Dogs require training in order to teach them tricks and useful behaviors as well as discouraging them from doing bad things. This article is helpful for learning how to properly train your canine.
There are many ways to make crate training more comfortable and successful for your new puppy or dog. If the dog doesn’t want to go inside the crate, put a rawhide bone in there and shut the door. As soon as they smell the tempting treat, they will want to get into the crate to enjoy it. Upon entering the crate, praise your puppy to make sure it knows it did a good job.
Teething can be painful which is why your puppy chews on things, so always give him a choice of chew toys to keep him from getting into trouble. Put the chew toy in front of it immediately so it learns that this toy is what it should be chewing. In cases where your puppy is suffering a great deal of pain, try soaking a washcloth in water and freezing it as a numbing chew toy.
If you encounter a dog with whom you are not acquainted, you should do so slowly and with the back of a hand outstretched. Extending your hand lets the animal familiarize himself with your unique scent, making him more receptive to a friendly interaction. Dogs are more likely to be friendly and obedient if they recognize you.
When training your dog, remember to be patient. Staying patient will help all parties to avoid frustration. Bear in mind that your dog wants nothing more than to please you; however, your language is somewhat confusing to him.
Training Sessions
Training sessions with your dog are best when kept short. Since dogs do not have a long attention span, making sure training sessions are kept short ensures that your dog will not dread them. If you want to train more you should always give yourself and dog a break.
Always get your dog’s attention the same way. Start your commands by calling out his name. Then, say the command. Dogs will respond instantly when their name is called if they know they are going to be rewarded.
Avoid accidents when potty training your dog. Try to recognize your dog’s body language and anticipate his need to go out. Constant whining, sniffing, and pacing around the house are all very common signs. Do not hesitate if you notice this behavior. Put his leash on and take him to the place you wish him to go. Praise them for going to the bathroom properly. Over time, he will be able to signal to you his need to relieve himself.
In order to decrease barking, stay around the offending item. Maybe it’s a specific sound, or perhaps it’s being near other people or certain animals. They’ll learn quickly barking isn’t their best option.
Do you feed your dog a well-balanced diet? Like kids, a dog’s mood can be severely affected by their diet. Consider changing your dog’s diet to something more species-appropriate, and he’ll have long-lasting, consistent energy all day. Talk to your vet about your dog’s diet and ask for recommendations if you are not sure what kind of dog food you should buy.
Your dog should enjoy being trained by you. Keep your training sessions to a period of time that is less than 15 minutes. Rewards should be plentiful and varied. Dogs get a kick of compliments and praise. When you make training fun for your dog, it will make listening in general fun for the dog too!
Treats are the best way to begin dog training. After the dog gets used to this routine, gradually reduce the frequency of the treats until he only gets one treat every now and then.
If you’re house training a dog, try using a crate. To make crate training work, make sure you take your dog out often and on a stable schedule. You will have fewer accidents if you take the time to crate train your dog.
Your dog shouldn’t be leading you. You’re supposed to be the leader, not him. Use a secure collar with a short leash when beginning obedience training. Teach your dog to heel when walking, and always pass through gates and doors ahead of him. Do not forget that you are the top dog!
If you will be introducing a new animal, do it slowly. If you want a second pet, look for one that will be compatible with your current pet. For optimal bonding, select a new pet whose personality is similar to that of your current pet.
When you are trying to break your dog from chewing, do it the right way. Keep dangerous items out of your dog’s reach. Common items like curtains and hairbrushes are choking hazards that can kill your dog if you aren’t vigilant.
Dogs have their own personalities and you need to find the ideal training method for your dog. For example, a laid back and loving dog will likely thrive on positive reinforcement, whereas a more aggressive dog may need negative reinforcement in order to respect your alpha position. If you have been trying one method without success, then you might need to think about switching up your tactics.
When considering the possibility of hiring a professional to work with your dog, look into their background, reputation and conduct an in depth interview with them. Animal behavior professionals tend to have different opinions on how to train a dog correctly. That is why it is important that the trainer you hire is in agreement with your own techniques, before they use their techniques on your dog.
An untrained dog can destroy your house, as was previously mentioned. By taking to heart the advice contained here, you will be well on your way to training your dog in the skills he needs to be a well-mannered pup.