Sunday, March 25, 2012

Help Your Dog Be The Pet You Want Him To Be

By Beth Emington


When your dog isn't listening to you when you tell him to sit and you're at the end of your wit, so what do you do? Simple, you read some tips and tricks on how to get your dog's attention and teach it some obedience. The article below will give you some great ideas on how to train your dog in a friendly way.

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety and gets restless when you are about to leave the house, you should feed your dog right before you leave. This will keep your dog busy while you prepare and distract it from the stressful situation. This should make the separation much easier.

Your own mood has a great deal to do with your success in training your dog. You must control your emotions, so that your dog gets the right idea from your training. Regardless of your dog's overall performance, be free and unreserved with praise, when your dog does what you want. Conflicted emotions on your part will have a negative effect on your dog's overall training regimen.

Make sure you listen to your dog. What is he telling you? Your dog's behavior will often give you a window into his mind. Destructive dogs are often bored or anxious. Anxious dogs may act inconsistently with strangers. No matter the trouble, your dog is telling you how he feels when he behaves in situations.

Never use physical force when training your dog. If you forced him, it turns a normally happy dog into one who is skittish and fearful. Dogs can learn very well without physical force. You can use positive reinforcement instead, to teach your dog. Reward your dog when he correctly performs a desired behavior.

To teach your dog to mush, you should start by introducing him or her to common mushing terms before you have them pull weight. Start by taking your dog for a walk and saying "Gee" when turning right and "Haw" when turning left. Make sure to praise and reward your dog for turning with you in the right direction. Eventually, your dog will learn the commands and be able to move in the right direction without your physical guidance. Simple directions are essential for mushing dogs to know because it can prevent lead tangles and confusion when pulling an actual sled.

Make sure that when your dog does something correctly or when they just happen to act in a favorable manner that they are properly rewarded. Rewards can increase good behavioral changes. Try allowing your dog a treat or a new toy when they act in a favorable manner. They will eventually keep doing it.

To teach your dog to sit, have him in a standing position and hold a treat in the air. Pass the treat directly above his head, moving your hand behind him. This will cause him to look up as he tries to follow your hand. When a dog does this, it is natural for them to sit.




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