DOG TRAINING TIPS
The easiest and most effective way to train
your dog is by doing several short training
sessions each day.
Try to build this into your dog's daily
routine - in this way you will never 'not
have time to train' and your dog will
quickly learn to co-operate with you by daily
consistency of training.
I have outlined some brief points below to
help you but for more information please
see the recommended reading list
or call me to arrange further training.
Dogs are referred to below as 'he'
but the training tips are equally for the
ladies!
- Your overall aim should be to have a good
relationship with your dog which means he
will view you as his best friend, playmate
and senior manager! If you achieve
this then your dog will be eager to
please you and much easier to train.
- You need to consider your dog's needs
and ensure these are met. This includes
obviously food, water, a quiet place to retreat
to where he is not disturbed and also relevant
physical and mental exercise for his breed
and character (you may need to do some research
on this).
- You will need to understand how to tell him
very clearly what a great boy he is for doing
well and also how to let him know if you
are disappointed in him when he does something
which you don't want. If you are
spending too much time being disappointed
with him rather than praising him then please
find professional help to put you back on
the right track, otherwise you will end up
with a very unhappy and misunderstood dog.
- Consider which rewards your dog will most
appreciate and use them wisely - remember
that if he receives too many of any of these
then they begin to lose their value and novelty.
- Decide amongst your household which rules
are really important (and reasonable for
your dog) and which your dog needs to learn
to abide by. Write them down and ensure
everyone in the house agrees to them.
If just one person coming into contact with
your dog rewards unwanted behaviour (such
as jumping up, pulling on the lead or allowing
a dog in a place where he is usually banned)
then the dog cannot be expected to understand
what the rules are. Remember that communication
must be clear and consistent to the dog -
all the time.
- Make sure that everyone involved in training
is using the same verbal and physical commands
and cues to make it as easy as possible for
your dog to learn quickly.
- Try to make training fun via the use of short
play-training sessions each day (this helps
you train at the same time as teaching good
manners during play).
- Spend quality time with your dog which means
doing something together that he will enjoy.
This could be some fun play-training, interaction
whilst on walks, a tummy rub, etc etc (again,
think of what will suit your particular breed
and character of dog).
I hope these tips plus some of the recommended
reading help to get you started on the road
to a happy and long-lasting relationship
with your dog.
Good luck!
Sally Bartlett
Co-operative Canines
"Please speak clearly,
I'm a little confused". |
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