Training a dog really first requires the owner be trained as well. Pet owners have to learn how to train a dog the right way before they do it themselves. There is no basic, canine training instinct bred in humans. It is a task that must be learned. The advice below will help move that learning process along.
It is important to have a consistent training method when crate training young puppies. When letting a puppy out of a crate, you need to let them relieve themselves immediately. Over time, the puppy will be able to wait until the appropriate opportunity to answer the call of nature.
Never reinforce your dog’s bad behaviors. Don’t give your dog any attention or treats when he is being bad. Don’t scratch the dogs back, give it a snack or reward it in any way if it jumps, barks or does anything you don’t approve of.
Give your dog a clear verbal cue that means “yes” to aid in training. A word like “yes” can be an effective bridge between the time that the dog exhibits the behavior and the time that they receive the reward.
You need to show your dog how to properly walk while on a leash. This is important for both the dog’s safety, and your own.
Training should be completed in small spurts. Since dogs do not have a long attention span, making sure training sessions are kept short ensures that your dog will not dread them. If more training is desired, work in some break times so your dog can play before continuing with training.
When you’re training your dog, it is important that you understand primary reinforcement. This means you should reward it for good behavior. Some common reinforcements include your dog’s favorite treat or a belly rub. The best rewards are things your dog already likes and wants.
Dogs need to understand exactly what your “no” means. Instead, use positive reinforcement to encourage positive behaviors and gloss past the results that are not what you want. If you just say “no”, your dog might not understand what is acceptable. Each dog is unique and has unique requirements. Training should be geared towards their needs and personality.
Now that the people who are interested in training their new pet dog have, hopefully, learned some new tricks, they can proceed to pass them along to their pets. Once a dog is on its way to learning, the owner will begin to appreciate the dedication that he or she has shown for doing the right thing for man’s best friend.