Training a dog takes a lot of work. Puppies are like babies and often have the same attention span.
If you’ve ever had a puppy, you know the patience, understanding, and persistence it takes to get them to listen to you.
Learning how to train a work dog is similar. Dogs are incredibly intelligent creatures, and it just takes knowing how to work and communicate with them efficiently to be successful.
Keep reading for tips on training your work dog, and get them up to speed today.
Train Early
Your work dog may be a service dog, therapy dog, police dog, military dog, bomb detection dog, search-and-rescue dog, or herding dog. They all have various purposes, but the basic and early training remains the same.
If you want to train a dog, any dog, you need to start early. By 12 to 16 weeks of age, your puppy should be positively exposed to the world.
Introduce them to people, places, and things in a way that allows them to experience the world and become curious. If they become fearful of something, work with them to overcome that.
Socializing them early on is key to their training, so do not isolate them when they are young.
Obedience Training Is Key
A working dog being able to understand specific commands or cues can be a matter of life or death.
For instance, a police dog must understand where they need to go and what they need to do, even in high-stress situations.
Positive reinforcement is the best tool to use in dog training. This allows a bond to be built between the dog and the trainer, and it encourages the dog to continue to learn, grow, and listen.
Enrich Their Minds
Working dogs need their minds enriched, both as they are young and when they grow up. Using things like mind puzzles, nose work, agility training, and tons of playtime can help their mind expand.
This will help them build their confidence and decision-making skills, which is essential for work dogs.
Physically Train Them Properly
Physically training your working dog is essential. Do not overexercise them as a puppy, as they are still growing and can easily sustain injuries.
As they grow, they will need to be able to expend energy in a healthy way. Create a plan that can help them get the exercise they need without overworking them.
It’s also just as important to help them learn to relax, even if they are over-energized.
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Use These Tips to Successfully Train Your Work Dog
Training a work dog is hard work, but it is also extremely rewarding. Be patient and use the tips above to get started.
If you need more resources, reach out to your veterinarian or a dog trainer for all the help you may need.
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