Friday, August 24, 2012

How You Can Successfully Train Your Dog.

By David Hamilton


If your dog is one of those innately obedient dogs, then congratulations, you don't need these tips, but most dogs need a little of training, whether it's to stop them from being overbearing with strangers or ripping up the upholstery. Use these tips to transform your pet into a happy and well-adjusted furry friend.

Puppy proof your house to prevent cherished possessions from becoming your puppy's favorite chew toy. Remove items, such as shoes, from the area where you keep your puppy. Many pet stores sell a bitter tasting spray that you can use to keep your puppy from chewing on electrical cords. Remember that most puppies will grow out of this stage.

If you aren't having success training your dog on your own, hiring a trainer can help. Trainers are specially qualified to work with difficult dogs, and find easy ways to modify troublesome behavior. Many a dog has been able to remain with his family because of the help of competent trainers.

If you are a member of a large family who is training a dog, it is important that everyone is on the same page. If you are trying to teach your dog not to beg, but your brother is offering him table scraps, then all of your hard work will be for nothing.

If your dog needs more stimulation (and most dogs do), but you have limited mobility or the weather is terrible, consider other ways of keeping your dog entertained by making him work for his meals. Use his kibble as rewards for performing tasks or commands. Alternatively, you can use a toy that the dog must get the food out of!

Be sure to reward good behavior when your dog acts like you want them to. If you take the time to teach them the important things for them to know and help them build their confidence that a good dog needs, you are sure to develop a strong and healthy relationship with them.

Keep your dog up-to-date on his check-ups. If you are finding your dog is having difficulty with some aspects of training, or has regressed in his training, make sure he is in good health. Dogs are very adept at hiding pain and discomfort. So many times behavioral changes are the only clue that there is a health issue. For example, aggression can be a sign of pain, and sudden regression in-house training can signal a urinary tract infection.

Stop bad behavior before it starts by setting up your dog's environment to discourage bad behavior. This may mean crate-training dogs that have issues with going to the bathroom outside, or limiting access to certain rooms for dogs with destructive tendencies. No matter what route you take, your dog will be safer if his environment is suited to his quirks.

Even if your dog is extremely unruly at the moment, do not despair. Most dogs can be trained with a proper technique and a little perseverance. Make use of the tips you just read to minimize the hardship involved in training your dog while maximizing the results at the same time.




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