When you want to train your new pet, it can get frustrating sometimes. Luckily, the advice below will go a long way towards helping you get the dog you want. Your dog/owner relationship will improve, and you both will be happier.
Reinforcement is a key element in dog training. Reinforcement only works, however, when it is executed with the proper timing. Excitedly saying, “Good girl!” just a few seconds too late has little positive impact on the dog’s future performance in terms of the desired act. Reinforcement for desired behavior should be immediate.
Don’t expect too much of your dog, too soon. Puppies will be puppies. That is what makes them so cute. The key to training them to act appropriately, is consistency. Be consistent in immediately reinforcing good behavior and eventually, your dog will get the message. Just don’t expect them to become fully trained overnight.
Create a regular schedule for your dog. Make sure his meals are at the same time each day, and walk him morning and night. Try to take him out for toilet breaks using a consistent routine. Dogs tend to thrive when they have a schedule that they can follow.
Make sure to use your normal tone of voice while training your dog. It is important not to shout, because your pet will begin to expect you to speak in that manner while instructing him. You do not want to fall into the pattern of having to shout commands at your dog to get him to listen.
If you use treats for positive reinforcement when training your dog, be sure that you use them sparingly. If the dog receives a treat every time it follows one of your commands, it will learn that treats and obedience go together, not you and obedience. If you stop giving treats at that point, the dog will stop obeying.
When doing a training session with your dog, set a specific goal for that session. When you reach that goal, end the session, even if you were planning on going longer. This helps keep both you and your dog focused on the results, as well as ensuring that each session ends on a positive note.
Make sure to give your dog a good hour of exercise each and every day. Without adequate exercise, your dog will find it difficult to focus during your training sessions. If your pet can exercise regularly and be active, he will be far more happy and responsive.
Make sure you are feeding your dog high-quality food. Behavior problems are often caused by a poor diet. High-quality dog food has human-grade ingredients and an expiration date. Making sure your dog eats plenty of protein and avoid giving him “junk” food from the table. A well-fed dog is a happy, obedient dog.
If you don’t want your dog to chew your furniture, making it unpleasant, can help. There are many clear and odor free products on the market that you can put on an item. These products will make the item taste bitter or unpleasant, thereby, deterring your pet from chewing it.
After learning the techniques from this article, you and your dog can have a wonderful relationship. Get started today, and you will soon be reaping the rewards.