Training Tactics

Make Learning Fun

Daily training sessions should always be enjoyable occasions for both you and your dog.

Do not attempt to train if either one of you isn’t concentrating: a dog will know if you are bored.

Always finish with something the dog enjoys and is able to do. However, don’t save the best rewards for the end- the dog may want to finish the exercise quickly to receive its final reward.

When To Train

It is beset to train when your dog is hungry. It will be mentally alert, and will respond more readily to food rewards. Note that dogs have much shorter attention spans than human, so keep the sessions short. Train for a maximum of 15 minutes, twice a day. Giving a dog two meals a day will create time for two good training sessions.

The Right Environment

Begin training in the quiet environment of your home. Once the dog reliably obeys your commands, move to a quiet location outdoors and repeat the training sessions. Once you dog is obedient both indoors and in quiet outdoor locations, graduate to a busier area. Be sure to vary the places in which you train your dog, so that you maintain its interest.

Giving Commands

Dogs have a limited ability to understand the human language, and respond best to short, sharp commands. Attract your dog’s attention by speaking its name, then give your command.

The inflection of your voice is important when giving commands. Lower the tone of your voice to reprimand your dog; use a higher tone for praise.

Avoid constantly repeating a command: this will only confuse your dog.

Body Language

Dogs are adept at reading human body language. Encouraging your dog to respond to you by assuming a welcoming posture. Be enthusiastic and generous with your praise, and dramatic when you reprimand your dog. Smile when you are pleased, and grimace of the dog willfully disobey your command.

Enforcing Commands

Make sure that you are always in a position of control, so that you are able to enforce your commands. This I particularly important during outdoor training sessions, where the dog may be a danger to itself and others if it does not obey commands reliably. So keep your dog on a long training lead during all training sessions until you are confident of being in control.

Training Not Exercise

Dogs need plenty of regular exercise as well as time to play with other dogs. Training is not a substitute for either of these, so ensure that your dog gets the exercise its age, breed and temperament require.

The Value Of Saying “No”

“No” is one of the most important words your dog will learn. With this one command, you can regain control or prevent your dog from doing something dangerous. The timing of your commands and knowing when to say “No” are important elements of dog training, If, for example, a nervous dog backs away from a stranger, and you try to assume it by saying “it’s OK”, you are actually telling the dog that you approve of its behavior. Instead say “No” firmly, adopting a stern tone and a dominant stance.

101 ESSENTIAL TIPS TRAINING YOUR DOG