Many who are unfamiliar with dog behavior find that training can be a difficult task; however, it does not need to be. Dogs are loyal, affectionate animals who desire to please their owners, which means that they are easily trainable, if one has the right tools and knowledge. This article will show you several strategies that are sure to give you a well behaved dog.
A great way for your dog to learn new skills (or brush up on some old ones) is to attend classes at your local dog training center. If you are not sure of where to take him, your friends or veterinarian may be able to help you find a place that best suits your needs.
TIP! To relieve separation anxiety in your dog, give him plenty of exercise. A tired dog is a happy dog.
A tip for small dog owners: make treats small to ensure your dog doesn't become full during training sessions. Believe it or not, a dog will work just as hard for a treat the size of a pin-head as he will for a treat the size of your thumbnail. This way, training sessions can last longer and be more interesting.
One tip to keep in mind when training your dog, is to use its name properly. This is important because control over your pet is the number one priority in training and discipline. Say it's name often, but only for direct orders. Never call your dog to you if you plan on inflicting punishment on it.
When giving commands to your dog, do not repeat the command over and over before getting a response. By giving the command one time and waiting for the dog to respond, you will teach him that you are expectant of a behavior. If the command is not obeyed at first, show your pet what you expect before saying the command again.
TIP! Your dog will thrive on training if you leave them wanting more. Keep your training sessions brief and productive.
Play with your dog often. In order to train your dog efficiently, it is important to develop and nurture a bond between the two of you. Make sure you are taking the time out of your day to play with your dog. It will be fun and stress-reducing for both of you.
Understand that training takes time. A lot of people make the mistake of thinking a dog is 'untrainable' when things don't go according to plan immediately. Some dogs respond to commands sooner than others, and it is usually according to breed and age. If you have adopted an older dog, it may take a long time, as he will already be set in his ways. Remember to be patient, and understand that a dog always wants to please his owner in the long run.
If you want to have a responsive dog that is easy to train, be sure to talk to your dog. Always use the same words to mean the same things and speak in the same tone of voice when you want certain results. Your dog will not be able to understand every word you say, but he will develop a reliable vocabulary if you take the time to teach him. This will make obedience training much easier.
Once you know the right tools, dog training becomes a very feasible task. Even problem behaviors can be effectively targeted with the right skill set and knowledge. Our dogs are our best friends and as such, they desire nothing more than to make us happy. In turn, it is our duty to teach them skills so that they can be happy as well.