10 Top Tips To Train Your Pet Dog

aving a pet is a real rewarding experience, with training a pet dog being fun as a dog is also eager to share a harmonious relationship with you. Your dog needs to understand how you’d like her to behave and why it’s in her best interest to comply with your wishes.

Here are 10 top tips to train your pet dog:

1) Try to understand what your pet dog wants to communicate to you; do not force him to say “hello” to another dog that he is not comfortable with for some reason. Respecting your pet dog’s wish and not forcing him would help avoid bigger problems in future.

2) Make sure that your pet dog likes the treat you give him, without assuming they like it because the bag states it. Keep your eyes open for what he generally likes; most dogs love soft and chewy treats more than hard and crunchy ones.

3) Ensure you are generous with your affection and positive attention when he does the right thing. Be generous in your attention and praise; but show your displeasure when he does not obey.

4) Tell your dog how to behave than a simple “No”.  When he says “Hello” to someone by jumping, just command him to “sit.”  This would avoid confusion and make him obey.

5) Have realistic expectations when it comes to changing the behavior of a pet dog; it would take longer to change the normal doggie behavior as barking, digging and jumping. Also it would take longer to undo a behavior that has persisted for some time in him and not undone as a pup. However remember it’s never too late to undo a behavior though some may take longer than others.

6) Consistency is the key to success for training pet dogs; you would be able to train the dog better when everyone in the family uses the same commands. When the dog jumps on the couch, it would be best for all to say, “down”, instead of one allowing him to hang around.

7) Check with your vet and give the dog the right diet; it is good to give most active dogs a high quality food that is rich in protein. This food should be avoided for dogs that just lounge in your condo. You would save a lot on vet bills by feeding your pet this dog food.  

8) Believe in case of pet dogs that you get what you have reinforced and not necessarily what you want; never give in to the barking of your pet because it will make him feel he can get anything by barking. Instead ignore constant barking and command him to “Sit” and then oblige.  

9) It is best to know that every interaction you have with your dog is a learning opportunity, use food as treats only during active training sessions. Instead reinforce him with praise, touch, games and walks, conveying the message that the behavior should produce the treat and not the treat the behavior.

10) Do not give your pet dog much freedom too soon, but let the dog to earn freedom throughout the house. This could easily avoid accidents relating to destructive chewing and housetraining. It would help to close off doors of unoccupied rooms and use baby gates to section off parts of the house, if necessary. One of the best ways to minimize incidents is to keep your dog tethered to you in the house and use a crate or doggie safe area when you can’t actively supervise him.