10 Ways to Train Your Dog

There are so many ways to train a dog, and each method will be different by the way that you use it and the way that your dog responds to it. However, you will find that there are several factors that are universal with all dog training methods. These next ten dog training tips are very useful and can be helpful in any dog training program you may choose to implement with your best friend.

1. Make sure it knows who is dominant. You have probably heard the term, “Alpha-Dog”. Dogs are pack animals that co-exist together within a “pack”, or group. The Alpha of the pack is the head dog of the group. The rest of the pack follows the alpha’s lead. You are the alpha-dog of your dog’s pack, in this scenario, and you must make yourself known as this. Or else, your dog might make an effort to become the alpha, and he will presume that you will allow him to do whatever he pleases. Enforcing your authority and allowing your dog to see that you are the leader will make a big difference in training him more successfully.

2. Patience is important. Patience is the one aspect to dog training that you will require the most. Most likely, your dog will not pick up on the manners or tricks you would like them to acquire overnight. Even if you feel that your dog might be hopeless, you need to find your patience and keep working on it.

3. Training should never end. Perseverance is what comes hand in hand with patience. In a few days, some dogs might have the ability to learn a new ability or trick. Weeks may pass for other dogs. One day your dog may look like he has acquired a new behavior, and then, to your surprise, they will misbehave once again. The training has to continue beyond just short sessions, to make sure that it is fully learned.

4. Playtime is important. Never allow training to take over your life. Playing is an essential part of your dog’s life, just as it is for you! If you play with your dog often, you may find that training it will be easier.

5. Allow your dog to exercise. Healthy exercise is not always achieved, on a daily basis, through training. Exercising your dog not only aids in the elimination of extra energy, but it additionally regulates their health to keep your dog at their best condition.

6. Do not hang onto unrealistic hopes. No matter how much you wish for it, your dog may never do the tricks you see being performed on television. However, some dogs experience more hardship with such tricks than others do. Keep things in perspective when it comes to teaching your dog different things; training will not only be easier, but your dog will also feel a lot happier.

7. Bribery should never be used. You should not overuse rewards or treats when it comes to training your dog. All this does is teach your dog to complete a task for a prize, as opposed to doing it because you wanted them to. You can still give them a treat and a healthy dose of praise if they do something right, but if you offer them treats too often, they will come to expect it.

8. Remain Consistent You will need a regular routine for your training. It is a well known fact that dogs thrive with routines and require a program. You will make your dog very happy and your training will be a success if you stick to a schedule.

9. Punish your dog kindly. Discipline is imperative in a training regimen. However, discipline is to be stern, not cruel. If you simply use a firm tone, you will receive a reaction that is positive, rather than if you had screamed at your dog.

10. Exercise family training. Your whole family should be on board when you begin to train. If everyone is using the same method of training, then it will prevent confusion on your dog’s part, and make training easier.