Unleash the Best Dog Training Books for a Well-Behaved K9 Companion!

When it comes to effective training, nothing beats the power of positive reinforcement! The idea is simple: reward your pup for their good behavior (while ignoring unwanted behaviors) and watch as they light up with joy, eager to repeat it again and again. 

Another common training method is clicker training. By using a clicker to communicate, you’ll help your pup understand exactly what behavior you want them to repeat. And when they get it right, the reward of treats and praise will have them wagging their tail in excitement.

It’s important to steer clear of methods that rely on physical or psychological punishment, as these can harm your dog’s mental health and well-being and actually make the behavior worse . Instead, choose a training method that is based on positive reinforcement and kindness, and if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to work with a professional trainer. Your dog deserves the best, and with the right training method, you’ll create a bond that will last a lifetime!

Dogs can start learning and being trained at any age, but the optimal window to start training is typically during their puppyhood. Puppies are often the most trainable between the ages of 8 to 16 weeks, when they are most receptive to new experiences and information. During this time, puppies are developing their socialization skills and learning to trust their environment and the people around them, making it a perfect time to start positive reinforcement training. (We emphasize “start” here, because the truth is that dogs will continue being trained intentionally or unintentionally for years as you spend time with them.) 

In general, the earlier you start training your dog, the better. Not only will this make training easier, but it will also establish a foundation of good behavior and obedience that will benefit your dog throughout their life.

We want to note that dogs of all ages can learn new behaviors and be trained, it just might take a bit longer for older dogs to pick up on new commands and habits. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, dogs of all ages can learn new behaviors and become well-behaved companions.

The hardest thing to train a dog to do will depend on the individual dog and their unique personality and challenges. However, some behaviors are generally considered more difficult to train than others.

One of the hardest things to train a dog to do is to overcome fear or fear-based-aggression. These behaviors usually stem from negative past experiences, but genetics can also play a part, and they require patience, consistency, and a lot of positive reinforcement training to change. This is an area where you and your dog would most likely benefit from assistance with an experience professional trainer.

Another difficult behavior to train is to stop chasing and/or herding other animals or people (often kids). This instinctual behavior can be especially hard to break in certain breeds, simply because it’s not a conscious choice but a genetically inherited trait. It is possible to retrain a dog to stop chasing or herding, but for some dogs it would easier to place them in a home where their herding instincts can safely be exercised. 

In general, training a dog to do anything new requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. The most difficult behaviors to train are those that are deeply ingrained in a dog’s instincts or behaviors learned through negative past experiences. It’s important to work with a professional trainer if you’re having trouble training your dog to overcome these challenges.