Training your dog can be a delightful, rewarding experience for both of you. Training doesn’t need to be time-intensive, mainly if you address issues in small steps and create manageable goals. This article will outline several small but savvy techniques that can turn minor problems into big success for you and your dog.
A clicker and a few treats can be a very effective method of training your dog. Lessons can be quick and productive because a clicker can be easier for a dog to understand than a voice command. Training sessions should not be longer than fifteen minutes since dogs have short attention spans.
Use firm control to elicit desirable behaviors from your pet. Once your dog follows your command, reward his behavior. While you may be overjoyed with the headway you are making, showing excitement causes the dog to become excited and makes you lose control. Remain calm, expect the dog to be calm, and provide appropriate rewards.
Digging can be a troublesome behavior with some dogs. One way to address this is to create an area where your dog is allowed to dig. Hide some of his favorite toys in the area, bury dog treats, and encourage him to spend time there. This can keep your dog out of your favorite garden and help him to enjoy your yard.
When dog training, it is vital to have much patience with your dog if you want to maximize the effectiveness of the overall process. Training takes a lot of time and conditioning to get your dog to act the way you want, as patience will yield the best results.
Your friends and family, in most cases, are not dog trainers. While those around you may have advice and opinions on how you should handle your dog’s training, it does not mean they are correct. This input may be well-meaning. However, you can ignore most of it if you have taken the time to do your homework.
Please don’t force your dog to go into his crate. Instead, profusely praise him when he enters his crate on his own. Young puppies, in particular, might be somewhat afraid of the crate when it is first introduced. If you force them to enter it, their fear might become a terror. Their natural curiosity will eventually override their fear.
If your dog tends to chew on your shoes or other household items, you can stop this behavior by giving the dog a yummy substitute, such as a rawhide bone, to chew. The dog will likely abandon your shoes in favor of the rawhide, as the only reason they are chewing your shoes is that they are bored and needs something to do.
Dog training starts with patience. This reduces frustration and annoyance when dog training. Bear in mind that your dog wants nothing more than to please you; however, your language is somewhat confusing to him.
If you have a dog that begs, the easiest way to train them from this behavior might be to remove the dog from the situation. Shutting the dog out of the room at mealtimes keeps them from bugging you while you eat and removes the temptation for you to give in to that cute face.
To reduce your dog’s barking, try to understand what is causing it. Triggers can include strangers, loud sounds, or new places. Your dog can learn that he doesn’t have to bark.
To train your dog to stop begging for human food, you should completely ignore him when you are eating. If you pay attention to him, he will think he has a chance of getting your food, and therefore he will never stop begging. If you ignore him during your mealtime, he will soon learn that begging is pointless and stop.
A great dog training tip is to assume the role of the pack leader. All dogs have a pack mentality. There is typically a pack leader that influences the behavior of the rest of the pack. By acting as the pack leader, your dog will become more obedient.
Your dog will benefit from a solid exercise routine. Hyperactive dogs are often full of energy they have not spent elsewhere. Exercising your dog before training sessions will increase his attention span. He’ll be calmer at home and less likely to react poorly to external stimuli.
Only ask your dog to do something if you know you can follow through with the command. If you tell your dog to sit and he does not do it, you must impose a consequence. If you don’t, your pet will begin to view your instructions as something they can choose to do.
Use the exact simple words in a low, firm tone of voice every time you give your dog a command. Don’t shout or repeat the command multiple times. Say it once, firmly, and then assist the dog in complying if he doesn’t understand (e.g., press down firmly on the hindquarters while saying “sit” if he doesn’t sit the first time you tell him).
If you are going to dress your dog up for Halloween, don’t be too elaborate. After all, your dog won’t know why you are doing such a silly thing, and he may be pretty distressed or embarrassed by it. Just do something simple like a scarf or something that will fit easily on his collar. In this way, you will not risk having your dog bolt or hide or engage in some other unexpected, potentially dangerous behavior.
To stop your dog from jumping up on you, push him back firmly with your knee and tell him “NO” in a firm and commanding voice. As soon as his feet are on the floor, pet him with your hands and praise him for being a good dog with his feet on the floor.
As you can see, starting a dog-training routine doesn’t need to be a chore. Your dog is designed to be eager to please, so consider this time spent as time invested in your relationship. Your dog will be happier with clear boundaries and a proper relationship, so consider starting your routine today!
