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8 Tips on How to Train a Dog
By Katie Brandt
Having a dog as your companion can be a true joy. However,
you don¡¯t want your beloved buddy chewing your new shoes
or going to the bathroom in the house. Therefore, you need to
create a dog training plan to help your new puppy or dog
understand the rules of the house.
What things should you focus on in dog training when you
want your dog to understand the expected behaviors and
even some fun tricks? Should you take dog training classes or
complete dog training all on your own? The answer to these
questions is that it depends. Take a look at the following dog
training options to determine what type of dog training you
want to provide for your canine best friend.
Possible dog training options include: a beginning obedience
class that you can take through your local human society, dog
supply stores such as PETCO, community recreation
departments, and local colleges. These dog training classes
can vary in price, time commitment, and personal attention.
They are usually affordable and meet once a week at a
community park. It is a great way to not only have your dog
experience basic dog training, but socialize with other dogs as
well.
If you have the financial resources and time you can hire a
personal dog trainer. This type of trainer may be necessary if
your pooch is having a hard time in basic classes and your dog
training efforts aren¡¯t making a difference. Before you invest in
a private dog trainer it is important to make an accurate
assessment of your dog training methods. Often times a dog
that is not following directions is the result of the poor dog
training by the dog¡¯s owner.
A private dog trainer might be necessary if you are going to
show your dog at dog shows. You can hire a dog
trainer/handler or you can become one yourself. If you do, you
must know the proper dog training techniques. You don¡¯t
want to have Fido jump up on the judges during the
competition so he must be trained thoroughly and correctly.
You can also search through dog training books, guides, and
various resources. There are products that will help you
complete dog training such as special collars and muzzles. You
can effectively go through a dog training regime with your
canine if you follow these eight dog training tips.
Tip #1: Many people start their dog on the path to dog
training success by enrolling them in a basic obedience class.
This is a great idea because you will learn how to teach your
do basic commands such as ¡°sit¡±, ¡°stay¡±, and ¡°heel¡±.
You can teach these dog training commands by using verbal
commands and physical actions. For example, right after you
say the word ¡°sit¡± you gently push your dog¡¯s bottom down
onto the ground and put them in the sit position. Immediately
say ¡°good¡± and smile. Give them a tasty treat as well.
Basically, you want to do as much as you can to reinforce the
action of sitting when you say ¡°sit¡±.
Tip #2: Dogs act like absorbent sponges when it comes to
learning proper behavior and tricks. If you do your job
properly then dog training should be a hit. Your dog is ready
and eager to learn proper behavior. They want to please you.
Therefore, if they aren¡¯t following your instruction it might not
be their fault. You might be giving confusing dog training
instructions.
Tip #3: Dogs thrive on positive reinforcement and
encouragement. Positive reinforcement such as acting excited
and petting your dog when they do the right behavior help
with your dog training efforts. It is a dog????s nature to
want to be close to you and make you happy. Showing
encouragement and praise will help your dog much farther,
much faster in their dog training. Make sure to encourage a
dog through each dog training accomplishment, no matter
how big or small.
Tip #4: Food is a powerful motivator when it comes to dog
training. You will be hard pressed to find a dog that passes up
food or a tasty treat. Dogs are always hungry and welcome
any situation where food is involved.
Tip #5: Dog training should be a gradual process with regards
to skill level and learning more complex commands. Give your
dog time to understand new commands. They most likely
won¡¯t learn it the first day you teach them. You will have to
review the commands and proper behaviors often.
Tip #6: Have dog training sessions at various times
throughout the day. Your dog needs periodic training to
reinforce the proper behaviors. You dog¡¯s attention span can
wane, so make sure to keep the training sessions to five to
ten minutes long.
Tip #7: When you first start dog training work in environment
that is free from distractions so your dog can focus on their
behavior. Once your dog understands the basic commands
you can try to use the commands in a busier environment.
One thing you may find is that your dog is distracted and
seems to have forgotten the commands. Don¡¯t fret. This can
happen because dogs tend to be situational learners and
your dog just needs to work on the commands in the busier
environment.
Tip #8: Too many treats equals an overweight dog. Dog
training is a process that involves tasty treats, but too many
of these treats can be a bad idea for your dog¡¯s waistline. Use
small treats and wean your dog off treats as they understand
the different commands. They will then rely on your praise as
the positive reinforcement for each behavior.
These eight dog training tips will set you on the road to
happy, healthy, obedient pooch.
About the Author
Katie, a lifelong dog lover, owns http://www.dog-breeds-infosite.com which is the ultimate dog lover's resource. Research dog breeds & get free tips about dog care.
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| Some other articles by Katie Brandt | |
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