Dog Adoption and Training Strategies
Welcoming a furry friend into the home is a huge milestone for any family in the San Antonio area. Whether the pet is the first or fifth canine to join the family, that dog will be the center of attention for many years. Because every dog has instinctual behavior, families must learn how to communicate and control their pet from the very outset of the adoption. Dog adoption and training must go hand-in-hand as families learn how to get along with their new best friend for years of loyal companionship.
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Various Dog Adoption Choices
There are countless ways to adopt the dog of your dreams. Dog adoption in San Antonio might start by one opting to adopt from a shelter, bringing home a full grown dog or some may choose a Humane Society adoption in search of new puppies. Others may look for free puppies for adoption in their local paper. Breeders will advertise their pups since so many families are looking for small dogs for adoption and as soon as they’re weaned from the mother they will be ready for a loving home. Regardless of the adoption choice, every dog will need to be acclimated to the appropriate training behaviors so that control and safety are top priorities.
Training the Human
Dogs look to their owners as indicators of right or wrong. Being consistent with praise or corrections is critical to a dog’s overall training success. As a trainer works with the pet, the professional also needs to train the owner. After a dog adoption, the new owners should work with the trainer in order to understand proper commands and care. When the owner can back up the dog’s training in the home, the pet will be incredibly obedient as a result.
Getting to Know the Furry Friend
Dog trainers can’t automatically assume that a pet will act just like the breed described in the textbooks. Every dog will have a different personality. The trainer needs to observe these traits so that he or she can alter the necessary training exercises. Trainers might use a dog boarding visit to observe the pet for an extended time period. All of this information is then used to train the dog.
Leash and Non-Leash Training
An experienced breeder is happy to train a furry friend both on and off the leash. In fact, training should always incorporate both of these skills. Dogs need a chance to run freely in a controlled environment, but they must respond to the owner’s commands when necessary. When any training is being offered, dog owners should ask about the strategies involved with leashed and non-leashed sessions. With the pet remaining comfortable and controlled in these situations, he or she will be obedient as a natural response to commands.
Obedience Versus Behavioral Training
One of the major reasons for dog training is keeping families safe from any unwanted behaviors. Trainers will initially formulate a plan to train good behaviors into the pet, which is referred to as obedience. However, professionals also train dogs to stop unwanted actions, such as barking at odd hours of the night. Behavioral training should always be combined with obedience practices.
Families will inevitably go on vacation at some point during a dog’s lifetime. When the pet is being trained by professionals, ask about dog boarding. Families may want to try a test run with the facility before a real vacation arrives. The furry friend can stay one night at the dog boarding facility. Because the pet will be accustomed to the environment afterward, an extended stay during the vacation won’t be as stressful. This aspect of training is just another part of the puzzle that makes a dog as happy as possible through his or her lifetime.