Here are five of the best tips about dog training to help you train your dog and get on track:
1. Reinforcement:
What
is reinforcement anyways? It is a stimulus (a change in the external or
internal environment) that occurs right after a behavior is performed,
and it increases the chance of the behavior happening again. This dog
training technique is the simplest and most humane form of dog training.
A
classic example of how reinforcement works is this: You ask your dog to
sit or heel, he sits or heels; you give him his favorite treat. Let’s
break that down: You gave a command, your dog submitted to you, in
return for his submission he is rewarded.
The
treat you gave him is the stimulus; your dog observed that something
good came out of submission. This is positive reinforcement. Positive
reinforcement is a very powerful tip about dog training because it
creates an environment that is your dog loves to be around. Within this
environment, your dog will be eager to not only be with you, but also
learn new things.
You
must realize though, that reinforcement is not a one time action. If
you are consistent in your reinforcement, the positive behavior your dog
shows will become second nature.
2. Leash Training:
If
you own a dog, chances are that one day you will want to take your dog
for a walk. Unfortunately, sometimes it is the owners who are being
“walked” instead of being in control. Defiance towards leash control can
range from aggressive behaviors such as biting, snapping, intense
barking, and lunging at other dogs or people.
Another
technique is to stop walking, turn around and walk in the other
direction. Make sure to reward your dog with his favorite treat when he
complies with you and your authority. These tips are great because your
not forcing your companion to do anything, they are learning and making
the decisions themselves.
3. Socializing:
As
with children, the amount of interaction with others is a crucial
factor on how your dog will react amongst other dogs and people.
Socialization should take place as soon as possible, the younger the
better. However, if you are trying to socialize an older dog be aware
that it will take longer.
The
very first step you should take while socializing your dog is in your
home. Try to see if you can touch areas under the eyes, in between paws,
and in the ears. Getting you companion comfortable with these areas
being touched will simulate what other dogs will “inspect”.
With
the first step out of the way, it’s time to introduce your dog to other
dogs. Pay close attention to how your dog reacts to the actions of the
other animals. Pull your dog back if he is showing signs of aggression
or fear and distract him with a toy or treat. Socialization is a gradual
process and will take a few times for your dog to be comfortable with
others.
Is
your furniture shredded and chewed to bits? Are you or your neighbors
tired from excessive barking and whining? Does your house have scratch
damaged doors and windows? If you had to answer yes to any of these
questions, your pet dog more than likely has separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety is one of the most sought after tips about dog
training. Why? Because the effects of anxiety creates grief for both the
animal and owner. Here are some techniques to implement:
Exercise- Maintaining regular exercise burns off your dog’s
energy, leaving less energy for barking, boredom, and whining. One
benefit of this tip is that you are keeping your dog healthy and helping
resolve his anxiety.
Behavior Modification- As the owner, you need to make sure your
time apart is not a big deal. Before you leave, simply set out your
dog’s favorite toy or his favorite treats. Then just walk out the door
quietly, ignoring any pleas or whines. When you return, ignore your dog
for a few minutes. This is not punishment; it is simply establishing
that your departure was not a major event.
Medication- I would suggest medication only as a last resort. If
your dog is suffering from depression or extreme cases of anxiety,
contact your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication. You should be
aware though, that these types of medication can have side effects such
as vomiting and diarrhea. Medication can also require weeks to work.
5. House training:
The tips about dog training in this particular subject differ based on
the aged of your dog. If you own a puppy follow these tips:
5. House training:
- Take the new puppy to your yard, or the place where you want him to call “bathroom”, and allow him to relieve himself. Once he does, praise him on how good of a deed he did. Until your puppy knows where to relieve himself, it will be your responsibility to carry your pup outside and let him do his thing. Remember to praise him verbally or with treats.
- Implement the use of a crate during your training. The confined space of the crate mimics the environment of the den at birth. Your puppy will be comfortable with the lack of room because it provides feelings of security. In the crate you should place a food dish and water bowl. Having your puppy comfortable with being in the crate will also help when you are not home; your puppy will reside in his crate while he awaits your return.
- As with a pup, introduce your seasoned companion to the yard or restroom area. Walk him around the yard and let him relieve himself. Just as before, offer verbal praise or tasteful treats to encourage this behavior again in the future. Since older dogs have certain developed habits, house breaking your dog will take a little longer.
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