Dog Obedience Training Tips

Training your dog to obey specific commands helps to set boundaries between you and your pet. Obedience training can alleviate negative behaviors in dogs and can teach dogs who is the boss around the house. By following a few basic training tips, you can keep your dogs in check and create a loving, respectful relationship with them.

Puppy Training

Begin obedience training as soon as you bring your puppy home. Start with basic commands, and do not be afraid to use the word, "No" when applicable. Be consistent with your puppy's early training because this sets the parameters of what will be expected of the dog as it matures. Try using one word commands like "sit," "come," "stay" and "down." If you combine command words, you may confuse your puppy.

Treats and Praise

According to Victoria Stillwell, trainer on "It's Me or the Dog," dogs always respond well to training with treats. But, be sure not to give the treat unless the dog performs the training command successfully. For instance, if you give the command of "stay" and your dog stays only for a couple of seconds and is right back up, do not reward it. Be sure to praise your pet when it is successful. When you take it outside to do its business, make sure to praise it once it is done. You can say, "good boy" or "good girl" and pat it on the head and scratch its back to let it know it has done was what was expected.

Patience

Dog training takes much time and patience. Owners will soon realize that not all dogs will do what they should. You must stay consistent, not giving in or giving up. Training commands and exercises should be repeated multiple times until your puppy or dog gets it right. Some days you may spend a few minutes working with your dog because it is cooperative and willing to do anything to get that treat in your pocket. Other days, your dog might push your patience by seeing what it can get away with and for how long. This is much as a child would do. Be patient with your dog, and continue the training for as long as possible. Eventually, your pet will realize it will not get a treat or praise for not cooperating.