You had dreams of your dog being as smart and kind as Benji, but sometimes it feels as if he is more like a hell-hound. Fortunately, continuing your training sessions will pay off, with a dog that is well behaved and joy to be around.
There are several techniques to make crate training your dog easier. A dog is naturally hesitant about a crate at first. A way to get them interested is to put their favorite toy in the crate, then shut the door. Your dog will want to get into the crate in order to eat the treat. After they enter the crate, be sure to give them love and attention to let them know they did something to please you.
When your dog behaves well in a training session, reward him in a calm manner. Giving a reward for an appropriate behavior is correct, but do it quickly and move on. While you might be happy with this accomplishment, your excitement plus theirs can cause this situation to get out of control. Maintain a calm atmosphere and provide an appropriate reward.
If you intend to use a crate in dog training, make sure the crate is an appropriate size for your dog. Your little puppy will get bigger, remember! Choose a crate that is a good enough size for an adult for when your puppy grows. Generally speaking, your pet should be able to circle, sit and sleep without discomfort.
You need to teach your puppy how to leave an item alone with a simple command such as “leave it.” This can help get your dog to stop chomping on your belongings and help keep them safe from hazardous materials.
When you are training your dog, be mindful of the time spent in one session. Devoting strict amounts of time to any particular aspect of training will have your dog feeling distracted and bored. Do not spend more than 10 minutes on each session.
When training a dog, be sure you get their attention the same way. First, say his name, then the command. Using their name will help to personalize your command. Dogs often respond to their name immediately and know you intend for them to pay attention.
Call your dogs name when speaking to him to keep him focused. Use the name often, especially during the first weeks at home; the puppy should associate his name with focusing on you. Choose a puppy name that sounds differently than other words your puppy may hear throughout the day.
Changing your tone to reflect emotions is useful in getting the point across to your pet. Command and praise should differ in tone, as should corrections. Use a sharp and firm tone for commands and a loud tone to correct his behaviors, saving the natural tone for praises.
Be aware of the other dogs when taking yours for a walk. Not all dogs are friendly, and not all owners are responsible. Refrain from walking near dogs that are aggressive.
Keep your dog challenged regularly. Make sure your dog knows what he is doing by testing him!
Does your dog pull on the leash? You aren’t alone in this, but it is easy to fix! Most pet stores carry affordable harnesses, which prevent behaviors like pulling or straining during walks.
Treats are the best way to begin canine training. After awhile, you should begin to taper off on the treats and switch to praise as the most commonly used reward.
Older Dog
Know an older dog’s limits. Every dog has its own peculiar quirks, and you need to learn to love their imperfections. If you decide to take on an older dog, be aware that they are used to routines and will have certain habits. While teaching new habits to him may not be impossible, it is sometimes better to focus on negative things you can change and get used to living with the other habits.
Basic canine training is easily incorporated into daily routine providing for fast training results. So if your dogs relationship with you seems strained, try using these tips.