Dogs never stop learning and even a mature dog can be trained using the same obedience training techniques as those used on a pup. Sure, a puppy may be more controllable and their minds are easier to shape, but there are some benefits to training an adult dog, such as less rambunctious behavior and more of an interest in pleasing you than in playing.
If you adopt a mature dog, don't just assume that he/she is old and set in their ways. Although it may take a little more time, your new four-legged friend can learn some very valuable lessons. A dog of any age can be housetrained and they will be much happier for it. When an animal lacks obedience training, it also lacks discipline and structure. If you care about your pet, make sure to train him/her to obey your commands and know the difference between right and wrong. At any age, an unruly dog is an unhappy one.
Using positive reinforcement, such as rewarding your dog with treats when he/she responds to your command, praise or strokes, your mature dog will be able to learn what makes you happy. Ultimately, your dog's goal in life is to earn your love and most would do anything just to gain the approval of their owner. By rewarding your dog when he/she behaves appropriately, you are showing that you are happy with their behavior. A mature dog, like a puppy, will respond to this type of dog training and will quickly learn what each command means.
The most common types of dog training methods include teaching your dog to sit, stay, roll over, lie down and to avoid jumping on guests as they enter your home. The latter is especially troublesome in young puppies and dogs, but mature dogs often lack the desire to frolic around and are content in lying in their favorite spot.
Teaching your mature dog to sit involves nothing more than giving them the command and gently pushing downward on their backside. Once they are seated, reward them with a treat and praise. If you want your dog to stay in one specific place, which is ideal for when guests are visiting and your dog is eager to great them, holding your hand up and instructing him/her to "stay" will be a good step toward success.
If you have a large dog that is difficult to control, obedience training may include the use of a harness to help him/her to stop pulling during walks. This is one of the most effective and simplest ways to train your dog to enjoy a walk without constantly being pulled about the neighborhood. If a dog has not spent a lot of time on a leash or has not been taught the proper way to behave, a harness will gently prevent him/her from pulling and possibly even harming you in the process.
For additional training information and commands, it's a good idea to consider a dog training manual, video or program that is designed specifically toward teaching your four-legged friend the do's and don'ts of dog training.
One of the most fun things that you can do when you are training your dog is teach your dog how to do dog tricks. There are a great variety of dog tricks that your pooch can do, depending on its size and weight. There are some dog tricks that are more suitable for some dogs than other dogs. If you are uncertain about a dog trick, your dog will show you its preference for one trick over another by its behavior when you try to get the dog to do the trick.
For instance, if a dog is uncomfortable or unable to do a trick, it may refuse to do the trick at all. In this case, you should try another dog trick that is different from that dog trick. This could happen if you were trying to teach your dog to walk or dance on its two hind legs. Some dogs just do not find this to be a comfortable position because of the size of their trunk in comparison to their legs.
Another reason for when a dog does not do a trick is that a dog may want to do the trick but has not caught onto each step of the trick yet. Be patient. If your dog wants to do the trick, you are half way there to teaching your dog the trick.
When you are teaching your dog a new dog trick, make sure that you have fun and are relaxed while you are with your dog. If you get uptight or it becomes a chore for you, your dog will not want to learn the trick or if the dog does want to learn the trick, your attitude may throw the dog off. If one trick doesn't work, try another trick or another day.
There are some easy dog tricks that you can teach most dogs to do no matter what the size or weight of the dog. Tricks that you can teach a young dog include shaking a paw, wearing clothes and giving you a kiss. When a dog is used to wearing clothes, it can also be taught to be comfortable with different props, too.
Teaching a dog to hold things in its mouth is not as easy with all dogs at first. Not all dogs hold things in their mouth naturally, so you may want to watch your puppy to see if it carries anything in its mouth before teaching it this trick. You will have to first teach the young dog that it can hold things in its mouth before you try to get your dog to hold different objects in its mouth. When a dog knows how to carry items in its mouth, it can be taught to fetch specific items such as the newspaper, slippers or even a beer bottle, all of which can be entertaining and handy.
Other easy tricks that you can teach your pet include rolling over, playing dead and crawling. If your dog doesn't mind walking on its hind legs, you could teach your dog to push a toy baby cart or shopping cart. Other more advanced dog tricks that you can try include jumping through a hoop, teaching your dog to speak and teaching your dog to sing.
You can have fun when you teach your dog tricks while training your dog to be obedient. Training your dog does not always have to be serious. Your dog will enjoy your attention and making you proud when it can do dog tricks.
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Brian Dolezal has sinced written about articles on various topics from Surveys, Acne Treatment and Dog Care. Brian Dolezal is a contributing editor for , a leading provider of independent reviews and rankings for hundreds of consumer prod. Brian Dolezal's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.
Daniel Millions has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lose Weight, Cars and Writing. Learn how to teach your dog new by visiting our