Basic Training for Canine Companionship: Essential Knowledge for a Dog from Infancy
Dog Training: Enhancing the Bond and Communication
In the world of dog training, the focus has shifted from obeying commands to fostering relationships and trust. Dog trainers Katharina Schlegl-Kofler and André Vogt emphasize the importance of positive reinforcement, relaxation, and bonding instead of forceful commands and punishment.
The Desired Behavior: An Obedient and Comfortable Companion
According to dog trainer Katharina Schlegl-Kofler, a well-trained dog is one that listens to its owner obediently and easily integrates into daily life. Essential commands include the dog reliably coming when called and staying close during walks. Dog trainer André Vogt, on the other hand, sees dog training as something different from the traditional sit, stay, and down. He believes a well-trained dog is one that can be controlled in all situations without force, achieved through communication and built on a foundation of trust.
Control without Force: Developing a Strong Relationship
Both trainers agree that coercion and force should be avoided in dog training. Instead, they advocate for a calm, patient, and positive approach. One of the biggest mistakes owners make is not giving their pets enough rest and relaxation. Katharina Schlegl-Kofler and André Vogt both emphasize the importance of positive reinforcement in achieving the desired responses from dogs.
Positive Reinforcement: How to Get Desired Results
To get the dog's attention and encourage desired behaviors, dog owners can use positive reinforcement methods, such as feeding the entire meal by hand during the initial stages, especially on walks. When the dog accidentally turns toward the owner, the owner can immediately assume an inviting body posture and reward the dog. This method can help lay important foundations, making it easier for the dog to pay attention to its owner and respond accordingly, particularly during encounter situations with other dogs.
Bonding Walks: Strengthening the Relationship
For Katharina Schlegl-Kofler, bonding walks are essential, especially during the early stages. These walks help puppies learn to stay close to their owners due to their natural following instinct, especially in unfamiliar terrain. The key is to walk at a pace that the dog can easily keep up with, changing direction frequently, and spending a few minutes a day on these walks.
Basic Commands: Sit, Stay, and Recall
The classic "sit" command can be trained using positive reinforcement and the enrichment of treats. By holding a treat in a closed hand above their head and only giving it when they sit and look up, dogs can quickly learn this behavior. Next, the verbal cue "sit" can be introduced, and the treat only given when the dog sits on its own. The same principle applies to the "down" command, where the dog is initially lured into the position with a treat but later learns to perform the action on command.
The "stay" exercise should be built up in stages, first starting with brief periods where the dog remains in position, then gradually increasing the duration and distance. It's crucial to return to the starting position after each successful "stay" and avoid walking away or calling the dog from a distance as this may cause excitement and encourage the dog to dash off.
In conclusion, experts recommend using positive reinforcement methods to train dogs in a calm, positive, and non-forceful manner. By fostering a strong bond with their pets and using positive reinforcement, dog owners can teach their dogs essential behaviors such as coming when called, staying close during walks, and responding to basic commands like "sit" and "stay."
In the world of dog training, fostering relationships and trust is prioritized over obedience to commands, as emphasized by trainers Katharina Schlegl-Kofler and André Vogt. A well-trained dog, as perceived by both trainers, is not just one that obeys commands but can be controlled effectively in all situations, achieved through communication and trust. Being mindful of their pets' need for rest and relaxation, and reinforcing desired behaviors with positive rewards is crucial in attaining the desired responses from dogs.
