Dog Training Tips That Succeed
Most dogs have a natural desire to please their masters. But this can only be accomplished through proper training. So training your dog is not making him miserable so you can enjoy him, but rather making him happy so you are happy. It is a win-win situation. (For more on this, please see Puppy n’ Dog Training Secrets.)
Whether or not your dog is on the top ten list of the smartest, he or she can be trained. Let’s discuss some basic principles in training your dog. First, dogs may not understand English, but they do understand rewards. A wise dog trainer will use a reward system that will teach the dog what is acceptable and not acceptable behavior. This means rewarding good behavior and not rewarding bad behavior. A withheld reward teaches also.
Dogs must be trained with clarity and consistency. Clarity means that the command you want him to obey is clear and the same each time. Be as simple with a dog as you would be with a baby. For example, if you want the dog to heal, use that word each time. Perhaps at first accompany it with a pat on your leg or a shortening of the leash until he gets the idea. Then wean him so that he responds only to the word.
Consistency, say the best dog training books, involves making your expectations of the dog constant. For example, if the dog obeys a command three times and then doesn’t obey the fourth time, something different has to happen for him to get the message this was not acceptable. This may involve sad or harsh words and, of course, no reward. The dog must be expected to do the command every time it is given, without exception. If you don’t mean for him to obey, don’t give him the command.
Basic needs must be met first. These include exercise, approval, safety, and, of course, proper food and water. If the dog is hungry, don’t expect his attention on learning unless your rewards are his favorite food. If the dog needs to relieve himself, don’t expect him to be interested in learning how to roll over.
Have a regular time of training your dog. Hit and miss training sessions mean that the goal will take longer to reach. Make sure these training sessions are not too long, for example, 15-20 minutes is sufficient. Set one goal for each session. Repeat the command until the time is up or the dog learns it.
Don’t be impatient. Remember that your dog is not nearly as smart as you are. Repetition is the key to training. Keep saying it over and over until he gets it. If he forgets the next day, start afresh.
Practice these religiously. No matter what trick your dog needs to learn, the training will demand that you follow these points. It will result in both you and the dog being pleased with the result.
