Effective Strategies On How To Train Your Dog

David | Stopping Bad Behavior | Monday, 19 January 2009

The proper care of your beloved canine involves more time and effort than merely providing appropriate food, medication for health, and other needed supplies.

Dogs are sociable, lovable and excitable and it’s why we love them. However, these sweet traits can also be the root of major behavioral issues like chewing furniture, biting, not coming when called, barking or running away.

So, it’s important to start training your dog from a very early age. As an instinctive pack animal and follower, your dog will become subdued and more comfortable in a variety of social situations.

To learn some of the best tips on how to train your dog, keep reading for suggestions from some of the top trainers in the country.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Starting a dog training program is not as simple as it sounds. You need to begin with positive reinforcement. That means instead of yelling at or scolding your dog when he does something wrong, you reward him when he does something right. It’s a good idea to mix up treat awards with praise and petting, unless you want an overweight, but well-behaved pet.

The dog will learn that good behavior is rewarded. Just like humans, dogs respond best to praise and encouragement. Your dog will learn faster and equate good behavior with a tasty treat.

Avoid Bad Habits

One of the most common mistakes among dog owners is to yell at their pets when they’re barking incessantly. Why doesn’t this work, and why does it make the problem even worse?

It worsens the problem because your dog’s barking at something, whether it’s a squirrel in the yard or a car driving past. When you start yelling at your dog, it thinks that you’re “barking” too, therefore reinforcing the behavior that barking is okay.

Remember, your dog can’t understand your words. He can learn a few commands and understand your tone. To solve an incessant barking problem, try using a spray bottle of water.

Additional Tips to Stop the Barking

When your dog begins barking uncontrollably, say the command “quiet” softly and give him a small spray of water. Eventually, your dog will learn that “quiet” means he should stop barking or he’ll get sprayed with water.

Another method involves ignoring your dog completely when he’s barking. Sometimes dogs bark because they’re bored or want attention, so it’s best to ignore this behavior.

Once the dog stops, reward him with a treat. Because your dog may be barking out of boredom, sometimes a simple distraction, like turning on the radio or throwing a toy, will work.

Normally though, dog training is most effective when you use rewards and positive reinforcements, not scolding or yelling. Remember, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Control Dog Biting Problem Now

David | Stopping Bad Behavior | Saturday, 03 January 2009

Most people have seen the signs of aggressive dogs like bared teeth, growling, and biting, yet often people do not understand the reasons for aggressive behavior in dogs. Getting a good grasp of the underlying reasons for this aggressive behavior is the first step to learning to curb them in your own dog. A well-behaved dog is often a happier dog, so getting the root of aggressive behavior in dogs is important to you as well as your dog.Do you have a dog? If yes, then surely you need help to cope up your problems relating with you canine. click here dog training mastery

Dominance

If the dog is biting to show dominance try the following methods:

* When considering taking in a dog, choose carefully. A veterinarian is usually the best source of info regarding pet behavior and suitability. Additionally, avoid “puppy farms” and go for a trusted breeder. He or she should be able to give you detailed information about the dog’s background, and whether it’s susceptible to violence or dominance.

* Train the dog to obey basic commands like sit, stay, come, and leave. Incorporate the training activity within fun games that aren’t too aggressive. Avoid playing games that encourage aggression, such as tug of war and wrestling.

* It’s a fact - neutered dogs are less likely to attack or bite. Consider getting your furry best friend spayed or neutered. This is actually safer for the dog, as he will be less prone not only to attack, but also to chase cars and trucks on the street.

* See to it that the dog is properly socialized. If you’re getting a puppy, make sure he’s used to being aorund other dogs and vistors (as well as cats, if you have one). This will put him at ease around different types of people, animals and situations, and prevent biting problems later in life. Only spend a few minutes around other animals and people at first, gradually increasing the exposure more and more.

* Like any good dog owner, you have to get to know your dog really well. Stay alert for any signs of sickness or injury. Know his temperament: is the dog easily scared by your body language, or bold and standoffish? Even the most placid of dogs can react violently if they are approached while in pain or illness. Your well-meaning interference may only be seen as a threat to a confused and fearful dog.

For more information on dog training, click here google dog training directory

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Designed by
Powered By Wordpress - Theme Provided By Wordpress Themes - Auto Loans