Dog Training Tips Every Owner Should Know: What I Wish I Knew
- TJ Gibbons
- Mar 24
- 8 min read
Hey! For those of you who are new here, I'm TJ! I am training to become a dog trainer as of March 2025 and I am using this blog to share the information I learn as it helps me cement it into my brain. For those of you returning, hello again!
In 2022, I rescued a German Shepherd Dog/Siberian Husky mix, and it’s honestly been the best decision of my life.
When I first met Bella (now Anayah), I had some doubts about whether I could be the right fit for her. She was incredibly energetic and seemed to have trouble focusing—definitely the embodiment of ADHD in dog form!
I bring her up because there are so many insights I've gained since bringing her home that I wish I had known from the start. I truly believe our training journey would have progressed much more quickly if I had those tips in my back pocket.
Whether you're bringing a puppy or a rescue dog into your home, or if you already have a dog and are looking for tips, here are the 7 things I wish I had known when I first brought my dog home. I've also gathered some insights from other dog owners about what they wish they had known before welcoming a dog into their lives.
Importance of Socialisation
Dog socialisation is most important between the ages of 3 to 14 weeks as this is when their brains are growing the most. Experienced breeders will begin desensitisation and socialisation at 3 weeks and you should continue that as soon as you take your puppy home. However, that does not mean it ends there and you don't have to continue socialisation afterwards. Socialisation should be done consistently throughout your dog's life.
This includes introducing them to new sounds such as fireworks, thunder, and vehicles, taking them to new places, and exposing them to different environments like shops, beaches, towns, woodlands, pubs/restaurants, etc.
If breeders and owners miss this crucial step, dogs can become reactive, anxious, and difficult to train.
There are plenty of resources online for sound desensitisation. These come in the form of videos or audio clips. To use these start with them on the lowest volume through a speaker or your TV, you might not be able to hear it, but your dog will. Play it often and build the time gradually before increasing the noise. If your dog flinches shows signs of stress or tries to avoid the room the sound is playing in, lower the volume.
Training Builds Bonds
Training your dog offers numerous benefits, and one of the most significant is that it builds trust and strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion. The stronger this connection, the more likely your dog is to listen, respect, and want to work with you. A solid relationship fosters a sense of security in your dog, making them more confident and eager to engage in training sessions.
Every time you train your dog, you are not only spending quality time together but also getting to know them better and, most importantly, having fun! During these training sessions, you reinforce your role as their leader—the one they can trust and follow, the person they look up to for guidance. This dynamic is essential for effective communication and understanding between you and your dog.
Consistency is Key
The number of times I have heard the phrase "I gave up because it wasn't working" is astonishing. Even though I've only been involved in the dog training field for a few months, I've already encountered statements like that. I’ve experienced this myself with my dog, Anayah. I was trying to teach her loose lead walking, but nothing seemed to be working, so I gave up.
The issue is that the training might have been effective, but the small signs of improvement were overlooked.
Other things to consider when training are:
How often does training occur?
Is the dog getting enough practice and repetitions to learn effectively?
Did training start from the basics, or did it progress too quickly for the dog to understand?
Has there been any improvement, even just a glimpse?
Does the dog understand the command being used?
It’s so easy to give up when things don’t seem to be working, but giving up will not help the situation. In fact, it may teach your dog that if they misbehave, they won’t have to do any training because you’ll give up.
Consistency is key! If you start training a behavior, you must see it through to the end. If the method you are using doesn’t yield results, try another approach or consult a trainer, but never give up!
I have since started re-training Anayah to walk on a loose lead, and it is paying off big time! It's a slow process, for sure, but every time she walks on a loose lead instead of pulling my arm out of its socket, it feels like a huge win! And those moments are becoming more frequent!
Set Clear Boundaries
Bringing a dog into your home is a significant change, especially if you've never had one before. Even if you have previous experience, welcoming a new dog is still a major adjustment. Establishing boundaries is crucial for everyone's peace and for reinforcing your role as the leader (a kind leader), rather than allowing the dog to take charge.
If there are multiple people in the household, it's essential that everyone agrees on the boundaries and knows how to enforce them if the dog ventures into restricted areas. For example, if you don’t want your dog on the sofa, make that rule from day one. Changing the rules halfway through your dog’s life in your home is possible, but it may lead to confusion and temporary unwanted behavior.
You may also need to reconsider the rules if you're expecting a baby or anticipating another significant life change. It's best to implement these changes before the baby arrives, so you aren’t trying to teach the dog new boundaries while also caring for a newborn.
