Training your dog can be difficult, but that is only true if you are unsure how to do it properly. Much like anything else, dog training requires you to take proper steps and educate yourself on the subject matter. The ways to train your dog are numerous, but the article below should be of some help to you in providing you tips on how to be successful.
When walking your dog on a leash, never keep the leash too tight. A tight leash creates a counter pressure response and can cause the dog to become uptight or agitated. Your dog may then pull, rather than walk correctly on the leash. Being less restrictive with your leash hold will allow for a more pleasant walking experience.
Reward your dog for obeying you, but only occasionally. Rewards like treats and excessive praise can be useful tools when training your dog. Just be careful that you do not condition them to expect this every time they do as they are are told. Reward them for following instruction, but do so randomly.
To help potty train puppies, consider using a crate. Crate training may sound unpleasant, but it’s actually one of the most natural ways to train puppies. A crate is considered their home or den, and puppies have an instinct not to soil in this space. Just be sure to limit the time spent in the crate, so your pup can spend time with you too.
Never leave a tied dog unattended for long lengths of time. Even the best trained dog can become excited and active enough that they snarl up their chain or rope around and around itself or another object. If you don’t catch this in time your dog could actually twist his collar tight enough that he suffocates.
Socialization skills are an important part of a well-rounded training program for any canine companion. Learning to get along with adults, children and other pets makes for a happy dog that is welcome in his surroundings. Socializing your dog is easy and can be incorporated into your daily activities. An evening dog walk, trip to the park or visit to the pet store can provide a great opportunity to expose your dog to short interactions with neighbors and their pets, while getting much needed exercise and bonding time with you.
Some training techniques advise that you give your dog a treat as a reward for good performance. This is a great method, but be sure you’re not giving your dog a treat every time they perform the task. If you do, they come to expect the treat each time and when you stop with the treats, the obedience stops as well. Instead give the dog a treat randomly so that they don’t begin to expect when they get a treat.
Before you ever get a dog, be sure that you have everything you need. You should have: sturdy food and water bowls; a good quality of dry dog food; a comfortable bed; a crate/kennel in the right size for the dog you plan to get; and an appropriate leash and collar or harness. By having everything in place, you will avoid a lot of rushing around and uncertainty with a new dog or puppy. This will help everybody settle in better.
Give your dog plenty of positive reinforcement. Discipline isn’t only about punishment for bad behavior. You should make sure to reward good behavior with lots of affection and praise. It will ensure that your dog understands when it is doing the right thing, and it will help it develop trust in its trainers.
One tip to keep in mind when training your dog is that it is important to ensure that your dog has all of his needs fulfilled. Your dog will not respond well to praise or punishment and will not be able to focus on learning skills, if he is not being well taken care of. Be sure to feed him well, shelter him comfortably and spend time playing with him.
Destructive chewing is often a result of anxiety. If you give the dog a chew toy and put him in the safety of a dog crate, he can occupy himself while you’re not at the house.
Use your dog’s “voice” to help you with the training process. A dog’s bark or whine can tell you a lot about their mood and what they want. Paying attention and responding to their signals will help your pet be happier and more successful during training. You may also want to target excessive barking as part of your training program.
Make sure you dog proof your home to reduce chewing or destructive behavior while you are away. Young dogs or bored dogs may chew when left alone just to have something to do. Take the time to close interior doors and put away items dogs like to chew before you leave to limit the opportunities for chewing while you are gone.
In order to properly train your dog it is a good habit to always use your pet’s name to get his attention. This will reinforce your control over your pet and it will be beneficial in the long run. This can be done when calling your pet for food or even when playing simple games.
Your dog needs attention but you need to show him affection or play in a way that trains him to see you as the leader. When a dog tries to get you to pet him constantly or asks you to throw a ball for hours, it may be because he assumes he is your leader. Ignoring his requests for constant attention, and ignoring the ball until you are ready, helps him to understand who is in charge.
Dog training really depends on two factors for success: your willingness and your dog’s understanding. Make sure to really take an open approach to training your dog and accept advice when needed. The tips from this article are a great way to start and by no means are they the only way to successfully train your dog.
