What is the best way to train a dog?

When Sophie adopted Daisy, a timid rescue pet, she hadn’t anticipated the challenge of breaking through Daisy’s walls of fear. The first days were tough—Daisy flinched at every movement; her eyes filled with mistrust. Sophie began gentle training sessions, using soft words and treats, hoping to connect.

One evening, after a particularly tough day, Sophie sat beside Daisy, offering a treat. For the first time, Daisy hesitated but then took it, her eyes meeting Sophie’s with a flicker of trust. From that moment, their bond grew stronger. Training sessions became moments of connection, where Daisy’s fear slowly turned into loyalty and love. As days passed, Daisy transformed into a confident companion, and Sophie knew their bond was forged not just through training, but through trust and unwavering patience.

Here’s how you can effectively train your pet in Australia that align with the country's guidelines for responsible pet ownership:

Start with Basics: Focus on teaching fundamental commands like "sit," "stay," "come," and "heel" using positive reinforcement techniques. The "sit" command is an excellent starting point. Begin with your pet standing, then hold a treat close to their nose and move it slowly downwards. As their head follows the treat, their bottom should lower. As soon as they sit, say "sit," and reward them with a treat and praise. Repeat this several times, gradually increasing the duration of the sit. You can use treats, praise, and toys as rewards to teach them other basic commands.
Sign up in Puppy School or Obedience Classes: Many cities and towns offer puppy schools or obedience classes, which are excellent for socializing your pet and learning under professional guidance.
Exercise Positive Reinforcement: I promote positive training methods over punishment. Reward your pet for good behaviour rather than scolding them for mistakes, this helps pet learn faster and reduces stress making these sessions more enjoyable experience.
Be Consistent and Patient: Use the same commands and gestures every time. Consistency is key to helping your pet understand and remember what you expect.
Socialization: Expose your pet to various environments, people, and other pets. It’s common to take pet to parks, beaches, and cafes, early exposure to these varied settings is crucial for helping your pet to become well-adjusted and comfortable in different situations.
Leash Training: Ensure your pet is comfortable on a leash. Start with short indoor sessions, rewarding them for walking calmly with a loose leash. Once comfortable, begin outdoor walks in low-distraction areas. Use positive reinforcement to reward walking by your side and stop if they pull, resuming only when the leash is loose and gradually increase their exposure to more stimulating environment. In Australia, pets are required to be on a leash in most public areas, so good leash manners are essential.
Focus on Recall: Teach your pet to come when called, especially if you plan to take them to off-leash areas like pet parks, hiking trails or beaches. Effective recall training ensures your pet’s safety and allows for a more enjoyable experience in these open spaces.
Train for Local Wildlife: In many regions, including Australia, you may encounter wildlife in residential areas or natural habitats. It’s important to train your pet to avoid chasing or harassing native animals such as kangaroos, possums, or birds. This not only protects local wildlife but also ensures your pet’s safety. Teach commands like “leave it” or “no” to redirect your pet’s attention away from wildlife. Familiarize yourself with the local wildlife and adjust your training to prevent interactions that could disturb or endanger these animals.
Adhere to Local Regulations: Be aware of and follow local council regulations regarding pet ownership, training, and behaviour. Some areas have specific rules for training in public spaces such as leash laws, designated off-leash areas, and restrictions on pet training locations.
Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun: Pets, regardless of their age or breed, learn best in short, focused sessions. Find out what motivates your pet the most. For some, it might be treats; for others, it could be praise, toys, or extra playtime. Use these high-value rewards during training to keep your pet engaged. Keep training sessions around 10-15 minutes and always end on a positive note.

By following these guidelines, you'll ensure your pet is well-trained, socially adjusted, and a happy companion as Daisy. You may also include Chewable, afterall its your responsibility to protect your Daisy .