How To Get Your Pup Under Control

How To Get Your Pup Under Control A lot of people are trying different ways to train their dogs, but are finding difficulty in doing so. You have to remember that when it comes to dog training -- the more you know, the better chance you have at actually succeeding. So take note from tips in articles like the one here, and you should have a better idea of how to train your dog. Walking your dog means leading your dog. Your role in this situation is to lead the pack, therefore your pet should be expected to walk a half step behind. You will instill confidence in your pet when they know you are leading the pack and making the decisions. They will be less likely to attempt running or being distracted while you walk. Food and treats can be your ally in training your dog to seek out his crate. Allow your dog to find strategically placed bits of food and a few treats every once in awhile when he returns to his crate. He will make it a habit of checking the crate out more regularly just in case something else has miraculously appeared there. Reinforce desirable behavior from your dog. Don't just rely on treats though. You can reinforce these behaviors through positive attention as well. Petting your dog and talking to him in cheerful tones can be a good incentive too. So can a new squeaky toy or a trip to the park. When you are trying to train your dog to follow a command, repetition is key. Practice the command multiple times a day and be sure to offer your dog praise and a treat when he or she successfully follows your command. Repetition will ensure that your dog will remember and follow the command in the future. Not all dog training needs to involve food based treats. Some dog breeds respond better to non-edible rewards. These rewards could very well include stuffed toys, rawhide bones, or rope toys. They will also have the added benefit of giving you and your dog a new activity to enjoy together. Start training your dog early. Many people believe that very young puppies are too young to learn. The reality is that even puppies as young as six weeks old are able to begin the basics of training, and starting early ensures that your puppy will have a strong foundation for more advanced training later. When house training your new puppy you need to follow a strict schedule. Get your puppy outside to eliminate first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and every couple of hours in between. This will help him to learn that elimination happens outside. It also prevents pee scents (which are attractive to your dog) from being in the house to begin with. A good dog training tip is to be aware of the body language you use. Dogs pay close attention to our body language and it's important that you are sending the right message. Talking too much can also confuse dogs, so it's best to be succinct with what you're trying to say. A dog owner who attempts to train his or her pet while angry will never be successful. Dogs are extremely sensitive creatures, and they can sense their owners' displeasure. Anger and dissatisfaction with a dog's performance can poison an entire training program. A dog trainer who becomes angry with their pet's performance should take a break and calm down before continuing their training program. Teach your puppy the "Leave it!" command. This command is very important in day-to-day situations. Use it if your dog tries to grab food off a table or eat rabbit poop when you are out for a walk. To get the dog to follow your command, hold a treat in your hand (have one in the other hand, also). Hold your hand open, and when he goes for the treat, close your hand as you say the command "Leave it!" Then offer him the other treat, and discard the one you told him to leave. Repeat this step a few times, and he will learn to "Leave it!" when you tell him to. Only ask your dog to do something if you know you can follow through with the command. If you tell your dog to sit and he does not do it, you must impose a consequence. If you don't, your pet will begin to view your instructions as something they can choose to do. Use the same simple words in a low, firm tone of voice, every time you give your dog a command. Don't shout or repeat the command multiple times. Say it once, firmly and then, assist the dog in complying if he doesn't understand (e.g. press down firmly on the hindquarters while saying "sit," if he doesn't sit the first time you tell him). Whenever training a dog, don't ever assume you won't be bitten simply because you are supposed to be the "leader." If your dog is not trained, they might think they are the Alpha. You have to display alpha behavior in order to show your pet you are the boss. If your dog is not sure what you are doing, they might still bite you. If you want to play fetch with your dog, you need to make sure that he will give you the ball every time. If your dog drops the ball nearby and you walk to pick the ball up, your dog assumes he is the leader. When you teach your dog to do this, he will know what to do with it all the time. If your dog has a hard time traveling due to anxiety, consider using a homeopathic treatment to calm your animal as you acclimate them to the process. Your veterinarian should have an idea if a homeopathic treatment is right for your pet, but a calming treatment can boost training success immensely for anxious travelers. With the information you have just learned you should now have a better idea of how to train your dog. Now that you've expanded your knowledge form strategies and goals in your dog training efforts, if you aren't meeting your goals, then try switching things up until you find a strategy that works for you.