Some Important Fundamentals Of Dog Training
January 25th, 2011
Everyone wants their dog to behave. But this doesn’t just happen by some miracle. You have to teach your dog what you want from them, and then be strict about the rules. It is very important in dog training to be consistent. If you aren’t, your dog may get confused, or worse, test you every single time you ask for a behavior.
Teaching your dog some basic obedience maneuvers is a good idea so that when you need your dog’s complete attention, you can request a behavior that they know like the back of their paw. Sit is traditional, and most dogs who know anything, know how to sit. If your dog doesn’t, teach him by moving a treat backwards over his head until his bum hits the floor. Say “sit” as you do so. Don’t ever repeat a command more than once, and then only if really necessary.
Your dog can learn to lay down very easily. Just put him or her in a sit, or you can start from a standing position, too, and draw a treat from his nose to the ground. Don’t give it to him until he is lying down, which may take a moment. Don’t give the command “down” until he is doing so, either.
Stay is valuable but hard to teach. To ask your dog to stay, give the command and take a step backwards. If they follow, just reposition them where they were and try again. The first time they stay put while you take that step, give a treat and effusive praise. Practice regularly, and as much trouble as it might be, never let them get away with breaking a stay. Just once can make a dog think you aren’t really serious, and they should check every time going forward.
Heel is quite unnecessary for most people, but its companion, loose-leash walking, is essential. This one usually takes some time and patience to master, because the main tool you are going to be using is the assumption that dogs want to be moving. Every time they pull on you, stop, take a step backwards and wait until the leash is loose, then go forward again. Choose a command to warn your dog against pulling. “No pull” is popular.
Commands can be anything you want. Your dog doesn’t understand the word, just what you teach him to do when he hears it. Most people say “down, ” but if your dog knows “lie down, ” it doesn’t matter. Just be consistent, because since your dog doesn’t understand the meaning of the word, he can’t figure out what you want if you use some other term.
Always make the behavior you want the easy and positive choice, then reward for doing what you desired. Punishment has little to no place in dog training. Perhaps the only time it is appropriate is a verbal reprimand if the dog is putting himself or someone else in danger. A loud “no!” should do. Physical reprimands have no place in good training.
Taking your dog to a formal obedience class can be a good experience for both of you. You might not need the help mastering the commands, but teaching your dog that he still has to perform them even if there are exciting things around is a good idea. And you can get new ideas from the trainer and the other owners.
