No matter the size of the dog, they generally all have the same mindset. Before you begin training any dog, it’s important that you understand this mind-frame and learn to mold your training around that aspect. If someone doesn’t understand this mindset, he or she can gain some knowledge by reading this article.
Make it clear to your dog that their crate is their home. All meals and water bowls should be placed within the crate. The dog will recognize the crate as having delicious food.
Dogs tend to concentrate on one thing to the exclusion of everything else unless that concentration is interrupted. If you are consistent and use repetition, your dog will start to wait for your signals before focusing on something.
Before you begin training your dog, you need to establish yourself as the alpha. Be friendly with your dog, but also be firm. Your dog should not walk ahead of you, because that indicates a position of leadership.
When you are approaching an unfamiliar dog, be sure to approach slowly and offer the dog the back of your hand to sniff. Dogs need to familiarize themselves with the smell before they can trust you. The dog will no longer be afraid after he is able to recongnize the scent and may begin to follow commands.
Be careful not to spend too much time at once training your dog. Your dog will get bored and antsy if you spend too much time on one thing. Start off with individual training periods of no more than 10 minutes.
Remember to enjoy the time spent with your dog during training. When you play with your dog, you help make a stranger bond between the two of you. In return, he becomes more receptive to being trained. While you can have fun during training sessions, it’s a good idea to spend a little time simply playing.
Use the same command for the behavior you want him to demonstrate. First, say his name, then the command. Get his attention with his name and then follow that with what you want him to do. Dogs often respond to their name immediately and know you intend for them to pay attention.
Be consistent when training your dog. When more than one person is training your dog be sure that you are using the same word as a command and discipline. The dog will have an easier time learning if he has only one set of commands to learn and if he knows what response each behavior will receive.
Use the dog’s name often when training to ensure that you have their attention. Make sure to use the dog’s name constantly when you first have him, so he can make the connection with his name and paying attention. It’s best to stick with shorter names, one’s that are distinguishable from other words.
Making your dog learn habits that are good from the start is very important. You and he will find it much easier to learn how do the right thing than unlearn the wrong. If an owner feels strongly that their pet should not beg for food off the table, it is important that he or she refrains from giving it to the dog in the first place.
You have to know how to communicate with your dog in order to train him. When you understand how your dog learns, you can develop a training program specifically tailored to your dog. By knowing as much as possible about one’s dog one will be able to better train it.