The best person to train your dog is you. Whoever said you can’t do it probably failed themselves because they do not have the right techniques and enough perseverance to see their endeavors through. Dog training puts your patience into high gear and many times it’s just plain frustrating. But if you stay on course no matter what you will reap fruits of your efforts before you even know it. You will have a cleaner home, your social life will be fuller and you will enjoy a stronger and richer bond with your pet.
Let’s start by looking into what goes on inside the mind of your dog so we can better grasp the reasons behind the given dog training tips. People are logical and intelligent creatures (most of us anyway). We can correctly assume the outcome of any given situation through reasoning skills and basic common sense. Dogs on the other hand, are lovable but not as smart. They understand only through simple reactions and a consistent repetition of unchanging commands. For instance, we understand that ‘Come!’, ‘Let’s go!’, or ‘Come here!’ mean the same thing. But with dogs, all three phrases are as different as different can be. He might go to you after the millionth time of calling him but that doesn’t mean he understands what you’re trying to say.
Be consistent in educating your canine. Use the exact words you will use in training your dog basic obedience commands. This follows to every part of his training.
A healthy and successful relationship with your dog starts with the establishment of your authority over him as his master. Be firm and strong when you deal with him, never harsh and violent. Once the dog understands this, he will seek to be a ‘good boy’ and obey commands promptly if he knows this pleases you.
Rubbing your dog’s belly is a simple tactic you can employ to enforce your leadership. This teaches him to submit to you and by licking your hand he acknowledges you as his superior. Never yield to your pet’s crying or growling just to keep them quiet. You need to set good habits and see to it this is followed at all times.
An insider trick to effectively training a dog is to allow him to teach himself. For instance, a dog is chewing an object not for him to chew on. One way of training is to reprimand him immediately and take the object away. A better method is to substitute the unfavorable behavior with a good one through unpleasant sensation derived from the incorrect behavior.
If he gnaws on one of your pairs of shoe, spray him with water. If he does it again, spray him yet again. Place his own toy strategically before him to pick up. If he catches on and starts playing with the toy enthusiastically praise him. In the dog’s uncomplicated mind, chewing the shoe feels bad and playing with the toy feels good.
One of the most overlooked aspects of dog training is the importance of canine socialization. Socialization is key during the first few months of the puppy’s life but an adult dog still needs continuous interaction with humans and dogs alike. Fearful and overly aggressive dogs are usually the direct result of a lack in socialization. To ensure this doesn’t happen, introduce your dog to people, crowded places, and other healthy dogs early on in its life.
As any parent would know, you discipline that which you love and care for. The dog training tips as outlined above will greatly help your dogs become the happier, best version of themselves. Nobody said it would be easy, but it will always be worth it.