If you've never trained a dog before, then this article is a good place to start your own training. Preparation is key to being a positive and effective trainer. These are a few tips for starting out.
When you correct your dog verbally, try making those corrections short and straight to the point. Do not go on and on about how bad the dog is behaving. Just say no, then show it what to do instead. It is also important to have good volume to your commands so that your dog understands that you are serious.
Get your dog the proper nutrition required for canine health. A bad diet is unhealthy for dogs for many reasons. This is not just bad for the dog's health; it may also play a role in their negative behavior. Providing a dog with fresh water and a high protein diet can have an astounding affect on their health and attitude.
When attempting to house train your pup, keep in mind that whatever goes in, must go out. You can promote consistency and regularity by feeding your pet on a firm schedule two or three times daily with only the highest quality of food. This will get your dog into a solid routine for bathroom breaks.
It is best to train your pet without unintentionally affirming his undesirable behaviors and mistakes. Do not pay attention to your dog or pet it if he does something you are not happy about. For instance, it will be difficult or impossible to train your dog not to jump on people if you give your pet a friendly neck-scratch when he or she jumps on you.
Showing him that you are in control is the first lesson to teach your dog. It is important for your dog to know that you are the one who is in control, so that he respects and obeys you. It is important to walk ahead of your dog when taking him for a walk. This will let him know that you are the leader.
As you begin training your dog, create a verbal cue that allows your pet to understand the exact moment that they correctly complete your command. Words like “yes” could be an effective way of communicating to your dog that he has done something you are pleased about.
Don't spend too long on a single puppy training session. By spending too long on any single thing, your dog will likely become very bored and antsy. Keep first training lessons to 10 minutes or less.
Whenever your dog jumps onto you, grab their paw and gentle squeeze to make sure they understand that jumping is not good behavior. It is uncomfortable but a non-painful experience for the dog. They will stop doing this behavior since it will be associated with a negative feeling.
Your training sessions should be very short. Since dogs have a tough time paying attention, you do not want to draw out the process. If you want to train more, make sure to include play breaks for your dog.
Puppy training means consistency. For example, state your dog's name before giving a command. Get their attention and then follow up with whatever you want them to do. Dogs listen for their name because they know it means you will say something else.
As the tips have shown, training your dog is a great way to foster good behavior and perhaps even some fun tricks. After you begin using what you have learned, you will find your dog responding to you more positively.