You had dreams of your dog being as smart and kind as Benji, but sometimes it feels as if he is more like a hell-hound. Don’t worry, with proper techniques even the worst dog can learn to be well behaved.
Rewarding your dog properly and generously is important when it comes to training them. Treats, toys and praise have to be given in the right doses and at the correct times. Dogs won’t know why they’re being rewarded if you’re not consistent.
Timing is crucial when you train a dog, so you need to spend an adequate amount of time training them, but not too much. Shorter training sessions are better at the beginning of your program. You can figure out when your dog isn’t paying attention during training.
To strengthen your training efforts, you can use a designated verbal command to help your animal understand what your expectations are and when they have been fulfilled. If you do not have a treat you can reward your dog with, pet it and talk to it in a soft voice until you find a treat.
Consider things from your dog’s perspective. A lot of owners get frustrated when their dog is not understanding a basic command. Try putting thinking like your dog would, rather than quitting. Trying to see things the way that your dog does may be able to give you an idea of the right kind of training for your dog.
One command that should be taught early to a puppy is “leave it.” This teaches them to drop something and step way from it. This command teaches them to cease chewing on furniture or items around the house and it keeps them safe from filthy or hazardous items outside.
Ensure that your dog eats well. A bad diet can cause your dog many problems. A poor diet can affect their behavior as well as their health. Simply improving their diet may have a bigger impact on how they respond to training.
If your dog wants to jump you should squeeze their paws when they do so, they will know that they shouldn’t do that. This will not hurt if done lightly, but it will be an uncomfortable feeling. They will stop doing this behavior since it will be associated with a negative feeling.
Your dog should always give you its attention when asked. With enough training, your dog should be able to pay more attention to your orders.
When you’re training your dog, it is important that you understand primary reinforcement. This means you should reward it for good behavior. This can be a belly rub, a favorite toy or a tasty treat. This is how you teach your dog to be good to get what he wants.
Make sure you aren’t enforcing bad behavior without meaning to. In other words, you must avoid showering your pet with treats or rewards in response to performing some unwanted behavior. You should not pet your dog when it jumps on you or acknowledge its barking.
Make sure you use your dog’s name often, so that he learns to associate it with paying attention to you. Use it as often as possible when you have your puppy during the first weeks, the puppy will make the connection. The name should be short and unique, so that he does not confuse it with every day language.
Whenever you’re training your dog, be sure and use the same vocal tone when giving commands. This will let him know you are serious and he needs to listen. Doing this also ensures that your dog will know the difference between your “you’re in trouble” voice and your “do as I say” voice.
It is not good for a puppy to train too often, it will wear it out if it has to process too much information. Remember that all dogs have short attention spans and puppies even more so. Your puppy will happier with the experience, and less resistant to your future efforts. He will be looking forward to them instead.
You should keep doggy treats handy for rewarding your dog. The treat helps your dog to know that you think he has done well. This is a good way to make your dog know the difference between a good and bad thing.
Train a puppy to accept a leash by playing with the puppy while it wears its collar. Having the puppy get comfortable wearing the collar is important not only so that you can properly use a leash but also that your puppy has the proper identification tags in case he or she takes off.
Disciplined leash walking is very important in puppy training. This will help to keep both of you safe while taking walks.
A useful tip involves maintaining an awareness of your dog’s specific grooming requirements. Certain breeds do not need much grooming, whereas others requires detailed, regular grooming. A happy dog is a clean dog, so to train him, he must be groomed.
Use positive reinforcements when training your dog. If you are happy with your dog, give him pets, happy words and the occasional treat. Don’t shout at a dog or hit them. This just doesn’t work, and it will cause your dog to fear you. Be firm, positive and consistent, and you will get great results.
Make sure your dog understands the difference between right and wrong. Your dog needs consistency from all members in a household. One family member breaking the rules for the dog can lead to your dog feeling confused when he is reprimanded. This will make your efforts worthless.
You have to be consistent with your dog’s training. When many members of a family are working to train a dog, be certain that each person uses identical commands, rewards and discipline. When a dog only associates one word with each action, it is easier on him.
Every time you reprimand your dog by using its name, try using it 3 to 5 times in a good way. Your pet should understand that he needn’t be afraid of his name, as it can signify something good.
One way to help discipline your dog’s bad behavior is to use a water bottle. Your dog will understand that this action means that the behavior is unacceptable. Your dog will learn to associate these behaviors with the water and will stop doing them.
To have a well trained dog you have to take the time out of your busy schedule to spend with them. It takes consistency and repetition for dogs to learn. Simply being with your dog on a regular basis will help him to recognize you as someone who is reliable and consistent. You will be the alpha in the pack.
If you must reprimand your dog, it is important to do with an appropriate signal or cue. If you laugh or smile at cute but bad behavior, he will be more likely to continue it. This can hinder training and cause you to get frustrated. Consistency is the key to accomplishing your goals when training your dog.
Use treats your dog really loves to achieve maximum training efficiency. Since these treats will be handed out sparingly, it should not matter too much if they are usually off limit items.
If you catch your puppy gnawing on an object that doesn’t belong to them, stop the behavior right away. Get some toys for your puppy to chew on and make sure he understands the difference by scolding or praising him.
Dogs must see the vet at least once per year. If you have a hard time training your dog, you should take them to the vet. When a dog is uncomfortable or in pain, he will tend to hide it. Sometimes changes in behavior are the only indication that there may be a health problem. Common changes include losing control of their bladder and a sudden onset of aggressive behavior.
Know your dog’s behaviors to prevent accidents indoors. Many dogs show signs before they go to the bathroom. By taking the time to learn this, you are better equipped to help your dog learn where to go. House training will be so much simpler if you can be sensitive to your dog’s needs.
When you are training your dog, bad behavior needs to be discouraged. Say “no” in a strong voice. Don’t raise your voice or hit the dog, of course. Make sure to discourage any bad behavior while it is happening, or soon afterwards. Dogs have very short memory span. If you don’t correct the behavior immediately after it happens, your dog will not understand what you are doing.
Untrained Dogs
Try not to take your stress out on your dog by yelling at it because of your bad day or bad mood. Start the training session with good feelings and expectations. Only correct your dog after he has done something you don’t want him to.
When starting out with training, be aware that untrained dogs may bite their owner. Untrained dogs may believe they are the leader and you are just a member of the pack. Knowing the alpha behaviors you must demonstrate to the dog is a good way to signal your leadership status. Even calm dogs may lash out and bite.
Any behavioral issues that suddenly occur should be checked by a vet to make sure there are no health conditions causing it. An animal that is in pain is liable to act out in ways they would normally never behave. This behavior may be his way of telling you that there is something wrong with him.
Incorporating dog training into your life can yield amazing results in a short period of time. So if your relationship with your pooch is feeling a bit strained, try out some of these tips.
Always use your dog’s name to get his or her attention. This will teach your dog to respond when you call, and will give you good control in possibly challenging situations. Be sure to call your dog a dozen times a day until you are sure s/he knows his or her name, and will respond. Never use your dog’s name in association with punishment.