Of course you can train your dog by yourself, but many people lack the education, consistency and dog behavior knowledge to do so beyond the basics. That is why there are professional dog trainers who specialize in dog behavior such as myself. Keep reading to determine if you can train your dog yourself.
Start an Obedience Program
There are so many options online to teach certain obedience. These include: Sit, Down, Stay, Recall etc. This sets you up for the basics.
Make it fun
Train with Games. When you make it fun your dog wants to learn.
Positive Reinforcement
Reward for behaviors you want and redirect and guide away from ones you do not.
House Training and Crate Training
These go hand in hand. Use the crate as a safe space. Keep your dog on a schedule to the best of your ability to avoid accidents. Always supervise young dogs to avoid destruction and potty accidents. If they do potty, stay calm and take them outside. Crate train with you in the room and out. Start with short periods and go from there. Also add fun things in the crate such as a lick mat or enrichment when they are in the crate. Crate training will come in handy if you have to board your dog or take them to the vet or groomer. It also helps prevent separation anxiety
Leash Training
Start with the duration of the leash being loose and marking and rewarding for it, Build steps as they get better. Avoid over excitement on the leash and make sure to desensitize them to wearing it and any other harness or collar. Take to new safe places and expose yourself to environments with calm behaviors and avoid on leash greetings.
Socialization
Teach them to be calm in everyday environments. Avoid on leash greetings unless super calm. Expose to new smells, sounds and textures, Go at your dogs pace
