Many negative behaviors and habits can be removed from a dog. While canine training will not make your pet perfect, it will go a long way in making him more obedient and a better pet. Proper training can turn any dog into the perfect pet.
Question how your dog views things. Things that seem simple to you may not be as simple to your dog if he is having a hard time learning them. You should never give up on them, try looking at it from your dog’s vantage point. Imagining things as they see things may give you a different perspective in training them.
Make sure your dog is eating a healthy diet. Feeding your dog bad food is very bad for several different reasons. Without proper nutrition, your dog’s general health will suffer and there may also be direct effects on behavior. By simply improving the diet that the dog gets, you may notice a great improvement in how receptive they will be when it comes to training.
By training your dog, you are helping him to become a rule follower. Many owners believe that once training is over, the dog will be set for life. However, pets and humans share similar habit systems. This is why you must make sure that you have a rule system that is strict for your dog.
As your dog gets better with training, you can start to give him or her more freedom. The balance between freedom and obedience is a rewarding one. Avoid giving too much freedom early on, as this can easily counteract your training.
As you train the dog, patience is essential. This will reduce anger, stress and tension when you train your dog. Keep in mind that dogs do wish to please their owners, but cannot always understand what is desired of them.
Primary reinforcement is key during dog training. In this method the reward you use is something it is natural for your dog to want. Some examples of primary reinforcements are food and rubbing the dog’s belly. This way, your dog learns the right way to get what he wants.
As you train your dog, be certain to gain his attention the same way every time. Start commands by using his name. Using their name will help to personalize your command. A dog will immediately respond to their name. After grabbing their attention, they will be prepared for their instructions.
Accidents will sometimes happen when you are house training a puppy. Always immediately clean-up any messes your dog makes. Animals are inclined to eliminate repeatedly in spots where they can smell urine or feces, and carpets require special care. There are lots of products in the market that you can use in this aspect, so be sure to check your local pet store.
The tone of your voice is important during training. Praise, commands and corrections ought to have different tones associated with them so that the dog can understand what it is you want. Stand firm and be sharp when using commands. Use louder tones for corrections, and use your natural tone when giving praise.
Don’t reward or ignore bad behavior because you want to put a stop to it. You will show your dog that they can get over on you. For instance, giving a dog a treat each time it barks.
Your dog’s name should mostly be used for positive reinforcement. However, if you do use it in a negative way, make sure you turn around and use it positively at least three times afterwards. This ensures your dog doesn’t associate his name with punishments, meaning he’ll come when you call him in future.
If dog agility appeals to you, make sure to select a breed well-suited for that. Some breeds are just naturally more agile than others.
Training Treats
Vary the treats you use as rewards for your dog during training sessions. Training treats should not become confused with everyday treats, since training treats are meant to encourage obedience in your dog.
Make sure you get a bed big enough for your dog. Large, flat rectangle beds are made for large dogs. You can also get a little creative, and just buy a mattress made for a baby’s crib. These are advantageous for the fact that you are able to regularly change the cover by using crib sheets. Another good thing is that crib mattresses have a moisture-proof cover.
Show your leader status while doing fetch training by having the dog return the ball. If you ever pick the ball from up where your dog dropped it, then your canine friend will think he is the alpha. Have the dog bring you the item or else you’ll stop playing with him and you’ll be the leader of the pack again.
Here is a simple technique to train your dog sitting: hold a treat up high and have the dog standing up. Next, move the treat a bit behind his head. It will make the dog look up to watch your hand. When his head goes up, his bottom will go down.
Boredom barking should be taken care of. You will take the heat from neighbors, if you’ve got a dog that barks from boredom. It likely means he does not have adequate outlet to wear off his excess energy. Make sure you walk him regularly and don’t overlook playtime. Offer entertaining toys when you are unavailable to play such as chew toys or doggie puzzle toys.
For dogs that bark unnecessarily, do not shout at your dog. Shouting at a barking dog may encourage them to bark more. If your dog is barking and you are yelling, the dog will think that you are in agreement with him as to the need to bark at whatever perceived threat is looming.
As this article has hopefully shown you, training your puppy or dog doesn’t have to be the stuff of nightmares. With the right mindset and good information, the owner can accomplish successfully training their companion. The right training can help every dog thrive and be well behaved.