Catahoula Leopard Dog Training
The Catahoula Leopard dogs were originally bred for herding. These dogs are medium-sized dogs filled with high energy.
As they are working dogs, they require regular exercise and proper training. Here in this article, you will find the best training methods and strategies to apply while training a Catahoula Leopard.
When and Where To Start The Training?
The answer for when to start the training depends upon the age of the Catahoula Leopard dog. If it’s still a puppy, then start training when they reach the age of 8 weeks old.
While training always remembers to keep the training session only about 10-15 minutes a day. In addition, don’t forget to end the training on a positive note.
You can either choose to train at home or send them to puppy training classes. Therefore, if you choose to train at home, they will get familiar and tend to thrive towards training as they are within their own surrounding.
How To Define Task To Catahoula Leopard Dogs?
Defining a task is not as easy as you think. It is hard if you are a first-time dog owner.
Educate yourself about training methods before you take the bait. Furthermore, if you are not confident enough then the Catahoula Leopard will take no time to take over the place.
Besides being dominant, the Catahoula Leopard may also face problems understanding your commands and if you cannot deliver the cues properly. If the problem arises seek help from professionals.
Use simple commands at first to make the session easy and keep the Catahoula Leopard interested in it. reward them seconds after they complete the task.
Training Methods
Some of the important and effective dog training methods for the Catahoula Leopard dogs are :
Relationship Based Training
Relationship-based training helps you as it encourages you to build a strong relationship between you and the Catahoula Leopard. This helps you to understand whether your dog is willing to perform the training or not. In such cases, you need to understand their behavior and act accordingly.
This training works both ways, training, and building a relationship with your dog as well. When you start communicating with your dog it actually helps in defining commands as well. In addition, the Catahoula Leopard will know what you expect from them.
Reward Based Training
This training helps to develop positive attitude in your dog. Reward based training needs consistency and should reward only the behavior which are acceptable.
However, you cannot always reward their behavior. There is a difference between which behavior to accept and which behavior to correct. In addition, everybody in the family shall reward the same behavior only.
Reward your dog when they perform the commands correctly. Hence, reward does not only mean treats; it can be their favorite toys or praises as well. This will help the Catahoula Leopard stay motivated and keep their focus on performing the task.
Leash Training
Leash training is important not only for the Catahoula Leopard dogs but every dog breed. It is important that you teach your dog how to walk on leash. Hence, it is for the safety of both the parties; the dog as well as the people on the road.
Introduce the leash to them by trying shorter distance initially. The Catahoula Leopard dogs have high possibility to chase small animals. Therefore it is very important you leash train them.
Keep the leash loose at first so that the Catahoula Leopard won’t feel uncomfortable. Furthermore, you can increase the distance day by day as the training goes on.
Training Strategies
These are some training strategies you should consider applying while training a Catahoula Leopard dog.
Avoid Punishments: If the Catahoula Leopard is not willing to perform any task, let them be for a moment. Punishing and raising voice to them is never a solution. It will only make them more stubborn. Encourage and motivate them towards training.
Wait and Repeat: It is normal that the Catahoula Leopard may not understand your command at first. However, repeat them and give them some time to relax. Repeat the task once they are willing to perform.
All in all, don’t give up on training if you don’t think its working. Instead, seek help from the professionals to give them proper training.
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Catahoulas were bred for killing lions and other wild beasts in Louisiana when they had them.