Part of being a responsible dog owner is recognizing the important role training plays in a dog’s life. Whether it’s basic obedience or advanced training, dogs must be socialized and taught how to be good canine citizens. Training is also necessary to keeping your dog happy and safe. Here are some useful tips on finding a proper trainer, or becoming a good one yourself.
Putting your dog on a regular schedule of feeding and walks will help to regulate his system, so he will be easier to house train. Once you’ve established a schedule, it will be easier to predict when your dog needs to go to the bathroom. Following a schedule will also help your dog learn how to “hold it” until his next potty break.
The daily training sessions with your dog should be fun. A sense of play brings you and your dog together. This bond makes the dog more responsive to your commands and training him easier. While training can be considered fun, be prepared to spend some time just playing as well.
If you are going to be doing any training you need to know how to enforce the rules. Primary reinforcement makes use of something that is already inherent for a dog to love getting as a reward when they behave. Some of the most effective rewards include dog bones, treats and affectionate scratching or petting. This teaches your dog something that they desire.
Always use positive reinforcement to train your dog. Reward your pet using petting, small treats and positive vocal cues. Don’t ever yell at or hit your dog. This never works, and your dog will sense that you are cluelss. Instead, show your dog what you expect and reward his obedience.
Use your dog’s name often to get and keep his attention. When you first get a dog it is important to say his name often, so that he will associate it to himself and will be more apt to pay attention to you when you call it. Pick a name that is distinguished and no longer than two syllables.
Keep track of how many treats used to reward your dog every day for a healthy diet. To keep your dog healthy, you really need to monitor their treat intake. It’s an aspect often overlooked.
If you desire to leash train your dog, the first thing that you must do is to use a collar on him while you’re playing with him. The pup must become accustomed to wearing the collar in order for you to use its leash. It is also necessary for hanging ID tags.
Do you have a dog that pulls? Many dog owners complain about this behavior; yet, it is easy to correct. The right harness will cut pulling quickly and can be purchased at any pet store.
Above all else, consistency is the key to effective dog training. A list of directives should be available to anyone who may give instructions to your dog at some time. Behavior should be rewarded or not depending on the affect that is being sought. Your dog will become very confused if each person responds differently to a single type of behavior. This will make training very hard.
One very good way to reinforce a desired behavior in a pet is by providing a treat after the behavior is successfully performed. Over time, you can adjust your approach to reward the behaviors with a treat only three-fourths of the time. This frequency can be decreased as you progress through training sessions.
If you catch your puppy chewing on things, stop him. Switch out the inappropriate object for an item that belongs to your puppy to allow him to realize what is and is not okay.
Learn your dog’s body language. Most dogs have specific patterns when it comes to indicating the need to eliminate. If you can learn this specific pattern, then you can immediately allow your dog to go out. Doing this will cause your dog to act more appropriately. You will have an easier time of house training if you understand the natural tendencies of your dog.
Obedient Dog
With any luck, this advice will increase the pleasure your dog brings to you and your loved ones. Having a well-trained, obedient dog eases stress. If you decide to train your dog on your own, or instead hire a professional, having a trained, obedient dog will allow you to fully enjoy the companionship of your animal.