A dog is like a remote that must be properly programmed to work well with a television. Your dog already is capable of doing the most common commands, but it must be trained to follow instructions. Dogs already possess the means to be taught, but it is up to us to teach them.
Correcting a dog should be done quickly and concisely. Do not drag on in a rant to your dog about how bad they are. Just say no and direct them on what it is you desire for them to do. Be sure your command tone of voice gets their attention and shows that you’re serious.
It is important to have an appropriately sized dog crate. Keep in mind, puppies do not stay small forever. You want a crate that will suit your dog right through to adulthood. Your dog should be able to make itself comfortable in a crate big enough for it to toss and turn.
Verbal cues are very important to make sure that your dog is under your command. Using a positive word such as “yes” will fill the time between the performance of the desired behavior and the delivery of the reward.
Start training with something simple. This will act as a foundation for further training as well as help you see instant success. This will give you much better results while training.
When your pet jumps on you, squeeze its paws lightly. This will make it know jumping is not something that you want it to do. It is uncomfortable to them when you squeeze gently, and they learn not to repeat the behavior. Eventually, they’ll quit jumping on other people because they’ll start associating jumping with this pinching.
Primary Reinforcement
Primary reinforcement is key during puppy training. Primary reinforcement uses the things that your dog loves as rewards for positive behavior. Some of the most effective rewards include dog bones, treats and affectionate scratching or petting. Using this technique will train your dog what you expect from him.
When your pet hears you speak the word ‘no’, your dog must understand that a response is not expected. Instead, use positive reinforcement to encourage positive behaviors and gloss past the results that are not what you want. When you tell your dog “no” during training, he has no idea what you want him to do instead of the behavior you reprimand. All dogs are different and will respond to different training.
Effective dog training requires a level firmness. Don’t just yell at your pooch. Learn how to balance compassion with strictness. This will strengthen the relationship between you and your dog.
Make sure you use your dog’s name often, so that he learns to associate it with paying attention to you. When you first get a dog it is important to say his name often, so that he will associate it to himself and will be more apt to pay attention to you when you call it. Pick a name that is distinguished and no longer than two syllables.
If you’re leash-training a puppy, the initial step needs to be putting a collar on them when you play with them. It is important for the puppy to get used to the collar so it can be identified.
All the time you spend with your dog will contribute to develop your dog’s personality. It is imperative that you know this, you might see that they will revert to bad things if they are teased. You will want to mold your dog by always working toward desired behavior.
Your dog needs to eat a healthy diet. Like kids, dogs can get really hyperactive and unable to focus when their nutrition is not up to spec. Change your dog’s food to something healthier, and they will have mid-level energy all day. Talk to your vet about your dog’s diet and ask for recommendations if you are not sure what kind of dog food you should buy.
Consistently practice the skills your dog has learned with him. Make sure your dog knows what he is doing by testing him!
Do not neglect to make a visit to the vet for a spay or neuter around the six month mark. Make this coincide what the starting of an obedience class. If your dog is spayed or neutered, they will be much more obedient. By spaying or neutering a dog he will have a longer happier life.
Now that you have a few strategies for training your dog, it’s all about properly applying them. The dog enjoys pleasing its owner in the same way the owner enjoys seeing the dog respond to the training they’re administering.
