Dogs are considered man’s best friend. Throughout the ages and of all animals, dogs have been man’s companion. More than companions, dogs serve a variety of functions. There are working dogs (e.g., police dogs) and dogs that are used as guides for the disabled. Farmers and livestock owners use dogs for herding, and some home owners get dogs specifically to guard their property.
Whatever the primary purpose of a particular breed of dog is, it’s important that it receive proper training. Many dog training professionals will attest to the importance of having a well-trained dog. You don’t have to be a professional dog trainer to train your dog. You can do simple activities to teach your pet how to behave.
Dog training tip #1: Curbing your dog’s digging behavior
As a dog owner, you need to understand that dogs are social animals. When they are lonely or alone, dogs resort to digging. Loneliness isn’t the only reason dogs dig, though. In some instances, dogs that dig are experiencing some sort of nutrient deficiency. To make up for this condition, dogs oftentimes would eat the dirt they dig. If your dog tends to dig a lot, spend more time with him. It also pays to have your dog checked up to make sure that his health is in good condition.
Dog training tip #2: Potty training your dog
A reward-based method works best when potty training your dog. To use this method, give your dog a treat after it potties in the right place. Following up good behavior with a reward will make it easier for your dog to remember doing good behavior.
Dog training tip #3: Repetition is key
Whenever you are trying to teach your dog something—whether it’s a trick or making your dog obey a command—repetition is important. Repetition and consistency are keys that will help your dog understand a command. To test if your dog knows a command after so many repetitions, test him without any assistance. Do this at least three consecutive times to make sure that your dog’s grasp of a command is not simply a fluke.
Dog training tip #4: Communicating with your dog
When training your dog to follow a certain command or do a certain thing, it’s vital that you not just issue the command out. It’s also important that you direct your dog how to perform a command or drill as well as correct your dog if he doesn’t follow the command properly. Be consistent when you are issuing out commands and trying to teach your dog to develop certain behaviors. For instance, if you are trying to teach your dog not to chew on slippers or shoes, do not praise him one day when you see him chewing on a slipper.
Dog training tip #5: Proper timing in training your dog
It’s always best—and professional dog trainers will recommend this—to train your dog when it is still a puppy. When it comes to training dogs, it is indeed true that old dogs can’t learn new tricks. So start training your dog early.
Dog training tip #6: Let your dog know you’re the boss
Dogs are pack animals, which means they follow a hierarchy. Thus, when training your dog, it’s important that you establish yourself as the alpha dog (the leader). Your dog needs to understand that he is the submissive being. Avoid showing any fear when your dog snaps back. Doing so will break the established hierarchy you have with your dog. When your dog is doing his exercises, never allow your dog to stop mid-way or not complete the exercise. Firmly let your dog know that it should do what you, the alpha dog, wants him to do.
Dog training tip #6: Act around your dog
Your puppy will naturally want to chew on things so give your puppy an outlet for his chewing urges. You can give your puppy a chew bone to chew. If your puppy tries to chew on you, yelp loudly, fold your arms and ignore your puppy for about ten minutes. When a puppy becomes too rough on other puppies, the others yelp and tend to ignore the puppy. However, you may need to assess your puppy’s personality because he may react to the yelping by biting more and even harder. If this happens, you may need to apply a more aggressive approach.
Shannon Lueck
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/6-dog-training-tips-for-a-well-trained-well-behaved-pet-65524.html
6 Responses
2009 Jun 18
Puppy training tips? …?
There's a long story behind it, but I recently adopted a puppy, about 6 and a 1/2 months old mixed breed neutered male. As stated in my question, I could REALLY use some good tips on how to train him. Basically, I'd just like him to become a good obedient pet (don't we all). I especially want to make sure that he's well trained and behaves himself properly during our walks, because I have a few packs of stray dogs in my neighbourhood and the possibility of them coming along, ganging up on and hurting him makes me feel really worried. I understand the importance of socialization (hope it's not too late?) and know I should probably start there…but don't really know how. I could take him to the park nearby but don't know what's the best way to introduce him to the other dogs? If I don't count them as a potential threat, our neighbourhood is pretty large and quiet (with almost no cars at all) and I think that it would be really great for him if I could teach him how to behave off leash so that he could run freely when we're walking… So far he's learned to look at me when I call his name, "sit" and "come" (not reliable yet, but I think we're getting there). He's playful and hyperactive but stops with whatever it is that he's doing when I say "no" once or twice - I guess that's good for a start… I'll be thankful for any advice/opinion.
2009 Jun 18
i guess the best quick tips i can give you are:
1. get him to ignore other dogs in public. when someone walks their dog in your direction get him to sit and focus on you until they pass. treats help.
