Dog training is best started early in your dogs adolescence. While the old adage "You cant teach an old dog new tricks" is false, what you teach earliest is often learned easiest. Remember this old adage instead: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". Breaks bad habits early!
Dog training should be delivered in a gentle manor whenever possible. Dog training sessions should be upbeat and should rely on postivie motivational method so it is enjoyable for both you and your dog. If you find dog training a chore, dont be affraid to pep things up by taking a playful approach by using games such as "Find the Stick" and retrieving.
Keep consistent with your dogs behavior and discipline both at home and in public. If your dog doesnt positively respond to you at home then he certainly wont respond when he is outdoors and tempted by the distractions of his surroundings.
Also, as part of your dog training, be sure to give your dog commands you know you will enforce. If you give a command and it is not adhered to, the dog begins to feel that commands are optional. To make it easier, one command should equal one response. For instance, if you say to your dog "down, down, down", this teaches him that the first several commands are simply a bluff. Say it once and then coax him down to that position. And dont give him combined commands which are inconsistent like "sit-down". This will only confuse him.
Whether you’re in the heat of dog training or out in a public setting, have patience and keep your anger in check. It is less likely to earn your dogs respect if you are yelling, hitting or treating your dog in a rough manner. This added stress on the dog also may inhibit the learning process.
Kevin owns a few blogs on dog obedience and dog behavior training and pet training.
Dog Training
