If you’re a beginner at training a dog, you’re more than likely wanting some advice on what will work to get your dog to behave. The following advice can help start you and your dog get on the right path.
Make sure to give your puppy plenty of toys that are okay to chew, so that he isn’t tempted to chew other things that aren’t okay to chew. Take it away, and give him a chew toy. Teething can cause puppies significant pain. Give them relief by letting them chew on a washcloth that is wet and frozen.
When attempting to house train your pup, keep in mind that whatever goes in, must go out. If you feed your dog at the same periods of the day, he will have regular bathroom habits. That way, you’ll know when you need to take your doggie out to “go”.
The first step of training your pooch should be to assert your control. The dog will have little respect for you and it won’t obey if you do not show that you are the one in charge. Always walk ahead of your dog when you go on walks, as this establishes that you hold a position of leadership.
You will be able to allow your dog to do more as it learns. Balancing obedience and liberty make dogs feel very satisfied. Make sure you do not provide excessive freedom right away, or backsliding may occur.
Start with the easy stuff. Not only does this give you a feeling of satisfaction in your success, but your dog also learns about what an acceptable behavior is. You will see more results as you are training this way.
Whenever your dog jumps onto you, grab their paw and gentle squeeze to make sure they understand that jumping is not good behavior. This will not harm your dog if done gently, but it will be uncomfortable. After some time, they won’t jump on anyone because they’ll associate it with being made to feel uncomfortable.
Create a specific command to stop your dog when it barks. Choose words to use, such as “quiet”, and when they bark, use the word or words and give them a treat when they stop. Then, you are able to reward the dog. When you repeat this action multiple times, your dog will eventually learn that the order means to be quiet.
You should remember that you are essentially helping your dog shape his personality. By keeping this in your mind, you will be able to avoid regression in your training by avoiding horseplay and teasing. Try to reinforce good behavior at all moments.
Does you dog eat an appropriate diet? Dogs are similar to children in the way that their diet can play a major part in their behaviors. Alter your dogs diet to make sure they are getting proper energy during the day. Ask your vet for recommendations.
You need to let your dog be a dog, so give him some time to burn off that energy. Dogs require a nutritious diet, space to run in and activities and toys to keep them busy.
Dog agility is not suited for all breeds, so research a bit beforehand. While virtually any dog can do agility, some breeds – like German and Australian shepherds – truly excel at it.
When training, it’s important to reinforce positive behaviors. Ignore his negative behaviors. Negative enforcement can make the dog fear you. Positive reinforcement tactics will make your dog want to please you.
Do not buy your dog treats they do not absolutely love when you begin training them. You may even opt to give them they would not usually have, such as hotdogs or ice cream.
Reinforce your dog’s good behavior by using a clicker. Using a clicker is as simple as showing your dog that good things happen when the clicking noise is heard. Use the clicker and give your dog a treat immediately several times a day. Your dog quickly learns that the clicking sound means a treat is coming, so you can then use the clicker to train.
Make sure that your pets are prepared early for their vet visits. Skim your hands over its body, and offer praise to your dog as long as its behavior is good. Help him to tolerate the vet handling his paws and mouth. Consider asking your friends for help, as well.
Your dog’s mental and emotion health is dependent on it having something to keep it occupied. Your job lies in providing the right stimulation. Going for walks, giving them puzzle toys, and playing directly with them will keep them occupied and content. A bored dog is going to find something to do; for instance, chewing on your belongings.
Dog Feels
Make sure your dog feels safe to train them properly. If a dog feels threatened, it will likely attack someone or something. Work with your dog until he feels secure and confident. Do not throw him into experiences which he cannot handle.
As you’ve read, training your dog may be a great way to get your dog to learn new tricks and behave better. After reading the above advice, you should feel a lot more confident about your own potential as a dog trainer.
