Never Let A Good Dog Go Bad! Learn Dog Training In Nigeria

What if you could change any dog just by enrolling in my dog training course?

Alright, Trojanpost reader. If you feel like teaching your dog something new, maybe your puppy isn't obeying simple commands, or you're finding yourself with a dog with problem behaviour. This is your chance to learn how to train your dog the right way.

I'm saying this because this easy-to-follow course will help you build a strong understanding of how to train a puppy. It will also grow your knowledge in everything from obedience training to advanced commands and then show you how to correct problem behaviour in your dog.

Unlike the method I witnessed many years ago, the dog training method in this course is designed to help you build a strong bond with your dog.

Several years ago, when force-based dog training method was still popular, I went out to dog training class with a friend and spent the whole day yelling, giving correction with pain-inducing collar, and even grabbing the dogs by the scruff.

It was an open space and he used “firm hand” to make sure the dogs didn't get away with naughty behaviours. Then he asserted himself as the dominant leader of the pack. He went on to spend the entire time insisting that all what I need to do to be successful as a dog trainer is becoming an alpha dog. I was plainly uninterested and not even trying to hide my frustration. My friend and I barely talked to each other during these dog training sessions because I felt that we were too hard on our furry friends.

Today, punishment-based dog training method is outdated and has been scientifically shown to be associated with risks to dog behaviour and welfare, such as increased fear and anxiety-based behaviours, including aggression.

Because of that, I am now fully committed to good animal welfare practices. So, I give priority to humane and reward-based dog training over punishment because it is effective, and protects the physical and emotional health of dogs while at the same time building a special bond between humans and dogs. That is the reason this dog training guide is written around reward-based method or positive reinforcement.

Dog training is a term often used. It can mean different things to different people leading to some confusion but, I'll try to clarify the concept in this post.

So, before we continue let us learn more about dog training.

What Is Dog Training?

Dog training refers to actions you take in order to manage or change your dog's behaviour at all ages. These actions include activities aimed at socializing your dogs, teaching them to perform desired behaviours, discouraging undesired behaviours, and preventing the development of problem behaviours.

Some dog parents regard dog training as the act of teaching a dog a particular behaviour or skill. Well, that can be true to an extent but, for it to be effective it should include managing or modifying your dog's behaviour humanely and teaching your dog the normal behaviour using the right words and observing your dog's body language.

An effective dog training strategy can turn a shy and aggressive puppy into a calm dog that will be bold enough to face future challenges. It can also change a dog with behaviour problems into well-behaved dog.

One advantage of dog training is that you can build a long lasting relationship with your dog during the entire training process.

Is Dog Training Course In Nigeria Worth It?

With everyone trying to earn a living in Nigeria, it sometimes seems like spending time and money in training a dog is worthless. But if you think training a dog is not worth it, you’re missing out a lot. The truth? Training a dog in Nigeria is very important, and is possibly the best strategy for raising a well-behaved dog at minimal cost.

I'm saying this because there are some dog parents who spent millions of Naira in correcting behaviour problems caused by inability to train their dogs. 

So, is my dog training course in Nigeria worth it?

My dog training course is not only science-based and evidence-based, it is more effective than other dog training methods since it is a reward-based method. In fact, research has shown that dogs trained using aversive methods (punishment) display more stress-related behaviours (e.g., lower posture, more lip licking) than those trained using reward-based method or positive reinforcement. What is even more alarming is that some of these stress-related behaviours persisted even after the dogs were responding reliably and the aversive stimulus was no longer used, suggesting that the use of aversive-based methods can adversely affect your dog's welfare immediately and long-term leading to aggression and other problem behaviours.

Why You Should Enrol In My Dog Training Course In Nigeria

Dog parents who enrolled in my dog training course in Nigeria have reported less frequent aggression and problem behaviour in their dogs. This is to show that my training method is effective. 

My Dog training course is also effective for beginners, non-professional and professional dog trainers.

This dog training course is safe and will not compromise the welfare of your dog or lead to development of other problem behaviour.

Finally, I am available in Nigeria and will always come around to help you out if you're stuck while using this dog training course.

What Type Of Dogs Will Benefit From My Dog Training Course?

Be it pet dogs, shelter dogs, sport dogs and working dogs (e.g., assistance dogs, police dogs); all domestic dogs of all ages in the species Canis familiaris will benefit from this dog training course.  

What Type Of Dog Training Will You Learn?

When you enrol for my dog training course in Nigeria, you'll learn obedience training, puppy training, agility, protection, tracking training and so on. You will also have the chance to enjoy a one-on-one individualized lessons with me.

My dog training course caters for all types of dogs ranging from large breeds, medium-sized breeds, toy dogs and even our local Nigerian dog.

As a give-away for reading up to this point, I'll teach you how to train a local Nigerian dog from puppyhood to adulthood (8 weeks to 2 years). But before we continue, ENROL NOW for my dog training course.

How To Train Local Nigerian Dogs

In Nigeria, the local dog breeds are very common even though they're often neglected when it comes to proper care, training, registration and vaccination. 

I will use this opportunity to teach you how you can successfully train a local Nigerian dog so as to reduce the number of stray dogs on our streets and villages.

I want our local Nigerian dogs to be happy, bark less often, walk without pulling, and reliably follow cues.

In order to achieve these goals, you need to start training your local Nigerian dogs as early as eight weeks. Early training will enhance your dog’s life by helping them learn the skills they need and increase their happiness.

Begin the process by following the steps below:

1. Begin By Selecting A Puppy That Will Suit Your Personality

Recent studies have shown that there's no bad dog. In order to be successful in training a local Nigerian dog, it will make more sense if you select a puppy that fits your temperament.

