Training Your Dog In A Nutshell

Taking the time, energy, and love to train your dog, will be an investment that will keep you and your dog happy for years to come. As the years go by, you will appreciate your well-behaved pet and the place he has earned in your family. This article can help you learn more about the importance of dog training.
Repetitive training can be one of the best ways to deal with your dog's separation anxiety over being left alone. Separation anxiety can cause a dog to bark or destroy things while you're away from home. You can train your dog on acceptable behaviors that can be applied while you are gone. Doggy nerves can also be soothed by showing your pet plenty of affection.
 Introductions to any new animals must be done very slowly. Keep your current pet in mind, if you are considering adopting a new pet. Your new pet should have a personality that would complement your current one, so you can maximize bonding.
 Positive reinforcement should include more than just dog treats. Dogs love treats, and easily learn new tricks when this is their motivation. However, you may not always have a treat with you to congratulate you dog outside of regular training sessions. Good behavior can be rewarded with petting and hugging, which are two great treat replacements.
 Clickers can be great behavioral training tools. If you give your dog an award when you used the clicker, it will be easier to train. You should click, and then immediately treat. This method will be necessary until your dog learns that the "reward" is the clicking sound alone. Your dog quickly learns that the clicking sound means a treat is coming, so you can then use the clicker to train.
 A dog will obsess about one thing until you divert its attention. With enough training, you will have your dog focusing solely on your signals.
 The more active your dog is, the healthier it will be. Just like humans, dogs can become bored easily. When a dog is bored, he will be hard to train. A happy and well-exercised dog is an easily trained dog. It is a great idea to take your dog out on runs or walks through the neighborhood.
 It is best to pick a phrase for potty training your dog, and use it consistently. For example, you could use the phrase, "go potty" when you take them outside to help them remember what to do when you go outside and say the command.
 Positively encourage your dog without using treats. Using food is an effective and popular way to train dogs. You probably do not carry treats with you 365 days a year when you are not in an "official" training session. Start using praise and extra attention, hugging and patting, when your dog displays a positive behavior.
 Whenever you are teaching a dog a multi-step task, reduce it to a series of smaller tasks. A simple example is teaching your dog to get the morning paper. You will need to teach him or her how to hold something first. He needs to associate the object with a name. You will then need to teach the dog how to pick something up. Then finally, he should bring it to you. When you train your dog by breaking down a behavior into stages, he will understand that each step relates to the other.
 You may have to consult a professional when training your dog. When your dog training is going poorly, a professional can help out. A dog trainer can be invaluable in pointing out where the issues are occurring, and they can also put you back onto the right track.
 Don't use doggy treats as your sole positive reinforcement mechanism. Dogs love treats, and easily learn new tricks when this is their motivation. That said, you likely don't always have treats on hand during the times that are not spent formally training your dog. Another method of positive reinforcement is giving praise and attention through patting and hugging, and can replace the use of a treat.
 Learning how to show authority is the foundation of all dog training. You must command your dog's respect by being able to maintain discipline, or his obedience will be out of the question. Demonstrate your position of authority to your dog by leading the way whenever the two of you are walking.
 Prior to training your puppy, make a bond with your dog by teaching him what his name is. In the first days, frequently use your dog's name, and reward him for responding when you call. You should teach your puppy these words first. Be around your puppy a lot, so he knows to trust you. This will make him easier to train later.
 Triggers that tend to instigate inappropriate behavior in your dog can be diverted by redirecting his attention. For example, if it is difficult for your dog to be around other animals, you should distract him with praise and entertainment in order to keep him preoccupied when you walk past animals during your walks. By doing this, he will start to see that good things can happen even when he sees that stimuli.
 When training your dog, do not include any punishments. If your dog does not follow the correct behavior, instead of punishing him, gently teach him what to do instead. Build a positive relationship with your dog during the training process.
 You should pick a phrase to say to your puppy while he is being house trained. If you use the special phrase you have come up with each time you take him outside, you will get him to focus on what he is supposed to do.
 Your dog should be challenged regularly. Test the dog occasionally to check his memory, even though both of you know that he remembers his commands.
 If you are welcoming a guest into your home, give them clear instructions about how to interact with your dog. Keeping calm, and introducing themselves to your dog, may help reduce any negative behaviors that another approach would cause.
 Give your dog new challenges often. Make sure you quiz him on the stuff he knows, so he stays on his toes.
 Always use your dogs name when you need his attention. To have some good control over your dog, a solid response is crucial. Call them to you at least ten times a day. Try to avoid punishing your dog when it comes to you after you call out its name while using this technique.
 As stated in the beginning of this article, there are many dogs that are trained for various reasons. Everyone knows that dogs have a strong desire to please. A dog that is trained properly will be give you fulfillment and joy in your life. The tips listed above should help you find the best way to curb problems with your pooch.