Dog training in the military is actually a two-step process that begins by first training the people who will be training or handling the dogs for vital military duties, such as detecting explosives and/or drugs. Becoming a handler for a military working dog (MWD) takes several weeks of training and prepares you for several future civilian careers, since many law enforcement departments utilize trained dogs for law and order operations.
Many of the dog training techniques used in the military and in law enforcement can be duplicated if you are interested in training your dog to protect you, your family, or your business. For example, one of the first things a dog handler does when being assigned an MWD is build a relationship with the dog and gain its trust. Spending time with the dog every day is necessary to create a bond. Grooming your dog every day also helps build the relationship and alerts you to any health concerns, such as fleas, ticks, or injuries. It is important that dog training be done in a consistent manner, using the same commands spoken in the same voice each time and rewarding good behavior. Dog training takes time, so don’t try to rush it. You’ll need to go at their pace, not yours, to master the basics and then refresh them every now and then.
An important part of dog training is recognizing that dogs aren’t different than people when it is all work and no play. Expect days that don’t go well and learn to give them a break when they need it rather than force things. Incorporate some fun along with the training, and you’ll enjoy a stronger bond to be a great team. You should also expect that not all dogs can learn all tasks. Just like people, they’ll have things they are strong in and some they just cannot seem to grasp. There are also some that just won’t progress no matter how good your dog training expertise is.
Here at Dogs By Andy K-9 Services, we offer dog training classes that can help you achieve success with your dog. Whether you are looking for basic obedience training, leash training, protection training, or search & detection training, we have the dog training experience that will make a difference. Contact us today to learn more.
