At-Home Dog Training Tips

When professional training is not a good option forcomfortable with before starting to train your
you - either because of cost or time - there aredog.
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 himwho constantly punishes his or her dog for bad
to. Here are some things to keep in mind whenbehaviors is bound to be a lot less successful than
you are wondering how you will train your newan owner who is gentle and kind, rewarding his or
pet:her dog for acceptable behaviors. Consider
- Determine the ground rules before you beginoffering your dog plenty of praise, and be gentle
training. One of the common hang ups that peoplewhen redirecting his attention from a bad
experience with dog training is not deciding inbehavior 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 theirYou are not the only one responsible for
new puppy nap on the sofa but decide later thatsuccessful training sessions. If you see yourself
they don't want dog hair on the furniture. Theyand your dog as a team in training, you will be
then need to re-train their dog that getting ontomuch more successful than if you assume the
the sofa is not allowed. Make a list of theburden of all responsibility. You need to be aware
behaviors you don't want to see, and you willof everything that goes on during training,
have a better idea of where to begin. It is alwaysbecause you are the leader. However, realize that
ok to reverse a behavior, but is easier for youyour dog must be a willing participant for training
and your dog if you set the rules at the beginningto 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. LeashesWhen your dog is outside, does he bark
come in many different lengths, some reach upcontinuously at everything that moves? If you
to 100 feet or more. However, when you arewant to stop this behavior, consider a
training your dog, you should always use a leashbark-control collar. This handy device issues tones
that is around 6 foot long and comes with a loopfor both approval and disapproval from a special
that you can slip your hand through, wrapping itcollar that can be controlled from a distance. You
around your fingers to ensure that the dogwill find that the feedback mechanism will quickly
doesn't get away from you. When your dog is onhelp your dog to become independent enough to
your left side, keep the leash in front of you withbe left alone outside without constant supervision.
the loop around your right hand. This will help youWhen 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 naturaljust about anything you would like. As you see
and comfortable for you. If you are using afrom the information above, there are small tricks
technique that does not come naturally, your dogthat you can use to make training easier and
will sense your hesitation as quickly as he willmore fun for you and your dog.
sense fear or anxiety. This can lead to your dogDon't forget to limit your training to short periods,
ignoring any commands given and causetaking time in between to play and just relax
frustration for both of you. Therefore, work totogether. And, the most important thing you can
find techniques that you understand and feeldo is to reward your dog for a job well done!