Dog Anxiety Training Tips

 

New dog owners are often amazed at how difficult it is to train a new pet. Even dog lovers often find it difficult to make the decision to own one because they fear they will not be able to train their dog correctly. They may fear that they may have to incur the expense of a professional trainer. Especially for dogs with special needs and issues like anxiety, it can be quite an undertaking. However, with some guidance and a few dog anxiety training tips, it can be a little easier than it seems.

In fact, with patience, a dog is not very difficult to train, even when they are exceptionally nervous or anxious. When beginning to train a dog, the most important thing is to make sure that you remain consistent in your own behavior. Dogs are very observant, and if they understand that you can be manipulated in certain situations, they will not hesitate to exploit that.

Another important consideration is making sure that you are capable of communicating with your dog. The first basic commands they should learn or sit and stay. Also, you need to establish how you are going to praise the dog and be consistent. For example, if you say "good dog!" The same way every time you are praising them for a job well done, they will immediately understand that whatever behavior preceding that is desirable and as such will repeat.

Another important tool in dog anxiety training is providing the dog a safe and secure resting place. Often a crate or a candle, you should set up your dogs resting place just like you would set up a bedroom. A small, enclosed area is ideal as well as accessories that make it cozy such as blankets and pillows. Make sure it is dark and that while small, has enough room for the dog to stand up right and laid down without touching the sides.

Another important step is to take the dog where it is appropriate to go to the bathroom. As a new pet owner, there's almost nothing more frustrating than a dog having an accident in your house. Both unhygienic and gross, there must be consistency as to what is considered an appropriate place to go to the bathroom. Often, owners make the mistake of waiting until a dog is older to begin enforcing this. Dog potty training must begin on the very first day your dog comes home with you.