There are certain common traits to all dogs’ behavior, regardless of their size or breed. Understanding how they think will allow anyone to train any dog. If one doesn’t fully understand this mindset, then here is some insight for them.
While training your puppy or dog to use a crate, introduce him to new concepts slowly and gradually, so he is able to adjust to the changes without feeling stressed. When your dog appears to be at ease while inside the crate with the door ajar, you can help him adjust to the crate even further by slowly latching the door and rewarding him with treats fed to him through the spaces between the wires. Keep the gate closed for short periods of time, and work your way up to longer times. If your dog becomes restless, you may be ramping up too quickly.
Make sure your dog is eating a healthy diet. Too many table scraps can unbalance your dog’s diet. Not only is this bad for their health, but it can influence their behavior towards you and their environment. Improving your dog’s diet can make training him easier.
Dogs have a short attention span and you will have to attract his attention. Your dog can learn to focus less and less, except for your commands, by using repetition.
Shock Collars
Refrain from using shock collars and similar training devices. They often do not function properly and their cost is rarely justified. Also, using devices such as shock collars can restrain your dog while discouraging good behavior. These methods of training generally fail.
Early in your training, teach your new pup to “leave it.” This command tells him to drop the item and step away. This basic command is extremely helpful when your dog is chewing on something he shouldn’t and also helps to keep him away from dangerous items.
Make sure to give your dog a good hour of exercise each and every day. By allowing your dog ample play time, he will be more willing to pay attention during training time. Dogs that exercise are happier and more responsive.
To limit your dog’s barking, see if you can acclimate them to whatever triggers their barking. First, determine what it is that causes your dog to bark- a knock on the door, someone walking by the car, or other cause. The key is teaching them that their triggers are nothing to fear.
When you are walking your dog, be aware of and pay attention to other dogs in the vicinity. Sometimes, other dogs can get aggressive, as you want to keep your dog out of harms way. If you come across a dog that seems aggressive avoid it.
All of the things you teach your dog are going to be a part of their behavior and personality. For this reason, you may be causing unwanted behaviors by playing rough with your dog or teasing. Mold your dog into the pet you want by constantly working towards the behavior you desire.
Keep training sessions short for best results. The average dog will pay attention for about fifteen minutes and will not learn anything once it has lost interest in the exercise. After training, praise the dog for a job well done.
Teach dogs a “down” command. You can use this in emergencies, but also as a stepping stone to many other training skills. Dogs that understand the “down” command are able to hit the ground whenever necessary, which is valuable in times of danger.
It is important to work on the recall of your dog. You dog should know to go back to you every time that you call him. These are things that have to be done to have a obedient dog. Recall could save your pet’s life, so be sure not to skip this type of training although it may be challenging and time-consuming.
There is no denying that dogs possess certain innate urges and behaviors, and therefore it is necessary that they be allowed to exhibit them on occasion. Dogs need a healthy diet, a place where they can run, and items to keep them occupied.
When you are house training a dog, you may want to use a crate. Always take your dog out consistently if you want to be effective at crate training. You will have fewer accidents if you take the time to crate train your dog.
When training your dog, use many resources, such as books on training your dog, dog magazines and books about the particular breed of dog that you wish to train. Ask other people who own the same breed of dog what training techniques worked for them. Based on your findings, you should customize your training plan accordingly.
Don’t let a dog drag you around. You are leading him, not vice-versa. Use a training collar, and see to it that your dog follows you by going ahead of it when you pass through gates or doors. The dog should always remember that you’re the captain!
To succeed at dog training, it is necessary to commit yourself to a regular schedule of training sessions. Dogs are creatures of habit, and they learn from consistency and repetition. Additionally, the very act of spending a certain amount of time with your dog every day will convince him that you are a consistent and reliable person. Your dog needs to consider you as a leader and this will occur if you remind your dog he has to obey you everyday.
Learning your dogs individuality is an important step when training your dog. If your dog doesn’t understand you, then how can he learn from you? Knowing how the wheels are turning in one’s dog’s mind makes it easier to train it well.