As many an animal lover would know, dogs are generally a happy, loyal, and lovable breed. Sometimes we hold off adopting a puppy because training her would require too much of an effort. Fortunately, there are simple dog training tips available that cover the basics and help get you started to a colorful and rewarding relationship with your dog.
Before anything else, make sure your dog knows who's the boss. His animal instincts will follow you better as soon as he acknowledges this fact. You can do this with simple everyday things. When you're eating, don't feed him yet. Let him see you eating and then allow him to have his meal. If he is blocking your path, don't step over him or go around him, push him gently to make room for you. You are his superior and the sooner he understands this, the easier the teaching process will be.
Dogs can pick up your emotions even as you handle them. Use a firm and authoritative voice in training. However, it is also important to note that dogs respond well to positive reinforcement. Give him doggie treats every time he correctly accomplishes a command. If he makes a mistake, you have to correct him during the time it happens not after. Train him for ten to fifteen minutes several times a day and be effusive in your praise with his performance.
You will find that all dogs have consistent behavioral patterns that are a reliable index to their state of mind, so to speak. Happy dogs have wagging tails, a joyful bark and an open expression. Angry dogs will bare their teeth, snarl and tense up, ready to attack. Recognizing particular signs and correctly responding to it will help you in training him successfully.
You will need patience in training your dogs tricks. Dogs are best taught at around six weeks of age but if he's been around the proverbial block a few times, there is still hope. Remember, you need to be cool and collected even when he messes up, especially in the beginning. Your patient guidance will see him progress sooner or later. Be consistent in your teaching patterns and training schedules. Confused dogs will forget what you want them to learn.
When teaching your dogs tricks, do so in an area you will least likely be interrupted. A more interesting object may be a better source of entertainment for him than the present training session. You will be hard-pressed to keep his attention when that happens. A backyard free from commotions, or any quiet fenced-in area will be a good classroom for him.
Most importantly, remember why you got your pet in the first place. Have fun! Training can be tedious and when that happens, just take a break to play and have a romp around the backyard with him. Dogs are special because they have a special ability to take your mind off pressing details and lavish you with love however bad you look or smell. The best dogs are not only those that are trained but those that make for a faithful and constant friend.
Geraldine Dimarco is a lifelong student of the canine world. Find out more about dog articles your pet will want you to know.
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