A well-trained dog makes both you and your pet happy. By being trained, you and your dog can relate to each other and where the other one is coming from. Once trained, you will no longer need to worry when he is left alone, when you have visitors, or when he is out in public. The time that you spend training your dog will pay off tenfold.
When crate training a new puppy or dog, help the dog realize that the crate is its home. When meal time comes, place the food bowl in the crate and keep the door open while the dog eats. They’ll build a positive view of the crate this way.
For the best results in training your pet, you must be diligent about giving rewards and encouragement. Reward your dog with some treats right after they obey an order. A dog quickly forgets his actions, so you must reward him immediately to reinforce his behaviors.
Make sure you feed your dog healthy food. A bad diet is unhealthy for dogs for many reasons. Not only is this bad for their health, but it can influence their behavior towards you and their environment. A proper diet can affect how well they react to training.
Your dog needs to be active frequently. Dogs can easily get bored. When a dog is bored, he will be hard to train. If you have a happy, exercised dog, they will listen better. Lead your dog on the path to fitness by walking or jogging every day.
Dogs have tunnel vision and will focus on one thing to the exclusion of all else. With frequent practice, your dog will begin to focus on you and the signals you are giving him instead of other distractions.
Early on, always have a tasty treat on hand to immediately reward your dog for responding to a command. You want to be able to reward your dog when he does what you want him to do. Doing so makes your dog learn what he can and can’t do.
As you train the dog, patience is essential. This reduces frustration and annoyance when puppy training. Your dog wants to do what you ask him to, but you have to give him the commands in a way in which he understands what is expected.
The first thing you should do when training a puppy is teach him his name. Use their name often, and then teach them how to come to you when called. You should teach your puppy these words first. Spend as much time as possible with your dog, so you can bond and he’ll learn you’re his master. This way he or she will be more open to some advanced training.
Reduce as many accidents as possible when you’re toilet 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. If you see your dog exhibiting these behaviors, jump right up and grab the leash. Get his leash as you take him out. Give him praise for doing the right thing. Before long, he will be able to ask you to take him out.
Pay attention to other dogs while walking your canine companion. You have no idea how well trained the other dog is. Make sure your dog stays away from other dogs that are aggressive.
You can use a spray bottle filled with water as a mild aversive to prevent inappropriate chewing. This lets your dog know that specific actions are not acceptable. Before long, your dog will no longer display these behaviors, and will be obedient and playful.
Your training will mold and shape your dog, so take the responsibility seriously. This is crucial to know because you may undo certain behaviors by engaging in horseplay or by teasing your pet. You will want to mold your dog by always working toward desired behavior.
Your dog needs to learn what ‘down’ means. This command can be used in an emergency, or used as the basis for teaching other behaviors. If your dog responds promptly to the DOWN command, it will serve you well. It could save his life in potentially dangerous encounters.
When training your dog, do not include any punishments. Taking preventative measures to avoid the occurrence of a bad behavior to begin with is always best, however, if your dog does get out of line, demonstrate how it should have been done rather than scolding him. You should teach your dog and talk to him during training sessions. Training is the time to build your relationship in a positive way.
If you wish to succeed when training your dog, you should commit yourself to a particular length of time consistently. Consistency and repetition are the keys to learning. Simply being with your dog on a regular basis will help him to recognize you as someone who is reliable and consistent. Doing these things for your dog will ensure your place as the pack leader.
Above all, the goal of a training program is to set well-defined expectations for your pet. Your relationship with other people is strengthened by shared respect and mutual understanding; a relationship with your pet is no different. Keep in mind that you must continually reinforce your dog’s training lessons. Maintain discipline and watch for any attitude changes. When your dog has a solid foundation in the basics, his potential is unlimited.