Some dog owners become so frustrated trying to train their dogs that they end up putting them into shelters because they just can't deal with them anymore. However, you can prevent this from occurring. A trained dog will be a healthy and happy member of your family. As long as you are willing to put the time in, training your dog can be an easy and fun process.
Approach any unfamiliar dog with care. Walk slowly toward him and allow the dog to sniff your hand before trying to pet the dog. Extending your hand lets the animal familiarize himself with your unique scent, making him more receptive to a friendly interaction. The dog will no longer be afraid after he is able to recongnize the scent and may begin to follow commands.
Exercise your dog for at least an hour each day in addition to regular outside potty breaks and training sessions. Being sure they have enough exercise time can ease training efforts and encourage proper behavior from them. When your dog is exercised, he is also happy.
Primary Reinforcement
Use primary reinforcement when training your dog. Primary reinforcement employs a reward for his good behavior. Some of the most effective rewards include dog bones, treats and affectionate scratching or petting. This is how you teach your dog to be good to get what he wants.
Always train your dog with positive reinforcement. Remember to show your dog positive attention when they do something good as often as you can. Don't shout at a dog or hit them. This is not a particularly effective form of training. Stick to the plan and maintain a positive attitude for great results.
Teach your dog a silent command to avoid barking. For instance, whenever your dog is barking, hold a treat in front of them and continue to repeat “be quiet” until they quit barking. At this time, give the treat to your dog. If you do this long enough, it will surely be able to associate having treats to it being quiet.
Make sure your dog's training is consistent. If there are several family members involved in training a dog, ensure each person uses the same techniques and commands. The dog is sure to have a simpler time learning, as long as he is asked to obey just one group of commands and is given consistent responses.
As you can now see, it's not impossible to teach your dog how to behave. You need to show him love, cater to his needs and train him properly. Abide by the advice above and you are on your way to owning a happy pet.