Getting The Most Out Of Your Dog Training Efforts

If you are planning on showing your dog there is specific training your dog must go through. This article will provide everything you need to know about training your dog correctly.

When you know that you need to be gone for a few hours, take your dog for a long walk before you depart. If you tire them out, they will be better able to handle feelings of anxiety when they are alone and separated from you.

If your dog has separation anxiety when you leave your home, try some training. Dogs that won't stop barking and destroy everything in the house when you leave are probably suffering from separation anxiety. You can fix this problem by giving your dog some kind of activity to occupy his time while you're gone. Be sure to pay a lot of attention to your pet in order to relieve anxiety.

It is best to train your dog in a crate that is the right size. Keep in mind, puppies do not stay small forever. Choose a crate that your puppy can grow in, but won't grow out of. Your dog should be able to easily turn around and sleep without being overly crowded.

Train your dog by reinforcing positive behavior. Rather than scolding or punishing your dog in response to an undesirable behavior, avoid reinforcing it. If you punish the bad behaviors, your dog can end up terrified of you. Positive reinforcement helps dogs do more positive things to gain praise and rewards.

Do not permit your dog to pull you around. You are the one giving the commands, not the other way around. Use the correct tools, such as a harness and leash, and keep him at your heel or stop walking completely when he pulls. Keep in mind that you are in charge!

Do not allow your pet to become complacent in his training. Establish a clear set of rules and stick with it at all times. Many times, owners feel that since their animals have gone through dog training, they can just forget about it. However, pets are creatures of habit. Therefore it is very important to maintain a good set of rules for your dog.

While it is possible to train older dogs, be aware that they may have some physical limitations due to medical conditions. If you dog has a painful condition, such as arthritis, you may not be able to train him to go on long runs with you. Training may actually improve a dog's mind functions, and that can be great for old dogs. But do not overdo it and make them work to hard!

When your pet hears you speak the word 'no', your dog must understand that a response is not expected. When dog training, you'll have to find a way to give positive reinforcement. Just simply telling your dog 'no' doesn't help him or her in understanding how to properly react. Because no two dogs are the same, the training you use should work with their needs.

Above all, the goal of a training program is to set well-defined expectations for your pet. Your relationship with other people is strengthened by shared respect and mutual understanding; a relationship with your pet is no different. The most important thing is to use positive reinforcement to remind your dog what he has learned. Keep his memory crisp, and do not let any deviations from acceptable behavior slide through. After your dog has learned the basics, you can work together more effectively to instill more complex behaviors.