Dogs, regardless of their size, tend to have a general attitude about how they behave. A person shouldn’t have problems with training any dog if he or she can understand a dog’s mindset. For those that don’t understand that mindset, read on to gain some insight.
When crate training your new puppy, take it in small manageable steps so the animal can become accustomed to the changes easily. Once your dog seems to have acclimated to the crate itself, close the gate and feeding him through it. At first, only close the gate for a short time, then gradually extend the time as your dog becomes more comfortable. If your puppy starts acting distressed about going into the create, you need to slow things down.
It’s important to avoid inadvertently encouraging inappropriate behavior if you want your dog to learn. This means that you should never reward your dog, with treats or attention, for doing something you’re trying to train it out of. For instance, if your dog does not sit when commanded, do not rub his head affectionately unless he actually sits.
Shock Collars
Avoid training devices which are high end such as shock collars. They often do not function properly and their cost is rarely justified. Also, shock collars and like devices are just not nice things to use. Using these techniques can have poor results.
Decide on a single phrase that you can say when house training your puppy, and stick with it every time. Each time you let your dog out to relieve himself, use a phrase such as “go potty” so that he associates going outside with going to the bathroom.
Always be sure to have a reward or tasty morsel for your dog when he follows a command or learns something new. You want to be able to reward your dog when he does what you want him to do. This is the proper way to make sure that your dog learns the difference between right and wrong.
Among the initial commands a dog should learn is “leave it,” which instructs the dog to drop whatever it has and step away from it. This simple command is beneficial in making him stop on chewing furniture inside the house.
Use the dog’s name as much as possible to ensure that it pays attention. By using it as much as possible during the first weeks you own him, your puppy will learn that this sound is in reference to him. Choose a puppy name that sounds differently than other words your puppy may hear throughout the day.
If you are leash training a puppy, put the collar on him in advance of training. Helping your dog feel comfortable with a collar on is critical because it helps ease the adjustment to a leash, and it also facilitates identification of the dog should he become lost.
When you train your dog, remember to keep sessions short. Sessions should be nor more than 15 minutes to avoid frustrating the dog, which is counterproductive. After each time you do some training, spend time horsing around with your dog, and let him know what a good boy he is.
Destructive chewing is often a result of anxiety. Confining him to a safe space like a dog crate and giving him a safe chew toy will allow him to stay busy working on a project while he awaits your return.
Make sure you give your dog a good workout every day. Dogs need an appropriate diet, a place to run out their energy and lots of ways to keep busy.
If your dog is barking too much try to find out why they are doing it. This way you can avoid the things that trigger barking. For example, if strange people or animals cause your dog to bark, then you might need to spend more time socializing.
Older Dogs
You must understand that older dogs have certain limitations. Most older dogs will be harder to train since their own personalities have already settled in. A dog in his senior years may not be as receptive to changes and new behaviors. You’re likely to encounter some opposition, so it’s best to focus your training efforts on eliminating only the most problematic behaviors. The rest should be negotiable.
Utilize a wide variety of training materials, including videos, books and classes where available, to create a comprehensive training program for your dog. Seek out other pet lovers who have experience with your dog’s breed; they will be able to offer insight into the specific breed. You can make adjustments based on the advice you get.
Don’t let a dog drag you around. You must be the leader, no-one else. Start your training regimen with a collar made for training and a leash that is short in length. When walking your dog, you should enter rooms and gates before he does and should keep him at heel. Understand that you are the one in charge, not your dog.
Do not think that a dog won’t bite you because you are supposed to be in charge. When a dog thinks he is the boss, you could be trouble. Understanding what alpha behavior you need to show your dog will help your dog understand you are the leader. Staying on the same page with your dog and calming their emotions is optimal while training.
Try using the “shake-can” training method. Put some coins in a hollow soda can then seal it. Shake the can if your dog misbehaves. This will give your dog a start and stop the bad behavior. Once you do this a few times, your dog will start to realize that his behavior is unacceptable. Shake the can only once to avoid desensitizing your dog.
You need to understand the way your dog thinks and reacts before you can really comprehend why they are doing certain things. When you understand how your dog learns, you can develop a training program specifically tailored to your dog. One can provide your dog with better training now that one knows more about their dog.