A List of Resources for Training Your Dog
Are you the proud new owner of a furry friend and looking for resources to help with dog training?
Whether you're a new dog owner or an experienced trainer, various resources are available to help you train your dog.
These resources offer a range of benefits, including bonding, behavioral training, socialization, mental stimulation, and safety.
In this blog, I'll share more details and direct links to training content so you can build a better relationship with your dog today! 😄 Don’t miss the link to our free puppy training app.
Benefits of Dog Training
Training a puppy has a long list of benefits for both the puppy and their owner.
Here are a few of the main advantages of training your pup (at any age):
1. Mental Stimulation
Training a puppy provides the mental stimulation that can help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. A bored puppy will often look for ways to entertain themselves, which can lead to chewing on furniture or digging in the backyard. Training can provide an outlet for a dog's natural desire to learn and problem-solve.
2. Bonding
Training a puppy is a great way to bond with your new companion. Not only will you be spending time together, but you'll also be learning to communicate and work together. This can help deepen your relationship and make for a happier, more fulfilling life for both of you.
3. Behavioral Training
Teaching your puppy basic commands such as sit, stay, come, heel, and down can prevent problem behaviors from developing. Training your puppy early on can help prevent issues such as barking, biting, and separation anxiety from becoming major problems later.
4. Socialization
Puppies exposed to a variety of people, places, and experiences early on are less likely to develop behavioral issues related to fear or anxiety. Training classes are a great way to socialize your puppy and expose them to different environments and situations.
5. Physical Exercise
Training a puppy requires physical activity, which can help keep them in shape and healthy. Training sessions can be a form of exercise for you and your pup.
6. Safety
Training your puppy on safety commands such as ‘Come’, ‘Leave it’, ‘Drop it’, ‘Off’, etc. can prevent dangerous situations. This can prevent them from running off and getting lost or getting into something harmful.
4 Resources for Training Your Dog
In-person dog training classes
On-demand courses (FREE training course!)
Books
Ellie Golden Life
1. In-Person Dog Training Classes
In-person puppy classes offer a number of benefits for both the puppy and the owner.
Provide an opportunity for socialization.
Puppies need to learn how to interact with other dogs and people in a controlled environment, and puppy classes offer a safe and supervised space. This can help prevent fearfulness and aggression later in life.
➡️ Learn more about the importance of socialization in this blog.
Allow for direct instruction and guidance from a professional trainer.
Trainers can provide hands-on demonstrations, answer questions, and give real-time feedback on training techniques. This can be especially helpful for new dog owners who may need to become more familiar with training methods.
Offer a structured and consistent training environment.
Puppies thrive on routine and consistency, and attending a class regularly can help establish good habits and behaviors.
Provide a space for owners to ask questions, share concerns and learn from other dog owners.
This is very helpful for new dog owners who find it challenging to find the answers to the questions they have by themselves.
Create a fun and enjoyable bonding experience for both the puppy and the owner.
It can be a great way to spend quality time with your new puppy while also helping them become a well-behaved and well-trained companion.
The in-person sessions I have attended with Ellie and Emma are typically 1 hour per week for 5-7 weeks.
2. On-Demand Courses
In-person dog training has many benefits, but training should continue at home. If you're looking for a supplemental resource, check out The Hapco FREE Puppy Program.
This program includes:
Before Getting Your Puppy. The most important things to do in order to prepare for this new addition to your family.
After Getting Your Puppy. A four-week program to build a solid training foundation.
Resources. Additional guides about our most asked topics, such as potty training, crate training, and puppy biting.
Interested in training your dog to become a therapy dog?
One way to prepare for becoming a therapy dog team, which is sometimes a prerequisite, depending on what organization you join, is the CGC (Canine Good Citizen) exam.
Regardless of your training goals, this is something I HIGHLY recommend, because it recognizes dogs with good manners at home and in the community.
We just released our CGC prep course on The Hapco All Access, which provides a detailed overview of the exam and how to confidently train for each skill.
3. Books for Dog Training
I believe we often expect a lot from our pets and want them to understand the rules of human society, but it is up to us to teach them.
However, this is not inherent knowledge to us, and it is important to take the time to educate yourself on dog training before your puppy comes home. If you wait until they come home, you may have less free time and quickly fall behind.
You can do this in a fun way, and it will enrich your lives for years to come.
Here are four books I have read multiple times and highly recommend:
4. Ellie Golden Life Training Content
My wife and I have used all of the above resources to train our two golden retrievers, Ellie and Emma.
We believe training is an investment in the future. A well-trained pup will be a pleasure to have around and a better companion for life. It will help you build a stronger bond and make you a more responsible owner.
Ellie and Emma’s training has allowed us to go on so many adventures as a family. We are inspired to share our training knowledge through blogs and short and long-form videos.
Here are direct links to some of our most popular training content!
EllieGoldenLife on YouTube
Subscribe to EllieGoldenLife on YouTube to catch all of our training content.
See a preview of Ellie and Emma’s training in action
Learn how to get your dog to drop that sock! You’ll want to grab some high-value treats for this one.
@elliegoldenlife Drop it is such a good cue to learn #goldenretrieverlife #dogtraining #dog ♬ original sound - Golden Retriever Life
Our Popular Training Blogs
➡️ Puppy Training Week 1: Transform Your Puppy into a Well-Trained Companion
➡️ Socializing Your Puppy: A Golden Opportunity for Lifelong Success
➡️ Become a Pro at Positive Reinforcement Training with Your Dog
➡️ The Benefits and Techniques of Crate Training for Dogs
➡️ Brew-tastic Training: How to Get Your Dog to Bring You a Cold One
I hope you find a combination of all these resources helpful for training your pup because each comes with its unique benefit.
Remember investing in training comes with long term benefits and will make you and your dog happier and healthier. 😀
If you have any feedback, questions, comments, or just want to talk about your pup… We’ll see you in the comments!! 🤗
You can find most of our training products on our Amazon page.
Blogs
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