The day you bring a new puppy into your life is one that is filled with joy. However, that joy can quickly turn into annoyance and frustration. Whenever you’re cleaning up mess after mess, you’ll probably wonder just why you got your dog. However, it’s possible to feel the joy you experienced whenever you first got your dog by training your dog effectively. We can show you how to do this if you read this article.
When you are training a pet you need to speak to them in a even and stern tone. Using a even, official tone will let your dog know you are serious. It also helps them understand the differences between a sharp punishing tone and a sharp non-punishing tone.
Ensure that your dog gets enough activity. Almost all dogs have short attention spans. Dogs that are bored are not easy to train. Keeping your dog exercised and happy will help them pay attention more due to releasing all excess energy that often distracts them from your commands. Go for long walks and runs with your dog.
When you meet an unfamiliar dog, you should go up to him slowly and allow him to sniff your hand. This gives the dog an opportunity to learn your scent. When the dog knows your scent, he is better able to trust you and follow given commands.
To strengthen your training efforts, you can use a designated verbal command to help your animal know what your expectations are and when they have been fulfilled. For example, using the word “yes” can let your dog know they can retrieve their reward.
Your dog requires at least one hour of exercise every day. Making sure your dog has enough exercise makes training sessions more effective and encourages regular good behavior from your dog. A dog who has received plenty of exercise is happier and more responsive.
Have frequent or as necessary mini-training sessions to reinforce and keep the rules fresh in your dog’s mind. Do not believe that just because you dog has graduated from obedience school that training is complete. But pets and humans actually share the same types of habit learning systems; if they don’t practice they will forget! So, it’s very important that you review your training with your dog regularly.
Dog training means consistency. Use his or her name when giving a command. Give a simple command after beginning with the dog’s name. A dog will immediately respond to their name. After grabbing their attention, they will be prepared for their instructions.
Make sure training has an element of fun incorporated into it. A sense of play brings you and your dog together. This bond makes the dog more responsive to your commands and training him easier. Training can be a good and fun time with your dog, but you should also set aside time that is just for play.
Use positive reinforcement when dog training. Use positive language to reward the dog, as well as petting and small treats on occasion. Never shout towards your dog, nor ever hit or physically strike him. Not only does it not work, it encourages the belief by the dog that you have no idea what is going on. Instead, show your dog what you expect and reward his obedience.
Maintain your dog’s training throughout its lifetime. Just because a dog becomes more mature doesn’t mean it cannot learn new things. By practicing positive reinforcement and proper discipline throughout your dog’s life, you’ll always have a well-behaved dog.
An effective training tool is to use different tones of voice for various commands or purposes. Use different tones for orders, praises, warnings and reprimands so your dog can easily distinguish your different reactions. Stand firm and be sharp when using commands. Use louder tones for corrections, and use your natural tone when giving praise.
Consistency is the key to training. If the whole family is involved in the training, everyone should be on the same page as far as commands, discipline and rewards are concerned. The dog will have an easier time learning if he has only one set of commands to learn and if he knows what response each behavior will receive.
To keep dogs from scratching at doors or jumping on people and furniture, try spraying them with a water-filled spray bottle. Your dog will understand that this action means that the behavior is unacceptable. Afterwards your dog won’t do these things anymore.
It is never a good idea to provide a reward for bad behavior when attempting to end a particular negative behavior. The dog will only learn that it is the boss. An example of this would be to give the dog treats every time it barks.
When traveling with dogs, be certain to pack all the dog will need in terms of food, sleep accessories and toilet supplies. Pack his feeding bowls, potty bags, toys, blankets and everything else needed for his care and comfort. It is often just as easy to buy a bag of food once you reach your destination as it is to pack it up and bring it along.
Start your training by teaching the “down” command to your dog. This command is a basic one that can be built upon. When the animal is familiar with the ‘down’ command, he can be more effectively controlled with little advance warning. This is important when others’ safety is at stake.
Stay as consistent as possible if you want your dog to learn how to delay going to the bathroom. If you are home, spend time everyday with your puppy, and take him out every hour or so. Praise him when he uses the bathroom outside. Do not punish or yell at your dog for having an accident indoors. The dog is not aware that this is undesirable behavior, and scolding will not change that fact. 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.
Early in your training, when your pet does something you want him to, give him a treat. Over time, you can adjust your approach to reward the behaviors with a treat only three-fourths of the time. This frequency can be decreased as you progress through training sessions.
Make sure your dog understands the difference between right and wrong. This means to set firm rules for everyone to follow regarding your pet. It can quickly make your efforts backfire!
Pay attention to your surroundings when your dog starts barking. Being aware of these triggers could make you address your pet’s behavior constructively. For instance, if the dog tends only to bark when visitors arrive, ask someone to come by to assist you in solving the problem.
When training a dog, start with giving them a treat each time they accomplish what you ask. Once they understand the process, start using treats more selectively until they are relatively rare.
It’s important that you are aware of any signals that your dog has to use the restroom. Most dogs have a specific pattern of behavior indicating a need to eliminate. When you know what to look for, you’ll avoid all accidents. When you know what your dog does, you’ll be able to react to the signs quicker.
Before you correct your dog for barking, find out why he/she is barking in the first place. Being aware of these triggers could make you address your pet’s behavior constructively. If you notice that your dog barks even after visitors have arrived and settled in at your home, ask a friend to help you with this behavior.
Some dogs only dig in the trash because they are hungry or bored. Make sure your trash gets emptied regularly, and never put something irresistible in there, like bones. Crate the dog when going out or empty the trash when you’re gone.
If you have a large-breed dog, he needs a big bed on which to stretch out. There are rectangular beds for pets, or you can get a crib mattress for your dog. There are several advantages to doing this since you are able to change the cover with frequency and ease when using fitted sheets. This is also good because mattresses for cribs are waterproof.
You may have to be aware of a medical condition that your dog is facing. For instance, an arthritic dog is not going to be able to crawl any long distances. Training a dog can keep his brain sharp. Ensure that you aren’t causing your dog any pain.
Six months is the recommended age at which a dog should be spayed or neutered. As soon as you have had your dog neutered start him in obedience classes. Pets that have been spayed or neutered are often more obedient. Your relationship with your pet will be far more pleasant, and the dog is sure to be more content and in better health.
Training means lots of love, patience and plenty of treats. These tips will get you and your pup started on a great relationship. Your dog won’t be trained overnight, but with patience and persistence, you will have a trained dog before you know it.
One good training method is known as “shake-can”. Do this by putting some change in a can of pop. If your dog exhibits an incorrect behavior, give the can a shake. Your dog will be startled and it will alter his behavior. After a few times of this, your dog will get that this is not the behavior you want. Shake the can only once to avoid desensitizing your dog.