An effective training program translates to a happy pet and an equally happy pet owner. Your dog will be more predictable when he is trained in the right way. After proper training there will be less to worry about and you will be able to live him or her home alone with confidence. It may take a lot of time, but in the end, your dog will prove to you that the training has been worth it.
You can show your dog how to do tricks, get some treats. Start by getting the dog to lay down. Hold a treat between your forefingers near the left side of your dog’s head, and then slowly pass the treat in front of his face and to the opposite side. As the dog uses his nose to track the morsel, he will simultaneously roll his entire body over. Whenever you dog does roll over, actually say the words, “roll over.” Continue to do this until your dog actually rolls over whenever you say the words without using the treat. Do not let a lack of early success frustrate you. This takes repetition to nail down, but once you do, you will have the star dog on the block.
One of the first commands you need to teach your dog is how to step away from things you do not want him to touch. This command is a great way to avoid damaging furniture or eating dangerous things.
If your dog jumps up, quickly bring your knee up to encounter his chest and say OFF! This does not hurt the dog if you do it lightly, but it is an uncomfortable feeling for them. After a while, they’ll stop jumping due to this uncomfortable feeling.
Your dog will behave well if you keep reinforcing your training. Training should not stop because he is not a puppy anymore. By practicing positive reinforcement and proper discipline throughout your dog’s life, you’ll always have a well-behaved dog.
Teach your dog not to bark with a simple command. If your dog barks, repeat the order, offer a treat when they stop barking and pet them to show you are satisfied. At this time, give the treat to your dog. By repeating this, the dog learns that silence brings treats.
Using a loose leash is key when you are training your dog to accept a leash. Dogs like to explore new places when they are out on a walk. This means they’ll pull on the leash. Be sure to train your dog to walk on a slack leash right along with you.
Training Fun
You should make training fun for both you and your dog. Keep the sessions between 10-15 minutes, as this is about the attention span of most dogs. Be sure to provide rewards often, and give different treats from time to time. Make sure to shower your dog with praises when he performs well; dogs love it! When you make training fun for your dog, it will make listening in general fun for the dog too!
Even though it may not be easy, you should always be patient with your dog. Remember that your dog doesn’t speak your language or really know what you’re saying most of the time. Physical gestures and tone are the only ways he will know what you are trying to communicate. Therefore, make sure you stay calm, and if you discover that you’re too heated during a session, then take a break.
If your dog has problems with destructive chewing, he may be suffering from anxiety or boredom. You can also keep your dog from causing damage while you’re away by humanely enclosing him in an appropriately sized dog crate or some other small space of his own with a chew toy to keep him occupied.
Dogs are dogs and need time to act as such. A good diet and plenty of exercise are crucial to keeping any dog healthy and happy.
Maintain consistency when canine training. Keep a list of commands to use, and make sure everyone who might need to command the dog knows them. Only reward for good behavior. Bad behavior must have its own reaction. Different cues from different people will confuse your dog.
Crate Training
A crate is your dog’s best friend during house training. To make crate training work, make sure you take your dog out often and on a stable schedule. With crate training, your dog can be housebroken in no time.
It is important to use a wide spectrum of treats when training your dog. These treats should be easily distinguishable from the common biscuit variety you may give your dog on a regular basis as special achievements in training merit special edibles in reward.
In order to teach your pet how to sit, make him stand and hold the treat in front of it. Make a path with the treat over his head towards his hind end. He will automatically stretch his head backwards to follow the treat. This can help engage your dog to sit down.
Remember that training your dog is about establishing a set of rules you both will live by. When these rules have been set and they are consistently followed, you and your dog will enjoy your time together even more! Keep in mind that you must continue to reinforce everything you have taught your dog. Do not let him stray from good behavior over time, and stay firm if he does. As soon as your dog gets used to training, there’s no end to what you can accomplish.