Sometimes the simplest dog training tips are the most needed and effective, because they teach you how to start the training process. You first need to understand what your dog needs from you during your training sessions, and simple tips teach you how to give it to him. Many people give dogs too much credit for being intelligent. In reality, your dog simply reacts to you and your actions. He wants to be part of your pack, but the bottom line is that he's still an animal with animal instincts.
Your dog needs your acceptance, so the most effective way to train him isn't by scolding or punishing him. Instead, concentrate on changing the ways he expresses his natural instincts.
Some Basic Tips for Dog Training
A few basic principles should be applied by every dog owner when training their dog. Each one of these basic principles can make the training process easier and more successful.
Train your dog to be comfortable in a crate: Many people believe crate training is cruel, but that belief could not be farther from the truth. Your dog will come to love his crate as his own private little "home." There are two essential keys to successful crate training: never use your dog's crate to punish him; and stay home with your dog inside the crate while he's still getting acclimated. Crate training can make housebreaking your dog much easier as well as help reduce canine anxiety issues and incessant barking.
Train your dog to walk on a leash: If your dog pulls or lags behind while walking on a leash, you'll want to teach him to calm down. Once he learns to be calmer, he'll respond to your commands without getting overly excited about going on a walk. Most dogs with poor leash manners are allowed to pull whenever they want to. Put a halt to this bad habit by making your dog sit and wait by your side calmly before you resume walking. He'll quickly learn pulling means the walk will stop abruptly.
Establish yourself as your dog's pack leader: The most important lesson your dog can learn is that he's subordinate and you're the alpha "dog" (the leader) in your household "pack." Your dog won't understand what you want him to do until you teach him. Teach him that you're his leader, and that you're always in control. Once he understands his subordinate position within the pack, he'll relax and obey your commands much better.
Dog obedience classes can be your best friends: You'll learn the best dog training tips available by attending formal obedience training classes with your dog. Obedience classes can teach you how to maintain your alpha status, control your dog and give him commands he'll listen to. An obedience training class is an excellent supplement for training your dog at home, whether you're having difficulty controlling an older dog or you have a brand new puppy.
Consistency is a Vital Part of Dog Training
Whether they're basic or advanced, all dog training tips emphasize the need for consistency. Your dog might seem bright, and in many ways he probably is. Remember, though, that most of what he learns is in response to consistent repetitions of his lessons. For instance, if you want your dog to sit before letting him outside, make him sit each and every time. You'll just confuse him if you only make him sit when you have extra time available. In other words, if you set a rule for him to follow, make him follow it every time - never let him slide. You'll also need to make sure everyone else in your house makes him follow the rules consistently. Training your dog effectively can be tougher on you than on your dog, but it's worth the effort.
