It can be very difficult and confusing to train a new dog. But, it is imperative that you train your new pet so that you and your family are safe and happy with them. It is always in your best interest — and that of your pet — to rely only on positive approaches to training. Both patience and consistency are required. Every day, you should devote about half an hour to training your pet as this is the optimal duration for a single session. If you spend a longer amount of time training your dog, they are going to get bored.
When you are working on crate training with your new dog or puppy, always take steps to let them know it’s their home. Leave the crate door open and place food inside of it when it’s time to eat. This will give your dog a positive association with the crate.
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. With enough training, your dog should be able to pay more attention to your orders.
Spray your dog with water when it does something you don’t like. This lets your dog know that specific actions are not acceptable. As your dog learns the behavior is unwanted, he will begin to avoid doing the bad behavior.
Anxious dogs are prone to chewing on things they shouldn’t. You can also keep your dog from causing damage while you’re away by humanely enclosing him in an appropriately sized dog crate or some other small space of his own with a chew toy to keep him occupied.
Do you notice that your dog is dragging your leash? Pulling is very common and very easy to cure. A harness can make walking your dog a more enjoyable experience. It can also reduce the amount of pulling your dog does.
Whenever you make use of your dog’s name within the context of a reprimand or warning, make a point to then use it positively as well. Your pet should understand that he needn’t be afraid of his name, as it can signify something good.
If you want an agile dog, you need to get an agile breed in the first place. It’s true that most breeds are capable of competing in this area, but some breeds are more gifted than others. These include border collies, labs, Australian shepherds and sheepdogs.
When you start training a dog, do not assume that he wont bite you. A dog that is not trained may see you as part of the pack and believe he is the one in charge. Understanding this will help you show your dog that you’re the leader. If your dog doesn’t realize this fact, then even the most calm of dogs might bite you.
Ball Directly
When teaching a dog to fetch, make sure to establish your role as the leader by having him/her bring the ball directly to you each time. If the dog drops it nearby and you retrieve it, the dog feels as though he has the leadership role. You must teach your dog to always bring the ball directly to you each and every time.
While it is possible to teach older dogs new tricks, it is essential that you are mindful of any medical conditions or issues that it may have. For instance, arthritis and crawling long distances might not work well. Training could help a dog stimulate its cognitive functions, which is very beneficial when it comes to older dogs. Having said this, make sure you don’t cause your dog excess pain when training them.
Using the above advice will reduce the frustration you feel when training your dog. You will have a better-behaved dog and a happier, healthier home. Using the tips and tricks offered above can make the harrowing task of training your dog a whole lot easier, especially if you are patient and consistent.
