For a beginner, training your dog can sometimes be intimidating. The large number of resources available might make it hard for you to decide where to start. Below are just a few tips to assist you in getting started at training your dog effectively.
Small steps, gentle ways and patience are all a part of getting your puppy used to their crate. When they are comfy with the open door, try closing it and feeding them treats via the wires. Use small increments of time, and build them up as your puppy or dog becomes more relaxed with the process. If the puppy becomes upset, you may be progressing too quickly.
The rule of thumb with puppies and house training is to remember: what is eaten will pass. If you feed your dog at the same periods of the day, he will have regular bathroom habits. By scheduling your feedings, you will be able to determine when you should take your dog out. This can greatly reduce the number of accidents.
It's important to avoid inadvertently encouraging inappropriate behavior if you want your dog to learn. Essentially, you must not give your dog something positive, like attention or a treat, when it behaves in a way you want to classify as negative. For instance, don't pat your dog on the head if it's jumping up on you.
Shock Collars
Don't bother with shock collars. They often do not function well as they say they do and are a lot more expensive as opposed to conventional methods of training. Plus, using devices like shock collars can stifle your dog and discourage even good behavior. Trying things akin to this will only cause harm to your relationship with your dog.
Use a phrase on your puppy to house train him. Use the same word or phrase each time you bring him out to go to the bathroom so that he understands what you want him to do and makes a memory link between the phrase and the act.
Early in your training, teach your new pup to “leave it.” This command tells him to drop the item and step away. This command teaches them to cease chewing on furniture or items around the house and it keeps them safe from filthy or hazardous items outside.
Limit the time of your training sessions with your dog so he doesn't lose focus. If you try to focus for a long period of time on one command, your dog will show signs of boredom and begin to get antsy. Aim for less than 10 minutes per session.
Accidents will happen when a puppy is being potty trained. When accident do happen, clean them up rapidly and thoroughly. When a dog uses the house to relive itself, the smell can linger on the carpet if not cleaned properly. You will then have a dog that will continue to use that same spot all of the time. There are a wide variety of odor control products designed to address just this situation, so head to the pet shop and ask about them.
By following these tips, you should have a better understanding of how to train your dog. Keeping these tips in mind when you start training your dog can help you become a very happy dog owner.