Dog Training Tips You Can Do Yourself

By Geraldine Dimarco

Training dogs is a profession any loving dog owner can take up on his own pet. If you are one of them and have been deterred by well meaning friends and relatives have probably failed themselves; dont lose hope. It may be that wrong techniques have been used, teaching has not been consistent, or patience just ran out. There are times that dog training will severely test the affinity you have for your dog-- but this comes with equally rewarding results. You will have a better relationship with your pet and your home will be cleaner too.

Let's start by looking into what goes on inside the mind of your dog so we can better grasp the reasons behind the given dog training tips. People are logical and intelligent creatures (most of us anyway). We can correctly assume the outcome of any given situation through reasoning skills and basic common sense. Dogs on the other hand, are lovable but not as smart. They understand only through simple reactions and a consistent repetition of unchanging commands. For instance, we understand that 'Come!', 'Let's go!', or 'Come here!' mean the same thing. But with dogs, all three phrases are as different as different can be. He might go to you after the millionth time of calling him but that doesn't mean he understands what you're trying to say.

You need to be consistent and repetitive in teaching your dogs. Use the exact word or phrase each time you give a command.

A healthy and successful relationship with your dog starts with the establishment of your authority over him as his master. Be firm and strong when you deal with him, never harsh and violent. Once the dog understands this, he will seek to be a 'good boy' and obey commands promptly if he knows this pleases you.

Rubbing your dog's belly is a simple tactic you can employ to enforce your leadership. This teaches him to submit to you and by licking your hand he acknowledges you as his superior. Never yield to your pet's crying or growling just to keep them quiet. You need to set good habits and see to it this is followed at all times.

An effective trick experts use is to allow the dog to learn by teaching himself. What do I mean? Let's say, your dog is chewing on something he isn't supposed to be chewing. You can scold him and take away the object immediately. This is a common canine training method. A better way is to take away bad behavior is through substituting it with a good one by giving unpleasant sensations with the incorrect behavior.

When the dog chews on a shoe, use a quick sharp squirt of a water gun to his face. If he resumes chewing, squirt him again. Now place one of his playthings in front of him. If he picks it up and plays with it, praise him enthusiastically. The dog will associate good feelings with playing with his toy and bad feelings when playing with the shoe.

Canine socialization is an important part of his dog training. Fearful and overly aggressive dogs are result of neglecting to train them proper social skills. You should introduce him to other pets and people early in his life. Bring him to places that are noisy and full of activity so it will not be strange to him in the future.

As any parent would know, you discipline that which you love and care for. The dog training tips as outlined above will greatly help your dogs become the happier, best version of themselves. Nobody said it would be easy, but it will always be worth it. - 32401

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