When it comes to training a puppy, or retraining an adult dog you adopted recently, we know you want to train your pet as easily and as quickly as possible. You both will benefit as a result: you will have a well-trained and obedient four-legged friend, and the dog will feel safe and enjoy a strong bond with you and other members of the household.
To help you train your dog with a minimum of muss and fuss, take a look at our short list of five training tips you shouldn’t ignore.
Don’t be shy with the praise and affection.
Sure, it’s quite easy to let your dog know in no uncertain terms when you’re displeased. But what about when he does something right? Do you praise him vociferously? Do you give him lots of hugs and affection when he’s doing well? Don’t be shy about being a bit “big” with your praise, too. He’ll eat it up and will want to please you – and get that ton of attention – and will work hard to behave as you want him to.
Make sure you’re clear about what you want him to both do and not do.
Is he rushing to great visitors and so you shout “no!”? He’ll probably figure out that he should stop rushing to a visitor, but does that mean he can’t rise on his hind legs, place his forepaws on the visitor’s chest? Your dog can’t know. So tell him. You probably want him to stop and sit, right? So tell him, no to the rushing and follow it quickly with “sit.”
Be consistent. Be consistent. Be consistent.
Make sure everyone who has contact with the dog is on the same page regarding training. For example, if you and your spouse decide that the dog shouldn’t be allowed to “beg” for food at the table, make sure all your children, close friends and any other people who eat with you know not to let him near the table and definitely not to reward his begging behavior with a treat.
Have realistic expectations.
A dog is going to do what comes naturally: he will be excited and bark. He will want to rush to greet other dogs. He probably will want to dig holes in the backyard. “Natural” dog behaviors will be the hardest to train away. (After all, remember how long it took to train your young children how to say “please” and “thank you,” habits that aren’t natural to young humans.) So be patient. You also need to keep in mind that it can take a while to retrain or stopping a long-time behavior.
Rewarding the dog with a treat for the desired behavior is OK.
Don’t worry that your dog will behave as you want him to because he’s come to expect the treat. So long as you praise him profusely at times when you see him perform the behavior during “non-training session times,” your dog will learn the new behavior.
We love our dogs because of their dog-like behavior. They are loyal, great companions and fun-loving.
They love us unconditionally: they want to be with us. Take the considerable time and effort it takes to train your dog properly and you and your pet will reap the benefits for years to come.
Let your dog have great doggie fun by boarding him here at Barney’s Ranch when you head out of town to have your great human fun. To learn more about our day- and overnight-boarding services, give us a call at 469-450-7040 or send us an e-mail at info@BarneysRanch.com.
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