Saturday, April 28, 2012

Dog Training Basics For First-timers

By Karina Branch


Not all dogs are comfortable around other dogs or people. The best way to train your dog to be more comfortable around other animals or people is to expose them to as many people and other dogs as often as possible, preferably earlier in their life. This will make them accustomed to being around others.

Before your dog can learn a new command it will take several repetitions. It is not uncommon for it to take between 25 to 50 repetitions of the same command for your dog to learn it. Continue trying the same command and be patient, your dog will get it.

Just because your dog is obeying you, do not assume that they are done learning. Your dog is always learning. Never stop reinforcing good behavior. This is especially important if you move. A new surrounding can be very distracting for a dog. You might have to reteach them a great deal.

When training your dogs, always use the same tone of voice and volume level when you give a command. This tone tells the dog that you mean business and that they need to obey. It also helps the dog to understand the difference between a sharp tone for discipline and a sharp but non-punishing command.

When crating your dog it is best to always remove their collar. Even the best designed dog crates offer the possibility of a collar becoming snagged. The result could be catastrophic. By removing your dog's collar before you crate them you are acting to protect them from being strangled to death.

Your breeder should begin socialization with your puppy, but it is up to you to continue it. It is important for a puppy to get used to people and the environment around him, but he will need to be protected from becoming too overwhelmed or scared. Your job is to encourage your puppy's confidence as he goes out into the world.

Many puppies like to use their mouths to play because that is how they played with their litter mates. This should be discouraged as soon as possible after your puppy comes home. It may be cute when a seven pound puppy pulls on your arm or shirt sleeve, but I assure you, it isn't as cute when a fifty pound dog does it.

Dogs mimic their owner's behavior. Don't be shocked if they decide they want to sleep in your bed and sit in your recliner. Don't be shocked if they attempt to eat from your plate. Most of all, don't be angry. Your dog has to be trained that this behavior is unacceptable. They need to be taught the acceptable options.

When dog training, it is vital to have a lot of patience with your dog if you want to maximize the effectiveness of the overall process. Training takes a lot of time and conditioning to get your dog to act the way you want, as patience will yield the best results.

Most of the time children and dogs get along wonderfully. Children, however, often tend to mimic what they hear adults doing. Don't let your young child repetitively give commands to your dog. The dog will learn to disregard the command because they know there will be no repercussions for doing so.




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