If you are a new dog owner, this is an important time to cement certain behaviors in your new pet, and eliminate others. Dog training is no small task, but with a few simple tips and tricks, you can whip your puppy into shape without too much hassle.
Command Training
The most important thing to do in command training is to establish consistent, specific directives for your dog. Once you have decided on the words you want to use, you should use only them. Keep them basic like "sit" and "shake." Many dog owners neglect to use a positive word to mark the behavior afterward. This can be just as important. Say "yes" or "good" once the dog gets it right, and reward the action with a small treat. Repeat this process as frequently as you can in the initial training period. Dogs learn through repetition and they easily forget commands.
Crate Training
A popular training method with new puppies is crate training. Training your new dog to be docile and clean in a crate speeds up the house training process, helping you to avoid messy "accidents." First, choose an appropriately sized crate for the puppy. He must be able to stand, and turn around but nothing else. The idea is that the crate should be such close quarters the dog will want to keep it clean. Dogs do not like to sleep in urine and feces. Once you have assembled the crate, coax the puppy in with a treat. Make sure you let the puppy do its business before going into the crate. The duration of time you leave a dog in the crate should start short, at five minutes or so. Then gradually increase these periods. Make the crate a pleasant space with a blanket and toy. Most importantly of all, when you let the puppy out of the crate, take him outside immediately to pee. This communicates the distinction between the clean crate and the outdoors.
Barking
Take a look at which things consistently make the dog bark. If you can target and eliminate the trigger, your job will be much easier. Check if the dog could be hungry, thirsty or need to go outside. Often dogs bark as a way to communicate their needs to their masters. As a responsible pet-owner you will always want to ensure your animal is getting what it needs, but sometimes those needs can be overlooked by even the most competent dog lover. You can also eliminate some of the needs for barking. For example if your dog is barking to be let in and out all the time, a dog door will help this problem.
You may have also heard of "no-bark" collars. Many pet owners avoid these types of pet supplies out of fear that they are inhumane or cruel. This is not the case with most no-bark collars however. They are programmed to detect your dogs bark and spray small amounts of citronella when it happens. Citronella is generally unpleasant to most dogs, but they will not be hurt in any way.
With these guidelines, you can shape the most basic behaviors in your pet. These are the most important training elements because they are the simplest. Things like barking, sitting, and taking care of business outside seem minor but they are not. They are very important to having a positive experience as a pet owner. For a clean, happy, well-behaved puppy, take these dog training tips to heart.
