A well-trained dog makes both you and your pet happy. A canine training routine makes it easier for you and your dog to understand each other’s expectations. 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 spent training a dog is paid back tenfold during your dog’s lifetime. Training is not easy, but it is very rewarding.
Specific feeding habits should be established for your dog. Feed your dog at the same time everyday and giving your dog fifteen minutes to eat will help your dog remember when it is time to eat. Your dog will learn to finish eating before you take the dish away.
If you have a focal point for your dog to pay attention to, he will ignore all other distractions he would normally be tempted to watch. Eventually, you will be able to ensure that your dog is more focused on you and your commands than other distractions.
A number of repetitions will be necessary before your dog will be able to master a new command. It is not uncommon for it to take between 25 to 50 repetitions of the same command for your dog to learn it. Be patient and say the same command in the same way each time. Your dog will learn eventually.
To strengthen your training efforts, you can use a designated verbal command to help your animal understand what your expectations are and when they have been fulfilled. “Yes” works very well when said the same way time and time again.
When training your dogs, always use the same tone of voice and volume level when you give a command. Your tone will indicate that you’re serious and to be respected. Doing this also ensures that your dog will know the difference between your “you’re in trouble” voice and your “do as I say” voice.
As you encounter unfamiliar dogs, make certain to advance with care and let the dog smell your hand. As you do this, you give the dog an opportunity to acclimate to your scent and become used to your presence. When the dog becomes familiar with your smell, he will not fear you and will respond to your commands easier.
Ground Rules
Every relationship has ground rules, and the act of training your dog establishes those ground rules with your dog. This makes it less likely that you and your dog will have issues later. It is important that you are always reinforcing what you have taught your dog. Constantly review what you have taught him and correct any issues. Once you finally get this core foundation of training built with the dog, the possibilities become limitless and you can expand into new and complex areas.