How do I train my dog?

Training your Dog

Training your dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can give your dog. A well-trained dog is a pleasure to own and will enhance the quality of your relationship. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Establish a Baseline Behavior

When training your dog, it’s important to have a baseline of behaviors that you expect from him or her. This could include not jumping on the furniture, staying on a leash or sitting on command. Whatever the behaviors you anticipate from your dog, be sure to reinforce them in your training sessions.

Keep Training Sessions Short and Sweet

The key to training your dog is to keep the sessions short, sweet and to the point. A few minutes a day of consistent training is more effective than trying to cram all of your teaching into one session. If your dog is having difficulty staying focused, it might be best to break up the sessions into two or more shorter periods.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the key to successful dog training. Instead of scolding your dog for making mistakes, reward him or her for making progress. This can be done with treats, verbal praise or even a gentle pet on the head. Whatever reward you choose, it should be given soon after the desired behavior is displayed.

Start With Simple Commands

When training your dog, start with simple commands such as ‘sit’, ‘come’ and ‘stop’. Once your dog has mastered these basics, you can move on to more complex commands. It’s important to only introduce one new command at a time to ensure that your dog’s understanding of the commands stay consistent.

Be Consistent

It’s important to stay consistent when training your dog. As tempting as it may be to give in to your pup’s cute disposition, consistency is key. Every time your dog hears the same command, give him or her the same reward or consequence.

Include Exercise and Playtime

In addition to formal training sessions, it’s important to include playtime and exercise into your dog’s daily routine. Not only will this help to tire your pup out, physical activity is key in helping your pup to stay fit and healthy.

Following these steps will help you to successfully train your dog and create a lasting bond between you and your four-legged friend. With ample love, patience and consistency, you can have a happy, well-trained pup in no time.