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Successfully training your dog is not all that hard. You just need patience, dedication and some simple tactics to teach them the basics!
Here are five quick tips on successfully training your dog:
1. Designate one person as the trainer.
To avoid confusing your dog so that they learn to recognize and adapt to simple commands easily, only one person should be responsible for training the dog at first. If too many people are trying to train the dog at the same time, this can potentially stop progress in its tracks.
2. Use positive reinforcements.
If the dog displays good behavior, you should reward it! He/she will know that what they did was correct. If the dog is having difficulty understanding or following your commands, never ever push them. Dogs have a different type of learning curve than humans, they will make mistakes but will learn from them.
What you should understand is that they won’t normally understand your commands in just one teaching or sitting, it takes constant repetition to successfully train your dog. Do not scold your dog as he/she might develop a fear of you which will hinder their learning and/or willingness to be trained. You can use low-calorie treats in order to encourage your dogs, although don’t overdo it.
3. Always teach your dog commands one at a time.
Try to teach your dog only one command after the other. If they cannot absorb it, try to focus on that command only, adding additional commands will confuse your dog. Start with the basics: sit, stay etc. By being consistent we taught our lab-mix Juno how to sit, give paw and stay by the time she was 5 months old.
4. Keep your voice cheerful.
In executing commands keep your voice upbeat and cheerful, so that your dog will happily follow your commands. Dogs will respond to a low, coaxing voice. If you shout, they will become startled and unresponsive or just learn to tune you out completely.
5. Mix It Up.
If you train your dog in a certain place like your home, they will not be able to adjust to an environment with new people or distractions. Take him or her to the park or for a walk through the neighborhood. This will help your dog become socialized with other dogs and people, especially if you do it on a consistent basis.
Our dog Luna was rescued from a not so ideal situation and this has been imperative to her training. She has learned to be slightly more independent and less fearful outside the house. We have noticed when she has been in the house for an extended period, we basically have to re-train her all over again.
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Successfully training your dog can be a tough undertaking, but it will be well worth it. Ultimately, you will be the one to benefit when your dog is trained. Your relationship will be stronger, help build trust between you and your dog not to mention relieve the anxiety of leaving the house for both of you!
Don’t forget to add a little fun time at the end of any training session! My dogs love these balls to get all the energy out!
