You might have thought you had a good dog, but you could have ended up with a bad one. Proper training can transform your puppy, into the Lassie you thought you’d brought home.
Use control to acknowledge positive behavior while training. If your dog follows a training command properly, then it is acceptable to reward the behavior to a calm animal. While you might be pleased, acting too excited may cause the dog to get agitated, lessening your control. Stay calm and bestow rewards calmly too.
Repetition is what causes a dog to learn. It is said that a human only masters something when they do it 10,000 times, and dogs are no different, although it should take much less repetitions than that! Firmly and steadily repeat the command. Remain patient and eventually the command will be learned.
Choose the right dog crate size if you wish to utilize the crate effectively to train him. Don’t forget, your puppy will grow. Choose a large enough crate to offer extra space beyond your dog’s dimensions. Don’t restrict the size so much so that the dog cannot lie or turn easily.
Do not allow your pet to become complacent in his training. Establish a clear set of rules and stick with it at all times. One of the most common mistakes pet owners make is assuming that once training has been completed, no maintenance is required thereafter. However, pets and humans share similar habit systems. Dogs, much like kids, do best when they have limits and rules.
Always use positive reinforcement to train your dog. Remember to show your dog positive attention when they do something good as often as you can. Don’t yell and/or hit your dog. Not only are those things ineffective, but they are also cruel. Firmness, positivity and consistency are the keys to solid dog training.
Teach your puppy his or her name before you start to train him or her, as this creates a bond. Call him by name frequently, and teach him to come when called. You should teach your puppy these words first. Spend plenty of quality time with them, so that they know that they can trust you. More advanced training will be much easier later if your dog trusts and loves you.
Call your pooch by his name to keep his attention focused on you. Use his name more when he is a puppy. By the time he is grown, he will automatically give you his attention when you say his name. For best results, the dog’s name should be short and not sound like any other word in the English language.
Accidents are a part of training your puppy to go potty outside. Always clean up accidents right away to help with the training process and keeping the area sanitary. Smells from urine and feces can linger in a carpet and attract your pet to return to the same spot for elimination. Check any local stores or pet shops for products that are specifically designed to remove the urine smell from a carpet.
Praise is just as important as rewards when you are training your dog. Smile often and keep treats handy to ensure that the positive reinforcement is quick and consistent. Do not reward unwanted behavior. This will cause your dog to think that he is doing something good.
Expect the occasional setback when you are training your dog, but don’t give up! Through constant and positive reinforcement, you will be able to train your dog to retain the behaviors you teach them. Keep in mind that training your dog is an on-going process, and just as important as providing him with food and shelter.
Bringing dogs on a trip means bringing all their supplies, too. Some treats, a bottle of water and a favorite blanket will go a long way towards making the trip more comfy for everyone. You shouldn’t bother taking some of their food on your trip. It’s a lot simpler to just buy food whenever you arrive at your destination.
Does your dog consume a healthy diet? Like kids, dogs can also act out if they are not eating well. Think about altering the dog’s diet to give him extra energy that lasts the entire day. Consult your veterinarian about any special dietary needs that your dog might require.
People are often amazed about how easy it can be to train your dog and how quick they see changes. So if the relationship with your dog is not as good as it should be, try a few of these suggestions.