It’s common for new dog owners to begin their training journeys without professional help. After all, there are plenty of online resources that go over training basics. The problem is that some owners don’t see the success they’re hoping for when working alone. How do you know when DIY dog training isn’t enough and it’s time to invest in one-on-one help? Read on to discover the top signs that your dog needs professional in-home dog training.
Your Dog Isn’t Food Motivated
Almost every training resource you find is going to reference the use of treats during the dog training process. They might tell you to use high-value food for picky dogs or low-calorie treats for overweight dogs, but they’re not likely to tell you what to do if your dog isn’t motivated by food at all.
Most training systems require you to offer something your dog wants in exchange for the behavioral responses you want. If your dog doesn’t care much about food, a professional trainer can help you find creative ways to keep her focused and excited to learn.
You’re Struggling in One or More Key Areas
In the first few days, you noticed a lot of progress. Maybe your dog picked up certain commands, like sit and stay, with ease. Maybe they mastered potty training, and accidents quickly became a thing of the past. Now, you’re hitting a plateau.
In-home dog training is designed to meet your dog’s unique needs. You’ll have your trainer’s full attention, and they can not only observe and amend your training style but also take over as needed. Whether you’re struggling with leash walking, calm greetings, or recall, a professional trainer can help.
Your Dog Is Exhibiting Behavioral Problems
Some training challenges have straightforward solutions. For example, you may need to try a different dog training methodology or change up your reward system. You may even need to adjust your expectations, as some dogs simply require more repetitions before nailing a new behavior. However, some training plateaus reflect behavioral problems that may require a direct intervention.
Behavioral problems run the gamut from separation anxiety to leash reactivity to resource guarding. Dogs who are high-anxiety or have a history of trauma are more likely to exhibit these kinds of behaviors, and it can take the intervention of a behavioralist, veterinarian, and professional trainer to see significant improvement.
You’re Looking for Faster Results
You anticipated that adopting a dog would require you to make some adjustments to your schedule. You accounted for early morning feedings and mid-day walks. You even carved out time to play every day. What you didn’t expect was how much time it would take to take your dog from wild and reckless to trained and happy.
In as little as a few hours over the course of two weeks, a professional in-home trainer can help you see fast, lasting results. At ADU, our trainers provide hands-on private dog training for the dogs who need a little more one-on-one time. Learn more about our training programs today!