The dog that you have just adopted may seem less like Lassie, and more like Cujo. However, there’s still hope! A bit of training goes a long way in reducing bad dog behavior.
Make sure that you use a gradual process when training your dog. You should not over do it, train in small time increments. Notice when your dog begins getting distracted during a training session.
Establish a calm environment when you enter a room that your dog is in. Play time needs to be a distinctive time you initiate. Don’t acknowledge them when you enter so that you can ensure a controlled environment for how and when playtime starts.
Make training for your dog a regular, repeated part of your time together to keep them familiar with the rules they’ve learned. Many owners believe that once training is over, the dog will be set for life. However, pets and humans share similar habit systems. Therefore, it is vital that your dog follows an established rule system at all times.
You can show your dog how to do tricks, get some treats. Initially, try to get your dog to lay on the floor. Then, use the treat to draw his head from one side to the other. Your dog is probably going to follow the treat in your hand with his nose, which means he will rollover his whole body. As he rolls, state the command “roll over” in a firm tone. Repeat the process until your dog associates the command with the action. Do not let a lack of early success frustrate you. This takes repetition to nail down, but once you do, you will have the star dog on the block.
“No” shouldn’t be a huge part of training. When training your dog, you’ll have to find a way to give positive reinforcement. When you say “no”, your dog does not understand how to react. Because no two dogs are the same, the training you use should work with their needs.
Use praise to re-enforce good behavior in your dog when training. Be positive, excited and provide treats. Having these same reactions to bad behavior will teach your dog that whatever they are doing is okay.
One of the first things to teach your dog is to come to you when called. Your pet must learn to come back to you whenever you call it. Your dog will learn that he is to come to you even when there are distractions after time. Recall could save your pet’s life, so be sure not to skip this type of training although it may be challenging and time-consuming.
Dogs are dogs and need time to act as such. Feed your dog a balanced diet, give them space to run, and provide them with activities that will burn energy.
For every time that you say your dog’s name when correcting behavior, you should say his name several other times using a more positive tone. You have to make the dog know that it shouldn’t be afraid to hear it’s name.
Make sure you are not giving your dog the wrong signals when he behaves badly. When your dog pees on the couch, for example, don’t laugh. This can hinder training and cause you to get frustrated. Correcting the behavior and showing that you are displeased will help to make training much easier.
Older Dogs
Older dogs are going to have their limits. Older dogs are harder to train because of developed quirks, so it is best to learn to live with those that are manageable. If you decide to adopt an older pooch, you may end up with a dog who is pretty set in his ways. Try to change the things that are negative, to make your older dog a better pet.
Crating is a viable strategy for teaching your dog. Crate training will work if you let your dog go out on a regular basis and maintain a schedule that stays consistent. With some time, dogs that have been crate trained will not have accidents inside.
Never let your dog pull you. You are the one leading him. Therefore, make sure you use a short leash and a solid training collar. Always walk ahead and pass through gates first so that you stay in control. Remember, you are the leader!
To get a dog to sit, place him standing upright and hoist a treat into the air. Then you should keep their attention on the treat as you move your hand towards their rear side. The dog will have to look up in order to follow the motion of your hand. This behavior is a natural way to get them to sit.
Use treats that your dog really wants if you want to get the best results from your training sessions. This can even be something that the dog is not normally permitted to have, like hot dogs or cheese.
Bad Behavior
Bad behavior must be called out in the moment. Say “No’ to your dog in a strong voice. Do not yell, and never ever hit the dog. Chastise him for bad behavior when it happens, but not too long after. Dogs have very short memories. If you don’t immediately correct your dog, they won’t understand what they did wrong.
Many dog owners are quite surprised at how quickly they can achieve good results with even a basic training your dog routine. If you feel like you and your dog are having a hard time, try some of this advice.
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