Your approach to dog training has a great impact on the actual training results you will achieve. As long as you have the right mindset about dog training, you can be sure that your pup will grow up to be a well-mannered dog that you can be proud of. In addition to having the right mindset, you would also do well to follow the most helpful tips and tricks in dog training. Here are the top five dog training tips to help you mold your dog to be 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 the pack leader for guidance. Therefore, you will have to establish your role as leader of the pack to control your dog’s behavior. Pack leaders typically control the food supply, so a good way to establish leadership would be to feed your dog only AFTER he has eaten. You should also set a feeding schedule and stick to it.
2. Use positive reinforcement.
Dogs respond better 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 rewards, and he will refrain from exhibiting behaviors that give him nothing in return. Be careful not to use punishment when training your dog, as this will only alienate him and make him consider you an adversary. Rewards and positive reinforcement not only help ensure success in dog training, but they also help strengthen your bond with your dog.
3. Set realistic goals.
You cannot guarantee the success of your training unless you have a specific goal to begin with. Of course, you will have to keep your goals realistic; otherwise, you are 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 the hoop in the same amount of time.
Four. Learn the right time.
The right time can make the difference between success and failure, when it comes to dog training. When you see your dog sniffing and circling, immediately give him a firm NO and then take him to the designated disposal area. If you wait until he’s done with his business before scolding him, he won’t understand that he’s not supposed to mess up the inside of the house. In the same way, you should praise your dog or give him a treat at the same time that he shows good behavior. This will help you understand that you just did something that you like.
5. Be patient and consistent.
Stay calm even when your dog makes mistakes. Yelling and showing impatience will get you nowhere. Give your dog enough time to learn each command and always use the same words and hand signals when giving these commands. Consistency and patience are the keys to successful dog training.