No matter the size of the dog, they generally all have the same mindset. Before you begin training any dog, it’s important that you understand this mind-frame and learn to mold your training around that aspect. Any pet owner who is oblivious to the way pets think can learn a great deal from this article.
The first rule to remember when you begin to house train your puppy is that what you feed them will eventually come out the other end. If you want your puppy to relieve himself with regularity, keep the diet regular too, like feeding him good food two or three times daily at consistent intervals. That way, you will know when the dog likely needs to go out and can prevent accidents.
Dogs need routine, so feed your dog at the same time every day. This also helps with training. This makes it clear to your dog that he has to go outside and poop now, instead of stinking up your carpet. A schedule will train your dog to know when he will get to go out next.
If your pet is prone to jumping onto your lap, you should gently squeeze his paws after he does so. This communicates that the behavior is unacceptable and should be avoided. This will not hurt your dog if done lightly, but it will impart the information that jumping up is not appropriate. After some time, they won’t jump on anyone because they’ll associate it with being made to feel uncomfortable.
Have fun with your dog each day when training. You can build a strong bond with dog by playing with the dog, and that in turn causes positive reactions during training. Training may be a fun activity, but it’s also good to enjoy your time with your dog.
Make sure you’re praising your dog so that you enforce positive behavior. Be positive, excited and provide treats. You should not give them a treat or reward if they are not doing something good.
Teach your dog to lay down on command. This command will be useful if you need to keep your dog from jumping on someone. The down command can have a dog drop down at any given second, which is great for safety reasons.
You need to balance out the times you call your dog’s name in a positive and negative manner. The dog must realize that his own name can be something associated with positive things and that he should never fear coming to you if called.
When your dog exhibits undesirable behavior, do not send the wrong signals. If your dog does something wrong and you laugh at him or pet him, then he is likely to repeat this bad behavior indefinitely in the future. This can hinder training and cause you to get frustrated. No matter how entertaining your dog is when he misbehaves, you must consistently correct him.
If you want your dog to be more agile, make sure you have chosen a breed suited for it. While virtually any dog can do agility, some breeds – like German and Australian shepherds – truly excel at it.
Make sure you get a bed big enough for your dog. Large, flat rectangle beds are made for large dogs. You can also get a little creative, and just buy a mattress made for a baby’s crib. The latter option has its advantages. You can just rotate the sheets often by using sheets that are fitted to the mattress. Another good thing is that crib mattresses have a moisture-proof cover.
Keep your dogs out of the trash by feeding them well and giving them a lot of toys. Keep your trash emptied and use a can with a tight fitting lid. Be sure to crate your dog when you go out and/or leave your trash can empty when you are gone.
If you want your dog to get in a sitting position, have them stand while you hold a treat above their head. Pass the treat directly above his head, moving your hand behind him. He will end up looking up when following your hand. He’ll sit as a result.
Any type of introduction to unfamiliar animals needs to be attempted very slowly. Before you bring a new pet home, think about the pet you already have. Choose a pet who has a personality that corresponds to yours.
Always discourage unwanted behavior in your dog as soon as it occurs. Say “no” firmly. Do not yell and/or hit your dog at all. Make sure you discourage the bad behavior as it happens or soon after it happens. Your dog has a very short memory span. If you don’t correct the behavior immediately after it happens, your dog will not understand what you are doing.
Dogs are like people when it comes to the fact that they all learn in very different ways. For instance, an easygoing dog is sure to do well with positive reinforcement, while aggressive dogs might require negative reinforcement if they are to acknowledge your role as leader. If you do not experience success, you might need to change tactics.
If your dog possesses specific triggers associated to bad behavior, try to keep him busy while the temptation passes. Keep your dog busy if you come across other dogs while on a walk. This will create a positive association between the trigger and receiving attention or entertainment from you.
Wee Pads
If you want to train your dog effectively, don’t bother with wee-wee pads. These “wee-wee” pads can leak pet urine and feces, which can cause the puppy to mistake the area for a permanent toilet. One problem with wee-wee pads is that because they are use to their shape, anything with a similar shape with be their bathroom target. The best option is to toilet train your dog outdoors.
You will be a better master if you understand your dog. If your dog doesn’t understand you, then how can he learn from you? After understanding more about how different dogs think, the training process becomes much easier.