| When professional training is not a good option for | | | | comfortable with before starting to train your |
| you - either because of cost or time - there are | | | | dog. |
| techniques that you can use at home to train | | | | - Be kind and gentle for best results. An owner |
| your dog to do just about anything you want him | | | | who constantly punishes his or her dog for bad |
| to. Here are some things to keep in mind when | | | | behaviors is bound to be a lot less successful than |
| you are wondering how you will train your new | | | | an owner who is gentle and kind, rewarding his or |
| pet: | | | | her dog for acceptable behaviors. Consider |
| - Determine the ground rules before you begin | | | | offering your dog plenty of praise, and be gentle |
| training. One of the common hang ups that people | | | | when redirecting his attention from a bad |
| experience with dog training is not deciding in | | | | behavior to one that is more acceptable to you. |
| advance which behaviors they will or will not | | | | - See yourself as the team leader during training. |
| tolerate. For example, some people will let their | | | | You are not the only one responsible for |
| new puppy nap on the sofa but decide later that | | | | successful training sessions. If you see yourself |
| they don't want dog hair on the furniture. They | | | | and your dog as a team in training, you will be |
| then need to re-train their dog that getting onto | | | | much more successful than if you assume the |
| the sofa is not allowed. Make a list of the | | | | burden of all responsibility. You need to be aware |
| behaviors you don't want to see, and you will | | | | of everything that goes on during training, |
| have a better idea of where to begin. It is always | | | | because you are the leader. However, realize that |
| ok to reverse a behavior, but is easier for you | | | | your dog must be a willing participant for training |
| and your dog if you set the rules at the beginning | | | | to succeed. |
| and don't change them in the middle of the game. | | | | - Train your dog to stop barking unnecessarily. |
| - Use a short leash for training purposes. Leashes | | | | When your dog is outside, does he bark |
| come in many different lengths, some reach up | | | | continuously at everything that moves? If you |
| to 100 feet or more. However, when you are | | | | want to stop this behavior, consider a |
| training your dog, you should always use a leash | | | | bark-control collar. This handy device issues tones |
| that is around 6 foot long and comes with a loop | | | | for both approval and disapproval from a special |
| that you can slip your hand through, wrapping it | | | | collar that can be controlled from a distance. You |
| around your fingers to ensure that the dog | | | | will find that the feedback mechanism will quickly |
| doesn't get away from you. When your dog is on | | | | help your dog to become independent enough to |
| your left side, keep the leash in front of you with | | | | be left alone outside without constant supervision. |
| the loop around your right hand. This will help you | | | | When you are consistent and fair with your dog, |
| to keep the leash short and to maintain control. | | | | you will find that it is possible to train him to do |
| - Never use a training technique that is not natural | | | | just about anything you would like. As you see |
| and comfortable for you. If you are using a | | | | from the information above, there are small tricks |
| technique that does not come naturally, your dog | | | | that you can use to make training easier and |
| will sense your hesitation as quickly as he will | | | | more fun for you and your dog. |
| sense fear or anxiety. This can lead to your dog | | | | Don't forget to limit your training to short periods, |
| ignoring any commands given and cause | | | | taking time in between to play and just relax |
| frustration for both of you. Therefore, work to | | | | together. And, the most important thing you can |
| find techniques that you understand and feel | | | | do is to reward your dog for a job well done! |