Afghan Hound are large aloof dogs with its own streak of independence. If you are looking for a dog which can form a strong bond with you, then Afghans are not the right breed for you.

However, training is very essential for this stubborn and independent dog to make a good companion and watch dogs in the house. Here are some easy methods and strategies which can help you to train your pet.

When And Where To Start Training Your Afghan Hound?

Everybody has the same confusion about when to start the training of your new pet. Well, you can start the training when you bring them home with simple commands. However, formal training are not useful until your Afghan Hound reach the age of 6 months.

Start training your Afghan Hounds at the age of 7-8 weeks with commands like, “sit”, “down” and “stay” with positive encouragements and treats.

You can enroll them in the obedience classes or puppy kindergarten to help them socialize and learn new things. You can also use your big back yard with playthings like frisbee and balls.

How To Define Task For Your Afghan Hound?

Defining task is the hardest part of the training session also with dogs like Afghan Hound who has the independent streak and a strong mind of his own.

Afghan Hound Puppy attending the training.

Repeat the command frequently until they don’t master in it. Using one command a day can help you along with a demo. Hold your hand out to command like “sit”. Offer a treat when your Afghan Hound fulfills your expectations.

The Training Process

Alpha Dog Or Dominance

The Alpha Dog training methods suggests the dog see their family as their pack and follow a social hierarchy. When the dogs see themselves as the alpha they should learn how to respect their owners as alpha.

With this alpha training, there are some rules like, you cannot allow your dog on your bed also don’t get down to your dog’s eye level. With this, you are the alpha, you are the dominant. To a dog like Afghan Hound, this method is very essential as they are stubborn and may become dominant at times.C

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the most helpful method of training. As we all know dogs reply only when we treat them nicely. If given punishments, they will become stubborn.

Encourage them with rewards in minor situations too, so that they will start feeling training like a fun. For dogs like Afghan Hounds, positive reinforcement methods works the best as they are independent and stubborn pet at times.

Clicker Training

Clicker Training is has the same principles as positive reinforcement. It relies on the use of a device to make a quick sharp noise such as whistle. The advantage of using clicker training is that it helps to signal the exact moment the behavior is finished or exactly what is being rewarded.

Trainers can use the clicker to shape new behavior and to add commands. First, you should teach your dog that a click means a reward is coming then the dog can associate with a click and a reward.

Building Relationship Training

Building relationship training is the most important part of the training when you have a dog like Afghan Hounds. They are not that much friendly with people. This training is a must for them to understand the relation between the owner and the dog.

A relationship training leads to deep and meaningful bond however it takes time and patience. The owner should be aware of the dog’s body language and what makes his pet more happy.

Strategies And Techniques To Make Training Easy

When you have a dog like Afghan Hound it is automatically hard to train your long haired dog. These dogs are stubborn and independent. When it comes to training Afghan Hound it may tend to be the alpha dog. However, here are some easy strategies to make the training even easier.

Avoid Punishment

Punishment increases anxiety and makes hard for your dog to trust you. It may also lead to aggression. Instead offer him the things he desired and wait until he clears out his head.

Make Training A Habit

Don’t ever think about training Afghan Hound only once a week or a day, make it a daily routine for you and your dog. Using commands like “sit”, “go”, or more are the part of the training as well. It is as simple as asking your dog for a specific behavior.

Go Slowly

You cannot just pile up commands on your dog. Going step by step is much more helpful than just asking to do it the second you command them. Use one command a day or until they don’t get it does it on their own.

Lastly, the behavior you will show your pet matters the most. No matter how hardly you train them, if you can’t act like a friend or make them feel that training is fun you cannot have a wonderful companion in your house as you wanted.

For more training strategies and techniques visit Doglime.

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