Essential Dog Training Tips
3 Crucial Dog Training Tips for your Pooch!
Are you trying to train your dog to come to you when called? Or do you want it to sit when you ask it to? Perhaps you want your dog to stop barking?
There are some basic things to remember when it comes to dog training. Understanding their importance is critical to achieving rapid results that are long lasting and will help develop the bond between you and your dog. And remove the frustration that a lot of dog owners feel when trying to train their dogs for the first time.
Top Tip #1
The first is simple – you must win your dog’s mind. If you don’t achieve this first then you will be struggling all the way.
When I talk about winning your dog’s mind what I really mean is that your dog looks to you for all the decisions. Before you do anything else watch one of the amazing video sites that show you the 5 golden rules to establishing yourself as the pack leader. If you aren’t putting these in place then you are setting yourself up to fail.
Just at the crucial point where you really want your dog to listen they will go and do their own thing. For sure your dog may play ball occasionally or you may even have a dog that is obedient 99% of the time. However, if you want a dog who always listens to you and does exactly as you ask then you need to win your dog’s mind.
Top Tip #2
The second key to success is to motivate your dog. It is really important that you discover what it is that your dog enjoys both in terms of exercise and play but also in terms of a reward. If you can make the experience enjoyable then you will both achieve more and look forward to the training.
Some dogs love to fetch, others love agility, and other dogs simply love obedience training, or swimming out into water and retrieve. At least to start with, find out what your dog loves and help it develop this. In other words, work with your dog.
Top Tip #3
In order to make training enjoyable and successful you should reward your dog.
The 3 main rewards are:
- Food – anything from a single dry biscuit to a whole piece of sausage!
- Affection – pats, cuddles, lots of high verbal praise
- Toys – games, throwing a stick or object, chasing your dog etc.
Your dog is always going to work harder if you are fair in your training. Even if you do not want to use food you should make sure that you use affection accordingly when your dog does well.
If you want to use food rewards then always follow these simple tips:
- Always vary food rewards
- Do not give food rewards every time
- Never let your dog know what the reward is
- If your dog doesn’t come first time then do not give it the reward
Generally, remember that if you want to achieve perfection it just takes practice! Learning how to encourage behavior that is closer to what you want is key to success. Again, this is where rewards come in so handy! Motivate and then show your dog what it is that you want. There is no need for any negative training!
