Saturday, April 12, 2014

Vital Tips About Dog Training Atlanta

By Anita Ortega


For people seeking to teach dogs certain behaviors, it takes time and patience will be required. When considering dog training Atlanta residents have various essential tips. The fortunate thing is that dogs are fast learners and not too much effort will be required in getting them to learn the desired traits. The most important thing is to remain consistent and know how to treat the pets. All members of the family are supposed to use the same commands to avoid confusing the pet.

One of the very effective ways of ensuring consistency is posting the commands in strategic places where all members of the family are able to clearly see them. Consistency will also involve rewards for desired behaviors and non-rewards for behaviors that are undesired. Teaching pets a command is very effectively achieved using positive commands and striving to reinforce the desired behavior. For example, the pet may be required to sit prior to feeding or before they are let out of the door.

One should be cautious not to use positive reinforcement in an inadvertent way to reward undesired behavior. As an example, there are instances when the pet barks when they hear noises in the neighborhood. If they were to be left without being warned, this acts as a reward and they will develop the habit. It is important to remember that positive reinforcement will be effective only when used appropriately.

It could take time for a dog to grasp certain behaviors. A technique known as shaping may have to be used. It involves reinforcing something close to the response that is desired. After that, one will gradually require more before the dog is given a treat. Positive reinforcement includes among others food treats, petting, praise or a favorite toy.

Since most dogs are food-motivated, food treats are the most ideal to train them. Treats chosen need to be irresistible and also enticing. The bets treats can be determined through experimenting. The smaller a treat is the better so that the pet swallows it and looks forward to getting more. Dogs should not be given foods that they have to break down before eating. Further, there should be a variety of treats so that they do not get bored.

The use of food treats should be used hand in hand with verbal praise. In the event that the pet does not get motivated by food, there can be the use of toys and petting. During teaching of new behaviors, there should be reward every time the pets do what is required. This is referred to as positive reinforcement.

Once the desired traits have been grasped, one should switch to intermittent behavior. Nevertheless, the rewards and praises are continued, only on a limited basis. The animal is rewarded with treats with less frequency. The frequency reduces over time until it is occasional.

The training of pets can either be done individually or by involving professional trainers. The use of professionals has various benefits. They know what to do and will make the exercise simple and effective. With professionals, the pet owner is certain to have the desired behaviors taught within the agreed time.




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