If you have found that your dog is starting to show aggressive tendencies, is destructive to your property, or is otherwise misbehaving, you need to take action right away to nip the problem in the bud. Reason: if you let these problems go, your dog will only get the message that this kind of behavior is somehow acceptable, which of course is something you want to avoid at all costs.
Here are 5 quick tips for teaching your dog obedience.
Tip #1: Get your dog 's attention: The first thing you need to do is get your dog to pay attention to what you are saying. If you are going to be training your dog how to behave properly, he or she needs to understand that you are not just messing around. You have something very important to teach and your message needs to be heard. Expert trainers often us the verbal command "Watch Me " to get a dog to pay attention to further training.
Tip #2: Remain in control of your emotions: Your dog likely knows your moods well, and your tone of voice and body language instantly transmit to your dog how you are feeling. This means that you need to pay extra special attention to your own emotional state when training your dog. Your dog needs to be able to distinguish between the act of teaching it something new and that act of your merely unloading your anger on your dog because he or she has done something destructive or aggressive. If your dog acts up, gain control of your temper before you start your lesson and the effects will be much more powerful and lasting.
Tip #3: Give credit where credit is due: When your dog makes some progress during your obedience training - even if it is just a small step in the right direction - be sure to credit your dog with the win. A kind word or an extra doggy biscuit can make all the difference, and expert trainers know that positive reinforcement is more desirable than punishment.
Tip #4: Penalize your dog when she makes a mistake: Of course, positive reinforcement for good behavior or progress in your training program are always welcome. But, when your dog makes mistakes along the way (which will happen), be sure to penalize your dog accordingly. There is no need to resort to hitting or hurting your dog physically. However, a slight tug of the leash or just plain ignoring your dog for a few minutes can provide enough psychological discomfort that your dog will want to start complying with your wishes.
Tip #5: Always follow your words with consequences: Much in the way that parents are advised to teach children proper behavior, when training your disobedient dog you need to make sure that you actually give consequences for disobedience. For example, if you tell your dog not to jump on the couch or chew on a shoe, but you often find yourself too busy to actually stop your dog from the offensive behavior, you are sending a mixed message. Be consistent with what you say and make sure to follow through. Your dog will respect you more for it.
Obedience problems and aggressiveness in a dog are legitimate causes for concern. At the very least, you may find yourself picking up chewed-up newspaper bits or cleaning urine off of your carpet more often than you like. If things worsen, the personal safety and property of those around your dog could be at risk. If your dog is experiencing problems like these, take action right away and bring back the loving, warm companion that you had always intended to have.
While many animal lovers welcome puppies, and sometimes full grown dogs, into their home, many are blissfully ignorant to the care and nurturing necessary for training your dog to realize its full potential. Below, are a few tips for your dog's early life, upbringing, and prolonged, enjoyable existence! They are presented in chronological order.
1) Be Loving, But Firm
From its first days as a puppy to the moment you finally realize that your little angel is a full-grown canine, your dog needs to live in a nurturing environment. Shower your little friend with love and attention to make him or her feel special. Whenever he or she makes a mistake, lay down the law but never use cruel or harmful means of correction. Instead of smacking a dog when something goes awry, simply use the ?tsk, tsk? ideology. Let the animal know a mistake is made by temporarily denying it love (emphasis on temporarily). But do not hold your anger for long.
2) Housebreak Your Dog Early
Anyone that has ever had an experience with an indoor dog knows that accidents are inevitable. The key is to realize that the presents and messes left by your dog are not its fault. To curb this trend, simply place your dog (or lead your dog to, depending on the size) on a particular item (newspaper is popular, but also an old pillow or blanket could suffice) whenever he or she begins to do his or her business. Gradually lead this item closer and closer to the door as your animal excretes, finally ending it with the item outside. If the training is done properly, the animal will now be used to heading outside to use the restroom. Naturally, there may be some more accidents here and there (for example: if you are away from home for an extended period of time), but this is one of the most effective ways to potty train your dog.
3) Provide Your Dog with the Proper Nutrition
Giving your dog quality food throughout its life is of paramount importance. Simply buying generic, cheap dog food will not suffice as an individual dog has individual needs. Certain animals may become crippled by arthritis; there are specific foods for that. Certain animals may develop heart problems; there are also foods for that. You cannot assume that all dog food is the same as it may become detrimental to your animal. Discuss the proper formula for ingestion with your veterinarian.
Obviously, there are many, many, many more variables to consider when deciding to adopt and raise your very own dog. But handling these problems will provide you with a smooth beginning, wonderful middle, and enjoyable conclusion to raising your animal. All of God's creatures are important and each one has its own personal needs. Be sure to take this into consideration when deciding to adopt a pet. Dogs are not toys that can be cast aside and picked up whenever you feel like it. They need love and affection from their owner to show that they truly matter.
Both Jed Jones & Russ Hancock 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.
Jed Jones has sinced written about articles on various topics from Free Credit Report Score, Debt Consolidation and Computers and The Internet. Canine obedience problems can be a financial and emotional strain on you and those around you. Get winning advice from an expert trainer who has helped thousands of other dog owners correct obedience problems at:. Jed Jones's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.
Russ Hancock has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Pets and Dog Beds. For more information or to find products for all your Dogs needs please visit and. Russ Hancock's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.