Dog Training - Different Methods for Different Breeds

Different Dog Breeds

Dogs are like humans each one is unique, but there are certain traits that are common among different dog breeds. Learn how to use these differences to your advantage in your dog training.

The number of different dog species is so large that sometimes it is better not to think of them all as part of the same species. When trying to train a dog it can be better to emphasize the differences over the similarities between the different breeds. 

A Jack Russell terrier dog looks, thinks and behaves very differently from a Great Dane dog. Great Danes are usually very calm. A Golden Retriever is extremely different compared to a Collie. Golden Retrievers are generally fun loving dogs, but excitable. Another extreme comparison is a German Shepherd and a Chihuahua, they have nothing more in common than the name dog. 

As a result of these sometimes extreme differences between dog breeds, training should be customized to the breed you are trying to train. Patience is a must for training any breed of dog, but more patience is sometimes required for certain dog breeds. German Shepherds are intelligent dogs and normally take to training readily and with pleasure. Jack Russell’s on the other hand are also very intelligent, however are much more stubborn and will require a different technique. With terrier breeds, for example, distraction training techniques are very handy. Terriers are very high energy, active dogs. They have been bread to spot movement in an instant and go after it immediately. Keeping terriers focused is a real challenge for the trainer, so try and make sure that their eyes are on you at all times. The use of treats, toys or other objects can be useful to help keep the terrier's eyes on you. 

Collies are just as trainable as the above mentioned terrier breed, but much more mellow and relaxed. Collies are extremely loyal and protective, which is excellent. However this loyal and protectiveness presents its own set of challenges. A collie will tend to spontaneously bark and chase any stranger who appears to the dog as threatening the family or owner. The barking can be desirable for a watch dog guarding the house at night, but it can be very annoying and scary if done every time a person passes by. 

Bark collars are sometimes required under these types of circumstances, but be sure to remove the bark collar at night. That way the dog will only associate the no barking with daylight and will still continue to function as a watch dog at night time when you want it. 

Dalmatians are excellent companions, but they are extremely energetic and very strong. That can be a troublesome combination for a Dalmatian that spends all of its time cooped up in a small backyard with nobody to play with. If you and your family plan on getting a Dalmatian, be ready to spend time playing with the dog to work off some of the breeds extreme energy levels. Dalmatians need a large area to run, so they can run at top speed. This breed works best with someone who is willing to play fetch a lot, and has the presence to command them. Dalmatians can be an extremely loyal breed of dog, but they need an equally strong owner to rule them. Becoming the alpha dog with a Dalmatian requires a very forceful owner. 

Tailor your dog training regimen to the actual nature of your dog breed and the unique personality of your dog.  If you do this you should see better results from your dog training efforts.