Training a dog is a fun and fruitful recreation. It not only tests and develops your patience, but it also develops a harmonious relationship between you and your dog. Although training routines can be complex and detailed, they can be accomplished with ease by following a few basic dog obedience training tips. This article sets out to teach you these basics of dog obedience training.
Training a dog requires ongoing optimism and you must remain positive throughout. Treating your dog in a positive way help motivates him. It is best to reinforce your dog's efforts throughout training by praising and rewarding him with treats every time he reacts positively to the training activity. The first few days of training are crucial so make every effort to make it a fun and enjoyable experience for your dog.
Always adopt a friendly, nice and firm tone with your dog. For example, if you ask your dog to come forward or kneel, say it in calm, but motivating voice. Dogs are easily persuaded when commanded with a friendly and warm voice. When you instruct your dog to stay or sit down, use a firmer tone of voice.
The best time to begin training is while the dog is still young, but not too young. Ideally, dog training is done during the 6th to 8th week after being born. However it does still depend on the personal characteristics of your pet. There is a saying "you cannot teach an old dog new tricks", which may be true for humans but is not necessarily true for dogs. You always have a chance to teach your dog new tricks, it can never be too late.
Do not hit your dog, particularly on the nose, to punish him. Some dog owners resort to using a rolled newspaper and hitting the nose of the dog if he does something wrong. Such punishment is never prescribed by any qualified dog trainer. Behaving like this will not help you accomplish anything. Instead, it will scare your dog and will make it difficult for you to gain his trust.
Patience is a virtue when setting out to train a dog, as working to build a relationship with your pet can take much time and involve many setbacks. Your dog has his own habits and characteristics, so do not expect the same understanding from him as you would a human. If you think you are about to lose patience, then it may be better stop or pause the training program. Dogs are animals but they are smart enough to feel your emotion.
Do not let any part of the training schedule carry on too long. You can use 15 minute segments to teach your dog simple and basic commands. Remember to encourage him during all training by using motivational tone in your voice. Encourage and inspire him with praises if he successfully complies with your instructions. To gain his confidence and friendship, spend quality time with your dog by playing with him. A good time for this is after each training session.
A further dog obedience tip is to avoid any possible distractions and keep the training a fun experience between the two of you. Training venues should be chosen carefully so that without external stimuli, the dog remains focused on the training alone.
