Your approach to dog training has a huge impact on the actual training results you will achieve. As long as he has the right mindset about dog training, he can be sure that his pup will grow into a well-mannered dog that he can be proud of. In addition to having the right mindset, you would also do well to follow the most useful dog training tips and tricks. Here are the top five dog training tips to help you make your dog a positive addition to your family.
1. Show your dog that you are the leader of the pack.
Dogs are pack animals and naturally look to their pack leader for guidance. Therefore, you will need to establish your role as pack leader in order to control your dog’s behavior. Pack leaders normally control the food supply, so a good way to establish leadership would be to always feed your dog AFTER he has eaten. You should also set a feeding schedule and stick to it.
2. Use positive reinforcement.
Dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. One of the best ways to ensure success in dog training is to reward good behavior and ignore unwanted behavior. This will encourage your dog to repeat those behaviors that earn him praise and treats, and refrain from exhibiting behaviors that get him nothing in return. Be careful not to use punishment in training your dog, as this will only alienate your dog and cause it to view you as an adversary. Rewards and positive reinforcement not only help ensure dog training success, but also help strengthen the bond with your dog.
3. Set realistic goals.
You cannot ensure the success of your training unless you have a specific goal to start with. Of course, you will have to keep your goals realistic; otherwise, you will only be setting yourself up for failure. For example, it’s okay to expect your dog to master the “sit” command in two to three days, but you can’t expect him to jump through hoops in the same amount of time.
4. Learn the right time.
The right timing can mean the difference between success and failure when it comes to dog training. When you see your dog sniffing and circling, immediately say a firm NO and then take him to the designated disposal area. If you wait until he’s done his business before scolding him, he won’t understand not to make a mess inside the house. In the same way, you should praise your dog or give him a treat whenever he shows good behavior. This will make him understand that he just did something that pleases you.
5. Be patient and consistent.
Stay calm even when your dog makes mistakes. Yelling and showing impatience will get you nowhere. Give your dog plenty of time to learn each command, and always use the same words and hand signals when giving these commands. Perseverance and patience are the keys to success in dog training.
