Dog training is a vital part of being a responsible dog owner. Working with your dog brings better understanding between the two of you. This article can help you with your dog training. Your dog is eager to do things to please you and you need to take the time to show him how to behave.
If you are going to dress your dog up for Halloween, don't be too elaborate. After all, your dog won't have any idea why you are doing such a silly thing, and he may be quite distressed or embarrassed by it. Just do something simple like a bandanna or something that will fit easily on his collar. In this way you will not run the risk of having your dog bolt or hide or engage in some other unexpected, potentially dangerous behavior.
An important key to effective dog training is to always enforce the first command you give to your dog. It is a mistake to keep repeating the command over and over again. The dog needs to learn that a command requires instant obedience. Do not give the dog the opportunity to disobey. Enforce the first command, and then promptly give a reward and praise.
Don't give treats for no reason, and never feed your dog at the table. Feed your dog his dog food in the same place at the same time every day. Give treats as rewards for good work done during training time. Otherwise, praise and petting are ample indications that you are friends with your dog. Too many treats at the wrong times will produce a spoiled, overweight dog.
When training your dog, never resort to violence. This will just scare your dog and teach him that you are not to be trusted. Instead, remain calm and redirect your dog to the behavior you want. Remember that your dog wants to please you, but he is not a human being. He may not understand what is expected of him.
An important dog training tip is to use the pet's name whenever you are trying to get its attention. You need to get your pet used to responding to you when you call it by name. Use the pet's name when you feed it, take it for walks and play with it. Randomly call your pet to you by name several times throughout the day, and then reward it for coming when called. Never call your pet by its name to come to you only to be punished.
A barking dog can drive its owner as well as the neighbors crazy! A good way to train your dog not to bark is to offer him a reward to stop barking! When he barks, use a command such as "Quiet!" or "No bark!" and wave his favorite treat in front of his nose. Soon he will learn that dog treats are better than making noise!
If you have an older dog, get a nice bed made of memory foam to ease the stress on old bones. It's also good to get a bed with a Mylar backing to help older dogs stay nice and warm. A removable synthetic fleece cover will also add extra padding and warmth for older dogs.
Little dogs like Dachshunds that like to hide and burrow may enjoy beds or hideaways intended for cats. A tube type play structure or a cat bed that is covered and made of soft, flexible foam and faux fur may be exactly what your Doxy wants to curl up in secret!
If you have an old dog, he may become grouchy and nervous. This is because older dogs often lose their vision, hearing, and/or sense of smell. This can cause them to feel uncertain and vulnerable. Be sure to keep things consistent for your old dog. Set up a comfortable area where he can always count on finding his comfy bed, favorite toy and a dish of food and water.
It is important that you get to know your dog well. Dog training is not a "one-size-fits-all" proposition. A lot depends on your personality and capabilities, your dog's personality and capabilities, and how these traits mesh. Something that may work well for one trainer with one dog may not work with another trainer and another dog. Or it may not work for the same trainer with different dogs. Everyone is different!
Dogs can have an annoying habit of jumping up on you or company out of sheer excitement. An effective way to help your dog to learn that this is not a proper greeting is to gently place your hand on his chest, shove him away and firmly say "Off!" Then you can offer him a greeting by calling him back at your invitation for a friendly pat on the head!
As already noted, dog training can be vital. Responsible dog owners take the time to work with their dogs and train them. Applying the information in the article can help with dog training and help you become a better dog owner. Working with your dog can build a better relationship that will ensure that he will truly be your best friend.
