Dogs need to be trained for a variety of reasons. You might decide to train your dog to protect your home or to hunt. Some are trained just for the pleasure of it. No matter what the reason may be, dogs just want to make humans happy. This willingness also makes dogs an ideal family pet. Use the following tips to get the most out of your dog training efforts with your pet.
Your dog needs to lead an active lifestyle. Don’t let your dog sit around with nothing to do. They won’t get any exercise that way and if they’re too bored, they might sniff around and get into some trouble. Dogs that lose interest are hard to train. Your dog will pay better attention to commands, as well as play with you more, when he has been exercised properly. Go on extended walks or runs with your dog on a regular basis.
Teaching dogs to roll over can be easy, provided some treats are on hand. Initially, try to get your dog to lay on the floor. 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. Your dog is probably going to follow the treat in your hand with his nose, which means he will rollover his whole body. As he rolls over say out loud, “roll over.” Repeat this until he rolls over with the command alone. Put your frustration aside and he’ll be performing this trick all over the place in no time.
Training Tools
Avoid costly training tools such as shock collars. In many cases, they do not live up to the advertising expectations created, and are just more money than more effective and traditional training tools. They aren’t engaging in positive reinforcement either. Trying things akin to this will only cause harm to your relationship with your dog.
Use a phrase on your puppy to house train him. Whenever you take your pet outside to use the bathroom, choose a phrase, like “go potty”, so he remembers what he is there to do.
As your dog progresses, you won’t need to exert so much control. Your dog will flourish with a good balance between control and respect. Be sure not to give them too much since this can counteract training efforts.
As you train dogs, it is necessary to utilize a consistent tone and volume when giving commands. Maintaining the same tone lets your dog know that you are serious and they should obey your commands. It also helps the dog to understand the difference between a sharp tone for discipline and a sharp but non-punishing command.
Training Sessions
Your training sessions should be very short. Dogs’ attentions are very short. Maintaining short training sessions ensures that your dog can remain focused on the task at hand. If you want to train more you should always give yourself and dog a break.
Always train your dog with positive reinforcement. Your dog should be rewarded with both small treats and happy words. You should not strike your dog or scream at them. This doesn’t work well and only succeeds in teaching your dog that its master is out of control. Stay consistent and use positive reinforcement.
When training your puppy to use a leash, wrap a collar around him while the two of you are playing. By making your puppy comfortable to wearing a leash, he will be more apt to keep it on.
To keep your dog from biting at furniture or people, or scratching at doors, spray him or her with a bottle of water. Your dog will understand that this action means that the behavior is unacceptable. Soon your dog will stop these behaviors and you’ll have a playful yet obedient dog.
Introduce social places frequently and early to your dog. Your dog will only learn how to behave around people, dogs, cats and so on by experience. This will help in reducing sporadic behavior when it comes to new environments, also.
Be aware of special grooming requirements your dog might need. A lot of dogs won’t need much grooming, while others may need frequent groomings. Grooming your dog is generally a pleasant experience for the dog, resulting in a happier, cleaner dog and the extra attention will put you in the position of noticing any health problems your dog may develop.
With consistency, you can train your dog to hold on longer. Be sure to take your puppy out for scheduled, hourly potty breaks when you’re home. Every time your dog potties outside, be quick to praise him. Never scold your dog for going in the house. In the beginning, they won’t understand what they did wrong. Let the dog outside roughly 15 minutes following food or drink, and also each time he emerges from the crate.
Regular challenges will keep your dog from losing his chops. While you may know your dog hasn’t forgotten anything, try little tests to ensure he remembers all the commands he’s learned up to that point.
As already discussed, canine training occurs for a variety of reasons. Dogs want to please their owners, and when you have a good dog they are a pleasant addition to any family. It is hoped that you have gained useful insight into how to train your dog to be the companion that you desire.