Here are some boundaries to think about:
Is the dog allowed on the furniture?
Is the dog allowed in the kitchen?
Is the dog allowed in the kids' bedrooms?
Is the dog allowed out of the front door or gate before you?
Is the dog allowed in all areas of the garden?
These are just a few examples of boundaries you could establish, and there are many more to consider!
For instance, Anayah is allowed on the furniture, but only if she has been invited up. She is not allowed in the kitchen while I am cooking or preparing food, and she cannot go out of any outside doors unless I give her permission. These clear rules simplify my life, reduce the amount of hair in my meals, and ensure that she won’t run out the door, which could potentially save her life.
Know Your Breed
"My dog barks so much," says the owner of a Siberian Husky.
"My dog is too energetic and obsessive," says the owner of a Border Collie.
"My dog is crazily independent," says the owner of a Livestock Guardian breed.
Each breed was developed for a specific purpose, with most stemming from working lines. They were bred to fulfill human needs, whether that meant collaborating closely with people or working independently, running for miles, or pulling sleds in frigid temperatures.
The key takeaway is that all breeds are unique and have different requirements; no single breed is a one-size-fits-all solution.
Before bringing a dog into your home, make sure you understand the breed you’re considering and that it aligns with your lifestyle and activity levels. If you tend to be a couch potato on the weekends, a high-energy dog that requires plenty of stimulation may not be the best match.
If you already have a dog, invest time in researching the breed(s) you own to better understand their needs and ensure you’re meeting them effectively.
Responsibility of Ownership
Having a dog is hard work. You are responsible for them day and night, through sickness, aging, injury, and trouble. They are yours.
One of the things that frustrates me most in the dog world is when people neglect their responsibility as dog owners.
It’s your duty to ensure they receive proper training, nutrition, exercise, stimulation, toys, and comfortable beds. You may have many dogs throughout your life, but to your dog, you are their entire world.
One of the most concerning signs of ignorance in dog ownership is allowing a dog off-lead with no or limited recall. This poses significant dangers—not only could your dog run into traffic or get lost, but they may also approach an unfriendly dog and provoke a fight.
My dog, Anayah, has been reactive since I rescued her. I’ve worked tirelessly to reduce this behavior, but she still reacts occasionally. The worst moments occur when I’m walking her on-lead (since she doesn’t have reliable recall) and an off-lead dog rushes over.
"It's okay! My dog is friendly!" the owner shouts.
"Mine isn't!" I always yell back, but by then it’s too late. Anayah reacts, and if the other dog continues to approach, she often snaps. She ends up so scared and often tries to hide behind me, and it un-does years of training in just a few seconds.
Just this week, an on-lead dog in my village was attacked by an out-of-control off-lead dog.
If you take away one thing from this post, let it be this: If your dog does not have reliable recall, do not let them off-lead in public places.
Coping with Aging
Sadly, aging happens to us all, and our dogs are no exception. Their decline can be gradual or sudden, often exacerbated by injuries that lead to arthritis and other signs of aging.
They transition from bouncy puppies full of energy to tired dogs who struggle to walk around the block.
It’s heartbreaking to witness, and caring for an older dog who may be deaf, blind, or partially lame can be challenging. The costs can add up, too, with veterinary bills piling up over the years.
At this stage, some people give up and surrender their dogs to shelters, where many don’t find new homes because few are willing to adopt an older dog unless that’s their specific intention.
But as I mentioned earlier, your dog is your responsibility, even in their old age.
Since Anayah's ACL surgeries, I've noticed a steady decline in her stamina, fitness, and mobility. I’m unsure if this is due to the trauma from her injuries or the natural aging process, but I’m committed to making her happy and comfortable. This includes taking her to a dog chiropractor every week. (which has been tremendously helpful, by the way. I highly recommend finding a trusted and highly rated chiropractor, as some can be a bit rough.)
Navigating the journey of dog ownership can be challenging, but it can also be the most rewarding thing on the planet. The dog training tips I've shared are insights I wish I had known from the start, as they can make a significant difference in building a strong, trusting relationship with your furry friend. Remember, each dog is unique, and understanding their individual needs is key to successful training. Patience, consistency, and a willingness to learn will go a long way in fostering a happy and well-behaved companion. As you embark on this journey, always keep in mind that your dog relies on you for guidance, support, and love. Embrace the learning process, and enjoy the many joyful moments that come with being a dog owner!
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