All of us imagine training the perfect Shetland Sheepdog, a puppy that’s a CGC or canine good citizen and is well mannered and dependable at all times. Well dreams do come true when the training is done with kindness and dedication. Keep in mind pups learn from the first day and want to be informed what is correct, what is wrong, and correct socialization.
Pups act like kids, they need to get frequent guidance and instruction. Training a pup needn’t be a challenge, all you want to consider are a few simple rules:
Top Ten Tips For Training Your Shetland Sheepdog
- Till your pup is trained, you have to keep an eye on him at all times. Once you can’t then you must cage her. Establish a schedule for the pup, that will enable her to settle down very quickly. The schedule must incorporate things like regular bathroom visits, feeding times, sleep periods, strolls, play time, training, and so forth. A pup that has a very busy day has no time to get unoccupied or misbehave.
- Teach the pup to appreciate you. Shetland Sheepdogs stay in packs and instinctively comply with a leader. Once you establish your leadership in no uncertain terms then training will end up being easy as the pup will follow you at all times and not question your authority.
- Utilize only constructive training tactics. Never scream at, strike, or abuse your Shetland Sheepdog. It is not only unkind but may produce behavioral problems. Using electric shocks, prong collars, sprays, and so forth could very well wound the animal.
- Teach the pup “absolutely nothing in life is without cost.” This is a philosophy that is widely acknowledged as a valuable coaching method. As you reinforce this, your pup will learn that to experience something like affection, a walk, or treat, he will need to act properly.
- Demonstrate the significance of “No,” from the first day. Do not embrace behaviors such as jumping, growling, tug-o-war, barking, or escaping open gates and doors. Commend courtesy and ignore or leave when there is bad behavior. The pup will learn that if he is mischievous he will lose his companion/playmate.
- To remedy a behavior you have to catch the Shetland Sheepdog in the process and startle her by rattling a can of marbles. Once you have done this help him deal with his behavior and promptly offer him a snack and praise. Shetland Sheepdogs do not think of what transpired prior so chastening him after an occurrence is useless.
- At all times call/use his name favorably. Never ever say “Bad TOM,” or “No Tom,” this will create mental confusion and the Shetland Sheepdog will think that if you call his name then it is something negative. The doggy must connect his name with happy events like hugs, petting, strolls, treats, and such. If this transpires he will approach happily the second you call his name.
- Create a teaching regimen that is short and sweet, about ten minutes 3 times a day. Prolonged repeated trainings can be dull and the Shetland Sheepdog is going to lose interest in learning. Help make training fun-filled and use trick training to demonstrate orders like sit, down, come and so forth.
- Bond with the Shetland Sheepdog and both of you will definitely have fun with your sessions. The pup needs to expect spending quality time with you and not stay clear of you by turning tail or hiding. Make sure to socialize the dog as soon as possible. Socialization is one of the most critical lessons. The Shetland Sheepdog has to learn to coexist with various other animals, people, sounds, vehicles, and other activities. And so, slowly and gradually introduce the puppy when he is small to regular tasks and sounds. Take him to the store/ park, present him to children and other pets, and make him unafraid of the vacuum and garden hose.
- Learn everything about potty training, leash walking, house breaking, together with food training. These are rudimentary lessons that every Shetland Sheepdog puppy should understand. Understand all the traits in addition to peculiarities of the breed. This will give you useful ideas on how to successfully educate the puppy.
As a Shetland Sheepdog owner you have several options. You could choose to train the Shetland Sheepdog on your own or enroll at a pro training school. Training a Shetland Sheepdog has many levels: preschool, behavior training, doggie sports, showing and conformation, as well as other facets like therapy dogs, hearing dogs, et cetera. What level you decide to instruct hinges on you along with the learning abilities of your Shetland Sheepdog. As you realize, different dogs, like people, possess varied talents. Choose wisely and both you and your Shetland Sheepdog pup will have good times together.
Don’t forget to check out these other articles about Shetland Sheepdogs.
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