Orlovia
Adequately training a puppy to become an adult dog can be a real test of nerves. Ultimately, everything is similar to that of a human child: the little bunch of dogs can’t do anything alone, including going to the toilet, and needs help, consistency, education, and loving care. Many years ago, a four-legged friend was still considered a pet and farm animal, and questionable methods of upbringing were often used, but that was normal back then. Today we know better. Luckily.
However, even that has its downsides: We tend to humanize our pets. Dog training is actually quite easy. You just have to understand your four-legged friend or be able to put yourself into it. Once you have understood the basics, it all goes by itself and before you know it, the dog is stately, mature, and large – and hopefully well trained with a little skill.
Everyone Talks about Education, Commands, and Orders
It is often emphasized that you should reward your dog and that praise is very important. But what about punishments?
Until recently, I often heard, which I find creepy, that dog owners recommend pushing the puppy into its own puddle with its nose, for example, if something went wrong at home. Unfortunately, one often sees dogs running free next to their owners, but the tail is always tucked in, the ears are laid back and the head is ducked. The assumption here is that there were certainly one or two hits with the leash.
I don’t like to see or hear all that. Beating and violence against animals are not punishments for failed learning, they are simply abused.
And Then How to Properly Punish a Dog?
Basically not at all, if beatings and another mistreatment should be defined as punishment. The maximum punishment is ignorance. Ideally, one pays no attention at all to the supposedly unsuccessful situation. At least not to the dog.
If, for example, it is the classic puddle of misfortune in the apartment, there is no “penalty” in the conventional sense. Your dog probably doesn’t even know anymore that this happened to him. A penalty would be completely irritating here. Of course, the dog is not exactly praised as well, without question. But scolding sends the wrong signal here. Here your dog thinks: “Oh, master or mistress makes a real spectacle, so that must be good!” – after all, you demonstrably give your four-legged friend an extra portion of attention for this.
Now you should simply remove the puddle and ignore your dog while you do it! It is best to remove the stain with vinegar water to put a stop to the odor and to demarcate this spot, so to speak.
In addition, you should definitely think about whether your darling had enough opportunity to get rid of his bladder pressure in some other way. Because he had to stay alone at home for a little eternity before, it is possible that your dog is not the only one to blame for this misfortune. And in general, your home is your dog’s too, so he recognizes this place as his territory and will always try to keep everything clean there. Anything else would be absolutely against his instincts.
When a Command Fails
Even when raising children outside in the fresh air, not every command will be right immediately. If something works, such as “foot!”, there should definitely be exuberant praise, a pat on the head, and maybe a treat. If the whole thing doesn’t work out, all of that just doesn’t happen. And if your dog even jumps at you, fold your arms and turn away from him.
However, if you catch your dog doing something directly, you should also set an acoustic signal. If you say its name in a stern tone, the animal will usually flinch and let go of the object that was forbidden. It’s the same with the puddle – as soon as he hears your strict tone of voice, he will work all his sphincters. Then your first goal would have been reached and it is then important to go outside very quickly. If the urine is then dropped there, where it is allowed and desired, there should now be great praise.
Your Dog Lives in the Here and Now
While some people have a memory like a horse and can remember individual situations or what has been spoken with pinpoint accuracy for months, dogs live in the here and now. An action can only be influenced in the second in which the action happens. Otherwise, the dog lacks the connection to the action, and a learning effect or a behavioral correction becomes difficult, not to say impossible.
Because of this:
- If you catch your dog doing something you don’t want it to do, vent your displeasure. These include “Off, Ugh, or Ignore.”
- If you see your dog suddenly behaving in a way that you want it to behave, give him lots of praise and let him know he did a great job.
It usually doesn’t need more – as simple as it sounds. And otherwise, dog trainers and dog schools help with the small and big problems in everyday life with dogs.