Training your dog well will lead to happiness for the both of you. You both understand what is expected out of each other. Once he is trained, you will have less worry when you leave him home alone, have visitors or take him out in public. It may take a lot of time, but in the end, your dog will prove to you that the training has been worth it.
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. As soon as they start to feel comfortable in the crate when the door is open, try closing the gate and have them eat inside. Gradually increase the amount of time your dog spends in the crate, starting with just a few seconds. If the dog becomes agitated, slow down a little more to make them more comfortable.
Right at the moment they do the behavior you are trying to reinforce, give the verbal command of approval. Words like “yes” could be an effective way of communicating to your dog that he has done something you are pleased about.
Refrain from using shock collars and similar training devices. These devices are expensive and do not always work as well as you would expect them to. This is also a negative way to train your dog and might cause them to be aggressive. This kind of approach often ends in disaster.
It is important to get your dog trained to walk nicely on his leash. This will assure that the two of you are safe when you are out on walks.
You indicate that jumping up is an unacceptable behavior by grabbing the dogs paws, squeezing gently and guiding them back down to the ground. It is uncomfortable but a non-painful experience for the dog. They should learn to stop jumping because they don’t like the reaction they get.
Train your dog to stop barking with a treat. Choose words to use, such as “quiet”, and when they bark, use the word or words and give them a treat when they stop. You can then give it the treat. Repetition will ensure the dogs learns that quiet is a good thing.
Stay as consistent as possible during your training regimen. Everyone that works with your dog should use the same commands, as well as the same techniques. The dog is sure to have a simpler time learning, as long as he is asked to obey just one group of commands and is given consistent responses.
Use the appropriate tone of voice when you are correcting your pet. Dogs are very intuitive. A disciplinary command is best delivered in a stern tone.
When you are trying to house train a puppy, it is not going to learn overnight, so be prepared. If your puppy has an accident, clean it up straight away. Urine and feces smells will stay in the carpet if you don’t clean them up straight away, causing your dog to go back to the same place to do his business. There are many products on the market that can help with this, so check with your local pet shop.
To prevent the dog from biting people or furniture or otherwise causing damage, use a water bottle to spray him. This will help your dog understand that certain behaviors will not be tolerated. Before you know it, your dog will cease the biting behavior and just be playful.
Bad Behavior
One tip to keep in mind when training your dog is to never, ever reward bad behavior in an effort to quickly end a behavior. The dog will only learn that it is the boss. Refrain from giving your dog treats for bad behavior, as this reinforces something negative.
When training your dog, it is important to remember to keep the training sessions relatively short. A dog has a short attention span, and a 15 minute training session is just about right. Always reward your dog with praise and attention after a training session.
Scold your puppy for chewing your belongings right away. Switch out the inappropriate object for an item that belongs to your puppy to allow him to realize what is and is not okay.
Understand that more mature dogs do have some basic limitations. Older dogs can never be trained to perfection, as they are going to have minor quirks you should just learn to live with. A dog in his senior years may not be as receptive to changes and new behaviors. Embrace their not so bad behaviors and focus on retraining their negative behaviors.
You must consistently dedicate time to canine training. Dogs require 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. The dog will see you as a leader if you appear reliable.
Make sure to get your dog neutered or spayed at six months old. This should be happening roughly at the same time as the first obedience class. A spayed or neutered dog is a better pet and a more attentive obedience student. This will make your pet healthier and happier, and make your ownership experience happier, too.
One of the most important factors in training your dog is establishing rules and making sure that these rules are followed on both ends. This will allow trust between you and your dog. Continue to reinforce all learned behaviors. Provide refresher courses when needed and continue to correct bad behavior. After your dog has learned the basics, you can work together more effectively to instill more complex behaviors.