We all dream of training the perfect Icelandic Sheepdog, a pet that is a CGC or canine good citizen and is very well behaved and dependable at all times. Well dreams really do come true if the education is done with care and commitment. Never forget pups learn from day one and need to be shown what is right, what isn’t, and ideal interpersonal skills.
Puppies behave like kids, they need constant guidance and teaching. Training a pup does not have to be a nightmare, all you have to keep in mind are a few basic rules:
Ten Tips For Training Your Icelandic Sheepdog
- Til your pup learns, you want to keep an eye on him at all times. Once you are unable to then you must crate her. Establish a routine for the pup, that will enable him to settle quickly. The routine has to incorporate things like hourly bathroom visits, eating times, sleep periods, strolls, play time, instruction, and so on. A pup that has a busy day has no time to become unoccupied and misbehave.
- Teach the pup to value you. Icelandic Sheepdogs stay in packs and naturally comply with a leader. If you establish your leadership in no uncertain terms then teaching will eventually become easy because the pup will follow orders at all times and not question your power.
- Utilize exclusively encouraging training tactics. Do not ever shout at, attack, or abuse your Icelandic Sheepdog. It is not just cruel but may result in behavioral challenges. Use of electric shocks, prong collars, sprays, and so forth could easily harm the animal.
- Show the pup “absolutely nothing in life is without cost.” This is a philosophy that is generally accepted as a reliable coaching tool. If you reinforce this, the pup will learn that to experience something like affection, a walk, or treat, he must behave properly.
- Present the meaning of “No,” from day one. Do not encourage behaviors such as jumping, growling, tug-o-war, yipping, or running out of open gates and doors. Praise courtesy and just ignore or leave when there is bad behavior. The pup will discover that if he misbehaves he will lose his companion/playmate.
- To correct a habit you have to witness the Icelandic Sheepdog in the process and surprise him by shaking a can of stones. As soon as you have done this make him improve his behavior and immediately offer him a snack and appreciation. Icelandic Sheepdogs do not remember what happened previously so reprimanding him after an occurrence is futile.
- Make sure to call/use his name favorably. Do not ever say “Bad TOM,” or “No Tom,” this will induce mental confusion and the Icelandic Sheepdog will presume that if you call his name then it is for something negative. The doggie must relate his name with pleasant things like hugs, petting, walks, treats, and such. If this takes place he will respond willingly the second you call out his name.
- Establish a teaching routine that is short and sweet, about 10 minutes three times a day. Extensive recurring sessions can be uninspiring and the Icelandic Sheepdog is going to lose interest in the learning session. Make lessons interesting and use trick training to explain directions like sit, down, come et cetera.
- Bond with the Icelandic Sheepdog and both of you will definitely enjoy your sessions. The pup ought to wait to spending quality time with you and not steer clear of you by turning tail or taking cover. Make sure to socialize the dog quickly. Socialization is among the most important teachings. The Icelandic Sheepdog needs to figure out how to be with various other animals, people, sounds, vehicles, and other activities. So, gradually introduce the dog when he is little to common activities and sounds. Take him to the shopping mall/ dog park, present him to children and other pets, and make him unafraid of the vacuum cleaner and garden hose.
- Master all about crate training, leash walking, house breaking, and also food training. These are remedial lessons that every Icelandic Sheepdog puppy must grasp. Know about all the mannerisms as well as peculiarities of the breed. This will give you valuable information on how to successfully instruct the puppy dog.
As a Icelandic Sheepdog parent you have a lot of options. You could very well decide to train the Icelandic Sheepdog yourself or enlist at a professional training school. Training a Icelandic Sheepdog has numerous levels: preschool, obedience training, doggy sports, showing and conformation, in addition to other facets like therapy dogs, hearing dogs, and so forth. What values you decide to train hinges on you as well as the brainpower of your Icelandic Sheepdog. As you know, different dogs, like humans, possess varied talents. Choose wisely and both you and your Icelandic Sheepdog pup will have fun times together.
Don’t forget to check out these other articles about Icelandic Sheepdogs.
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