If your dog is one of those innately obedient dogs, then congratulations, you don't need these tips, but most dogs need a little of training, whether it's to stop them from being overbearing with strangers or ripping up the upholstery. Use these tips to transform your pet into a happy and well-adjusted furry friend.
Never punish a dog for a house-training accident unless you actually witness it happening. Nobody likes coming home to a smelly surprise, but one of the biggest mistakes you can make when house training a dog is punishing or scolding a dog for an earlier mistake. Dogs do not have a good concept of cause and effect, so scolding a dog for a mess will only serve to make them fear the actual mess or you, and not the act of making the mess. They do not understand why they are being punished and in some cases it can cause the dog to start eating their waste, because they know its presence makes you angry. If you catch them in the act, simply firmly tell them "no" and immediately take them outside.
Anxious dogs might benefit from having music played when you leave. Classical music is proven to be soothing for a variety of species, and dogs are no exception. Calm, soothing classical music played at a mellow volume might be a benefit to your dog and keep the house from being silent while you're gone.
Never yell at a barking dog. While a barking dog is sure to raise your frustration level, resist the urge to yell at them. Dogs do not understand that you are yelling at them, and often associate your raised voice as you joining in the fun of barking. If your dog is barking, calmly distract them with a toy or treat, and when the barking stops, give them their prize.
The "watch" command is extremely useful and should be taught to your dog early. The process is simple: hold a treat between your eyes and use the command. When the dog gets this idea, start moving your hand parallel to your face. Naturally, your dogs eyes should follow the treat. The moment he looks back at you, as if to say, "Aren't you going to give me that?" reward him. Pretty soon, he'll learn that looking you in the eyes is the best way to get what he wants. This technique is valuable for helping your dog to focus on you during distracting situations.
To introduce a new animal into a home that already has dogs, you should give that animal their own territory. This could mean initially giving the new cat or dog their own room or taking your old dogs out of the house before bringing the new dog in. Because dogs are very territorial, this tactic gives your new dog more leverage and makes your older dogs more reluctant to get aggressive.
Some dogs have enormous reserves of energy that can cause the dog to act crazy through out the day. For dogs like this a fenced in yard or electric collar fence can be a useful tool to allow the dog to run around in a contained area. The dog will have more exercise and be more relaxed when it comes inside.
When your dog is trained properly, your experience of dog ownership is so much more enjoyable. This article hopefully took you from dog novice, to dog expert. Consistently apply these hints, and you will see a difference in your dog's behavior.
Never punish a dog for a house-training accident unless you actually witness it happening. Nobody likes coming home to a smelly surprise, but one of the biggest mistakes you can make when house training a dog is punishing or scolding a dog for an earlier mistake. Dogs do not have a good concept of cause and effect, so scolding a dog for a mess will only serve to make them fear the actual mess or you, and not the act of making the mess. They do not understand why they are being punished and in some cases it can cause the dog to start eating their waste, because they know its presence makes you angry. If you catch them in the act, simply firmly tell them "no" and immediately take them outside.
Anxious dogs might benefit from having music played when you leave. Classical music is proven to be soothing for a variety of species, and dogs are no exception. Calm, soothing classical music played at a mellow volume might be a benefit to your dog and keep the house from being silent while you're gone.
Never yell at a barking dog. While a barking dog is sure to raise your frustration level, resist the urge to yell at them. Dogs do not understand that you are yelling at them, and often associate your raised voice as you joining in the fun of barking. If your dog is barking, calmly distract them with a toy or treat, and when the barking stops, give them their prize.
The "watch" command is extremely useful and should be taught to your dog early. The process is simple: hold a treat between your eyes and use the command. When the dog gets this idea, start moving your hand parallel to your face. Naturally, your dogs eyes should follow the treat. The moment he looks back at you, as if to say, "Aren't you going to give me that?" reward him. Pretty soon, he'll learn that looking you in the eyes is the best way to get what he wants. This technique is valuable for helping your dog to focus on you during distracting situations.
To introduce a new animal into a home that already has dogs, you should give that animal their own territory. This could mean initially giving the new cat or dog their own room or taking your old dogs out of the house before bringing the new dog in. Because dogs are very territorial, this tactic gives your new dog more leverage and makes your older dogs more reluctant to get aggressive.
Some dogs have enormous reserves of energy that can cause the dog to act crazy through out the day. For dogs like this a fenced in yard or electric collar fence can be a useful tool to allow the dog to run around in a contained area. The dog will have more exercise and be more relaxed when it comes inside.
When your dog is trained properly, your experience of dog ownership is so much more enjoyable. This article hopefully took you from dog novice, to dog expert. Consistently apply these hints, and you will see a difference in your dog's behavior.
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