If you’ve never trained a dog before, it may seem like a daunting task. Since there are many different training techniques, you may feel confused on what is best. Here are some tips to get you started.
If you want to teach your pet to use a crate, first try these simple tricks. If your dog does not want to go into the crate but one of his favorite toys inside and close the door. They’ll know the bone is in there and will want to go inside and get it. Once in the crate, let them know they did a good job by praising them.
For the best results in training your pet, you must be diligent about giving rewards and encouragement. If you give your dog some treats at the proper time, they will respond to training. This is because dogs tend not to understand what it’s being rewarded for when they do not get it at the proper time.
If you have to keep your dogs outside, never tie them up too close to one another. Their chains could get tangled up and as they struggle to get free; there is a good chance the dogs can get injured. This is especially dangerous if one dog is larger than the other, as it could use its superior size to maneuver the other dog into a dangerous position.
Dog Learns
You will have to repeat commands several times before your dog learns it. It will take up to 50 repetitions to learn a new command. Be patient and continue using a command until your dog learns it.
You need to give your dog some exercise every day. You need to ensure your dog is exercising, you will get more out of training them. As they say, a healthy dog will respond well to training.
Be sure to always grab your dog’s attention the same way. Begin each command by using his name. Get his attention with his name and then follow that with what you want him to do. Your dog will notice their name and they will see that you want their attention.
When toilet training your dog, try to avoid accidents! Learn to know the things your pet does when it needs to go. It’s common for them to snuffle, wise and pace when they have to go. Don’t put it off when your dog is doing these things. Quickly leash your pet and lead him to an area where he can relieve himself. Reward your dog for getting your attention when he needs to go out. The dog will eventually give you a sign when he needs to go out.
Take note of the tone of your voice as you discipline your pet. Dogs are very intuitive. Use a stern voice when you are correcting your dog.
Keep a spray bottle handy to deter your dog when it tries to bite people or things. This will teach your dog that there are certain behaviors that are unacceptable. Soon your dog will stop these behaviors and you’ll have a playful yet obedient dog.
Praise your dog to reinforce good actions. Smile and get excited and make your dog know that he is doing something you like. Do not give any rewards for negative behavior since your dog will thing the bad behavior is good as well.
Your dog can, and should, find the training experience to be a positive one. Aim for a 10-15 minute training session, which is optimal for the dog’s attention span. Be sure to provide rewards often, and give different treats from time to time. The more you reward your dog the more he will continue the positive behavior. When training is enjoyable, listening becomes a happy time, too.
The cause of your dog’s destructive chewing habits might just be separation anxiety. In order to keep your dog as safe as possible while you are away, he should be kept in a dog crate. Giving him a chew toy while in the crate is also a good idea to keep him busy.
Challenge your dog on a regular basis. Try giving them “quizzes” to see what they know, even if you know they will succeed.
Do you have a dog that pulls? Many dog owners complain about this behavior; yet, it is easy to correct. Trade your leash for a dog harness. Harnesses can be more comfortable, and allow you to enjoy a walk without your dog pulling on its leash.
Make sure you are consistent when you train your dog. A list of directives should be available to anyone who may give instructions to your dog at some time. Remember to always reward a good behavior and not a bad behavior. Different training methods will only confuse your dog and delay training.
If you catch your puppy in the act of chewing on something he shouldn’t, stop him immediately. By doing this your puppy will learn which items he can and cannot chew then, when he is unsupervised, he will be less likely to chew your belongings.
A clicker is a good way to reinforce positive behavior. The objective is to create a favorable link between the sound of the clicker and a positive outcome or reward. Attempt to click and treat immediately and do this several times for a few days. Soon, your dog will associate the click with ‘reward’ or other positive actions, which can be very helpful in shaping the desirable behaviors you hope to achieve.
We hope these suggestions will be helpful to you. Remember these tips as a guide to helping you train your dog, so both you and your dog will be very happy.