What are some good training...

Question
What are some good training tips for beginners? I'm doing a story in school on the basic dog tricks.

Answer
There are a lot of different training methods and not each one will work with every type of dog personality, but I will try to give you a general series of training suggestions that work with the majority of dogs.

Dogs learn the fastest when they are motivated, so keep obedience sessions upbeat and positive. Use praise and rewards when the dog does something correctly. It is important that both the dog and the trainer enjoy themselves while training.

In order to learn, a dog needs to know when he is doing the right thing. To let the dog know when he is doing something correctly, the trainer needs to praise and reward the dog at the exact moment the dog begins to perform the correct behavior.
For example, when teaching a dog to shake hands. Pick up the paw while giving the command "Shake". If the dog picks up it's paw on it's own, even for a second, state the command, give a reward and praise. Repeat this until the dog learns to associate the command with the action and then the reward. This way the dog gradually realizes what you want him to do.

Be consistent. Use the same command, tone of voice and body language every single time. The dog learns by association and so even the smallest change can confuse the dog in early stages of learning.

Decide what you would like to teach. Start with simpler tricks (shake, fetch, sit, stay) and proceed to more difficult ones if your dog learns fast. It's a good idea to start with only one trick at a time.
Before you begin training, you must already have a command to use for that particular trick. The word used can be anything just as long as it is used consistently with the action expected. Be careful not to use words that sound too similar for different actions. "Sit" and "Get it" sound too much alike and may confuse the dog. A better choice would be "Sit" and "Fetch".
Use short words and always speak clearly when giving a command. Instead of saying "Fetch Ball" or "Fetch Frisbee" just use the term "Fetch".

Don't repeat a command. Give the command once and either initiate the dogs action or wait for the dog to react. Do not praise until the dog has made some positive act towards the expected command response. If a trainer repeats himself, the dog only learns that it does not have to respond the first or even second time a command is given. This is why it isn't unusual to hear frustrated dog owners screaming "Rover Sit, Sit SIT SIT!!" over and over until the dog leisurely decides to act. As far as that dog is concerned, the command to sit down has four syllables: sit, sit, SIT, SIT!

Finally, start with short lessons, five to ten minutes a day and as the dog becomes better at his commands, slowly increase the training to about 20-30 minutes a day. Don't wear the dog or yourself out. Keep everything positive and fun and soon you will be on your way to owning a well trained dog.

SAH