2.introduce him to dogs you know and trust. do you have family with dogs? does your neighbor have a well behaved dog? introduce them in a neutral place like the park.
just always make sure your dog knows what you expect of him. dont let him do certain things at certain times, if it is a rule it means always, otherwise he will never know what to do.
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2009 Jun 18
Follow the first answerers advice, and I am sure you will be an excellent owner, because just by asking this question here shows you really care. Good luck.
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2009 Jun 18
With the possibility of aggressive strays, you simply must not let him walk off-leash. It's just too risky.
Dog parks can be dangerous places, because you have no idea what the dogs there are like. With a new puppy, I wouldn't try your luck. Socialize him with dogs you know are more stable. For instance, do you have any friends or relatives with dogs? A great way to socialize dogs is through group training classes, so sign up for some right away! Not only will this socialize him, it will help you on your quest for a well-behaved dog. You can also contact the trainers for personal help so that they can refer you to well-balanced dogs that your boy can meet. Remember to socialize him with all dogs, from tiny fluffy ones to huge sleek ones, and both males and females.
Reward him for tolerating, well, anything right now. Give him a treat if someone walks by (unless, obviously, he's freaking out!). Give him a treat if a biker or skateboarder goes by, another person walking their dog, a cat, whatever. If a car makes a loud noise. If another dog barks. Make him associate everything that's potentially scary with good things like yummy treats.
For training, make sure you have several short, fun sessions every day. (Dogs learn better in a bunch of short sessions as opposed to one long session. Think of a kid bored in class, that's what it's like when you try to train a dog for a half hour instead of five or ten minutes.)
Don't bother skimping with the treats in the beginning, and use yummy treats like chicken, string cheese, Pet Botanics food rolls or hot dog. Keep the rewards random, too, so he doesn't quite know what to expect. Sometimes one treat, sometimes three. As he gets the hang of it, you can start weaning him off treats so that he'll respond without them. Give no treats one time, then two treats, then one, then none, then three — keep it random. Gradually give him less and less, but I don't really recommend completely quitting treats. It's always good to still keep him guessing so that he'll perform just in case this is the time you're gonna give him a treat.
Stay patient and calm. If you become at all frustrated, your dog will only become more wary of you, and it isn't his fault that you aren't making your desires clear enough.
Make sure your steps are small enough for your individual dog. You can't expect all dogs to make a sudden leap to staying perfectly. Break it up into smaller increments. First reward him for a second, then two seconds, so on and so forth. Once he can stay for a long time, focus on the distance criteria, and reward him while you stand one foot away, then two, et cetera.
Here's my favorite article on teaching a dog how to walk well on the leash:
http://ahimsadogtraining.com/blog/leash-walking/
On walks, I recommend you carry stinky, delicious treats (like dehydrated liver) and something like pepper spray. If you are approached by a strange dog, gently toss the treats out of the way to distract the dog. Do not make eye contact, and turn your body slightly away. You can leave while the dog goes for the treats. Now, if it is an emergency, use the pepper spray! However, please, take it seriously. You cannot just use it willy-nilly, it can seriously damage a dog's sensitive nose and be extremely painful. But if you really must, then you must. With these two back-ups, you can feel much safer.
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2009 Jun 18
First off well done for taking in an older pup alot wont and its lovely. It sounds like youre really making an effort with him too, hes lucky. OK here are some tips, Whenever you catch him in the act, dont shout, just lead him to either a) a puppy pad
b) the garden
then when he wees on there or outside make a fuss. As they wee use words like 'make' or 'wee wees' in a kind voice eventually they WILL do it on command. It does take time but you seem like a lovely patient person. Dont:
Shout when he has an accident that can make a nervous dog who has more accidents
Rub his nose in it, that is so 1980 and doesnt work
Let him watch you clean it up, would you believe they think its a game
Routine is important once he knows he gets walks every 4 hours to begin with even if its just in the garden he will know to hold it. The problem comes when he doesnt know when hes next going to be let out. Believe it or not dogs do not like peeing and pooping indoors where they live so they will learn fast.
You can also invest in a crate when you go out pop him in and as soon as you get back take him straight in the garden. Also they dont need a poo immediately after feeding just like you dont Leave him half hour and then take him out again using words like 'make' etc and praise him.
Aside from that keep up with the training I dont know where you live but there is the Good citizen dog scheme and its a brilliant, cheap course. They will trun your pup into a one youll be very proud of.
Whatever you do, youre doing well, youre asking and youre trying. I hoe you both have a lovely life together I love my pups they are ace.
M c
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Breeder (Labs)
Owner (Rottweilers and Labs)
2009 Jun 18
Training is the best investment you can make in your relationship with your dog. You'll need to do your homework first, though, to learn how to communicate what you want in a way that your dog will understand. Stay consistent and patient, reward your dog for getting it right and remember: you can train a dog of any age.
here are some helpful articles:
http://dogtime.com/6-older-obedience-center.html
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