Making sure your dog is properly trained is one of the best investments you can make. The time you take now will create a well-mannered pet who seeks to please you and live as part of the family. The piece that follows is full of information about the important role training your dog can play.
Dogs have the uncanny ability to have single-minded focus when something catches their attention. After you repeat these cues enough, your dog will learn to focus on you, primarily, as he or she waits for signals.
The first step in puppy training is commanding control. You need to establish your authority, or he will ignore your commands. It is important to walk ahead of your dog when taking him for a walk. This will let him know that you are the leader.
Teaching dogs to roll over can be easy, provided some treats are on hand. Start by getting the dog to lay down. Next, hold a treat near the floor on one side of his head, slowly bring the treat up and over the dogs head to the other side. He will follow the treat by rolling over. As he rolls over say out loud, “roll over.” Repeat this until he rolls over with the command alone. Never become frustrated if it does not happen right away. Once he does learn how, he will be a celebrity among other dogs.
As you are working to house train your pet, select a single term or phrase that you will use. Whenever you bring him outside, repeat your chosen phrase in a firm but gentle tone to encourage him to undertake the action and associate the act with the place.
Make sure a reward is always handy for whenever the dog does what you want. You want them to know they did the right thing. You will ensure that your dog knows how to tell right from wrong if you do this.
Remember to enjoy the time spent with your dog during training. By playing games with your dog, a strong bond will develop between the two of you, which helps the dog respond in a positive manner during training. While training is fun in itself, take some time to just play for enjoyment each day.
Always train your dog with positive reinforcement. Use a soft tone to let your dog know you are satisfied and give it some small treats too. You should never yell at your dog, or physically harm them. These tactics backfire and just make your dog believe you are incompetent. Stay consistent and use positive reinforcement.
When you discipline your dog, your tone is an important factor. Dogs are very empathic to their trainer’s emotions. An appropriately stern tone can reinforce discipline.
Don’t get frustrated by accidents during the potty training phase. Make certain the accidents are cleaned up immediately, so your training efforts cans stay on course. Carpets are known to trap the smell of urine and encourage the dog to return to that spot for further marking. Many pet stores or big box stores sell products that help to eliminate the odors from pet accidents.
As mentioned earlier, time spent in dog training is time well-spent. A dog who behaves badly can cause stress to your family, destroy your house and cause no one to want him around. By learning the tips here, you will choose wisely and help your pet become a lovable animal.