When you train a dog properly, you create a home full of peace for you and the dog. The advice in this article is an exceptional place to start your training strategies. Some things you learn here might make living with your dog a bit easier.
There are several techniques to make crate training your dog easier. If they are hesitant about the crate, you can put a nice chew bone inside and shut the gate while they are not in it. Your dog will want to get into the crate in order to eat the treat. When they go inside to get the bone, give them lots of positive reinforcement.
When you correct your dog verbally, ensure your corrections are direct and short. Yelling and screaming at your dog is counterproductive. Just tell them no, and point them in the desired direction. Remember that your voice’s volume gets their attention and that you are talking business.
Timing is essential when you are training your dog, so you want to spend enough time training them but do not want go overboard. Shorter training sessions are better at the beginning of your program. Note how far into the training session your dog loses his attention span. That’s the time to quit.
Control how much you reward your dog. Whenever your dog does something right, it’s important that they remain calm. Although you may feel very pleased, control your response to avoid having your training situation become uncontrolled. Try to stay as calm as possible during your canine training session.
Give your puppy some toys to chew on so they do not hurt while teething, keep other things they might want to chew on out of their reach! Immediately replace it with one of his designated chew toys. To help your dog cope with painful teething, give him a wet washcloth that has been frozen.
Never chain two dogs too close to each other. The restraints for each dog can become tangled and in an effort to free themselves, they can be injured. If two dogs’ chains become entangled, it is possible that one or both dogs could experience difficulty breathing or even strangulation.
Don’t approach a strange dog too quickly. Hold our your hand and slowly move closer. Doing so builds up trust with the dog. After your dog gets your scent, it will no longer fear you and will follow commands better.
Primary Reinforcement
Use primary reinforcement when training your dog. With primary reinforcement, you use something that your dog loves when it needs to be rewarded for positive behavior. Use things such as treats or petting your dog to reinforce good behavior. This is how you teach your dog to be good to get what he wants.
Consistency is extremely important in any training program. 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. When a dog only associates one word with each action, it is easier on him.
Praise your dog to reinforce good actions. Positive reinforcements include treats, smiles and pats on the head. Do not reward your dog after bad behavior, it will get confused.
Short training sessions are the best idea. About 15 minutes is enough time to train because spending longer than that can irritate your dog and hinder their progress. After every training session, be sure to play with them and praise them a lot.
Although it can be very difficult at times, patience should always be used with your dog. Dogs don’t understand English and he isn’t a person. An animal cannot grasp your thoughts and can only interpret your tone and nonverbal cues like gestures and facial expressions to some degree. Therefore, make sure you stay calm, and if you discover that you’re too heated during a session, then take a break.
Dogs have natural destructive behavior, so provide outlets for them to exercise their natural behaviors. Make sure your dog is properly fed, given a comfortable corner or bed to sleep and has a good place to run and be active.
A majority of dog bites can be attributed to a fearful dog. This is the end result when your dog feels scared or trapped. Dogs cannot be trained through force. You could end up being bitten if you do this. This builds trust in the dog, and he will see you as his faithful master.
A great way to keep your dog from rummaging through the garbage is to make sure he has lots of toys and is well fed. Make sure your trash gets emptied regularly, and never put something irresistible in there, like bones. Be sure to crate your dog when you go out and/or leave your trash can empty when you are gone.
Keep your dog’s yearly check-up appointments. If your dog doesn’t like training or refuses to do certain things get him checked out. A dog is very clever at masking pain. So many times behavioral changes are the only clue that there is a health issue. For example, an aggressive dog may actually be in pain or a dog that fails to follow house training lessons may have an infection of the urinary tract.
Wee-wee pads are the enemy to anybody looking to potty-train their puppy or dog. These pads can leak, leaving behind invisible areas with the scent and enzymes from feces and urine that will attract your puppy back to the spot. The pads may also confuse the dog because of their shape. It could cause the dog to think that a bathroom mat or welcome mat is a place to go potty. Always teach your pet that he must go outside to use the bathroom.
It doesn’t matter your dog’s age or their troublesome history. If you utilize the advice provided above, you can make a huge difference in your dog’s behavior. Remember to remain patient as you apply this advice. It is hoped that you and your pet will find much happiness together.