A few tips on training your dog

Successful dog training through trust and clear communication.

Dog training is an enormously broad field, and numerous mistakes creep into a dog's education very quickly, which are difficult to correct. On this point it must be said fundamentally that these training mistakes are of course to be sought with the dog owner and not with the animal. Punishing a dog for misbehaviour is without doubt the worst solution within the framework of training. Below you will find a few simple tips for everyday life.

Consistency and patience are the most important foundations

No dog training brings the desired success if the dog owner does not remain consistent without exception. Even if the dog simply refuses to obey a particular command, the owner should always remain patient and persistent. The dog should be brought gently but firmly into the desired position so that it internalises the connection between the respective command – such as sit – and the behaviour desired by the owner. The dog should also not be flooded with a torrent of commands. The next signal may only be tackled once the dog reliably shows the desired reaction.

Dogs learn in a different way from us humans

A common example is when the dog shows typical signs of fear and the owner tries to calm the animal with exaggerated affection. To many laypeople this may seem the right approach, yet the opposite is often the case. The dog can perceive the affection as a reward, which confirms to it that the fear in relation to the particular situation is right and appropriate. It will react again and again with the same emotion in similar situations. It is better simply to show the dog that the fear is unfounded. A calm and relaxed manner on the owner's part achieves far more in such a situation, guaranteed.

A dog knows no moral good or evil

Anthropomorphising animals is one of the most widespread mistakes in dog training. Fundamentally, dogs know no good or evil and react on the basis of their store of experience and their instinct. The expression "bad dog" therefore appears in this context almost ridiculous and counterproductive. Clear boundaries should be shown to the dog, but the owner must consistently strike the urge to anthropomorphise the animal from their training concept.

• Remain consistent and patient in every situation
• Avoid punishment for misbehaviour
• Pay attention to clear and unambiguous body language
• Refrain from anthropomorphising your dog

Body language as the most important tool

An essential aspect of dog training is both the body language of the owner and that of the dog. Ideally, particular commands should always be linked with the same body language. It is also advisable for every dog owner to become familiar with the way dogs express themselves. Only in this way can misunderstandings between human and animal be effectively avoided. A harmonious relationship grows through mutual understanding and clear guidance in everyday life.