You’ll always remember the day your puppy came home with you. That joy can quickly become a huge frustration. Whenever you’re cleaning up mess after mess, you’ll probably wonder just why you got your dog. The happiness of dog ownership can come back to you through appropriate training. This article has great tips for dog training.
When you are going to be training your dog, it is important that you limit the length of the training sessions. Start out with a small training session and up the time every day. Try to determine when your dog stops paying attention to you during your sessions.
Reinforce calm behavior upon your arrival. Playtime is great but sometimes it is just not appropriate. You can retain control over the environment by allowing a few moments before acknowledging your pet. You are behind the decisions to play or interact.
Make sure you remain controlled when rewarding your dog. Immediately after the animal acts in accordance with your command, reward him. This helps to calm the animal and reinforce your training efforts. Don’t get too excited, though, as your excitement may cause them to break their concentration. Set a good example by rewarding them calmly.
The more active your dog is, the healthier it will be. Dogs require mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. When a dog is bored, he will be hard to train. When your dog is exercised and is happy, training will be easier. Get out for some long walks and runs with your dog.
Teaching a dog how to roll over isn’t too hard with a few treats in your hand. The dog has to lay down first. Then, use the treat to draw his head from one side to the other. They’ll follow your treat with their nose which will cause them to roll over. Say “roll over” as he performs the action so that he’ll learn the command. It may take some time for your dog to perfect the trick, but it’s a popular move and one that is sure to impress others.
If you approach a dog you do not know, do so slowly. Let the dog sniff the back or top of your extended hand. Extending your hand lets the animal familiarize himself with your unique scent, making him more receptive to a friendly interaction. When the dog knows your scent, he is better able to trust you and follow given commands.
When training your dog, keep track of time during each session. If you spend too much time doing one training exercise, your dog will become bored. Only spend 10 minutes during the first couple of sessions.
Primary reinforcement is key during training your dog. This means using a beloved item to reinforce positive behavior. Some of the most effective rewards include dog bones, treats and affectionate scratching or petting. This helps them to make positive associations with the desired behaviors.
It is very important to train your dog early enough to head off the development of bad behavior. Dogs find it much harder to break existing bad habits than to learn new, positive ones. Never feed your dog from the table, if you don’t want him to get the habit of begging for scraps.
Use a spray bottle filled with water to prevent your dog from doing things it should not do, such as scratching the furniture or biting. Getting sprayed is a little unpleasant, and will give your dog the idea the the behavior is unacceptable. Before long, your dog will no longer display these behaviors, and will be obedient and playful.
Your dog’s grooming needs are a key part of training. Certain breeds do not need much grooming, whereas others requires detailed, regular grooming. A dog who is properly cleaned and groomed is protected against sickness and is more comfortable and easygoing.
Is your dog eating a nutritionally-sound diet? Dogs can suffer from behavioral issues when their regular diet isn’t meeting their needs. The right diet can make all the difference in your pet’s behavior. Consult your veterinarian about any special dietary needs that your dog might require.
Try teaching your dog the command of “down”. This is one of the basics, and is good for emergencies. Teaching your dog the down command can be extremely useful.
Canine training is going to require persistence, love and patience. The tips you’ve just read should prove to be a great starting point in training your dog adequately. Although changes may take awhile to happen, consistency will lead to happiness, for both you and your dog.