Training your dog can feel overwhelming if you haven’t attempted it before. While there are some things you need to know, there are plenty of resources for a beginner at dog training. Use the following tips to train your dog.
Trying to understand how your dog is feeling. A lot of owners get frustrated when their dog is not understanding a basic command. Don’t give up! Think how they think instead. Your dog may not understand because it hasn’t been said enough.
Specific feeding habits should be established with your dog. Your dog will begin to recognize there is a routine if you regularly remove the food bowl 10 or 15 minutes after you put it down. Your dog will eat their food in the time that you have alloted.
Chew Toys
Buy chew toys so that your puppy can deal with painful teething. Give the dog one of its own chew toys right away. If your puppy is in a lot of pain due to teething, a frozen wet washcloth is ideal for him to chew on.
Decide on a single phrase to use when housebreaking your new puppy. Each time you venture out for a bathroom trip, use this phrase to keep your dog focused on the task he came outside to accomplish.
If your dog is jumping on you, grab his paws with your hands and gently squeeze them to deter his behavior. The dog will not experience pain, but just a brief discomfort. Before long, you dog will stop his jumping on people altogether.
Only train your pet with positive reinforcement methods. Reward your pet using petting, small treats and positive vocal cues. Don’t yell and/or hit your dog. These forms of punishment are ineffective. To get the best results from your dog training, you need to be firm and consistent, staying positive at all times.
Toilet training is as much your responsibility as theirs. Look for signs that your dog needs to go outside. If your dog is pacing or whining, you need to take them outside. Do not wait more than a couple of minutes. Put his leash on and take him to the place you wish him to go. Give him praise for his behavior. The dog will eventually give you a sign when he needs to go out.
Training your dog requires you to be firm and authoritative. Never scream at your dog, you need to do the right thing and be nice to them and stern at the same time. You will be best friends with your dog.
One tip to keep in mind when training your dog is that everything you do with your dog is molding its personality and behavior. You don’t want to undo training you’re worked hard on, so watch what you do at all times. Be sure that every action you take supports the behaviors you seek.
Many canine behaviors are instinctual, so provide appropriate outlets for each of your dog’s needs. Dogs need a healthy diet, a place where they can run, and items to keep them occupied.
If you say your dog’s name in reprimand, remember to also say it several times in praise to counteract the negative effect. Dog’s should associate their name with positive things only.
There are many resources you can call upon for good puppy training information. For example, you might look into breed specific books, training videos, dog fancier magazines and more. Talk to others who own the same breed of dog. Create custom training for your dog’s special needs.
Never allow yourself to be led on by your dog. You lead the dog, he does not lead you. Use a training collar, and see to it that your dog follows you by going ahead of it when you pass through gates or doors. Keep in mind you’re leading.
You may have to be aware of a medical condition that your dog is facing. For instance, it may be impractical to ask your dog to crawl for long distances if he has arthritis. Training can be helpful for the cognitive functioning of a dog, and that is good for older dogs. But do not overdo it and make them work to hard!
Clickers can be great behavioral training tools. If you give your dog an award when you used the clicker, it will be easier to train. Try clicking and giving your dog a treat at the same time. Do this several times during the day. Once your dog understands that the clicker is associated with good things, you can use this technique to train your dog.
Your dog’s brain needs to be stimulated as well. If your dog is not a chewer you might want to give them a toy that gives them something to do, like a puzzle. There are puzzle toys of all different types, so choose one that will appeal to your dog’s individual strengths.
These suggestions will help you train your dog. You will be more efficient if you establish a plan ahead of time.