Ten of the Best Dog Training Tips
16 Dec 2009
There are so many ways to train a dog, and each method will be different by the way that you use it and the way that your dog responds to it. However, there are a few things that all methods have in common. Regardless of what training program you have chosen, you can make it much easier and enjoyable by using these ten dog training tips.
1. Dominance is Key You have probably heard the term, “Alpha-Dog”. Dogs are pack animals that co-exist together within a “pack”, or group. Within all packs, there is an alpha-dog who is deemed to be the head of the pack. Dogs that are members of the pack will always follow the alpha-dog’s lead and submit to him. You need to make sure your dog sees you as the alpha of its pack. If you don’t establish yourself as the pack leader, your dog may start to walk all over you. You will achieve much more in your dog training if you can make your pet understand that you are the dominant, or the alpha.
2. Patience is important. Patience is the one aspect to dog training that you will require the most. A new behavior or trick will not be learned by your dog in a day, regardless of what method you use. Even though your dog might appear to be unpromising, you must be persistent and always patient.
3. Training should never end. Perseverance is what comes hand in hand with patience. It is true that some dogs can learn very quickly. Other dogs may take longer. There are some circumstances in which your dog may seem to have things figured out, but several days into the future, they could begin acting up once more. The training has to continue beyond just short sessions, to make sure that it is fully learned.
4. Playtime is important. Having a pet isn’t just about training. Both you and your dog need playtime! If you play with your dog often, you may find that training it will be easier.
5. A dog must exercise. Even though you are training, your dog still needs exercise. Exercising your dog not only aids in the elimination of extra energy, but it additionally regulates their health to keep your dog at their best condition.
6. Don’t expect miracles. No matter how much you wish for it, your dog may never do the tricks you see being performed on television. It may take longer to teach a dog some tricks than it does others. Both you and your dog will be much happier if you keep your goals for your pet well within realistic boundaries.
7. Don’t resort to bribery. You should not overuse rewards or treats when it comes to training your dog. You don’t want your dog to only act like you want them to for a treat, but instead you want them to mind you regardless. Praise and occasional treats are important as reinforcement for positive behavior but you will end up disappointed later on if you use treats to get them to do what you want.
8. Consistency counts. Stick with your schedule and routine of training once you have established one. Dogs are creatures of habit, they will appreciate a routine. Sticking to a schedule will help your training stick and make everyone involved happier.
9. Don’t be harsh with punishment. Discipline is imperative in a training regimen. But your methods of discipline don’t need to be harsh to work. If you simply use a firm tone, you will receive a reaction that is positive, rather than if you had screamed at your dog.
10. Everyone can be involved in training. All of the effort you invest with training will be ineffective if your family is not pitching in. If everyone is using the same method of training, then it will prevent confusion on your dog’s part, and make training easier.
