TIP! You can use a few tricks when crate training your dog or puppy. If they shy away from the crate, try placing a chew bone and shutting its gate when they are not inside.

Training your dog may appear overwhelming to someone inexperienced with it. It can easily lead to an overload of information since so many resources exist on the subject. Follow these tips to gain a better understanding of dog training.

TIP! You need to reward your dog to be successful. Treats, toys and praise have to be given in the right doses and at the correct times.

Make the dog know that the crate is it’s home when you are doing crate training. At meal times, try to place their food in the crate by leaving the door wide open while they’re eating. They will think of their crate as a happy place.

TIP! Your dog should always give you its attention when asked. With enough repetition, your dog will focus on other things less and less, opting to wait for signals from you.

Do not use shock collars and similar training devices. These devices are expensive and do not always work as well as you would expect them to. They can also discourage good behaviors as they inhibit your dog’s behavior too much. In general, using such techniques produces negative effects.

TIP! Don’t use things like shock collars. They don’t often work well and cost more than training methods which are conventional.

Try to get your dog on a regular feeding schedule. This can train your dog to whine or come get you when he feels the urge, so you can let him out and prevent him from doing his business inside. Being consistent will teach the dog to hold it until it is time to go outside.

TIP! If you are going to be doing any training you need to know how to enforce the rules. Primary reinforcement is a positive reinforcement training strategy that relies heavily on things your dog already enjoys.

As soon as you get your puppy, the first thing to teach him/her is their name; this will help build a bond between animal and human. You will want to use his name quite frequently, so he learns it and will come to you when you use it. You should teach your puppy these words first. Try to spend a good amount of time with your new dog. This will make him easier to train later.

TIP! To ensure that your dog maintains good behavior, you must continue his training throughout his life. Training does not stop when your dog leaves his puppy stage.

When training a dog, watch that you do not overdo giving the dog treats. Too many treats can really plump a dog up. Many people don’t take these into account with their diet, but they can add up during active training.

TIP! Make sure your dog understands the difference between right and wrong. Everyone in your house needs to enforce these strict rules.

Keep your dog’s leash loose when training him. This gives your dog the option to explore and walk around freely. Because they are so eager, they often pull on the leash. Teach your dog to relax and let them get used to walking along on a slack leash.

TIP! Challenge your dog on a regular basis. Quiz him to see if he remembers the commands, even if you’re already sure he does.

Be aware of special grooming requirements your dog might need. Some breeds of dogs need little or no grooming, whereas other breeds need meticulous grooming weekly. Properly grooming your dog is important to keep them content and healthy.

TIP! Don’t teach your dog bad habits by reinforcing them. Your dog picks up on your reactions to things so if you laugh at bad behavior they will take that as it is okay to continue what they are doing.

Each and every thing you and your dog do together is forming his behavior and personality. This is especially important when it comes to playtime. Be sure that every action you take supports the behaviors you seek.

TIP! Senior dogs do have some limits. Older dogs can never be trained to perfection, as they are going to have minor quirks you should just learn to live with.

When you begin training your dog, do not give him a treat or reward just to make him stop misbehaving. That will result in the dog thinking it can do whatever it wants, whenever it wants. For example, this occurs when you give a dog a treat every time it makes loud noises.

TIP! There are numerous resources available to assist you in developing a successful training program for your dog. Talk to those who have the same kind of dog you do, and get suggestions.

Dog’s must learn “down.” You can use this command in emergency situations and to build on other training commands. Dogs that understand the “down” command are able to hit the ground whenever necessary, which is valuable in times of danger.

TIP! To keep dogs from digging in your trash, make sure they’re fed enough and have plenty of items to play with. Empty your trash regularly, and don’t put irresistible things like bones in it.

One of the first things to teach your dog is to come to you when called. Teaching your dog to come when called in any situation is an important skill for him to learn. Always reinforce this behavior and introduce it in all kinds of new environments. Recall may save your dog’s life one day, so don’t skip out on this training, even though it can be time-consuming and challenging.

Give your dog new challenges often. Give him a quiz where he has to perform all of his tricks, even if you know for a fact he does.

TIP! When you are adding a pet to your family, make sure that it is introduced slowly to existing pets. If you want a second pet, look for one that will be compatible with your current pet.

Why does your dog bark? When you understand the antecedent, you can manage the behavior correctly. If the dog barks at visitors, have people come to your house and be prepared with a plan.

TIP! Bad behavior must be called out in the moment. Make sure your correction is spoken firmly, and with authority.

Keep in mind that older dogs have limitations. You can certainly teach an old dog new tricks, but remember that it may not take 100 percent, no matter how hard you try. Keep in mind that adopting old dogs may mean you adopt dogs that are set in their behaviors. Although you can teach them some new tricks, it’s probably best that you focus on undoing negative habits they have instead of trying to teach them cool new tricks.

TIP! Each dog will respond to different training methods. For instance, an easygoing dog is sure to do well with positive reinforcement, while aggressive dogs might require negative reinforcement if they are to acknowledge your role as leader.

Never yell at your dog if he or she excessively barks. Shouting will cause your dog to bark more because they think that you are reacting positive to their behavior. They will see that they might be barking for no reason.

TIP! Some dogs can get so frightened during a thunderstorm that they can actually harm themselves. When this happens, talk to your vet.

You should always check credentials before hiring anyone to help you understand your animal’s behavior better. Different animal behavior specialists use different practices. They also have varying opinions on what is best for your dog. You want to be certain that the trainer you go to employs practices that you are comfortable with.

TIP! If you are training your dog to do a complex behavior, break it down for him. A great example of a teachable command is having your dog get the paper in the mornings.

We hope these suggestions will be helpful to you. Following the advice contained in this article will lead to your being a happy canine owner with a properly trained companion.