Dogs
10 Tips on How To Teach Your Dog Good Behavior
How can you teach a dog good behavior? Here are ten tips:
1. Use positive reinforcement. When a dog isn’t behaving well, don’t yell or say NO! Instead, reinforce a positive action such as “Sit” or “Stay”. Help your dog to understand your command and if he’s done correctly, praise him for his good behavior.
2. Be realistic with your expectations. Not all dogs are the same so don’t expect your dog to be as behaved as your neighbor’s dog is. Some dog breeds are really active while others are not.
Learn to be more tolerant about certain behaviors that are normal or “expected” for dogs like digging the ground or being playful. When a certain dog behavior is not agreeable for you, try to give your dog his own space where he can do what he wants without invading yours.
3. Be consistent with your rules. A dog understands only a YES and a NO. It doesn’t understand the gray line. If you don’t want your dog to jump up on you when you’re wearing your best suit, you shouldn’t allow him to jump up on you at any other time.
4. Be clear with your commands. A dog obeys commands based on what he hears. Don’t use synonyms of the same command, expecting your dog to understand. Instead, choose a specific word to define a specific command. Show your dog how to do it and use the same word every time. Repeat the same command until your dog learns and understand what it means.
5. Watch your body language. A dog is more likely to respond to your gestures rather than your command. This is why it is very important that your body language properly demonstrate what you’re saying. If you’re not happy with what he did, don’t pat your dog or do something that would seem like you’re not upset at all.
6. Reward your pet. If your dog wants something, make him earn it. For instance, you can teach your dog to sit first before giving him a treat. Again, if your dog is doing something good, always reinforce this good behavior by giving him praises or treats.
7. Walk /Run with your dog. Behavioral problem in dogs often starts from boredom. Make sure that your dog is getting enough exercise by taking him for walks or somewhere where he can run and play until he’s tired. Remember that a tired dog eats well and sleeps well.
8. Don’t make a big fuss over a bad behavior. If your dog is doing something you don’t like, discourage him from doing so by not paying attention. Dogs crave for attention and if you yell or reprimand your dog, he may see that bad behavior as a way to get your attention. Instead, ignore your dog when he isn’t behaving well. Pay attention only when he’s obeying.
9. Conduct short, frequent training sessions. Train your dog a few minutes every day to get the best results. Make your training sessions as enjoyable for your dog as it is for you.
10. Be patient. Training a dog is not always easy. Your dog needs time to learn even a simple command. If your dog doesn’t seem to respond well to your training, don’t give up. Ask help from professional dog trainers or do research. You can also enroll your dog in a professional training school for canines.
-
8 Positive Dog Training Tips That Work
By Linda Cole The best teachers are those who first figure out what motivates a child, and then help them learn by communicating clearly. Training your dog is basically the same. If you know your dog and understand his point of view, it's easier to...
-
Five Reasons Why Your Dog Ignores You
By Linda Cole There's no getting around it, some dogs are quite good at ignoring their owner! It's frustrating when you try to get your dog's attention and he keeps on doing whatever it is he's doing. Here are five reasons why your dog...
-
Dog Training With Consistency And Patience
By Linda Cole Most of us are not professional dog trainers, but our canine companions still need basic training to help keep them safe. As long as you stay consistent and patient with your dog, he will learn what you're trying to teach him. As responsible...
-
Five Important Obedience Commands All Dogs Should Know
Every well-mannered dog should know at least five basic but important dog obedience commands which are:Down, sit, come, heel, and stay. You need to teach your pet these commands 3 to 5 sessions a day with each session lasting 10 to 15 minutes. Short but...
-
Potty Dog Training
You may not believe it, but you can train puppies and older dogs to go to the bathroom on command. Many puppies can hear words that are repeated and associate them with what you want them to do. For instance, when your puppy is outside relieving him or...
Dogs