Finding a good, ethical breeder may be hard but, it is one of the best ways to ensure you are getting off to the right start in obtaining a dog that will be the best fit for you and your family. A good dog breeder can observe their puppies’ personalities and drives thereby matching you with the one that suits your temperament. Same thing applies to puppies from friends and relatives.

I always encourage my clients to adopt instead of buying since there are many local Nigerian dogs in homes and shelters looking for forever homes. So, if you are to adopt, ensure that your needs are clearly disclosed to the owner of the dog or the rescue organisation so that they can match you with the type of dog that matches your temperament.

Local Nigerian dogs are easy to train, but there are some that will require the help of a professional dog trainer. Don't hesitate to ENROL HERE if you're stuck.

FROM 8 TO 16 WEEKS

2. Socialize Your Local Nigerian Dogs

Local Nigerian puppies have a critical socialization window that closes at 12 to 16 weeks of life. You need to key into this window so that your puppies learn which strangers are threatening and those that are friendly.

Local Nigerian dogs are observant, and your puppy will learn from you quickly especially how you relate with strangers, neighbours, new situations and places. I'll advise you to expose your dog to different kinds of people including children, adults and aged in a non-threatening way during this period. This will boost your puppies' confident among friendly strangers instead of being aggressive and fearful.

You can socialize your local Nigerian puppies by exposing them to new sights, smells, sounds, other dogs, animals and people. However, this should be carefully done after your puppies have been vaccinated. Even after receiving their shots, only visit places that are safe, dog-friendly and human-friendly.

I always recommend a three-minute game that is short and fun-filled. This will engage your puppies with you and expose them to noises, uneven surfaces, weird sounds and other family members.

The local Nigerian dogs are easy to groom since they shed less but, try and introduce them to grooming tools like nail clippers, combs, and brushes, as early as possible.

If you socialize your puppies well, they will be more confident to deal with different situations in future.

3. Give Your Local Nigerian Dogs Crate Training

At eight weeks to sixteen weeks, introduce your puppies to crates so that they become familiar with  them and love going there to spend some time alone.

Spending some time alone in a crate can help in reducing the risk of developing anxiety separation behaviour in future.

You can begin crate training by using the crate for feeding times (for five to ten minutes inside the crate), and at times when you need to do daily chores.

4. Housetrain your Local Nigerian Dogs

If you crate train your local Nigerian dogs, it will be easier to housetrain them. If house-trained properly, puppies do best on a regular schedule.

The schedule teaches them that there are times to eat, times to play and times to do their business. Since puppies can control their bladders one hour for every month of age, ensure that you don't go longer than their age between bathroom breaks or an accident will occur.

In order to housetrain your local Nigerian puppies effectively, take them outside frequently - at least every two hours - and immediately after they wake up, during and after playing, and after eating or drinking. But make sure that you pick a bathroom spot outside, and always take your puppy (on a leash) to that spot consistently. While your puppy is relieving themselves, use a specific word or phrase that you can eventually use before they go to remind them what to do. Take them out for a longer walk or some playtime only after they have eliminated.

Reward your puppy every time they eliminate outdoors. Praise or give treats but, remember to do so immediately after they’ve finished, not after they come back inside.

FROM 3 TO 9 MONTHS

5. Expose Your Local Nigerian Dogs To Obedience Training

Your local Nigerian dogs can help in guiding your home, properties and even assit you with some tasks. But you have to help your dogs through early and ongoing training.

You can start by teaching your dogs the basic obedience commands such as “SIT”, “STAY”, “DOWN”, etc. You can learn more about how to do this by reading my dog raising tips. 

If you find it difficult to follow the steps, enrol in my puppy obedience course or take your dogs to puppy training class near you.

6. Teach Your Local Nigerian Dogs To Master The “Recall” Command

There are times when you will need to recall your local Nigerian dogs from attacking people or other animals. So start teaching your dogs to come when called as early as possible. It will take lots of time for your dogs to master this command but if you're patient in training, it can be achieved. Don't joke with this command because it is very important in saving the lives of other dogs, people, and even your dogs. So, getting a reliable recall after months of practice is worth it.

7. Teach Your Local Nigerian Dogs Impulse Control

Teaching your local Nigerian dogs how to control their impulses is very vital. It is one of the ways you can curb behaviour problems whenever your dogs get bored.

When your dogs know how to control their impulses, digging, inappropriate chasing, and excessive barking will reduce.

You can help your dogs to achieve this by getting them to focus on you. Begin by asking your dog to sit before getting food, playing with toys, or go outside to play.

Impulse control is also very important for your dog but they will need time to master it. As your dogs progress in obedience training, introduce them to more advanced commands or tricks but, ensure that they're rewarded while executing them.

FROM 9 MONTHS TO 24 MONTHS

Your local Nigerian puppies will be matured enough after one year. By this time, puppyhood will come to an end but, I'll advise you to continue teaching them impulse control, advanced obedience skills, agility, protection, and so on, throughout this period.

Conclusion

There are many places offering dog training in Nigeria. But it will make more sense if you enrol your dogs in a dog training course hosted by an animal behaviour consultant. The benefits of this cannot be overemphasized. So join other Nigerian dog parents who are already benefiting from this course by ENROLLING NOW.

However, if you're unable to enrol in my dog training course, learn how to train local Nigerian dogs by following the steps outlined in this article.

If you follow the steps from eight weeks to 24 months, your local Nigerian dogs will not only be well-behaved but, will live with you happily.