If you’ve never trained a dog before, it may seem like a daunting task. While there are some things you need to know, there are plenty of resources for a beginner at canine training. Here are some smart tips to get you started with effective canine training.
Always buy a crate that is the correct size for your dog so you can train them well. Keep in mind that puppies get bigger. Choose a crate that is sure to be the right proportions for the adult dog you will eventually have. At full size your dog should be able to move around without feeling too constricted.
Pick a recognizable phrase to verbalize to your puppy during house training. Every single time you take your pup to do his business, say something like “need to go out?”. It does not matter the phrase you choose, as long as you keep it consistent. This will keep him focused, and will teach him to associate those words with the action of relieving himself.
As you encounter unfamiliar dogs, make certain to advance with care and let the dog smell your hand. This helps the dog become familiar with your scent and engenders trust. After your dog gets your scent, it will no longer fear you and will follow commands better.
Understand that getting your dog to respond during the times that you tell him or her ‘no’ is not helpful. It is important to be positive when you are training your dog. Using the word “no” will not help your dog learn that a behavior is unacceptable. There is a difference in all dogs and training should be customized.
If you try to fit too much training in all at once, your puppy will get bored or overwhelmed. Remember that all dogs have short attention spans and puppies even more so. If you overdo it, he is likely to forget everything he learned and simply remember the experience in an unfavorable light, making it that much harder for you the next time you attempt the training.
When you go out with your dog, always pay attention to other dogs and animals you come across. It’s not always the owner that is responsible for a dog being aggressive. If you see a dog that seems to be unsociable or defensive, you must avoid it.
If you desire to leash train your dog, the first thing that you must do is to use a collar on him while you’re playing with him. Having the puppy get comfortable wearing the collar is important not only so that you can properly use a leash but also that your puppy has the proper identification tags in case he or she takes off.
Hopefully, you have learned something useful and new from this article. Keep them in mind and learn some tips of your own. Each dog is different and responds in his own way to training.