The Importance of Consistency
Practicing on a regular basis is important if you want to become a good trainer and you want to accomplish the goals you've established for your dog. Designating a time to practice several times a week ensures that you will have lots of opportunities to experiment with techniques, and your dog will have lots of time to get the hang of working with you.
If you have a problem, success will come more easily if you block out specific times during the week and give yourself permission to drop everything for your dog. As you get good at including training in your weekly routine (or daily routine if your dog is young and learning the basics of living politely with humans), you will realize how easy the whole process is. You'll also appreciate how much fun it is to have a dog that works with you because she enjoys it.
Take a Class
Some people find it difficult to block out time for training; they need the consistency of a group class to motivate themselves to practice. Many training schools offer more than obedience classes; some offer agility classes, tricks classes, fly ball, tracking, hunting, herding, or other types of dog sports. Learning something new is more fun when you have the right tools and support, so be sure that the training school's philosophy matches your own and that you feel comfortable there.
Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Dog
When you are training your dog, you are teaching her to share a common language. Teaching your dog the meaning of the basic obedience commands gives you a vocabulary with which to communicate in day-to-day interactions with your dog. As with any communication, you and your dog need to understand each other. Once you find a way that works for you, don't change it. Otherwise, you'll confuse your dog and frustrate yourself.
As you search for the right dog training school, remember that dog training doesn't require the use of force. If you are having problems with your dog's behavior, she needs more training, not heavy-handed corrections and reprimands.
Most people who train their dogs past the basics really begin to appreciate communicating with another species. Specialized training expands your bond with your dog and lets you communicate on a higher level. You will be amazed at just how intelligent dogs are and what can be accomplished through training.
The strong bonds you develop through training will carry over in play and in all the fun things you do with your dog. If your dog likes to swim and you like to walk on the beach, think of how much more enjoyable your time together will be if, when the walk is over, you can simply call your dog and leave.
