To ensure a long and happy relationship with your new Bulldog, the best thing you can do is to place this precious pup, and yourself, in a top-quality dog obedience class. The truth is you might have as much to learn as your little doggie does.
Good training will teach you how to lead your dog and will instruct your puppy how to follow your lead. It really boils down to just that. A well-trained Bulldog will exude confidence, character, loyalty and sheer contentment in pleasing you. And you will have the same confidence that you can handle a tough, persistent dog like most Bulldogs tend to be.
This overview of dog training will let you know what to expect – or what things to work on at home if obedience classes are not a possibility for you.
Dogs need a leader of the pack or they will vie for that role themselves. If you’ve ever visited the house of a friend where the family pooch is in control it is an ugly scene. Dog obedience training will prevent this from happening in your home by teaching you the proper attitude and techniques for being the leader your dog will be happy to follow. Here’s what we mean.
You are the Leader: Not all leaders are good leaders in the dog/human relationship. Harsh, violent leadership is tyranny and the dog will respond defensively and aggressively to protect itself. Authoritative, calm leadership will let the dog know it is safe and secure as long as it behaves. That is a powerful motivator to your canine friend! Be the Alpha “dog” your pup can trust!
You give the commands: Teaching a dog to sit might be a simple novelty to some. For savvy Bulldog owners who understand the “bulldog” persistency of the breed they chose, training that dog to sit at your command is the foundation for a wonderful relationship that benefits you both immensely.
Once the dog gives heed to this command teaching it to lie down, chase, follow, etc. are a breeze. Sit before being fed. Sit before being allowed out. Sit while waiting for you to throw the stick. In every instance the dog is recognizing your authority and responding correctly. Don’t forget to acknowledge that obedience with plenty of praise!
You set the pace on walks: If your dog can pull you around the neighborhood then you are on the leash, not it! Demand that your Bulldog keep to your pace. Find a park or open space where the dog can be let off the leash for a good run, but only when it has demonstrated the commitment to return to you immediately when you call.
These behavior qualities can be learned at home. If you and your dog don’t have them down by the time he or she is 10-12 months old, it might be time to consider an obedience class where you both can stabilize the foundation of good dog behavior before it is too late.
It is essential that the training you both receive in an obedience class be reinforced every day at home once the class is over. Otherwise the gains you have made will be lost. Your dog may become defiant and disobedient, testing you to see if you really are in charge. Consistency is essential, of course. It is also important to get every person in the household to follow the rules for the dog.
No one allow the dog on the couch. No one feed the dog apart from meal time. No one yell at the dog as a means of discipline, etc. This way your Bulldog will know what to expect and will be content with a set of unchanging rules.
Train your dog to be obedient and happy and it will do all it can to live up to your expectations. Let it get away with being disobedient and you are training it just as surely. Be consistent, firm and loving so that your Bulldog will be an important, valued and contented part of the family.
Jill B