Many people believe that training their dog themselves is much too difficult. This stems from a lack of information on dog training. You need to do some research on training your dog methods to make sure you are taking the right approach to training your puppy. Read through this guide and you will be able to find helpful ideas and strategies.
Make sure that your dog stays awake and active. Almost all dogs have short attention spans. Dogs with no enthusiasm will be harder to train than active dogs. It is easier for your dog to focus if he is happy and well exercised. Go for long walks and runs with your dog.
The key to successful crate training with a new canine is making sure they understand that it is their home. Leave food near or inside the crate and leave the door open. This will let them associate a positive with being in the crate.
Don’t expect your dog to learn a command the first time you say it. You may need to repeat the command more than 20 or 30 times. Continue repeating the command patiently, and eventually your dog will understand it.
When you correct your dog verbally, those corrections should be short and focused on the behavior. There’s no point in ranting at your dog. Say no and give them a command to do the right thing. The tone of your voice should let them know you are serious about the command you are making.
Choose a crate that fits your dog properly and use it to crate train them. Puppies grow up quickly. Choose a crate which will be the right size for the dog when he grows up. The crate should be big enough for the dog to turn and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped.
If you have a focal point for your dog to pay attention to, he will ignore all other distractions he would normally be tempted to watch. After you repeat these cues enough, your dog will learn to focus on you, primarily, as he or she waits for signals.
Do not allow your pet to become complacent in his training. Establish a clear set of rules and stick with it at all times. A lot of owners will train their dogs once and not conduct any refreshers. Don’t allow your dog to get out of the habit of good behavior. This is why on-going training is important.
When you start training your dog, develop a verbal cue so that the dog knows precisely when they complete a command correctly. It’s faster to tell your dog “yes” than it is to find and give it a treat.
Understand that getting your dog to respond during the times that you tell him or her ‘no’ is not helpful. Training must be a positive experience for your dog. Simply saying “no” is not enough to help dogs understand how they should behave. No two animals and trainers are alike, so choose an approach that meets both your needs.
When house-breaking your puppy, choose a specific phrase to use when it’s time to go outdoors. For example, you could use the phrase, “go potty” when you take them outside to help them remember what to do when you go outside and say the command.
Firm, direct commands are the best approach to take when training your dog. You want to avoid being strict all of the time. You need to find the right mixture of strictness and love. This will help develop a strong bond during your training session.
Every command should be giving with the same tone and volume. They will know this tone of your voice and associate it with being in trouble. It also helps the dog to understand the difference between a sharp tone for discipline and a sharp but non-punishing command.
Be aware of the other dogs when taking yours for a walk. You have no idea how well trained the other dog is. Keep your dog at a distance from angry or aggressive dogs.
Early on, always have a tasty treat on hand to immediately reward your dog for responding to a command. It is important for your pet to understand that you have certain expectations, what those expectations are, and that he will be rewarded for complying. This will teach your dog what behavior is correct and expected.
Remember not to reward your dog for bad behavior when they do something negative. If you do, he’ll think he’s the boss. For instance, do not give treats to the dog when it barks.
Give your dog a regular elimination and feeding schedule, so you can house train them. Then you will be aware when your dog needs to go outside to use the bathroom. Following a schedule will also help your dog learn how to “hold it” until his next potty break.
Are you providing your dog with high quality, nutritional food? Make sure that they are getting the proper nutrition so that they can stay free of behavioral issues associated with a poor diet. Change your dog’s food if you need to. Your vet is an excellent source of information on the appropriate diet and nutritional requirements of your dog.
Always get your dog’s attention the same way. When calling your dog, use their name every time. First, call his name then give him a verbal or gesture command. Dogs tend to respond by name right away and they know that you want their attention.
You should teach your dog how to lay down. This command can be used in an emergency, or used as the basis for teaching other behaviors. A dog that understand his “down” command will drop to the floor instantly. This could be a good command when it comes to your dog’s safety.
These tips will help you train your dogs well. Don’t stop now! There is a lot of information out there for you.
Your dog should enjoy his training and look forward to it. Remember that dogs have short attention spans, and keep your sessions short accordingly. Give your dog rewards that vary and come often. Give your dog plenty of praise and affection for his hard work and efforts. When you make training fun for your dog, it will make listening in general fun for the dog too!