Dog training can be overwhelming. Luckily, the advice below will go a long way towards helping you get the dog you want. Your dog/owner relationship will improve, and you both will be happier.
Timing is everything in dog training, and you need to make sure you don’t overdo it. Begin by implementing brief training sessions, then make each session progressively longer. Pay attention to the point when your dog starts to get restless.
Positive reinforcement is important when training your dog. It is essential that your dog get treats at the proper times and in the correct amounts. Unless you administer praise and treats as soon as the dog exhibits the desired behavior, he will not be able to connect the behavior to the treat.
Ensure your dogs are active and getting a lot of exercises. Dogs get bored just as easily as children. If your dog is not receiving enough mental stimulation, it may not respond well to training. When your dog is happy and well-exercised, he will be more willing to pay attention to his training. Lead your dog on the path to fitness by walking or jogging every day.
When potty training your pup, remember that whatever he eats must come out. Feed your pooch several times daily at the same hour. Doing so helps you to learn your puppy’s schedule.
Dogs tend to concentrate on one thing to the exclusion of everything else unless that concentration is interrupted. With enough training, you will have your dog focusing solely on your signals.
Commanding control is the very first step in training your dog. You must command your dog’s respect by being able to maintain discipline, or his obedience will be out of the question. Do not let your dog walk ahead of you when you go on walks.
Do not tie up several dogs in close proximity to each other. Doing so could cause injuries to the dogs if they become entangled in the chains and attempt to free themselves. If two dogs’ chains become entangled, it is possible that one or both dogs could experience difficulty breathing or even strangulation.
When you are approaching an unfamiliar dog, be sure to approach slowly and offer the dog the back of your hand to sniff. This will give the dog time learn your scent and possibly trust you. As the dog begins to trust you, he will more likely follow your commands.
To ensure success, you must ensure that the crate you are using is appropriate for the size and breed of your pet. Puppies grow up quickly. Choose a crate that works both for puppy and mature sizes. The dog will need sufficient room to rest and turn around without feeling cramped.
You should never do long sessions of training. Since dogs have a tough time paying attention, you do not want to draw out the process. If you want to train more, make sure to include play breaks for your dog.
Stay away from high end training devices like shock collars. They almost never work as advertised and they are expensive to boot. Also, shock collars may actually hinder your dog’s development and thwart positive behaviors. In short, using techniques like this could have negative effects.
Primary Reinforcement
When training your pet, see to it that you get its attention all the time. Begin each command by using his name. Once you call his name and have his attention, begin getting him to do what you would like. Dogs will respond instantly when their name is called if they know they are going to be rewarded.
When you are training your doggy friend, use what is known as primary reinforcement. Primary reinforcement involves utilizing something that the dog loves to reward good behavior. Rewards can be rubbing a dog’s belly or giving it a treat. This lets your dog know how to earn something it wants.
Have you considered how much your tone impacts your dog? Dogs can easily sense how their owners or trainers feel. Use a stern voice when you are correcting your dog.
Your dog should learn he doesn’t need to respond when you say ‘no’. Positive reinforcement is the best method for dog training. Telling them “no” does not help them know how to react to you. Tailor puppy training to suit the dog and the situation.
Vary your tone of voice when going through training sessions. A command should have a different tone than praise so that your dog can better understand how his behavior causes your reaction. You need to talk to them in a firm tone of voice if you are correcting them.
Use your dog’s name as much as you can to make sure he is paying attention. Use the name repeatedly during the first weeks after your dog’s arrival, so he pays attention to you when he hears the name. Choose a shorter name that can stand out from other terms.
One way to help discipline your dog’s bad behavior is to use a water bottle. This will help your dog understand that certain behaviors will not be tolerated. Your dog will learn to associate these behaviors with the water and will stop doing them.
Use different tones when training your dog. Commands, corrections and praise should all have their own tone in order to help your dog distinguish cause and effect with his and your behavior. Commands should be clearly stated in a firm tone. Corrections and reprimands must be spoken more firmly, while praise should be delivered in a natural tone.
Praise your dog to reinforce good actions. Give treats, smile, and get excited so your dog will associate good behavior with a positive result. Do not reward bad behavior; instead correct unwanted behaviors and praise when your dog responds correctly.
During leash training, it is necessary to ensure that the leash stays loose. Dogs like to sniff far and wide when going for a walk, and a too-tight leash will cause them strain. Because they are so eager, they will probably strain the leash. Instead of setting up this dynamic, put some slack into the leash in order to help your pet walk with you.
Even when he tries your patience, you must consistently show patience and care. Remember that your dog thinks differently than you and they do not speak our language. He will pick up physical gestures, and this is how he will learn from you. Stay cool, and take a break if you need to. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your dog won’t be trained in one day either.
Now that you have this knowledge, you can shape your dog into a calm, obedient animal that will delight your entire family. You will notice a difference in your dog’s behavior as soon as you begin using these strategies.
Dogs all exhibit certain behaviors, so make sure you have your house set up to accommodate them. Make sure your dog is properly fed, given a comfortable corner or bed to sleep and has a good place to run and be active.