Silken Windhound is one of the easier breeds to train because of its eager-to-please behavior towards their master. They soak up training methods quickly and easily because of their intelligence. So, early training and positive reinforcement are essential for their acceptable behavior.

Although they are easy to train, you must learn the proper method to teach them as it defines their personality for the rest of their life. Here are some training strategies and techniques to help you train your Silken Windhound.

When To Train Silken Windhound

Training is a very important part of a dog’s life hence, start training them as soon as possible. It’s better to start when they reach 8-10 weeks old as their desire to please helps them to learn more speedily. Teach them some obedience with simple command training at first as it might take some time to master all things at once. Then coach them for potty and housebreaking training.

8 weeks old Silken Windhound puppy.
Image Source: Silken Windhounds of Morgandell

As they reach 4 months old, start their advanced training as they must have mastered all basic and obedience training by now. After that, slowly move on to their next level training that includes agility, dog race, and other dog sports. You must train them every day for a short period of time as they don’t misbehave in the future. However, a little vacation or break from training won’t be harmful.

Where To Train Silken Windhound

Train your dog inside the house from the time you bring them home. For friendly dog-like Silken Windhound, you should make them familiar to your household and other family members. Likewise, their obedience training should be done in an open space like a garden, park, or backyard with no distraction around them.

When they became more familiar with the surrounding, take them outdoors for training. By this time, they won’t get distracted easily so, take them to the park for advanced training. Make sure you teach leash training as outdoor training can be dangerous for strangers. However, if you are having a hard time training them then you can always send them to the training center.

Silken Windhound getting an award from the training center.
Image Source: www.starfyresilkenwindhounds.com

How To Define Task For Silken Windhound?

Defining the task for Silken Windhound can be a little challenging for first-time owners. So, to define the task, make sure you use simple one-word commands for them to understand easily. Use words like ‘sit’, ‘come’, ‘go’, ‘jump’, ‘heel’, ‘no’, and so on. Every dog are different as some learn fast whereas some learn slowly hence, it’s best to keep your patience while teaching.

You can define tasks by your hand gesture or visual representation as it can be more understandable to them. For instance, if you teach the ‘jump’ command show them what it means in repetition. As they do it correctly, reward him with treats for continuous motivation.

Training Methods

There are many training processes to train your Silken Windhound however, always choose the easy and effective ones for both you and your dog. Below are some of the methods widely used for every dog.

Positive Reinforcement

This method is one of the most effective to use while training your dog. All you do is show positive behavior towards them. It helps the owner and pet to have a positive mindset during training. Whenever they show good behavior reward them with a treat but when bad behavior is shown no reward or acknowledgment for them. Continuously praise them during their training for motivation and for better results.

Relationship Based Training

Relationship-based training is all about the bond shared between the owner and Silken Windhound. This bond helps you to know your dog better from their behavior and body language. Sometimes, your dog doesn’t act in its natural ways so, this method is best to know the root cause of it. As they are desired to please you, it’s easier to bond with them.

Silken Windhound with his master in swimming training.
Image Source: Instagram

Clicker Training

Clicker training is a method where you use the sound of ‘click’ instead of praising or rewarding them. Teach them some commands and if they do it correctly click the device and let them know it’s correct. However, if they don’t do it correctly click another button that creates a different sound. The different sounds ensure the dog that they aren’t doing it properly. At the end of their training session reward and praise them to end the session on good notes.

Training Strategies

  • Avoid physical punishments at all costs.
  • Patience and motivation throughout training.
  • Go to a professional if there is difficulty in training.
  • Choose a distraction-free area.
  • Set a routine for training.

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