A trained dog generally means a well-behaved dog to a knowledgeable dog owner. Training your dog to be a well mannered canine citizen will not only improve your relationship with them, it will keep them safe and happy. Keep reading for tips on training your dog or locating a qualified trainer.
Crate training your new puppy is most effective when you take small steps. As soon as they start to feel comfortable in the crate when the door is open, try closing the gate and have them eat inside. In the beginning it is important to only leave the dog in the crate for a few seconds. After a while you will be able to leave them in the crate for longer amounts of time. If the dog shows signs of distress, you may be progressing too quickly.
When you verbally correct your dog, do it quickly and concisely. Yelling and screaming at your dog is counterproductive. Simply address the issue and move on. The tone of your voice should let them know you are serious about the command you are making.
Make sure that you use control to reward your dog’s good training behavior. Giving a reward for an appropriate behavior is correct, but do it quickly and move on. If you get excited, the dog will become excited and everything will be out of control. Remain calm, expect the dog to be calm and provide appropriate rewards.
To achieve the best results when housebreaking a pet, be aware of the food and water he consumes. To help regulate your dog’s bowel movements, feed him 2-3 times per day. Doing so helps you to learn your puppy’s schedule.
If you encounter a dog with whom you are not acquainted, you should do so slowly and with the back of a hand outstretched. This will give the dog time learn your scent and possibly trust you. After the dog becomes familiar with your smell, he’ll start to trust you and listen to you.
If you plan on housebreaking your pet, you must work hard to avoid any preventable mistakes. You need to know what they act like if they have to use the bathroom. Pacing, whining and snuffling are common. When this happens, take action immediately. Grab his leash and take him to a place where he can safely eliminate. Reward the dog for using the bathroom outdoors. Soon, your dog will signal you when he needs to go outside.
When you travel with a dog, you need to anticipate all of its needs to help it avoid unwanted behaviors or accidents. You need to bring bowls, his leash and bathroom supplies to ensure you can travel comfortably. You shouldn’t bother taking some of their food on your trip. It’s a lot simpler to just buy food whenever you arrive at your destination.
Training sessions should be kept short. About 15 minutes is enough time to train because spending longer than that can irritate your dog and hinder their progress. Following every session, allocate some playtime and give the dog lots of praise.
You need to teach your dog what is right and what is wrong. This means everyone living in the house needs to enforce the boundaries you set. It confuses the dog and sabotages your efforts.
Senior dogs do have some limits. Sometimes, an old dog will have some limitations for what they can learn. A dog in his senior years may not be as receptive to changes and new behaviors. You may be able to improve his behavior, however, so focus on negative habits you would like to alter.
Knowing your dog’s body language is key to potty training. Sometimes, a pattern will develop that you will want to get rid of. By knowing this pattern, you could take your pet outside right away, which would teach him appropriate behaviors. If you know what to look for when your dog has to go to the bathroom you will be ready to housetrain them.
Remember that you are in charge when you are walking your dog. Remember that you are the master, not him. When starting obedience training, utilize a training collar along with a short leash, and be sure to heel your dog when you walk and go through gates and doors ahead of the dog. Remember, you are the leader!
It is important to take your dog to the vet for checkups. If you are finding your dog is having difficulty with some aspects of training, or has regressed in his training, make sure he is in good health. Sometimes, dogs will mask discomfort, making it hard for you to tell how they are feeling. A change in behavior may be your best clue to an underlying health issue. For example, an aggressive dog may actually be in pain or a dog that fails to follow house training lessons may have an infection of the urinary tract.
Hopefully these tips have given you some ways to make your dog a friendly pet you’ll be happy to show off. Proper training makes dog ownership more rewarding and less stressful. Whether you get help from a professional or not, training your dog is one of the best ways to ensure the best possible life for your dog.