You dreamed of bringing home Lassie, but you may have a dog that acts more like Cujo! However, there’s still hope! A bit of training goes a long way in reducing bad dog behavior.
Tips on How to Train Your Dog Effectively:
Crate Training
Crate train your puppy in small steps so that the training is most effective. After they become used to each individual step and do not mind going inside the crate, try shutting the door and giving them treats with the door closed.
Begin with small intervals, and work your way up to longer times. If your puppy starts acting distressed about going into the crate, you need to slow things down.
Giving your dog proper treats is the best way to train. Quantity and timing are important when it comes to rewards. Dogs will not understand why you are rewarding them if you wait too long to do it.
Give your dog a word that tells them they’re doing the right thing. “Yes” is the perfect word to show dogs approval before giving a treat.
When training dogs, use a similar tone and volume when you give commands. Maintaining the same tone lets your dog know that you are serious and they should obey your commands.
Your dog needs to understand that there is a difference between the tone you use to discipline your dog from the tone you use to give an order.
Keep your sessions short to accommodate a short attention span. Your dog will get bored and antsy if you spend too much time on one thing. Keep first training lessons to 10 minutes or less.
Don’t extend training sessions. Because dogs do not have a long attention span, short lessons will keep them from getting bored. When you want to train more, give the dog a break and come back later.
You need to teach your dog to stop when you give them their command. Find positive and supportive ways to train your furry friend.
When you tell your dog “no” during training, he has no idea what you want him to do instead of the behavior you reprimand. Each dog is unique and has unique requirements. Training should be geared towards their needs and personality.
Toilet Training
Reduce as many accidents as possible when you’re toilet training your dog. Learn your dog’s signals, so you can anticipate the need to go out. They may pace, sniff, whine or walk in circles.
Do not hesitate if you notice this behavior. Grab his leash and take him to a place where he can safely eliminate. Be sure to give him praise for proper toileting. Soon, your dog will signal you when he needs to go outside.
Teach your dog not to bark with a simple command. Any time the animal starts to bark, get its attention by showing him a tasty dog treat.
Forcefully, speak the command until your pet ceases barking. At this time, give the treat to your dog. If you do this a lot of times your dog will know if they are not barking they will get a treat.
Leash Training
When training a dog to a leash it is important to keep the leash loose. When they’re on a walk, they are anxious to check things out. Since they are excited, they may pull on their leash.
The savvy owner will discourage this behavior, instead of encouraging his or her pet to walk with some slack on the leash.
Related: Air Conditioned Dog House
Final Words
Many dog owners are surprised by the ease with which canine training can be integrated into their schedules. They are further amazed when they begin to see great results in no time at all. So if your relationship with your pooch is feeling a bit strained, try out some of these tips.