Perfect Pet: Dog Training Tips
Ignore mistakes
Early in your dog training ignore mistakes. Just gently rectify them and go on with the training.
Call your dog for happy things only
Never call your dog for anything he feels is unpleasant like getting medicine or taking a bath. If you want him for anything you know he isn't going to like go and get him.
Don't yell at your dog
Don't yell at your dog when giving him commands. He needs a firm tone but do not yell. Do not use a stern voice either. You need to save that stern tone for discipline. Remember his hearing is much better than yours and he can hear you very well so there is no need to yell. Keeping your voice down will also encourage him to listen to you.
Be consistent
Be consistent in the commands you give your dog and in the tone you use. Always use the same command words for the same command. If anyone else does training make sure they know which command words you are using because they need to use the same one. Do not repeat your commands more than once. If he doesn't do as you ask show him again gently and start over. When praising your dog he doesn't understand your words but he does understand your tone. Make your praise genuine, hearing the pleasure in your voice is his biggest motivator.
Be patient he lives in the here and now.
Never punish after the offensive deed is done he will not understand why he is being punished. Some people say they think he knows what he has done because he looks so guilty. If he looks guilty it is only because he knows you are upset with him but in reality he does not have a clue as to why you are upset. For example, if you come home and find a little surprise on the floor just clean it up and don't say a word to him about it. If you do he will only think it is because of whatever he is doing at the time. Did he just come to you or show you how excited he is to see you? You don't want him to think you are upset about that. Punishment after the fact is cruel and pointless.
Train every day
It is important to take some time with his lessons every day. Short lessons are better than a long training session so if you don't have a lot of time that is okay. Ten minutes at a time several times a day is perfect. Also, use the commands as often as you can throughout the day. Tell him to sit when you are putting on his leash, or before you give him his dinner. Before you and he go out the door tell him to sit so you can go out the door first. Read my article on How To Walk Your Dog to learn why this is important. When you and he go on your walk it is good to use the commands too. Tell him sit at corners or lie down at different times during your walk. Use whatever command he is learning that week. For example, you can tell him randomly to lay down or any of his other commands through out the day too. Training does not have to be time consuming you can incorporate it into your regular time together.
Make his bed a happy safe place
Do not ever send your dog to his bed or crate for a punishment. You want him to like and feel safe in his sleeping area. He needs to feel secure there and feel like he can get away from upsetting or scary things there. It is his safe haven.
If he doesn't do what you want be patient
If he doesn't do what you want be patient with him. Gently show him again what it is you want him to do and start over. Be precise and expect to get a prompt response from your dog. Say your commands only once.
He needs to learn to obey the first time you tell him. Do not train when
you are upset or in a bad mood. Dogs are much more aware of body
language than we are and he will detect a change of attitude no matter
how you might be trying to hide it. Training should be fun for both of you.
If it is not fun stop training and resume it later when you are feeling
better. Also, timing is crucial. You must correct your dog at the precise
time the mistake occurs. Correction need to be gentle and given with
love. It will be enough to deter your dog. Just show him what you want
him to do and follow with praise.
Be the pack leader
Dogs need a pack leader because they are pack animals. You are their
pack leader and it is important that it is well established. If you need
help to establish yourself as pack leader read my article on How To Be Pack Leader. Many of the behavior problems people have with their dogs
are because of the lack of a pack leader. When training your dog it is
important for him to be on a leash. If he is not on a leash you have no
control.
All of the commands he will learn at the start will be taught on a leash.
When he learns these well and is dependable he will then be ready to
start advanced dog training and then he will learn off leash.
Learn how to read your dog
Learn your dogs body language and stop bad behaviors in your dog
before they occur. If you know your dog well you will see what behaviors
he displays when he is about to do something he shouldn't. That is the
time to stop it. You can make a loud noise to distract him and tell him to
go lay down. If he has started the bad behavior make a loud noise and
remove him by the collar and take him from the place the bad behavior
occurred and tell him to go lay down. If he has already done it do
nothing! Remember never punish your dog after the fact no matter how
angry you are. He will not make the connection even if the evidence is
right in front of him. He will not understand. Avoidance is always the
best when ever possible. Treat him the same as you would a toddler. Put
things up that you don't want him to have. Put things away that you
don't want him to chew. Keep trash out of his reach etc. A dog can be
very resourceful if the temptation is strong enough. Keep temptation
away from him.
Change bad behavior to good by familiarizing your dog.
You can shape your dogs behavior by getting him familiar with daily
occurrences. Many times it seems to make sense to avoid situations that
might cause a problem. However, these situations can be learning
experiences for your dog. If he chases joggers take him to a marathon.
Do this to teach your dog appropriate behavior. He will learn when he
sees a jogger it is a signal that if he does not chase he will get a reward.
Your goal should be to have a dog that you can be proud to take anywhere
because you know he will behave properly.
Contact Us at
Perfect Pet Dog Training
714-312-6659
714-916-1904
perfectpetanimalservices@gmail.com
Serving the Hemet, Ca. area