You may think that it is impossible to teach an old dog new tricks, but did you know that there are techniques used to teach any dog new tricks, young and old. However, you aren’t going to be successful in dog training until you learn what it takes to get the success you desire. With tips like these, you can learn some great skills in dog training.
If you want to have a well behaved dog, make sure that you are filling their most basic needs. They need to have water, food, shelter and love. These are essential to a happy and healthy pet, and only then will they want to or have the energy to let you tell them what to do.
A good plan when training your dog is to keep your sessions short. When you have multiple, short sessions of training, as opposed to one long set, your dog will stay interested and will anticipate more. Keeping your pet motivated by short interval sessions will be effective and have a stronger impact.
Your dog’s behavior during walks should become habit through consistency. Teach your dog to focus on you and your physical clues about their behavior. Teaching them to walk with you should come naturally to them if you are leading and demanding the attention of your dog. If you are walking with purpose, it will be emulated by your pet.
When interacting with other dogs, expect a calm, sedate attitude from your pet before letting them go loose. By establishing a calm demeanor in your pet, you will cause a ripple effect through the other animals as well as teaching your dog that you control the environment. This will make it easier to withdraw your dog when it is time to go as well.
Make sure you and your family are consistent with your commands. If one person uses “down” to tell the dog to get off the couch while another says “off” and a third is letting him lay there, the dog is going to get mixed signals. It makes it much more difficult for him to learn the commands.
Positive reinforcement is the preferred training method for dogs. Sweet treats or gentle petting are great rewards when the dog is behaving properly. You should not strike your dog or scream at them. This is not a particularly effective form of training. Firmness, positivity and consistency are the keys to solid dog training.
Never use human shampoo on a dog. While it may be tempting to have your dog smelling like your favorite shampoo, most hair products for humans are far too harsh for a dog’s sensitive skin. If you are in a pinch and must use a human shampoo, try to use one formulated to be gentle enough for a baby.
The tone of your voice is very important when you are trying to train your dog. Dogs are very intuitive. If you want to correct bad behavior, try a disapproving tone with your dog.
If your family includes four-legged friends, consider an “invisible fence” pet containment system. These fencing systems place a wire around the perimeter of your property in which you wish to contain your pet. Your dog or cat is then fitted with a small, discrete radio collar. When the animal approaches the perimeter, the collar will emit a warning sound which induces the animal to remain within your yard.
What is your dog’s diet like? Like kids, dogs can get really hyperactive and unable to focus when their nutrition is not up to spec. Think about altering the dog’s diet to give him extra energy that lasts the entire day. Your vet is an excellent source of information on the appropriate diet and nutritional requirements of your dog.
A dog with hobbies is a happy dog. Make your dog work on walks. Many large breed dogs enjoy carrying items during walks such as tennis balls, sticks, or even dog-sized backpacks. This gives a dog a sense of purpose and gives him something to concentrate on. This way his attention span will be less likely to stray from your walk.
In order to potty train your dog, it is important to praise them when they are successful at going outside. Dogs are more likely to continue their good behavior if they know they will get praise afterward. Tell them what a good dog they are, and give them a hug and kiss.
It is important to be patient when teaching a dog how to use the bathroom outside. Every dog learns at his own pace and what may work for one dog may not work for another, especially if your dog is young or used to going to the bathroom inside the house.
Spend plenty of time with your dog to make obedience training easier. When your dog associates your voice and presence with his or her normal environment, training becomes easier because your pet is more inclined to pay attention to you. Spending time playing or in other unstructured activities makes time spent in training exercises more effective.
This article offers a great deal of advice that can be used to get to know dog training a little better and understand just what it takes to teach your dog new tricks no matter how old it is. You can start giving commands and getting a response, while learning the best techniques to help your dog understand new commands easier.
