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Ideal New Year's resolution: start with dog training

The New Year is the perfect opportunity for a fresh start – not only for us but also for our furry companions. If you’ve resolved to start training your dog, you’re on the right path to better understanding and a more harmonious relationship between you and your pet. In this article, we’ll look at how to get started, what to expect, and how to keep motivation up throughout the year.

 

Why start training now?

The New Year brings a sense of a clean slate and hope for change. If you’ve been postponing training, now is the ideal time. The winter months are great for building basic skills at home and gradually transitioning to outdoor training once the weather improves.

 

1. Set Realistic Goals

The start of training is the most crucial phase. Be realistic – don’t expect instant progress. Break your resolutions into smaller steps, such as:

 

2. Incorporate Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is key to long-term success. Reward your dog for each correct step – whether it’s a treat, verbal praise, or petting. Remember, training should be fun for both of you.

 

3. Equip Yourself with the Right Tools

Every training session requires patience and the right tools. Today’s market offers highly sophisticated training tools, such as sound, vibration, or electronic training collars. If you’re looking for a vibration-only training collar, the Dogtrace d-control 440 model will serve you well. It offers sound correction, 5 levels of vibration corrections, and 8 light modes. If you'd prefer a collar that also offers impulse functionality, the popular Dogtrace d-control 400 collar is ideal. It’s suitable for medium and large dog breeds and offers sound and impulse functions at 19 levels, up to a range of 250 meters. For small breeds, the D-control 500 mini collar is a great option. It’s suitable for small and medium-sized dogs weighing 1 to 30 kg and features sound, short and long impulses in 30 levels, as well as a Booster function.

 

 

If your dog ignores the “Come” command, the training collar can provide a gentle reminder. Use it at the lowest intensity (e.g., vibration or sound) as a complement to rewards for correct recall.

 

4. Consistency is Key

Short but regular training sessions are more effective than long and irregular ones. Plan your training sessions for times when you both have enough energy and calm. For example, 10–15 minutes twice a day.

 

5. Get the Whole Family Involved

If you share your home with family, make sure everyone is on the same page and follows the same rules. Consistency is key to success.

 

6. Don’t Forget Patience and Love

Every dog is different and has its own learning pace. Don’t lose motivation if results don’t come immediately. With every small progress, you build a stronger relationship with your pet. Starting dog training is one of the best decisions you can make. Not only are you strengthening mutual trust, but you’re also contributing to a safer and more harmonious life together. This year could be the start of a new and better chapter for you and your dog.

 


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