A lot of dogs are given away to the pound because the owner does not take the time to train them right. Any dog can be trained to become well-behaved, healthy and happy. Turning your dog into such a dog does not have to be a difficult process, if you’re willing to invest the time and follow a few simple steps.
Commands and corrections should be short and straight to the point. Do not waste time ranting about how bad your dog is. Just tell them no, and point them in the desired direction. Use a tone which is obviously one of consternation.
Trying to understand how your dog is feeling. Things that seem simple to you may not be as simple to your dog if he is having a hard time learning them. Don’t give up- think like your dog! Imagine the world like they do and that can provide you with a fresh perspective on training.
Only reward your dog if they are calm. If your dog is responding to your commands and is not overly excited, give him a treat. While you might be happy with this accomplishment, your excitement plus theirs can cause this situation to get out of control. Stay calm and bestow rewards calmly too.
Make sure that your dog’s crate is the right size for him if you are going to use it to train him. Puppies will get bigger. Get a crate that is the right size for your dog when it gets older. Your dog needs to have the room to get around the crate and not feel cramped.
As your dog responds to his training, you can begin to allow him more freedom. The balance between freedom and obedience is a rewarding one. Make sure you do not provide excessive freedom right away, or backsliding may occur.
If you want your do to be house trained, you must make sure that he follows a regular elimination and feeding schedule. This makes it clear to your dog that he has to go outside and poop now, instead of stinking up your carpet. Adhering to a schedule also helps the dog learn to wait until the proper time comes to go outside.
You need to make certain your dog is having fun each day during training sessions. If you do so, your dog will feel closer to you, and even respond to training better. Training can be a good and fun time with your dog, but you should also set aside time that is just for play.
When you discipline your dog, your tone is an important factor. Dogs are great at understanding how their trainer feels. It is okay to be stern when disciplining your dog.
Consistency is key when housebreaking your dog. If you are home, spend time everyday with your puppy, and take him out every hour or so. If he goes outside to the toilet, praise him. When he goes inside, don’t punish him. Screaming at your dog only frightens him, and is not going to make him understand that the behavior was wrong. Instead, make the effort and take your dog outside 15 minutes after eating, and every 2 hours otherwise. Also, if you crate your dog, take him outside immediately after releasing him from the crate.
Keep your dog challenged regularly. Quiz him on what he knows, even if you know he’s still got it.
Dogs have natural destructive behavior, so provide outlets for them to exercise their natural behaviors. Your dog requires a healthy diet, room to exercise, and plenty of activities and toys to keep him or her busy.
Does your dog frequently pull on their leash? 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.
In conclusion, it’s not impossible to have a well-behaved dog. It is imperative that you give your pet a lot of your time and attention. Follow the advice here and it will help your dog become a family member.