Dog training sessions must last only two to five minutes; this is about the length of your dog's attention span. If you push your dog longer than that, he will eventually stop paying attention. This is EXCITING stuff. So, you may need to reiterate this for at least ten times to remind yourself. Stop every training session with an almost perfect performance. This could be one two-second sit, or even three little "heeling" steps beside you. Tell your dog how "great" it was. Stress to him how pleased you are he got it right.
Don't begin a training session right away after the dog has eaten his meal because he'll be tired and those food rewards won't be as tempting. Still, you can practice at any time during the course of the day, even if it is the 3 second "stay." Your dog will appreciate the attention.
Motivation for a dog to do something lies first in his desire to please his owner. Dog treats run a close second. Biscuits do not make good training rewards because they take too long for the dog to munch on. Little bits of American cheese are the perfect food reward. A slice of a frankfurter will liven up the interest of any dog that's not paying attention.
Do rewards come in three types: treats, pats and verbal praise. To grade your dog's qualification for a reward, give him a treat the equivalent of an "A," a pat on the back: "B," and verbal praise can be associated with a: "C." Be very careful not to go overboard or you'll run dry of compensation and your dog will give up.
Verbal praise has a range from overjoyed. To a calm dog as Bart grows up and becomes more experienced. Don't make the cheese or frankfurters redundant when practicing because each word command is fully learned, slowly decline on the treats and replace "good dog" or just a huge smile.
What you say to your dog and how you say it can show how quickly he learns. All conversation is apparent by the dog as meaningless noise. In the middle of some long-winded talk, call out your dog's name emphatically and watch him take notice. When using the phrase training commands, remember that lesson. Your dog's name gives you his attention; one word phrases that tells him what to do. It is "Bart, SIT". Never, "Bart, Sit. Sit. Sit. ?Bart, you're not paying attention to me - I told you to Sit, now Sit Bart. SIT, Bart!" This is what is called nagging, and your dog will completely tune you out. Bart is not being disobedient or stubborn he's confused from your constant jabbing at the lips! Make sure that you don't sound like a drill sergeant! Just smile, speak in a clear tone and let Bart do the barking not you!
To start, Dog Trainer, you must always remember to ask as many thoughtful and pointed questions of the owner as possible. This is an absolute necessity if the dog trainer is to have a good understanding of the animal before beginning the first dog training session, to start on the right foot. You never have a second chance to make a first impression in the dog world.
Dog Owner, you have a responsibility to be detailed on both the good and the bad in your pet. Only then can the dog trainer - dog behaviorist diagnose the problem fully and take the best remedial steps. You must also speak out your full expectations so they can be accomplished.
Some areas you should cover and amplify include:
1- Historical information about your dog -- Age, how old he was when adopted, where you got him, etc.
2- The dog behavior problem -- Full description, how it manifests, under what circumstances, and how often.
3- What happened the first time? -- What did the dog do first, how did you handle it at that moment and right afterward, how did the dog respond, how old was the dog, other factors, and how much has the behavior increased since then?
4- What have you done about it since then? -- Also, what have other family members done about it, what are you doing now, how has the dog reacted each time, etc.?
5- Information about your dog's environment and exposures - e.g., your home, yard, doggie door and yard freedom or always out on a leash, neighborhood, parks, other pets, other family members and ages, kennel trained, etc.
6- You dog's daily exercise -- e.g., how often, when, how far, is it "free time" or focused and disciplined (mental challenge), etc.?
7- Any other things you do not like about your dog?
Expose everything pertinent to the pet and circumstances that you can think of. Don't forget allergies and health issues that might have an effect.
Dog Trainer, point out issues right away, explaining dog behavior problems to the Owner. For example, if the dog displays dog dominance behavior such as claiming something, the Owner needs to be made aware of what is really going on. This is not just some cute little annoyance, but the seed of a major dog behavior problem!
Dog Trainer, do not in any way intimidate the Dog Owner or make him feel foolish. Be understanding. Recognize that he called on you because he realizes and acknowledges the need for your experience. Commend him, for that takes courage.
Dog Owner, never lie to a dog trainer if your dog has certain tendencies. Especially if your dog is aggressive or fearful, the trainer needs to know the tendency of his reactions. Otherwise, there may be a nasty dog bite, and the results you seek may be impeded.
Dog Owner, listen to the dog trainer. Do not become surly or sarcastic with one who is trying to help. Do not waste the trainer's time if you are not going to follow her directions and be consistent. Do not try to blame the trainer if you are not consistent.
Dog Trainer, do not tell the Dog Owner: "People need training, not dogs." It is called DOG TRAINING for a reason!
Dog Trainer, realize that people need to be instructed in how to read dog body language, to become the leader of the pack, and how to follow through with your instructions … How to train a dog! People need encouragement, not criticism. Sometimes, the problem is the DOG!
Dog Trainer, hear the Dog Owner out and listen to all he says about the dog. Eat every word, and draw out every piece of information you may need. Remember, you need to feed the Dog Owner if he is stuck. You need to be a skilled interviewer, to draw out all you need to know about the dog and the circumstances.
Keeping these thoughts in mind makes it easier for both the Dog Trainer and the Dog Owner. It is no more fun for a Dog Trainer than a Dog Owner to deal with someone who is full of himself … That is counterproductive. Keep you eye on your goal -- dog behavior modification and dog training.
Both Kelly Marshall & Rena Murray are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Kelly Marshall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Lose Weight and Bodybuilding Supplements. Provided by Kelly Marshall from - the biggest selection of. Kelly Marshall's top article generates over 301000 views. to your Favourites.
Rena Murray has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Rottweiler Dogs and Flirting Tips. Dog Obedience Trainer - Dog Behaviorist, Rena Murray, dares to tell it like it is! Growing up with the Horse Whisper, avid wolf pack studies, Pit Bull and other dog training, Rena solves "impossible" situations, e.g., teaching a. Rena Murray's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.