Dog Training - Understanding Your Dogs Behavior

Whether you just got a new dog and want to show everyone that it can do more that lick itself and wag its tail, or you have an older dog that you think you can show some new tricks to, dog training benefits everyone. Not only will your dog be better behaved, but it will also bond better with you. You will benefit from a calmer more controllable dog and so will all your friends and family when they come to visit you.

To start out, you really need to understand why your dog behaves the way it does. Most dogs only care about two things, food and play (depending on your dog, it could be in any order). All dogs are "pack animals" albeit more domesticated; they are quite similar to wolves. They consider you and everyone in your household as part of their pack. Most dogs do not want to be the leader of this pack, but just like in the wild, if no one else is stepping up to the plate, they will feel obligated to assume the leader, or "boss" role.

In order for you to train your dog successfully, you must become the leader of this pack, or at least outrank your dog. Dogs want someone that they can look to for leadership and protection. It is up to you to assume this role if you want to be able to successfully train and live with your dog in the household. You need always to be firm and consistent with your dog. If you are not, or have not been, you can still become the pack leader. Things such as making him wait for you to exit the door first, or feeding him after you eat will help establish this role. Do not be afraid to "pull rank" on your dog occasionally either. If he is used to sitting on one side of your couch, make him get up and take that place, or if he hogs the covers in your bed, roll him off the bed from time to time. It may seem a little mean but establishing this "chain of command" is very important.

You should never abuse or hit your dog, no matter how frustrated you may be with training him. This does nothing to help and only makes matters worse. Your dog will sense your frustration and become nervous itself and loose the concentration needed to improve and pick up on your training. It is also illegal to strike any dog.

With any training program, consistency is the key. Keeping focused and not swaying from the tasks will help you to teach your dog. Any habit, whether good or bad is formed when an action is repeated time and time again. Do not give up on any routine until your dog has understood what you are trying to teach him. Even once they understand, it's a good idea to reinforce the habits from time to time. Just like humans, dogs forget too.

Understanding how your dog's mind works, is the first and most important step to staring any training program.