Dogs Training Tips
1. Listen!
If you want your dog to listen to you, you need to listen to it. If he or she
appears uncomfortable performing a trick or seems uninterested after
repeated tries, there’s usually a reason for it. Forcing the issue can
potentially result in bigger issues and discomfort for all parties, so it’s best
to move on to another trick.
2. Be Loving — Positive Reinforcement Works
Better Than Discipline
People are quick to discipline their dog when it doesn’t perform as
expected. This can be bad in the long run. Instead, try being more
affectionate when your dog does do the right thing. They’ll get the
message.
3. Get the Right Treats!
While most dogs love to chow down in general, not all of them love the
same things. Take time to find a treat your pooch really loves for an
effective reward. Soft, chewy treats are usually better than hard and
crunchy. Also, dogs usually go extra crazy with anticipation over treats
that are strongly scented
4. Don’t Just Say “No” — Say What You Want
There’s nothing wrong with telling your pup “no,” but it will leave him with a
lack of instruction. Focus on telling him or her what you want done instead.
If your dog is having trouble understanding what action you want to cease
after hearing “no,” it’s probably because he or she is naturally not good at
generalizing. Your pup will comprehend more if you emphasize what you
do want instead of what you don’t.
5. Consistency is Key
When teaching your dog new commands, it helps to get as many family
members and friends involved as possible so everyone is on the same
page. Imagine how confusing it might be if your roommate lets your dog
lay on the couch for hours after you’ve been working for weeks to teach
him or her this behavior is inappropriate.
6. Unrealistic Expectations Don’t Help Anyone…
Teaching takes time, but how much time depends on your dog’s breed
and behaviors you’re looking to alter. Beagles and dachshunds, for
example, are more stubborn than retrievers, and instinctual behaviors like
barking and jumping are going to be harder habits to break than others.
Age will also play a role, as the longer the behavior has been rehearsed,
the longer it will take to unlearn. But, it’s never too late to teach! You just
have to be prepared to put in the time and have the patience to do so.
7. A Bit of Bribery Doesn’t Hurt
Is giving your dog treats in return for performing commands bribery? Well,
maybe. But your dog probably won’t mind. If the method works and you’re
getting results, why not continue? Just remember the treat is the reward
and the behavior is the qualifier; not the other way around.
8. Stop Bad Behaviors Before They Start
A common mistake for first-time and veteran dog owners is giving your
pup too much freedom too soon. It is better to have your dog earn certain
freedoms. Too much freedom at once can lead to accidents – chewing on
everything in sight, taking liberties with potty locations, and so on.
Closing off a few doors and using baby gates to clarify your dog’s
boundaries is a good way to keep unwanted habits from ever starting.
A nicely-sized crate or sealed-off space is another great way to ensure
your house goes incident free while you’re away.