Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Simple Steps To Do To Train Your Dog

By David Hamilton


Many dogs end up in shelters because they don't turn out the way their owners hoped they would, but this can often be avoided. A well trained dog can become a happy, healthy, and well adjusted member of the family. Turning your dog into such a dog does not have to be a difficult process, if you're willing to invest the time and follow a few simple steps.

Always use your dog's name when issuing commands. When training your dog, it is important to be able to get and maintain their attention. Using your dog's name when giving a command will make them focus. Use your dog's name often. Get them used to both hearing and responding to it.

Look for triggers that may cause bad behavior from your dog. If your dog is suddenly exhibiting unwanted behaviors, maybe something has changed that day: Has he been able to go on a walk or has he been cooped up? Were you gone all day when normally someone is at home? Dogs are creatures of consistency and when things change their behavior can change as well.

Be aware of your body language when you are with your dog. Animals are keenly aware of it, and pay more attention to your actions than they do your words. Make sure that you are sending the intended messages of authority and unconditional love to your dog at all times.

When teaching a puppy basic commands, start with 'sit'. This is the easiest one for a dog to master. Hold his favorite snack just above his nose, and firmly say 'sit'. Most dogs will instinctively sit down at this point. Offer him the treat and don't forget to praise him profusely. If he doesn't sit, gently push his rear end towards the floor. After he has been sitting for a few seconds, give him the treat, and like before, remember to praise him.

Remember to give praise for good behavior. If your dog is doing what you want him to do, praise him. Don't make the mistake of only giving your dog attention when he is misbehaving. When you do that, you are training your dog to misbehave. Dogs like attention, and negative attention is better than no attention at all.

When training your dog, it is important to have everyone in the family get involved so that the training is consistent. All family members should be on the same page when it comes to training, and it is imperative that everyone uses the same command words. The key to success in dog training is consistency.

As we have discussed in this article, owning a happy, healthy, and well adjusted dog is not an impossible dream. Training your pet, offering him plenty of love and attention, and being mindful of your dogs needs are key. Follow the steps listed above and your dog will become, and remain, an important part of your family.




About the Author:



No comments: