Dogs of all breeds think the same way. Once you get a better understanding of how a dog thinks, you will be more efficient in training yours. This article will provide a little insight into the mind of dogs.
Enforce the commands that you give your dog. Do not let up until they complete the task you have asked them to do. If you are not serious about making them do what you have commanded, then they will learn that they don’t have to do it. Follow through is key to training.
You need to reward your dog to be successful. Quantity and timing are important when it comes to rewards. If you don’t do it at the correct time, the dog may become confused about the reward.
As you begin the dog training process, make sure to reward your pet when they perform desirable behaviors. Although discipline is necessary at times, the more you are able to praise your dog, the better your relationship will be. A good relationship means that your animal will want to follow your directions and the training process will be much easier.
Dogs are creatures of habit. If you customarily take them out for their walk at the same time every night, they will grow to expect that walk, even to depend on it. Missing the scheduled date by even just a few minutes can result in an accident for the younger dog and even for the older one.
Use your time walking the dog as a time of bonding and positive reinforcement. Try bringing your treats along and playing games with them during the walk. Ask him to sit in the middle of your walk and reward him with a snack. Reinforce the love you have for your dog and they will respond in kind.
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.
Choosing the correct crate size is extremely important. Don’t forget, your puppy will grow. Choose a crate that your puppy can grow in, but won’t grow out of. Generally speaking, your pet should be able to circle, sit and sleep without discomfort.
Physical punishment does not work, and can hinder training. Never ever hit your dog, especially when training. While it may appear to work because the dog stops the behavior, in reality they have only learned to fear you and not do that behavior in your presence. So toss out that rolled up newspaper and break out some tasty treats instead.
Ignoring your dogs barking can be an effective way to get him to stop. When your dog barks, he is looking for attention of some sort. If you give it to him, this will encourage him to continue. Instead try looking away and pretending he isn’t there. When he quiets down, reward him with a pat on the head.
To train a dog how to act around people and guests in your home, it is crucial that the dog is socialized with other people. This contact with people, especially people who are new to your dog, will allow you to train the dog on how he should react. This is very useful to the training process.
Some dogs have enormous reserves of energy that can cause the dog to act crazy through out the day. For dogs like this a fenced in yard or electric collar fence can be a useful tool to allow the dog to run around in a contained area. The dog will have more exercise and be more relaxed when it comes inside.
Your dog should earn his freedom around your home. Too many pet owners give their dog free reign without earning it, which can lead to costly furniture replacement or even surgery when Fido eats something he shouldn’t have. Test your dog’s comfort levels and limits gradually, and in safe doses so you know his triggers.
Be consistent. Set a schedule for your puppy. Take him out to the bathroom on regular occasions, and feed and walk him at the same time every day. Dogs thrive on consistency, and this way they are much easier to train. Always remember to offer praise when he follows the rules, and correct any mistakes that he makes.
Preventing offspring from your pup is a good idea when they are half a year old. After the dog is neutered or spayed, you should begin obedience classes with your dog. Dogs that have been fixed are more obedient and have an easier time with training. This will give your dog a happier and healthier life and you will have many years of happiness with your pet.
To get your dog to crawl on command, have him start in a lying position. If you are tall enough, or your dog is small enough, place your leg, heel on the floor, knee up, in front of him. Take a treat and lead him underneath your leg. If your dog cannot fit under your leg, find another low threshold, like a chair, that he can crawl under. This makes him have to scoot forward to get the treat and will reduce his urge to stand up to follow your hand.
One of the most important things a pet owner can do to train his or her dog is to understand the way dogs think. The most effective training is through understanding this mindset. Once someone knows a bit more about dogs, training becomes easier and more likely to work.
