The reason why so many dogs are in shelters is because it doesn't work out well with the owner. However, this does not have to be. Any dog can be trained to become well-behaved, healthy and happy. It need not be difficult to transform your dog into a dog that meets that description; all you have to do is follow some simple steps and put in a bit of time.
You can entice your pet to sit on his haunches by waving a treat before his nose as he stands. Pass that treat over their head so that your hand moves behind them. Your dog will look up as your hand passes behind his head. This can help engage your dog to sit down.
Magazines, dog-training books and the Internet are all great resources to help you train your dog. Talk to others who own the same dog breed as you in order to obtain suggestions from them. Adjust your plan to the individual needs of your pet based on the tips you have gathered.
Reward good behavior during training with control. When your dog responds to a command in the right way, you should reward this behavior when he is calm. Although you may feel very pleased, control your response to avoid having your training situation become uncontrolled. Set a good example by rewarding them calmly.
When training your dog, reinforce positive behaviors in a positive way. Your dog should be rewarded with both small treats and happy words. Never punish your dog with words or your hands. This is not a particularly effective form of training. Be firm, consistent and positive for the best results in dog training.
Keep your dog's yearly check-up appointments. IF you come to realize that your dog has some difficulties during their training, you may want to look into his/her health. Sometimes, dogs will mask discomfort, making it hard for you to tell how they are feeling. Frequently, the only way you will know that a health problem exists is when you observe changes in behavior. If your dog is overly aggressive, try to get them help immediately.
If your dog has an issue with barking, pay attention to potential triggers. When you understand these triggers, you will better understand how to stop the behavior. For instance, if your dog barks when someone knocks at your door, have a friend help you with training by triggering your dog's barking as you teach him the "quiet" command.
Dogs love leaders, as do other pack animals. Some dogs resist following their owner's lead. In these cases, seek help from a qualified positive reinforcement trainer to help you earn your dog's trust. It is important that you show your dog you are the alpha, or the leader, for two reasons. He will obey better, and he will feel more secure.
Don't be angry with your dog for poor responses during training. If your techniques aren't working on the dog, then maybe you aren't doing a good job.
The information here can help you rehabilitate any bad dog. Training your dog is ultimately your responsibility, the last thing you want is your dog to be constantly behaving badly.
