Training a dog can be overwhelming to those who are new at it. There is a lot of information out there and sorting through it all can seem difficult. Read on for some simple, basic tips arranged to help you get started.
Look at things from your dog’s point of view. As advanced creatures, we humans have problems accepting when our dogs aren’t picking up new skills as fast as we’d like. Try to think the way your dog does. Your training will improve if you view things the way they do.
Use firm control to elicit desirable behaviors from your pet. When your dog responds to a command in the right way, you should reward this behavior when he is calm. You might be happy about the progress your dog has made but you need to quell your excitment. Stay calm, have them be calm, and reward them for appropriate behavior.
When tying up your dog, make sure it is not close to another chained dog. The chain of one dog could become wrapped around the other and, as the dogs struggle to free themselves, one or both could be injured. If one dog happens to be much larger than the other, the small dog could get tangled to the point that it could choke to death.
Regulate your dog’s feeding time if you want to regulate his “potty” times too. 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. This will help you figure out when the best time is to take your dog out and avoid accidents.
In puppy training, use the same volume and tone of voice when you state a command. This lets the dog know you are serious. It can also help the dog realize the distinction between disciplinary tones and other types of commands.
You should keep doggy treats handy for rewarding your dog. They need to know that the behavior they have done is exactly what you wanted them to do. This is the proper way to make sure the dog knows the difference between good behavior and bad.
The best way to train a dog is by using positive reinforcement. You can use treats, toys, positive speech and even belly rubs. Don’t ever yell at or hit your dog. This never works, and your dog will sense that you are cluelss. Instead, make sure you are firm, patient, consistent and positive so that you can achieve the best possible results.
To keep your dog from barking, teach them to obey to a simple order that will make them quiet. When he barks, show him his favorite treat, and repeat the command. “Quiet” works well. Then, you can give your pet the treat. By consistently repeating this, your dog will be quiet because he wants the treat.
Overworking a new puppy with new information will only lead to trouble. Puppies have a very limited attention span. When doing training, make them in small short sessions and always make them positive. If training sessions are too long, the puppy won’t remember the specifics of the training session, just that is was grueling and exhausting. This will make it harder to train him next time.
Every puppy in training will make some mistakes in the potty department. If your puppy has an accident, clean it up straight away. Carpets are known to trap the smell of urine and encourage the dog to return to that spot for further marking. A pet shop in your area will carry products specifically for this problem.
Dog Outside
With consistency, you can train your dog to hold on longer. Try taking your dog outside each hour when you’re at home. Every time your dog potties outside, be quick to praise him. Don’t yell at your dog for an indoor accident. In the beginning, they won’t understand what they did wrong. Have the dog outside around 15 minutes post-meal or drink to ensure he can empty himself.
If your dog has a problem with excessive barking, take note of the environment and situation. When you know what causes it, you’ll be able to train him in those situations. 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.
Dogs who have medical issues will have to have tailored training strategies. For instance, an arthritic dog is not going to be able to crawl any long distances. Training may actually improve a dog’s mind functions, and that can be great for old dogs. However, you want to make sure that you are not causing him any unwarranted pain during these exercise sessions.
Use high-value treats when training for the best results. Even if it is something they are not normally allowed, such as cheese or hotdogs.
Try using the “shake-can” training method. Insert some coins into an empty can, and then make sure it’s sealed. If your dog performs an unwanted behavior, shake the can. The dog will be startled and the behavior will cease. After a few repetitions, the dog realizes he can’t perform that behavior. Don’t desensitize your dog by overusing this technique.
We hope these suggestions will be helpful to you. Keep them in mind and learn some tips of your own. Each dog is different and responds in his own way to training.