Important Dog Training Tips

No matter if you have a new puppy or an older dog, it makes sense to devote a little bit of time training them. Even though there is an abundance of information on the market about how to train your dog, you cannot go wrong with dog training tips from the experts.

1. Positive reinforcement is important. Although there are many theories regarding how to train your dog, the majority of dog training experts agree that positive reinforcement is most effective. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog with verbal praise good dog, physical praise such as a pat on the head and food rewards. It does not involve screaming at your dog, smacking or punishing them.

Positive reinforcement works due to the fact it forms a bond of trust with your dog. Dogs are motivated by rewards especially food rewards.

2. Consistency is a must. If you are working with your dog on a specific skill or trick then make an effort to train them at the same time each day. This helps your pet know what to expect. Most dogs thrive on structure and will perform and learn faster if they understand what is expected. If youre training using food rewards, try to train your dog before mealtime so theyre a little bit hungry and motivated.

3. Be patient. Dogs tend to learn in waves. Sometimes they pick things up easily and the next day it appears as though you must start over from the beginning. Be patient. Begin every new trick with very small steps and be very clear about what you expect. Even with the smallest tricks like sit you will want to break it down into smaller steps.

4. Use hand cues as well as verbal cues. A number of dogs have an easier time comprehending and remembering hand signals than they do with verbal cues. Assign a hand signal to every trick or behavior you're training.

5. Train in small increments. Dogs have short attention spans. Trying to train them for twenty or thirty minutes isnt going to work. Theyre going to become frustrated and lose focus. Instead, keep training sessions to no more than five minutes.

At first, you may want to train for only a minute or two until eventually your dog learns to look forward to training. Dogs can learn to dislike training. Keeping the training sessions short will help them learn to enjoy the process.

6. Always finish on a positive note. Learning a new trick is hard work. Conclude every training session, no matter how frustrating, on a positive note. Always give your dog a trick or behavior to perform that they have learned to perform and finish with a food reward and loads of praise.

7. Keep your dog healthy. Finally, one of the most important dog training tips from the experts recommends feeding your dog good quality dog food, giving them sufficient fresh drinking water and making sure they get adequate sleep. A healthy dog is a happier dog and will understand desired behaviors much more quickly.