If your dog is one of those innately obedient dogs, then congratulations, you don’t need these tips, but most dogs need a little of training, whether it’s to stop them from being overbearing with strangers or ripping up the upholstery. Use these tips to transform your pet into a happy and well-adjusted furry friend.
Dog training requires generous rewards that are given correctly. Giving your dog treats at the right time and in the right amount is important. By giving treats at the proper time, you’ll ensure that your dog understands which behavior it’s being rewarded for.
When you correct your dog verbally, try making those corrections short and straight to the point. Do not rant on at length to your dog telling them how they were bad. Just tell them no, and point them in the desired direction. It is also important to have good volume to your commands so that your dog understands that you are serious.
When potty training your pup, remember that whatever he eats must come out. You can promote consistency and regularity by feeding your pet on a firm schedule two or three times daily with only the highest quality of food. By using a feeding schedule, you will now lessen the chances of an accident.
The first rule to remember when you begin to house train your puppy is that what you feed them will eventually come out the other end. In order to regulate your dog’s toileting habits, you should feed him a good quality food at the same times each day. That way, you’ll know when you need to take your doggie out to “go”.
Choose a set phrase for house training your dog. Whenever you bring him outside, repeat your chosen phrase in a firm but gentle tone to encourage him to undertake the action and associate the act with the place.
It is best to pick a phrase for potty training your dog, and use it consistently. Whenever the dog is taken out, use the term you have chosen to refer to the process of relieving him or herself, and the pet will make a mental link between going outside and doing just that.
You should always say commands in the same tone and volume. Your tone conveys seriousness to the dog and the fact that they must obey you. It also allows your dog to realize the differences in each command.
As your dog progresses, you won’t need to exert so much control. The balance between freedom and obedience can give dogs a great life. Do not allow them freedom all at once, they might lose what they learned.
You need to teach your puppy how to leave an item alone with a simple command such as “leave it.” This command is a great way to avoid damaging furniture or eating dangerous things.
Make sure your dog is comfortable and compliant with his leash. Not only is this safer for the dog and easier on your body, such a frequent activity mandates good self-control and reinforcement of the chain of command from training.
Use a spray bottle filled with water to prevent your dog from doing things it should not do, such as scratching the furniture or biting. This technique will show your dog that the behavior is unacceptable. Your dog will instead focus on good behaviors with more positive outcomes.
Train your dog to stop barking with a treat. Choose words to use, such as “quiet”, and when they bark, use the word or words and give them a treat when they stop. You can then give it the treat. By repeating this, the dog learns that silence brings treats.
Praise is just as important as rewards when you are training your dog. Acting super excited can help your dog to understand that you are happy with their behavior. Do not reward unwanted behavior.
Keep tabs on the number of treats you give to your dog as a reward in order to avoid making him gain weight. Many people do not factor in treats when they are tabulating a pet’s diet, but they do add up, particularly while you are training.
It’s important to know if your breed of dog will require special grooming. Different dogs require different levels of grooming, with some needing little and some needing a lot. A happy dog is a clean dog, so to train him, he must be groomed.
If you want to take your dog on a trip, take all necessary items. Pack his feeding bowls, potty bags, toys, blankets and everything else needed for his care and comfort. Don’t drag a huge bag of food with you. You can buy some at your destination.
You must correct you dog each and every time he misbehaves, as well as reward the dog for correct behavior. Everyone in your house needs to set these boundaries too. It can quickly undermine your efforts.
When you’re consistent with your dog, they’ll be better able to hold off on their urge to eliminate. Take him outside hourly to do his business. When he eliminates outside, give him praise. Don’t yell at your dog for an indoor accident. He is unaware of the problem, and shouting will be ineffective. Always take the dog out about 15 minutes after he eats or drinks anything, as well as every time he comes out of his crate.
Do you notice that your dog is dragging your leash? You aren’t alone in this, but it is easy to fix! Go to the pet supply store where you can buy a harness for a few dollars, as harnesses reduce pulling so that walks are enjoyable.
Challenge your dog on a regular basis. Even though you know he’s been properly trained, be sure to quiz him from time to time.
Do not punish your dog when you are training him. Try to stop your dog from performing unwanted behaviors, but if he does, redirect him by demonstrating the correct behavior. Training is the perfect time to not only teach your pet, but to also talk with him, as this builds a very positive relationship.
Even the worst dogs can learn better behavior. Your dog can be whipped into shape with a little proper training. The article above offered some great advice to help you get started with the process of training your dog.
If dog agility classes are the ultimate goal of your training, then you should choose a breed that is suited for it. Any type of dog could learn how to participate in any type of sport. Great breeds that come to mind are Shetland sheepdogs and Australian shepherds.