Dog Training
Dog training is fun, rewarding and easy when approached with the right tools and a positive attitude. Dogs generally want to do what their owners want, but reinforcing your message is critical to successful dog training. Just as it takes people some time to learn a new concept, dogs also need time to learn something new, so do not expect your dog to instantly behave and learn new tricks. Take your time over several days to teach your dog new behaviors, and if you properly reward your dog for doing what you want, your dog is likely to continue to engage in good behavior.
Basic Tools for Dog Training
Generally, people use small treats to reward their dog during training. This may be accompanied by a plastic clicker that makes a loud noise when the button is pressed. If treats and a clicker are used together, eventually the dog begins to associate the clicking noise with treats and the clicker can be used in place of treats. Such clickers can be purchased inexpensively on the Internet or at a pet store. Also, never underestimate the power of praise. Petting your dog and verbally praising good behavior often has the same effect as treats or a clicker. No matter what tools you use, be sure to be consistent. Do not reward your dog for bad behavior or behavior that is not close to the desired behavior. You want to be firm but kind in your dog training and not send your dog mixed signals.
Why Won’t My Dog Behave?
If your dog is urinating in the house, chewing your shoes, or engaging in other undesired behavior, do not offer rewards. Many people will give their dogs treats or pet their dog immediately after the bad behavior, which can leave your dog confused or even reinforce bad behavior. The best approach to dog training is to immediately scold your dog by loudly and firmly saying “no”. Your dog with begin to associate the stern tone of voice and loud “no” with the bad behavior and will avoid such behavior in the future. Wait some time before approaching your dog again after bad behavior and be sure that others do the same. Sometimes you dog’s bad behavior is due to anxiety or a medical problem. If your dog is still engaging in the bad behavior after a few weeks of training and you have not reinforced the bad behavior, then you should look to an external source to try to find the root of the problem. Sometimes such problems can be discerned by observation, but other times it is necessary to take your dog to the vet to determine whether there is a medical problem.
Teach Your Dog Tricks
Many people want their dog to be able to sit, stay, fetch, speak and other such behaviors. You want to start dog training at a time when you dog is calm and attentive. Try to plan dog training at a time that is not to close to a meal because if your dog has just eaten a big meal, he or she will be less interested in treats. Dog training is a process by which you reward behavior that approaches the behavior that you desire until finally your dog is engaging in the desired behavior.
If you are using a clicker, click the button and give your dog a treat. You will use the clicker every time you give your dog a treat to draw the connection between the clicker and treat. Show your dog the expected behavior. And then click and give a treat as the dog does behavior that is similar to the behavior that you want. Eventually, you can just offer clicks and occasionally treats because your dog will realize that the click is an indicator of good behavior. Do not reward for behavior that is not similar to what you want. Always use the same command, tone of voice and gestures to indicate the desired behavior and before you know it, you will have a well-trained dog.