Basic Dog Training Tips and Advice
Tips for Basic Dog Training
Training your dog needn't be a difficult task - all it takes is patience and time and you will soon have a well behaved puppy or dog. Obedience training for dogs can be done at any age but generally the sooner the better. If you have a puppy you can start training him as soon as he is settled into your home. Older dogs can also be trained - you can teach an old dog new tricks! - however they may be less enthusiastic or slower at learning commands than a puppy.
Training is a positive thing and should be fun for both you and your dog. Training helps stimulate your dog's brain and also forms a bond between the two of you. To gain the best results your training should be based around positive rewards. Rewards can be anything your dog really wants, such as a food treat, lots of love and fuss, or a favourite toy. You should always combine the reward with a verbal praise, such as, "Good Dog!"
When you are teaching your dog a new command you should reward them every time they do what you ask. Once your dog has got the command figured out you can change the way you reward them by only giving them a reward now and then. This will make your dog try harder for the reward. You should always verbally praise the dog no matter whether you give him a reward or not.
Punishment should never be used as part of your training method. The only thing punishment will teach your dog is to be afraid of you, and this could also lead to the dog becoming aggressive in the future. If the dog is being disobedient the best thing to do is give them some time out. Either completely ignore them or put them in another room. Dogs are very intelligent; they will get the message and will want to please you.
The five basic commands you should teach your dog so you will have control over them when out walking or when they are around other animals or people are: sit, down, stay, come and heel. Some breeds of dog will be easier to train than others, but a little perseverance nearly always pays off. Training your dog to follow basic commands will be rewarding to both of you and will create a special bond that will last a lifetime.
