A Beginner’s Guide to Training a Dog
Categories: Uncategorized | March 5th, 2012 | by admin | no comments
Much has been written on the subject of training a dog and it doesn’t matter if you’re trying something as simple as “sit” or trying to supplement your ADT security with an obedient guard dog – you have to have your dog’s respect if you want any of that training to stick.
Ideally, training should start as early as puppyhood. In order to build this respect, you must have patience and authority. Dog’s often times are willing to learn new things and are eager to please, but they won’t perform without incentive. Incentive can come in many forms but the language most puppies understand is a treat and a kind word.
When you train your puppy, you must speak clearly and loudly. Do not give an over-elaborate command; try to stick to one or two words tops – less for the dog to decipher. Then you must demonstrate the trick and then you must follow up with a reward. For example, the command for sit – you should say “sit” and then press gently on the dog’s hind quarters until he sits. Then reward him.
Another key to good training, aside from patience and incentive, is good old repetition. The more you practice these commands, the more your dog will understand and, more importantly, the stronger your relationship will be.