Dog training tips and hints to help you tame your pet

Dog training is an essential part of the socialisation process of any dog. Without it your dog will be a problem to both you and anyone it meets. Nobody likes a dog that jumps up when greeted, barks all day and night or bites at unwary passers-by.Dog training may require some effort on your part but in the end it will definitely be worth it. You will have a pet that you will be proud to own.

If you haven’t yet purchased a dog then think about the temperament of the breed before purchasing. If you are buying from a breeder ask them about the temperament of the puppy’s parents. Dog training will tend to be a little easier with gentler, less volatile breeds and smaller breeds are often easier to control.

If you have already purchased your puppy or already have a fully grown dog and are ready to start dog training then check the following list of tips and hints:

  1. Start dog training from day 1. This is so important and yet many believe that puppies are too young to train. The best time to train your dog is from the day you bring it home regardless of its age.
  2. Be consistent. This includes your family and friends. There is no point teaching your dog not to jump up when greeted if your partner or friends allow it.
  3. Don’t yell at your dog. This will only cause your dog to be scared of you and a scared dog is less likely to do what you want. You want a happy dog that is willing to do everything you say.
  4. Don’t hit your dog or physically abuse it in anyway. This will only create a bad relationship between you and your dog and your dog will be less likely to do as you say.
  5. Use positive rewards and ignore bad behaviour. When your dog does something good then reward it. If it does something bad, like jumping up on you, then ignore it.
  6. Attend obedience classes. You don’t need to spend the rest of your life at obedience classes but if you can make the effort to attend at least ten lessons this will be a great start and give you and your dog the confidence you need.
  7. Don’t expect too much too soon. Some dogs learn faster than others but if you are consistent then your dog training efforts will be rewarded.
  8. Don’t leave your children alone with a new puppy. I put this one here only because young children don’t always understand how to look after a puppy and some have been known to hit them without reason. Any damage done at this early stage can have detrimental affects on your training program.

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