Train Dogs Early

Train Dogs Early

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
Hunters if you use a dog listen closely to this. A dog's breed can determine how well it follows human commands, according to a new study from Oregon State University that found that dogs bred for predatory traits are better at following some human gestures. OSU tested three breeds of dogs used for specific purposes: hunting, herding and livestock-guarding. Monique Udell, an animal scientist at OSU and lead author of the study said “This may allow us to make better placement, ownership and training decisions in the future. We can set dogs up to succeed by capitalizing on each breed's inherent strengths instead of treating all dogs as if they came from the same mold”. Dr. Udell does say that even though specific dogs are pre-wired for certain behaviors, the earlier you get to training, the better the results: "You take some hunting breeds and they have this preparation genetically to engage in these types of behaviors even without training but they do still have to be exposed to the right types of things like what might eventually be a prey or something that they will have to chase later in life, they need exposure early in life to fully develop that capacity. If you want them to be an active hunting dog, certainly breeding is helpful but you also want to get the training started early or at least exposure to those types of activities that they will be engaged in later in life, early.”

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