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.