When you first meet your dog, chances are he didn't show his true colors and may have come to you with a few “problems”. You can do just a little training, and you will see that your dog will be a better dog in no time.
While training your puppy or dog to use a crate, introduce him to new concepts slowly and gradually, so he is able to adjust to the changes without feeling stressed. If they are uncomfortable with the door closed then try to feed them snacks to reassure them that they are okay. Gradually increase the amount of time your dog spends in the crate, starting with just a few seconds. If you notice the animal becoming tense or confused, you are probably proceeding too quickly.
Dogs have tunnel vision and will focus on one thing to the exclusion of all else. If you keep up with his training, your dog will look to you more often for direction rather than looking to the environment.
When training your dog, remember to be patient. Using patience helps prevent frustration for both you and the dog. Your dog's goal is to make you happy, but since he does not speak like a human does, it is harder for him to communicate.
If your pet is prone to jumping onto your lap, you should gently squeeze his paws after he does so. This communicates that the behavior is unacceptable and should be avoided. While this will not seriously hurt the animal, it is certainly unpleasant and therefore makes a powerful statement. They learn that if they want to avoid that discomfort, they need to refrain from jumping up.
Remember to enjoy the time spent with your dog during training. If you do so, your dog will feel closer to you, and even respond to training better. Training can be enjoyable, but you should still make time just to play with your pet.
If you say ‘no', your dog should understand that it does not need a response. If you are training a pet, find a positive way to reward them. Saying ‘no' is not a good command, and the dog won't know how to react. Each dog has their own quirks.
When you are in the initial stages of training your puppy, teach him his name first to help create a bond. Repeat the name as much as possible, and reward your puppy when he responds. There is no other word your puppy should be taught first. Make sure to spend time with your dog in order for him to learn and trust you. A puppy that trusts you will respond better your training.
Watch the number of treats you give your dog during the day to avoid making your dog overweight. The number of treats a dog gets during training can rack up pretty quickly, and a lot of owners overlook this part of their canine's diet.
When training a dog to a leash it is important to keep the leash loose. Dogs are often eager to explore new territory when they get the opportunity to go for a walk. Due to their excitement, they will try to pull on their leash. A good dog trainer will work to discourage this and teach the dog to walk with a bit of slack on the leash.
Incorporating dog training into your life can yield amazing results in a short period of time. So if you are looking to change any of your dog's wayward ways, try some of our tips for quick success!