Pets are more than just animal companions in some households. Some pet owners see their dogs as their children and raise them accordingly. If you see your dog or puppy in the same manner, then you may be interested in training them using the relationship-based approach.
Take this opportunity to learn more about the dog training method that relies most on the bond that forms between the owner and their pet. After learning more about this particular approach to dog training, you can decide if it works best for your specific situation.
What Is Relationship-Based Dog Training?
All pet owners form relationships of some kind with the animals in their care. In many cases, there is a clear pet owner-pet dynamic established wherein the latter follows the lead of the former. However, we’ve seen an increased blurring of the lines in recent years.
These days, it’s common to find pet owners who don’t necessarily see their dogs or puppies as just pets. Instead, they treat them like true family members. Pet owners who handle the animals in their care that way are utilizing relationship-based training whether they are intentionally doing so or not.
With this type of training method, the focus is mainly on creating a strong relationship with your pet. You want to build trust with your pet so they can feel more at ease. As trust continues to develop, your pet will also become more receptive to following your commands. The goal is to get to a point where you and your pet can truly communicate with each other.
How Do You Implement It?
If you want to try relationship-based dog training, you’ll want to start early. According to the American Kennel Club, puppies can start training when they are two months old. You can start around that same time as well.
Early on, you want to develop a keen understanding of your dog’s likes and dislikes. Focus on identifying their favorite foods and activities so you can save those as treats for your pet. You want to create bonding moments using those foods and activities because they will help solidify the bond you have with your pet.
At the same time, you cannot just give your dog whatever they want because that could lead to unwanted behaviors. You still have to set boundaries with your dog just as you would with a child.
Forming a strong relationship with your pet also involves giving them your time. Make time for your pet every day so the two of you can grow closer. Without that time, the bond between the two of you will never become as strong as it can be.
Finally, you have to provide a comfortable home environment for your pet. Give them a place where they can feel safe and secure. Your relationship will be able to grow stronger if it develops in an environment without plenty of distractions.
Relationship-based dog training requires a significant commitment from the pet owner. Even so, adopting this form of training is worth it because the bond it creates is unlike any other. Relationship-based dog training also works extremely well when combined with Obedience-driven training.
If you’d like to learn more about relationship-based dog training, schedule a complimentary call with our dog trainer Cathy today: https://app.10to8.com/book/zxznlfrciytyebkoug/. To learn more about her dog training approach, watch the short video on our dog training page.
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