People say that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. Hopefully we can help you prove them otherwise with the tips and tricks in this article. All of the methods have been hand picked for your older dog that you either have never trained, never trained well, or obtained from someone else.
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.
When it is time to leash train your new dog or puppy, you must let him know that you are boss. Punishment does nothing but make him afraid of you and it doesn’t actually correct the behavior. One thing that you should do, is make a short leash so that he has to stay right by your side. Do not let him lead you. You are the leader, not him.
Training your dog is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your pet. Teach your dog one command at a time. Tell your dog to sit, and when they do, give them a treat. Once they have mastered one command, you can move on to the next. Training your dog will provide a more peaceful relationship between you and your pet. Your dog will know that you are in command, and listen to what you want them to do.
Your home is your domain. Your dog must see the environment they live in as your territory. Stepping around a lying dog or not moving the animal from a place you intend to use gives him the right of way. This should not be allowed. Dominance in the pack means exercising your power in a non-confrontational way but with firm resolve that this is your territory.
Dogs benefit from being trained to respond not just to verbal commands but also to the body language of their owner. Consider, for example, a dog that is approaching its owner from across a busy highway. The dog who is trained to stay in response to the proper hand motion will be more likely to survive this experience than the dog trained only to verbal commands.
Housebreaking a dog takes time. The key is to be consistent when teaching him where it’s not acceptable for him to relieve himself and consistent in the message that you send as to where you expect him to go. This may be on a pad inside the house, on a lead when you take him outside or running free in a fenced yard.
To have an obedient dog, you should establish yourself as a master right away. Do not let your dog bite you or jump on you. You have to punish or reward your dog constantly. Never let your dog get away with anything, or even worst, become hostile towards you.
Underestimating the necessity of good exercise will cramp your dogs training style. Naturally, all dogs need to run, chase and play just to release energy so if they do not get enough exercise outside of training they are very likely to be distracted or over excited and cause the session to be frustrating for everyone.
When training a new puppy to come, a long rope is a great aid. Call the puppy while gently pulling it toward you and praising it for coming. When it reaches you, praise it even more and offer a favorite treat. Soon the puppy will associate its name and coming to you with praise and treats, then you won’t need the rope anymore.
Walking should be a time for you to work on your relationship with your dog. Your dog shouldn’t totally ignore you in lieu of squirrels, trees and other interesting things. Instead, keep him occupied with commands and rewards for great work. This will encourage heeling and attentiveness in your dog.
Make sure not to accidentally reward a dog for bad behavior. For example, if you let your dog into the yard when he barks, you’re rewarding him by letting him outside for doing something you’d rather he didn’t. Instead make sure only to let the dog outside when he quietly waits by the door, reinforcing good behavior.
To successfully train your dog, start by making sure to use its name when you call it. Call your pet by name for feedings, walks and play, but never for punishment. This ensures that you will be able to get your dog’s attention once you begin asking for more complex tricks.
Do not lean over your dog, no matter whether he is big or small. Dogs are intimidated by space-hogging body posture. Even your subtle movements are read by your dog, so a simple lean will suffice if you are attempting to block or redirect his path. Hovering straight over a dog may make them reactive as well.
When introducing your dog to another animal, do so slowly and carefully. Before you even consider adopting a new pet, think about the one you have at home. Try to find a new pet with a similar personality to the one you already own. This will speed up the bonding process.
In conclusion, training an older dog can prove to be extremely difficult but not impossible. Depending on how the dog has been raised, your challenge may vary greatly. As long as you follow the specialized tips provided in this article, you are set up for success in training your older dog.
