Training a puppy can be frustrating and even harder if you are not getting a young dog. However, by learning from the following information, you can teach your dog to be well behaved and obedient.
When crate training an indoor dog or puppy, you may try some tricks. If the dog doesn’t want to go inside the crate, put a rawhide bone in there and shut the door. They can see and smell that bone, and they will want in the crate to have it. If they do go into the crate, offer up praise and a treat.
Use small steps when training a dog or pup to get into a crate, so that they can become familiar with it. Once they have grown accustomed to being in the crate with the gate open, try closing the gate and feeding them small treats through the crate. Start off small, like 10 seconds at a time, and slowly move up the times. If they become upset, you are moving too fast.
Pick a consistent phrase to use with your puppy while house training. Each time you let your dog out to relieve himself, use a phrase such as “go potty” so that he associates going outside with going to the bathroom.
As your dog progresses in training, you can provide more freedom. The key to a satisfying life for your dog is a balance of freedom and obedience. Just be careful not to overdo it on the freedom initially as it can set your training your dog efforts back.
Start your dog training with something that will be easy for him to learn. Not only will you achieve gratification due to your success, but your dog will know what acceptable behavior is. Using this method as you train produces better results.
Primary reinforcement is the method commonly used to train dogs. Primary reinforcement employs a reward for his good behavior. You can use food or a nice belly rub as primary reinforcements. This teaches your dog something that they desire.
If you say ‘no’, your dog should understand that it does not need a response. You must find positive methods to reinforce your commands when training a dog. Just simply telling your dog ‘no’ doesn’t help him or her in understanding how to properly react. Because no two dogs are the same, the training you use should work with their needs.
Take extra care with the tone you use whenever you discipline your dog. Dogs are very empathic to their trainer’s emotions. An adequate stern tone can help reinforce their discipline.
Realize the limitations of an older dog. You will be unable to train an older dog perfectly; embrace their personality and quirks! A dog in his senior years may not be as receptive to changes and new behaviors. Learn to accept most behaviors and concentrate only on the most unacceptable ones.
Learn to recognize your dog’s signals. Dogs will behave in a certain way when they start to ‘feel the need’. If you can recognize “potty” behavior, you’ll be able to avoid accidents. If you know what to look for when your dog has to go to the bathroom you will be ready to housetrain them.
There are numerous resources available to assist you in developing a successful training program for your dog. Seek out other pet lovers who have experience with your dog’s breed; they will be able to offer insight into the specific breed. You can then tailor a specific training program with the information you have gathered.
Feeding your dog well and giving him lots of toys will stop him from rummaging through trash. Empty your trash regularly, and don’t put irresistible things like bones in it. Be sure to crate your dog when you go out and/or leave your trash can empty when you are gone.
By reading the above article, you now know what it takes to get your dog to obey you and you can now actually enjoy him. Apply the techniques from this article and you will be on your way to having a well-behaved pet.