Quick Tips on Training Your Dog

Our Top 7 Tips on Training Your Dog

Try to avoid confusion

Confusion and misunderstanding can be a major stumbling block when training your dog. It will halt any progression and you’ll end up getting nowhere!  Set your boundaries straight before any training begins. What are they allowed or not allowed to do? What commands or gestures mean what? Are they allowed on certain furniture? Remember to stay consistent with these rules to keep a clear understanding. Setting these ground rules right at the beginning can help a lot with avoiding confusion for the both of you!

Pick a suitable name and stick with it

As soon as the thought of getting a dog enters our mind, one of the first things we’re constantly thinking about is the name. However, it will serve you well to put a bit more thought into the name you choose. Try to pick a good, suitable name which is short and with a strong sound to it. Something that your dog will hear clearly and that will grab their attention!

Start with a couple of basics

Always start with the basics! When training your dog, you’re going to need to start with a few basic commands and understanding. These will be the dog’s name and telling it to “come”. Teaching your to understand dog it’s name will help with keeping it’s attention and making commands a lot easier. Whilst teaching it to “come” will help with establishing your alpha status – your dog will come to you and should follow. These may seem pretty obvious, but setting these at the very beginning can create a sturdy base for you to build on.

Rewards and keeping it interesting

Remember to offer your dog a reward when going through training, especially when responding correctly and for good behaviour! Respond positively to their good behaviour, reinforce and praise them. This will keep them interested and will let them know what they are doing right correctly! However, there is the possibility of your dog becoming bored with the current set of treats on hand. So try to keep it interesting by mixing it up every once in a while! Also, try to remember some dogs may respond better to a toy rather than a treat, so it’s best to adapt to your dog’s interests.

Create that personal connection

For all dog lovers, I don’t think this one needs to be said! But remember to handle, stroke and groom your dog on a regular daily basis. This will reaffirm the personal bond between you both, and will also help with them getting used to being handled as not to cause any stress.

Patience and perseverance is key

One of the most important tips on training your dog is to remember to be patient with them. If they are not responding positively to your commands, then take some time out and come back to it later on. This will give you a chance to come back with a clear mind, as well as giving the dog a break and the possibility of becoming more responsive afterwards.

Join a dog training club or class

If things just aren’t going the way you want them to (or even if they are!) we would recommend researching and joining a dog training club or attending classes. You will be able to get the help of professionals, and also introduce you to people in a similar situation.   There we go! I hope these tips on training your dog help you get started. And remember to enjoy your time spent with your dog, it shouldn’t be a chore. Good luck!  ]]>