Australian Shepherd Dog (Australian Shepherd) is a shepherd dog that is often kept as a pet. This dog is quite smart, and can grow very quickly if trained properly. To train an Australian Sheepdog, you must reward your dog for good behavior and reinforce his training consistently and repeatedly. With the time and effort put in, Australian Sheepdogs will make excellent, docile companions for a very long time.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Getting Ready
Step 1. Socialize dogs at a young age.
Dogs who get along at a young age can interact with many people and behave well in a variety of situations. Take your dog to various places so he can interact with many people. Introducing dogs to strangers or new places is a very pleasant and less scary experience for dogs. This is an important stage in raising a good dog.
- For example, you can socialize your dog by taking him to a friend's house, walking him around the complex, and taking him on duty where dogs are allowed to go.
- If you have an Australian Shepherd puppy, train your dog to socialize when he is 7 weeks old. When they are 7 weeks to 4 months old, dogs are going through a period of prime socializing.
- If your dog is not trained to socialize by 7 weeks to 4 months, he can still socialize. However, dogs will find it more difficult to adapt when meeting a lot of people or visiting new places.
Step 2. Do reward-based training
Australian Sheepdogs can thrive on reward-based training. This method is also called dog behavior strengthening training which can strengthen its good behavior. Instead of punishing your dog for bad behavior, this training method motivates your dog to do certain positive activities by rewarding him or her with compliments or rewards when he obeys your commands.
- When applying this training method, you should give your dog a compliment or treat when he obeys your commands. For example, reward your dog when he sits on command, comes over when called, and takes a good look outside the house.
- Purchase a high-quality treat at your nearest pet store to encourage good behavior in your dog.
Step 3. Consider using the clicker training method
This method is a training method that uses sound to notify the dog that the command from his master has been completed. This way of communicating is perfect for Australian Sheepdogs who will be doing extensive training.
When using the clicker training method, the trainer will give verbal commands first. After the dog has completed the command, the trainer will click the clicker and give the dog a treat. The sound that appears when your dog completes a command is a way to let your dog know that he has done your command. Giving a dog a treat can be interpreted as a reward for what he has done before
Part 2 of 3: Training the Dog to Respond to Your Commands
Step 1. Start by training your dog to follow simple commands, such as sitting and lying down
The early stages of training are the most difficult part of training your dog because you have to communicate with them to let them know what you want. First, wait for your dog to naturally do the activity you want, such as sitting, then tell him to sit down. After the dog is seated and given a command, reward him. Each time the dog is about to sit down, give the dog a compliment or reward after you say the command “sit.”
- If you do this repeatedly, your dog will associate your words with their behavior. Your dog will realize that he will be rewarded for obeying you.
- Give your dog praise and treats to encourage good behavior. Australian Sheepdogs are highly motivated when it comes to praise and treats. This dog is also very smart. This can help you train your dog.
- You can also give your dog treats to lure him into certain activities. For example, you can tell your dog to sit down with a treat above his head. When the dog is sitting, say “sit” to label the activity.
Step 2. Conduct regular short training sessions
Dogs will thrive if given consistent training, but do not force the dog to train too long. Train your dog daily, but make sure the training sessions last only 15-20 minutes. Short, focused training sessions can consistently train your dog without failing you and your dog. Training sessions that are too long can leave a dog bored and unfocused. This will certainly frustrate you.
After the training session is over, invite the dog to play for a few minutes. This will end the training session on a positive note so that the dog will be more eager to train later in the day
Step 3. Make sure your commands stay consistent
When training your dog, make sure you communicate clearly. Choose a specific word for each command you want to teach your dog. Always use the same word for a particular command. Pronounce the command the same way. Use the same pronunciation and volume.
- For example, when ordering your dog to go to the bathroom, choose a consistent command word. Don't say "go pee" and then say "pee" later. These different commands can make it difficult for your dog to understand your wishes.
- If you start to get frustrated, the intonation of your commands will change. For dogs, the word "sit" that is said in a friendly and happy way will be different from the word "sit" that is said with annoyance and anger.
- By using consistent commands, your dog will learn what you want to communicate with him. Plus, your dog will respond more reliably.
Step 4. Try different commands
Because Australian Sheepdogs are so eager and skilled to learn their master's commands, they will thrive the more they are taught new commands. Train the dog to walk by your side. Train the dog to be quiet and approach. Also, train the dog to lie down. You can also train your dog to obey pleasant commands like shaking hands.
When teaching a new commandment, don't forget to continue to reinforce the old commandment. By remembering basic commands, your dog will be more trained and consistent
Step 5. Divide difficult dog skills into sections
If you want to train an Australian Sheepdog to perform a complex activity, do so in stages. Train the dog to do this part of the activity separately. Give your dog praise and treats after he's done it. After that, combine each part into one.
- For example, if you want to train an Australian Sheepdog to go through an agility track, train your dog to go through each section of the track separately. First, the dog must be trained to jump over obstacles, then he must be trained to enter tunnels, and so on until he can pass all sections of the track separately. Once your dog has become proficient at going through each section of the track separately, you can combine them into one.
- The Australian Sheepdog is a breed of dog that is smart and adept at physical activity. Because of this, most Australian Sheepdogs can thrive when learning complex skills that take time.
Part 3 of 3: Minimizing Shepherd Dog Behavior
Step 1. Anticipate the dog's bad behavior
Australian Shepherd Dogs are fierce herders. In general, train your dog to stop herding if he is not a working dog. Generally, when an Australian Sheepdog is ready to herd, it will exhibit certain behaviors. For example, a dog may bark or sniff another person's paw before he starts herding. If your dog is behaving this way, this is a good time to dissuade him and let him know that this behavior is not allowed.
You can anticipate a dog's herding behavior by periodically analyzing the activity it engages in. By watching how severe your dog's bad behavior is, you can identify the cause
Step 2. Stop the dog herding behavior quickly and clearly
It is important that you stop your dog's bad behavior so that he understands that it is not good. If your dog starts herding or starts behaving as if he is about to do it, stop the behavior immediately by saying "no" and walking away. Do not hit the dog or frighten him. Your goal is to show that the behavior is not good without making the dog defensive.
If you allow your dog to herd but sometimes forbid it, the dog will assume that it is okay to do it at certain times. However, the dog may be confused about the right time to do it
Step 3. Divert the dog's energy
When a dog starts herding, the best way to stop it is to divert the behavior to something else. If your dog seems to be herding, immediately invite him to play or exercise.
Distracting your dog with exercise is a good option because he needs enough exercise every day. Dogs should be allowed to run and play every day. Otherwise, the dog will spend its energy on herding or other bad behavior. To train your dog consistently, walk your dog 2 times a day. You can also take your dog to the dog park so he can play with other dogs
Step 4. Consider asking a dog trainer for help
If you are unable to stop your dog herding behavior on your own, you may need the help of a dog trainer. Through their expertise in correcting bad dog behavior, dog trainers can provide the consistent training Australian Sheepdogs need.
