Training your dog—whether you just got a puppy or want to teach an old dog new tricks—can be a rewarding experience for both you and your pup. Dog training not only keeps dogs safer in unpredictable situations, it’s also an excellent way to strengthen your bond and deepen your relationship.
However, it can be hard to know where to begin, which is why we called on two experts to inform this Dog Training 101 guide: certified professional dog trainers Nicole Ellis and Shoshi Parks, who you can learn more about below. Throughout this guide, you’ll find tips and information focused on positive reinforcement. This training philosophy aims to help your dog associate wanted behaviors with good things like treats and attention.we believe that all dogs can benefit from training. And as the world’s largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers we know what a positive impact training can have on dogs and their people—both by keeping dogs safe and helping people bond with their furry family members. This guide will serve as your step by step resource for training your dog at home.
Chapter 1: Intro to At-Home Dog Training
Before diving in to tactical dog training advice, it's helpful to understand the basics. With many opinions about the best way to train a dog, we at Rover wanted to provide helpful context for each method. We turned to expert dog trainer Nicole Ellis to break them down. Once you've picked your preferred training method, learn about beginning to read your dog's body language. Finally, we've listed some helpful gear to make training easier.