Many dogs are dropped off at an animal shelter by owners perturbed by their pet’s behavior; however, with proper training this situation can be avoided. Proper training can make any dog a valuable and loving asset for any family. Turning your dog into such a dog does not have to be a difficult process, if you’re willing to invest the time and follow a few simple steps.
You should have a specific feeding pattern for your dog. Your dog should be fed at the same time everyday and they should only have a certain amount of time to eat. Soon your dog will be finished with the meal before you are ready to remove the dish.
Make sure that the only items your dog can reach are chew toys that are specifically made for dogs. Offer your puppy a variety of acceptable items to chew on. A wet frozen washcloth is great for a puppy, who has teething pain, to chew on.
You have to be consistent with the crate training of your new puppy. When you allow the puppy to come out of the crate, you have to immediately and without fail give him the chance to relieve his bladder. When done with consistency, your dog will trust you and wait for the right time to relieve himself.
Pick a recognizable phrase to verbalize to your puppy during house training. Tell the dog a phrase, like “go potty!”, whenever you go outside to help your dog keep the goal of going outside in mind.
Understand that getting your dog to respond during the times that you tell him or her ‘no’ is not helpful. The most effective means of training a dog involves mostly positive reinforcements. It takes more than a single syllable to elicit the desired response from your dog. Each dog is unique and has unique requirements. Training should be geared towards their needs and personality.
Watch the tone you use when you discipline your dog. Dogs pick up on subtle changes in their owner’s voices. An appropriate firm tone can really reinforce a disciplinary message.
Accidents are bound to happen while housebreaking your puppy. Get rid of accidents immediately to improve training efficiency. Urine and feces scents can attack to the fibers of your carpet, which will lead to your dog repeatedly using the bathroom in that spot. Many pet stores or big box stores sell products that help to eliminate the odors from pet accidents.
Use different tones when training your dog. Praise, corrections, and commands need their own tones to help the dog differentiate between effects and causes with both of your behaviors. You need to talk to them in a firm tone of voice if you are correcting them.
Consistency makes it easier to teach your dog how to control himself. When you’re at home, spend enough time with your pet and take him out of the house every hour. Praise him when he uses the bathroom outside. When he goes inside, don’t punish him. It does not know better, and yelling will just scare him. Make it a rule that fifteen minutes after the dog eats or drinks, he is taken out for a walk. As well, he should be taken out each time he is let out of the crate.
Challenging though it may be, you can have a dog who is obedient, loving and healthy. It is important to train your dog and give him lots of attention and love. Follow the steps listed above and your dog will become, and remain, an important part of your family.