Thursday, August 23, 2012

The Right Age For Training Your New Puppy

By David Hamilton


If you want to go about training your dog but aren't sure how, then look no further. One of the best things you can do to learn how to train your dog, is to learn as much information as you can about how to train your dog. The information in this article that can help you train your dog the best way possible.

Make sure your dog is used to being handled, including its mouth and feet. Dogs need their teeth brushed regularly, and once they are used to the routine it is much less of a struggle. It is also easier for the vet to examine them when needed. Toenails should be trimmed every month or so, and the process is less traumatic for dogs accustomed to having their feet handled.

Use the clicker method for training your dog. Clicker training is a form of conditioning that can help a dog to identify behavior that produces praise or a reward. After your dog has successfully obeyed a command, use the clicker to indicate that he will get a treat. Your dog will soon learn if he isn't following commands or behaving correctly! Certain studies have shown that using a clicker reduces training time by one third.

To be successful at training your dog, focus on teaching one command at a time. Trying to teach multiple commands at once can be confusing for your dog and frustrating for you. Instead, by focusing on one trick, your dog will be able to learn the command thoroughly and get it down before moving on to another.

Give your dog plenty of positive reinforcement. Discipline isn't only about punishment for bad behavior. You should make sure to reward good behavior with lots of affection and praise. It will ensure that your dog understands when it is doing the right thing, and it will help it develop trust in its trainers.

Train your dog according to the role he or she will play! Dogs that are going to be used for police work - or in search and rescue - are trained using methods that will strengthen the drive they naturally have. Use their favorite toy as a reward! The goal is to have a dog that will work for extended periods of time because he or she knows that they will get play time when the work is done!

When you are training your dog on a certain behavior, look for a quiet place to train him. Dogs can be easily distracted by everything around them. So, in order to keep your dog's attention on the task, do the initial training in a quiet room. Your dog will learn quicker this way.

When your dog understands the benefits and rewards of learning the tricks you teach it, the desire to learn is often as rewarding as the reward itself. Your dog will be happier, and so will you.




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