Top 10 puppy training tips
There are almost as many methods of training dogs and puppies as there are dog trainers; But, there are some basic elements that all successful puppy and dog training methods have in common. Follow these tips when training your canine companion and you are well on your way to having a well-trained dog, which is a source of great enjoyment and pride. But remember, dog training is not instantaneous, it is continuous. Even when your dog has acquired a desirable behavior, it is important to reinforce the behavior on a regular basis. Here are 10 of the most important tips to keep in mind when training dogs and puppies:
1. All successful dog training programs require: patience, perseverance, and consistency. This is really number one, the most important, first and foremost.
2. Dogs are pack animals: use it to your advantage in training your dog.
effort. Make sure your dog knows that you are the alpha dog. Encourage your
dog to ‘give kisses’ (lick the back of your hand) – this is their recognition
you as the leader. Also rub your dog’s belly. Exposing her belly to you is a
submission sign. It is extremely important that your dog always
remember that you are their ‘pack leader’; and teaching him this as soon as
possible will make your dog and puppy training sessions progress much more
gently.
3. Remember that dogs (like humans) make mistakes. The important thing is to correct the errors WHILE they are occurring; later is too late.
4. Praise and generously reward the behaviors you want to establish as you see them during your puppy’s training sessions, and continue to reward each time you observe the behavior occurring. This will lead to a snowball effect: the more you reward appropriate behaviors, the more they will occur; the more chances you have to reward good behavior …
5. Don’t overstretch dog or puppy training sessions for yourself or your dog. Ten to fifteen minute sessions are sufficient for most puppies. And keep in mind that several short sessions are much more effective than one long marathon session. In fact, long marathon sessions are more likely to put both of you off and make you want to give up.
6. Make training time for your dog and puppy fun and positive. This should be a positive bonding experience for you and your puppy.
7. Short dog training sessions are best, but sessions should be done frequently. Twice a day would be nice, but once a day every day should be the absolute minimum for training your pup.
8. Always end dog training sessions on a positive and successful note. If you or your dog are not in the mood for a training session, keep the session short and easy that day. Only practice things that you know your dog likes and will be happy to do with success in those moments. Don’t make any session a fight. Save the toughest tasks for times when both you and your pup are in the right frame of mind.
9. Reward works better than punishment. Use this knowledge to positively “shape” your dog’s behavior. To do this, start by rewarding your puppy’s behaviors that are getting closer and closer to the precise behavior you are trying to establish.
10. Correct inappropriate behavior from the beginning. Things that may seem cute to a puppy are totally unacceptable behavior for an adult dog. Correct these behaviors early on with your puppy, before habits form. The longer the behavior occurs, the stronger the habit will form; the more difficult it will be to eliminate the behavior. Nip in the bud!
Practice the above tips without fail during your dog and puppy training sessions. Always keep in mind that patience, perseverance, and consistency are the key. Throw in plenty of praise and rewards, and both you and your canine companion are well on your way to success. And visit [http://www.e-dog-training.com] for the most up-to-date information, tips and advice on all your dog and puppy training issues.