Aussies are one of the smartest breeds out there, and training comes easier to them than other dogs. However, doing your homework beforehand is still very important, and will benefit you and your dog when working together.
You can take classes in dog psychology and behavior, if you are feeling ambitious. There are also some great books and online resources you can find on the subjects. But just knowing the basics of how a dog works, will be a life saver when it comes to training.
Just like learning in our life, there are naturally positive and negative consequences to our actions. A good teacher knows how teach and balance both so that learning becomes solid and innate. The same is true in the dog world with a pack.
Trust, love, patience and respect between owner and dog are the key ingredients to successful training and a lasting bond.
Find a breeder that starts pre-training before your pup comes home
A mark of a good breeder is one who cares for those pups like they were their own and gives them every advantage they can. Pre-training can give you and the pup an advantage with easing into home life and understanding the training process.
If you have a name picked out for them, the breeder can start acclimating the puppy to that name. Breeders can also get them started on crate training, which again is a huge advantage to you, as the puppy will associate the crate as a positive, safe spot for them. They can also get them started on potty training, as well as what they can and can't chew on.
If you have a name picked out for them, the breeder can start acclimating the puppy to that name. Breeders can also get them started on crate training, which again is a huge advantage to you, as the puppy will associate the crate as a positive, safe spot for them. They can also get them started on potty training, as well as what they can and can't chew on.
Crate Training
Crate training gets the puppy used to being in a crate when the parents are gone, when it's time for bed, or traveling in a car. They learn that the crate is a safe, personal space for them to be calm and relaxed.
Crate training gets the puppy used to being in a crate when the parents are gone, when it's time for bed, or traveling in a car. They learn that the crate is a safe, personal space for them to be calm and relaxed.
Start Training right when your puppy gets home
There is no better time like the present! Make training a play session with your pup and let them know that training is fun! This is also a perfect time to set your boundaries with your pup. Give them TONS of praise and encouragement for the good behaviors they show. They'll quickly catch on to wanting to please you means happiness, playtime, and treats!
There is no better time like the present! Make training a play session with your pup and let them know that training is fun! This is also a perfect time to set your boundaries with your pup. Give them TONS of praise and encouragement for the good behaviors they show. They'll quickly catch on to wanting to please you means happiness, playtime, and treats!
Puppy Socialization
There are many ways you can socialize your puppy. If you have a dog obedience club nearby, they will often have a class specifically for puppy socialization. This is also a great place to have your puppy socialize with other puppies safely, as most require a vaccine history. Petco and Petsmart usually have a puppy socializing hour as well if you don't have a club nearby. They will usually have their schedules up on their website.
There are also a few Dog friendly stores that you can bring your pup to. Of course there are your pet stores like Petco and Petsmart that allow your pups to come in with you, but surprisingly most hardware stores are dog-friendly, such as Lowe's and Home Depot. Check out your local store's dog policies, and take advantage of those social opportunities!
There are also a few Dog friendly stores that you can bring your pup to. Of course there are your pet stores like Petco and Petsmart that allow your pups to come in with you, but surprisingly most hardware stores are dog-friendly, such as Lowe's and Home Depot. Check out your local store's dog policies, and take advantage of those social opportunities!
Join a Dog Obedience Club or get involved in a dog training class
Even though you may be an excellent trainer on your own, we've found that going to training classes helps us keep ourselves motivated and consistent with our training on a weekly basis. We've also gained new perspectives on training techniques. We've been able to expand our training abilities so much more through going to classes with seasoned trainers.
It is also fantastic conditioning for your dog to be around other dogs who are in the training mindset as well. You'll find your dogs like support just as much as you do! So find a nearby club, join a training class, or maybe make a group of your own, with your friends.
Note: Do your research on trainers, see if you can get any reviews from people who've taken their class previously. There are some fantastic, well seasoned, trainers out there, and then there are some who aren't quite so fantastic...
It is also fantastic conditioning for your dog to be around other dogs who are in the training mindset as well. You'll find your dogs like support just as much as you do! So find a nearby club, join a training class, or maybe make a group of your own, with your friends.
Note: Do your research on trainers, see if you can get any reviews from people who've taken their class previously. There are some fantastic, well seasoned, trainers out there, and then there are some who aren't quite so fantastic...
High quality treat or toy
Hot dogs or Chicken Nuggets are usually our go-to treat, and we only give these when we are training, so they get VERY excited and willing when it comes to learning new tricks. (they're also more bang for your buck when it comes to buying dog treats). If your dog is not really food motivated, use a toy or a game that they love. For example, if they love playing catch, then after successfully completing a trick reward them with a ball toss. There are many methods. We've even seen a dog who loved water, so their reward was catching sprays of water from a water bottle! So get creative with your rewards, find out what your dog loves!
Hot dogs or Chicken Nuggets are usually our go-to treat, and we only give these when we are training, so they get VERY excited and willing when it comes to learning new tricks. (they're also more bang for your buck when it comes to buying dog treats). If your dog is not really food motivated, use a toy or a game that they love. For example, if they love playing catch, then after successfully completing a trick reward them with a ball toss. There are many methods. We've even seen a dog who loved water, so their reward was catching sprays of water from a water bottle! So get creative with your rewards, find out what your dog loves!