your dog at home is to show patience. Don’t rush your pet into a lesson, and teach them one thing at a time to avoid confusion. Some pets require more time than others to obey a command, so use your best judgment. While you might have to admonish your pet for a wrongdoing, it’s best not to train while in a bad or angry mood.
Treats can help reinforce good behaviors. Crazy Pet TRaiN-Me! Training Dog Treats are a favorite reward. Keep plenty in your Kurgo Go Stuff-It Treat Bag when out with your pet or around the house as you train.
Be Consistent
The words you use for specific commands should remain consistent throughout the process. Mixing up your vocabulary may confuse your pet and consequently delay their training. Also, stay consistent when rewarding or correcting certain behaviors. Your pet needs to know they are on the right track, and deviations in training can lead to frustration and unraveling progress.
Consistency in training begins with the right tools. The Starmark Pro-Training Clicker helps you condition your dog for good behavior.
Be Honest
If your dog struggles with a particular command, don’t pretend that they got it right so you can continue training. You’re doing your pet a disservice by deceiving them. Also, do not trick your dog into performing a certain behavior, and do not lure your dog into a false sense of security. If your dog misbehaves, administer the correct discipline. If they do well, give them praise. To exhibit any type of deceit risks the trust you and your pet have formed.
When your dog needs correction from biting or chewing furniture or wounds, Skout’s Honor Super Sour Anti-Chew Spray lets them know to stop.
Be Available
When training your pet, put your phone away. Clear away any distractions and focus on your pet. Your dog will be looking to you for cues, and if you’re scrolling through social media or texting a friend you are likely to miss out on certain nuances that need correcting or praise. Plan your dog’s training ahead of time and know when each command begins and ends. Above all else, pay attention to your dog.
Certain sounds can discourage a pet from misbehaving. The Company of Animal Pet Corrector emits a hissing sound that warns your dog or cat of danger or discipline, and is safe to use.
Care-A-Lot Pet Supply not only provides detailed training courses for dogs of all ages, our four locations in Hampton Roads and Moyock offer the best training equipment for you and your pets. Shop our stores or online catalog today for supplies to keep your pets happy and healthy.