Jun 30 2010
Dog Training Secrets From The Experts
Regardless of whether you have a brand new puppy or an older dog, it makes good sense to devote a little bit of time training them. Even though there is an abundance of information available about how to train your dog, you cannot go wrong with dog training tips from the experts.
1. Positive reinforcement is vital. While there are many theories concerning how to train your dog, the majority of dog training experts agree that positive reinforcement works best. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog with verbal praise “good dog”, physical praise like a pat on the head and food rewards. It does not involve yelling at your dog, smacking or punishing them.
Positive reinforcement works since it creates a relationship of trust with your dog. Dogs are motivated by rewards especially food rewards.
2. Consistency is a must. If you are working with your dog on a particular skill or trick then try to train them at the same time every day. This helps your pet learn what to expect. Most dogs thrive on structure and will perform and learn much faster if they understand what is expected. If you’re training using food rewards, make an effort to train your dog before mealtime so they’re a little hungry and motivated.
3. Show patience. Dogs tend to learn in waves. Sometimes they pick things up easily and the following day it appears as though you have to start again from the very beginning. Be patient. Begin every new trick with very small steps and be clear about what you expect. Even with the smallest tricks such as “sit” you will need to break it down into smaller steps.
4. Use hand cues as well as verbal cues. Some dogs have an easier time understanding and remembering hand signals than they do with verbal cues. Assign a hand signal to each trick or behavior you’re training.
5. Train in small increments. Dogs have short attention spans. Trying to train them for twenty or thirty minutes is not going to work. They’re going to get frustrated and lose focus. Instead, keep training sessions to no more than five minutes.
In the beginning, you may want to train for just a minute or two until eventually your dog learns to look forward to training. Dogs can learn to dislike training. Keeping the training sessions short will help them learn to enjoy the process.
6. Always finish on a positive note. Learning a brand new trick is hard work. Conclude every training session, no matter how frustrating, on a positive note. Always give your dog a trick or behavior to perform that they have learned to perform and end with a food reward and loads of praise.
7. Keep your dog healthy. Finally, one of the most important dog training tips from the experts recommends feeding your dog good quality dog food, giving them lots of fresh water and making sure they get adequate sleep. A healthy dog is a happier dog and will understand desired behaviors far more quickly.
For more dog training tips, visit Dog Obedience Training.
