Dogs have a similar mindset regardless of size. Understanding how they think will allow anyone to train any dog. If someone doesn't know this already, they're in luck as this article will give them a little insight.
The first thing that you must do is to command control over your dog. Your dog will not respect or obey you, unless you let him know that you are the boss. Don't let your dog control the direction or pace of your walks.
As your dog becomes increasingly more responsive to training, you can begin to give him more freedom. Balancing obedience and liberty make dogs feel very satisfied. Like most things, too much freedom can be counterproductive, so exercise caution with certain liberties.
When you're training your dog, it is important that you understand primary reinforcement. This means using a beloved item to reinforce positive behavior. Primary reinforcements include using food as treats and rubbing your dog's belly. Then your dog can learn the way to get what he wants.
Get your dog's attention the same way every time. Say your dog's name, followed by the command. This will get his attention, and then you can tell him what to do. A dog will immediately respond to their name. After grabbing their attention, they will be prepared for their instructions.
“No” shouldn't be a huge part of training. Stick to positive training methods, as they can help the most. Just simply telling your dog ‘no' doesn't help him or her in understanding how to properly react. Make sure that your training regimen is unique to your specific dog.
Avoid accidents if you want to housebreak your dog. Pay attention to the cues your dog displays to indicate that he needs to be outside. Some clues to watch for are snuffling, whining and pacing. Don't delay if you see your dog needs to go out. Quickly leash your pet and lead him to an area where he can relieve himself. Give him praise when he eliminates correctly. The dog will eventually give you a sign when he needs to go out.
A spray bottle filled with water can be an invaluable training tool when your dog engages in bad behavior like barking, biting or chewing. This technique will show your dog that the behavior is unacceptable. If this method is successful, you will get these negative behaviors under control and be able to enjoy your dog.
A critical step to training your dog is to understand how your dog thinks and how they process information. When you know and understand this principle, you will be more successful in your efforts. One must simply combine this insight into canine behavior with a bit of hard work.