Training a dog can be overwhelming to those who are new at it. While there are some things you need to know, there are plenty of resources for a beginner at training your dog. Here are some tips to get you started.
When it comes to training Fido, time is of the essence. The goal is to avoid overdoing it while ensuring that you are devoting enough attention to the animal. You should not over do it, train in small time increments. Pay attention and end the session when your dog loses interest.
Control how much you reward your dog. If you are able to command your dog to do something the right way, then it is good to calmly reward your dog. Don’t let your own excitement get your dog excited or they will lose focus. Stay calm and expect the same from your puppy.
If you want your dog to follow the rules, keep training it, it needs to be refreshed! Pet owners often believe that once their dog completes a training program, the process is over. However, pets and humans share similar habit systems. This shows that you need to do periodic refreshers so that your dog continues to follow the rules.
When you meet an unfamiliar dog, you should go up to him slowly and allow him to sniff your hand. This gives the dog a chance to become accustomed to your personal scent and shows him you mean no harm. Once a dog recognizes your particular scent, he will be unafraid and willing to obey.
Training should begin with the easier commands. You will have the rush of seeing quick results, but the dog will gain a basic understanding of what good behavior means. This gives you greater results when training.
Be careful not to spend too much time at once training your dog. Spending too much time just on one aspect of training will bore your dog and waste your efforts. Try to keep the initial sessions limited to about 10 minutes.
Positive reinforcement is the preferred training method for dogs. Give your dog rewards every time he or she does something good. Do not yell at your dog or hit him. Doing this will cause your dog to act out even more and lose respect for you. Be firm, positive and consistent, and you will get great results.
Changing your tone to reflect emotions is useful in getting the point across to your pet. For example, use a different tone when praising your dog than you do when commanding your dog to obey. Commands should be clearly stated in a firm tone. Corrections and reprimands must be spoken more firmly, while praise should be delivered in a natural tone.
Giving praise to your dog for a job well done is important. Simple things like smiles, praise and even tiny treats help to reinforce the desired behaviors. It is important that you avoid offering rewards to stop an undesirable behavior, however, as this may create an inappropriate connection in the dog’s mind.
Hopefully, you have gained some knowledge from these tips. Properly training your pooch can result in a happier, reduced stress life for the both of you.