Dog Training Basics

Dog training is basically the same as for most other animals, you communicate with your dog what you want the dog to do; when the dog has behaved as desired, you reward him or her. You immediately repeat the exercise many times and review it frequently until the dog’s response to the command is absolutely automatic. But of course it isn’t quite as straightforward as it sounds. It takes time and also can depend on the dog, some dogs can learn a new command in a day while others can take some time and require many training sessions and repetition.

Often, commands with your pet are not understood by them. Many times you can show them the action you need him to do. Often times you may have to force him/her or work with you. In many cases, SIT or HERE for example, the pet owner can give a dog the appropriate command each time you see that he is about to perform these actions naturally, then praise him/her. In time, he will connect the with the order.

While conveying orders, be calm, distinct, brief, have patience, and be perfectly clear in repeating your orders. All in all, be consistent. If your dog just sits there cocking his head with a lost look, it is pretty obvious you aren’t getting your command across and that you need to change your communications system. Start over as needed trying to make your command understood, while increasing the tone in your voice behind it.

Short, one word commands are the best in the beginning. After a while you can use the key word in a longer sentence, using it gradually and not as loud. After your dog has grasped your command and performs it correctly, and has been praised, repeat the performance immediately in order to fix it in his mind. A half a dozen times are sufficient for the first few lessons because you don’t want to bore him with it.

You can repeat the process again the next day, and after that at the beginning of each and every training session until your dog has fully comprehended it. You will see that your pet really enjoys showing everybody what he/she was taught. Lots of things are required for successful training. Try to begin the training at the same time and place, one that is as private as possible and far from distractions such as passing trucks, playing children, and other dogs.

The training process from your pets view, involves listening attentively and keeping eye contact with you as you give an order, knowing that every sound and movement signifies something that he is being told to do. Once this sequence has been established in his sub- conscience, there is no end to what he can be trained to do.

Please do not try to train a tired pet, or an ill animal, or one that has just been fed. The dog will only get frustrated, irritable, and his only memory of your training sessions will be an unpleasant one. You’ll master the same results if you are nervous, irritable, or in a bad mood. Give him your time, attention, patience, and love.

Imagine Life with a Well-Behaved Dog: A 3-Step Positive Dog-Training Program
by: Julie A. Bjelland
publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin, published: 2010-03-30
ASIN: 0312598971
EAN: 9780312598976
sales rank: 5642
price: $10.85 (new), $10.82 (used)