Train Your Dog To Obey Your Commands

Training your dog should be an enjoyable, rewarding process - for you and your pet! Dog training is not something that comes naturally to every pet owner, though. Never fear! A little advice can go a long way towards making the training process fun and hassle-free. Read on to discover some handy tricks to take the guesswork out of dog training.

Digging can be a troublesome behavior with some dogs. One way to address this is to create an area where your dog is allowed to dig. Hide some of his favorite toys in the area, bury dog treats, and encourage him to spend time there. This can keep your dog out of your favorite garden and help him to enjoy your yard.

TIP! Just because your dog is obeying you, do not assume that they are done learning. Your dog is always learning.

Be aware that you are not going to have a perfectly trained dog overnight. Changing behaviors is a lengthy process that will involve a lot of successes and a lot of setbacks. If you are not training from a puppy, the process can take even longer as your dog will need to both unlearn bad behaviors and learn new ones. Be patient and you'll start to see results.

As you begin working with your dog on their training program, make sure to pay close attention to their diet. Much like humans, a dog gets their fuel from what they eat each day. Having a diet that is not nutritionally sound can affect a dog's behavior and make training more difficult.

To help potty train puppies, consider using a crate. Crate training may sound unpleasant, but it's actually one of the most natural ways to train puppies. A crate is considered their home or den, and puppies have an instinct not to soil in this space. Just be sure to limit the time spent in the crate, so your pup can spend time with you too.

TIP! Use your time walking the dog as a time of bonding and positive reinforcement. Try bringing your treats along and playing games with them during the walk.

Make sure your dog's diet is appropriate for him. If your dog is a lazy dog who likes to lounge around all day, you don't want to give him the high protein food a dog who herds sheep would receive. This can cause problems and high vet bills down the road.

Many puppies like to use their mouths to play because that is how they played with their litter mates. This should be discouraged as soon as possible after your puppy comes home. It may be cute when a seven pound puppy pulls on your arm or shirt sleeve, but I assure you, it isn't as cute when a fifty pound dog does it.

When giving a command to your dog, you should always use the exact same kind of voice and the same volume. Your dog will learn to recognize your tone and know they should obey. It is important that your dog be able to distinguish between a command and a reprimand.

TIP! Do not train your dog through fear of physical punishment. Teaching your dog to respect your commands and dominance will create a healthy and stable pet.

Primary reinforcement is the method commonly used to train dogs. Primary reinforcement uses something that is inherent for the dog to love as a reward for good behavior. Some of the most effective rewards include dog bones, treats and affectionate scratching or petting. This teaches your dog something that they desire.

Encourage your dog's cooperation in training by rewarding good behavior. Dogs respond to a calm, confident leader who earns respect. When your dog responds to commands make sure you reward him with play or food, and make sure you reward easy commands as well as harder ones to build his confidence.

A well-trained dog is a joy to own and a lifelong companion. Every thoughtful dog owner understands that the responsibility of training their dog carries a lot of potential benefits. There is no reason not to seek out assistance in order to get the most out of training your dog. Putting together an effective, fun training program will make you and your pet that much happier with each other.