Virtually every negative dog behavior, including barking, growling, and aggression, can be prevented or counteracted with proper training. If those behaviors can not be completely unlearned, they can be diminished with the information this article provides. Proper training can turn any dog into the perfect pet.
Make sure that the only items your dog can reach are chew toys that are specifically made for dogs. Instead of allowing it to continue chewing on your important furniture or toys, provide a well-loved chew toy. If your puppy is in a lot of pain due to teething, a frozen wet washcloth is ideal for him to chew on.
If you intend to use a crate in dog training, make sure the crate is an appropriate size for your dog. As your dog gets older, he will probably grow larger. Choose a crate that is a good enough size for an adult for when your puppy grows. At full size your dog should be able to move around without feeling too constricted.
By training your dog, you are helping him to become a rule follower. One of the most common mistakes pet owners make is assuming that once training has been completed, no maintenance is required thereafter. Don’t allow your dog to get out of the habit of good behavior. Your dog must follow the rule system strictly.
Keep your voice firm and level when delivering commands to your dog. Maintaining the same tone lets your dog know that you are serious and they should obey your commands. It can also help the dog realize the distinction between disciplinary tones and other types of commands.
Whenever you want your dog to complete a task, you must reward it. It is important that your dog is able to establish a connection between the command and the action that gains a reward. By rewarding your dog after it does something you want, it will realize that it’s doing a good thing. Therefore, it will be more likely to continue this good behavior.
You need to be use rewards and positive reinforcers when you are training your pet. Give your dog rewards every time he or she does something good. Don’t yell and/or hit your dog. This teaches your dog nothing and will just show him that you do not know how to train him. Stay positive but stand your ground when training your dog.
Control your tone of voice when reinforcing your dog’s behavior, whether positive or negative. Dogs can be very perceptive and can pick up cues from their owners about how the owner is feeling. Use a stern voice when you are correcting your dog.
Use various tones of voice when training your dog. Praise, corrections, and commands need their own tones to help the dog differentiate between effects and causes with both of your behaviors. Commands should be firm yet sharp, whereas corrections require a louder tone. Natural voicing is good for praise and reinforcement.
Regularly challenge your dog. Even if you are sure your dog is remembering everything you’ve taught him, having him demonstrate with a little “pop quiz” will keep him sharp.
Make sure you are consistent when you train your dog. Write down the specific commands you want to use with your dog, and get everyone in your household to review the list and use the same words. Discuss with family members what methods to employ in encouraging good behavior by your dog. Different cues from different people will confuse your dog.
Before you correct your dog for barking, find out why he/she is barking in the first place. Understanding the triggers enables you to deal with the behavior correctly. If the dog barks at visitors, have people come to your house and be prepared with a plan.
Do not allow your pet to drag you. You are leading him, not vice-versa. Use a training collar, and see to it that your dog follows you by going ahead of it when you pass through gates or doors. Do not forget that you are the top dog!
Whenever you train your dog to play fetch, make sure you show them that you are in charge by having him bring you the ball. He must bring it directly to you, not nearby. If he drops it at a distance from you, he is challenging your authority. You must teach your dog to always bring the ball directly to you each and every time.
Use treats that your dog really wants if you want to get the best results from your training sessions. Even if the treat is not something you would normally give them, it’s OK to use as a reward during training.
Don’t overlook check-ups for a pup. If your dog suddenly regresses in training, take him to the vet to make sure there isn’t a health issue. A dog is very clever at masking pain. Many times the only sign that a health problem exists are behavioral changes. For instance, aggression can be caused by pain, and a sudden increase in bathrooming accidents can be a sign of a UTI.
Introductions to other animals should be done very slowly. Consider your pet at home before adopting a new one. Your new pet needs to have a temperament that matches those of your existing pets.
Many dog owners know how hard it can be to train their dog. By having the right frame of mind and following the right steps, anyone can train their pet. Most dogs respond well to good training and will thrive under the direction of their owner.
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