Part of the responsibility of pet ownership includes making sure your dog is well-trained. Training a dog is a long process that will require you to learn a lot about canine behavior. Ahead you will find some tips for getting the most from your dog training efforts.
Always give your dog the tools for success. If you are training it to stop chewing things it shouldnt be chewing on, give it things that it can chew on. It is also important that a dog who chews is protected from danger. Common household items like nylons and hairbrushes pose a grave threat to your dog and can cause him to choke.
When you are working on crate training with your dog or puppy small steps is what works best for them to get used to it. When they seem comfortable in it with the door open, try shutting the gate and feed them treats through the wires. At first, leave the dog enclosed in the crate for only short periods of time, such as 10 seconds, and then gradually increase the duration. If the puppy gets too upset then you increased the time too much, too fast.
Consider using a clicker to help your dog learn great behavior. If you give your dog an award when you used the clicker, it will be easier to train. Making the sound and giving a treat is a good way to build this association. Eventually, your dog will learn that the noise means "good," and this will help shape their behavior by using this tool.
Do not neglect to make a visit to the vet for a spay or neuter around the six month mark. This should be done at the same time you start obedience training. A spayed or neutered dog is a better pet and a more attentive obedience student. You and your pet will enjoy a longer and happier life together.
If your dog suddenly starts exhibiting behavioral problems, take him to a veterinarian in order to rule out any serious health conditions. Animals that are in pain or that have certain health conditions may lash out or behave inappropriately. This behavior is an indicator to humans that there is something wrong.
When training your dog, you should always make sure you use the same word or action for each individual behavior. You dog will learn to respond to the specific word or words that you choose to represent a desired behavior. Consistency is key. It ensures that the dog will respond properly to commands.
Train your dog on a regular basis to make sure he understands the rules of the house. Too many owners tend to be under the impression that once they have trained their dog, thats the end of it. But pets and humans actually share the same types of habit learning systems; if they dont practice they will forget! Therefore, it is vital that your dog follows an established rule system at all times.
Destructive chewing is often a result of anxiety. Putting your dog in his crate with a chew toy will reduce the chance of destructive events and give him something to do while he waits for you.
Communication is one of the essential aspects of training your dog. During your dogs training sessions, keep your signals and commands clear and consistent. The signals you send to your dog include not only rewards and corrections but also your tone of voice and your body language. Remember to always pay attention to the communication signals from your dog. Your dog can let you know how hes feeling, like if hes having a bad day or is worn out.
Teach your dog the difference between right and wrong. You will need help from everyone in the family to teach this. It can quickly undermine your efforts.
If you have a knock-down, drag-out fight with your kids or reprimand another pet, your voice could impact your dogs training. Remember: if your dog has not done something wrong immediately beforehand, your interactions should always be positive.
Do not give your dog any punishments when you are in the process of training. If your dog does not follow the correct behavior, instead of punishing him, gently teach him what to do instead. Training your dog is a great way to develop a positive relationship with him.
Determine in advance what types of food your dog likes so that you can use it in the training process. Your dog will be more likely to respond to your training efforts when the food reward is something he likes. Pay close attention to his response after you offer a reward.
To house train your dog, you should make sure that your dog follows a regular feeding and elimination schedule. This can train your dog to whine or come get you when he feels the urge, so you can let him out and prevent him from doing his business inside. Having a set schedule will teach your dog how to wait until he can go outside for the next potty break.
If you teach your dog the right way to act at the beginning you will have a good dog. It is much more difficult to break a dogs bad habits, than to teach it correct behavior in the beginning. For example, if you are adamant about your dog not being a beggar, then never make any exceptions to handing him food from your table.
Do not tie more than one dog in the same area. It is possible for the chains to become intertwined, and the animals can be hurt as they try to get free. If a large dog becomes tangled with a smaller one they could wrap up to the point the airway of the latter is closed off and the dog would die.
Remember that more difficult behaviors should be approached in steps. A simple example is teaching your dog to get the morning paper. You first need to teach him exactly what a newspaper is and then how to hold it. He will then need to know what the object is by name. Then, he needs to be taught to pick up the object. The last step is to train him to bring the object to you. If you break it down, your dog will understand the linear relationship of the behavior.
Communication is one of the essential aspects of training your dog. Make sure you are clear and consistent when you are working with your dog. This means to be consistent not only with words, but with corrections and rewards. Be well aware that your dog is telling you something too. They will inform you of whether or not they are overworked, anxious, or having a great day.
You can prevent your dog from destroying your home by keeping it outdoors when you are away from the house. When this isnt possible, you want to provide things that both appeal to your dog and that are okay for the dog to chew on. Establishing acceptable chews toys is also about keeping those things you do not want your dog to chew up behind closed doors or well out out of reach.
Hopefully the tips we have given will ensure that you, as well as others, enjoy your dog and his company. Training your dog makes ownership a rewarding experience. No matter if you choose to attempt your own dog training or you enlist the aid of a professional, making sure your pet is fully trained is a great way to ensure the happiness of you and your companion..
