Canine training should really be called human training. This is proven by the fact that before an owner is able to teach his or her dog, the owner must know the trick in order to teach it. You have to train yourself before you train your dog. This article offers some good guidelines for first-time dog trainers.
Gradual increments are easiest on your dog when going through crate training. Once your dog is accustomed to being in the crate, try closing the door and giving your pet a treat through the wire. Keep the gate closed for short periods of time, and work your way up to longer times. Freaking out your dog is a sign that you need to slow down.
You need to reward your dog to be successful. You must always provide treats in a wise and timely fashion. If your timing is off, your dog will not understand what you are rewarding.
Your dog needs to get plenty of exercise. Dogs become bored very easily. A bored dog is very difficult to train. Dogs are more inclined to obey when they are regularly taken out for exercise and happily accepted as a member of your family. You and your dog can run or walk together daily.
Every command should be giving with the same tone and volume. This helps your dog to understand when you are in training mode. In time, your dog will understand what you want regardless of which words you use.
When house training your dog, be sure your dog has a predictable feeding and elimination routine. This will help you better understand when your dog needs to go outside, so he doesn’t go on the carpet and ruin it. When a dog has a schedule, they also learn the valuable skill of “holding it” until you take him for his next scheduled trip outside.
The first thing you should teach your dog is to “leave it.” This commands the dog to drop whatever is in its mouth. This command teaches them to cease chewing on furniture or items around the house and it keeps them safe from filthy or hazardous items outside.
You need to give your dog some exercise every day. If they are well-exercised, then you will have more efficient training. If your pet can exercise regularly and be active, he will be far more happy and responsive.
Try to get your dog’s attention when you are training him or her. When calling your dog, use their name every time. Once you call his name and have his attention, begin getting him to do what you would like. Dogs tend to respond by name right away and they know that you want their attention.
Be consistent when training your dog. If more than one family member is training your pet, make sure they all you the same commands, rewards and discipline. The dog will learn more easily if he learns a single set of commands and if he knows what response will be received for his behavior.
Use your dog’s name when you can, as it will help to get your dog to pay attention. Use it as often as possible when you have your puppy during the first weeks, the puppy will make the connection. The name should be short and unique, so that he does not confuse it with every day language.
Don’t give your dog too many treats as rewards, or he might start adding too many pounds. A lot of pet owners don’t think about how much weight their dogs can put on with treats.
When it comes to having a well-behaved dog, it is important to introduce him to social situations early and often. Dogs must learn how to behave around both humans and other dogs. Your dog will be better able to handle new situations.
Your dog should enjoy being trained by you. Keep your training lessons between ten to fifteen minutes so your dog can keep focused. Rewards should be plentiful and varied. Your dog should enjoy lots of praise for a job well-done. Your dog will be more receptive if you make training time fun!
Don’t give mixed signals. Your dog picks up on your reactions to things so if you laugh at bad behavior they will take that as it is okay to continue what they are doing. This can only result in slow, ineffective and frustrating training sessions. Even when it is amusing, you have to correct your dog, not reward him with laughter.
No dog should pull you around. You must be the leader, no-one else. 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. Remember, you’re the leader!
Unless breeding is in your dog’s future, make sure he or she is spayed or neutered before six months of age. Obedience training should be put off until this is done. A dog that is fixed will be more willing to learn. This will make your pet healthier and happier, and make your ownership experience happier, too.
Never yell at your dog if he or she excessively barks. If you shout at a barking dog, you might actually be reinforcing the behavior since your dog does not understand why you are doing it. You instead create a feedback loop where your dog starts thinking whatever is causing them to bark is making you shout. So instead keep your cool and distract your dog’s attention.
Now that the people who are interested in training their new pet dog have, hopefully, learned some new tricks, they can proceed to pass them along to their pets. Once a dog is on its way to learning, the owner will begin to appreciate the dedication that he or she has shown for doing the right thing for man’s best friend.