greatdaneservicedog @ 7:30 am
Below is an article about owner training a dog at home using DVD’s, written by Rosana Hart. Many people choose not to take their dogs to formal classes, or find that they don’t learn well surrounded by so many other dogs and people. Also, if you live way out in the boonies, finding a dog training class that you like and is within a reasonable distance isn’t always possible.
Thank you Rosana, for the “guest” article, and for furthering the positive and cooperative methods of training a dog!
Can Your Really Train Your Dog Using a DVD?
by Rosana Hart
Is it possible to train your dog from a DVD? Can you begin with a young puppy with sharp teeth and wild energy yet somehow end up with a well-trained member of your family? Or if you have an older dog in need of some training, can you teach it all the basic things you want it to learn: sit, stay, come, and so on?
The answer is evident: maybe.
If you are willing to work a bit, you can do it. Dogs really love to learn new things, and you can get an excellent DVD on how to train your dog. So it’s up to you: if you want to do it, you can. The DVD will show you what to do — and it can also help keep you motivated!
You can do it this way: select at least a couple of times a day that you will do a short dog training session. It might be immediately before you feed your pet breakfast and dinner, or at any other times that suit you. Three to five times is even better than two. Dogs learn best and have more fun in short training sessions than in long ones.
So if planning and following through don’t bother you, chances are excellent that you can train your dog by using a DVD.
DVD or Class?
In deciding whether to train your dog with a DVD or to take him to a class, one of the main factors is whether you can find a trainer nearby whose approach you like. Positive, pain-free methods work more effectively in training dogs, but many trainers learned their methods years ago and haven’t made the switch to the newer techniques. Also, of course, consider the cost and the timing of the classes.
If you do succeed in finding a good dog training class, go for it! The regular habit of training at the class and doing homework will stand you and the dog in good stead. But don’t rule out using a DVD as well. Dogs really do have fun learning, once they get the taste for it, and there is no limit to the fun you can have with your dog through training!
What DVD to Use in Training Your Dog?
Be sure to get a DVD using positive reinforcement methods. I was very pleased to find Train Your Dog: The Positive, Gentle Method, with Nicole Wilde and Laura Bourhenne. I had read some of Wilde’s books and was not surprised at the high quality of the program. It covers come, sit, stay, puppy training, and much more.To find out more about the <a href=”http://www.training-dogs.com/blog/train-your-dog-dvd.html“>Train Your Dog DVD</a> and positive dog training tips overall, go see Rosana Hart’s website.
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