Does your dogs behavior frustrate you? If that’s the case, your dog might need more training. Focusing a little more on training will help with pet obedience. This article will give you the tips you need to start properly training your dog.
When training a puppy to use a crate it is important to take your time and start with only a few steps at a time. When they seem comfortable in it with the door open, try shutting the gate and feed them treats through the wires. Use small increments of time, and build them up as your puppy or dog becomes more relaxed with the process. If your pet seems upset or agitated, you may need to slow down.
If you have to keep your dogs outside, never tie them up too close to one another. The restraints for each dog can become tangled and in an effort to free themselves, they can be injured. Situations like this can cause dogs of various sizes to cause fatal injuries if not properly monitored. Always err on the side of caution.
During the training your dog process, take care not to inadvertently reinforce bad behavior. Don’t give praise or treats to your dog if it does something wrong. You should not pet your dog when it jumps on you or acknowledge its barking.
“Quiet” is a command you will probably want to teach your dog. When he barks, show him his favorite treat, and repeat the command. “Quiet” works well. Then, you are able to reward the dog. Eventually they will stop barking altogether as a result of the positive association.
Use a steady and commanding tone when speaking to your dog. Your dog is sensitive to the tone of your voice and can sense your feelings based on it. A dog will realize that a stern tone means that he is being disciplined.
To prevent the dog from biting people or furniture or otherwise causing damage, use a water bottle to spray him. This will show the pooch that there are consequences to these actions. Before long, your dog will no long display these behaviors.
Short training session are better suited to your dog’s attention span. Sessions should be nor more than 15 minutes to avoid frustrating the dog, which is counterproductive. End each session by praising your dog.
Is your dog getting its ideal diet? A dog who is not eating a healthy diet is much more prone to hyperactivity, bad behavior and aggressiveness. Find out what your dog’s breed needs in terms of nutrition and then meet those needs. Ask your vet to recommend the appropriate diet for your dog’s age, breed and activity level.
“Down” is an important command for dogs to learn. You can use this in emergencies, but also as a stepping stone to many other training skills. “Down” is the perfect command to keep dogs out of danger.
Use good treats that are irresistible to your dog. A good example would be a normally forbidden treat, like little pieces of hotdogs or cheese.
When training your dog against improper chewing, be sure to set them up for success. Even more so, an inappropriately-chewing dog needs to be protected. Any objects which your dog could choke on or become entangled in should be kept out of reach.
Address boredom barking. You are at fault if your dog has been barking because of boredom. This means he isn’t getting proper mental stimulation and exercise. You can solve this problem by playing with him and taking regular, daily walks. If you can’t be around, leave your dog some chew toys.
If specific things trigger bad behavior in your pup, distract him while you are passing the temptation. If your dog is not friendly with other dogs, distract him when other dogs pass by. This will allow him to make the relation between the positive stimuli and positive things happening.
You can easily reinforce good behavior by using a clicker. To start using a clicker, all you need to do is make a positive association between the noise the clicker makes and great things happening. Start by clicking and immediately giving a reward, and repeat this several times a day for a few days. Soon enough, your dog will recognize that this noise means “great,” turning the clicker into a useful tool for shaping desirable behavior.
Taking time to train dogs properly can let you have more time for fun together. You may feel that your dog won’t ever behave, but sticking to training can help you see some great results. By using this advice, you can successfully train your dog.
Other Questions People Ask
How can I start training my dog to be comfortable in a crate?
Begin by introducing your dog to the crate gradually, starting with short periods with the door open. Use treats to reward your dog for staying relaxed near or inside the crate, and slowly increase the time they spend inside. If your dog shows signs of distress, slow down and give them more time to adjust. Consistency and patience are key to making crate training successful for every dog.
What are effective ways to teach my dog the "Quiet" command during barking episodes?
Show your dog a treat they love when they bark, then give the "Quiet" command in a firm, steady tone. When your dog stops barking, immediately reward them with the treat to reinforce the behavior. Practice this consistently to help your dog associate the command with stopping barking, leading to better control over their noise levels.
How do I prevent my dog from chewing on furniture or other inappropriate objects?
Use a water spray bottle to deter your dog from biting or chewing on unwanted items, showing them there are consequences for these actions. Provide appropriate chew toys to redirect their chewing behavior and keep dangerous objects out of reach. Consistent correction and offering suitable alternatives will help your dog learn what is acceptable to chew.
What should I consider when training a dog to focus on commands like "Down"?
Use irresistible treats like cheese or hotdogs to motivate your dog during training sessions. Practice the "Down" command in short, frequent sessions to match their attention span, ending each session with praise. Reinforcing this command helps keep your dog safe and provides a foundation for more advanced training.