Dog Training Tips and Advice

Some dogs are naturally obedient from the beginning and don't really need much work. Other dogs may require some work. Some "good" dogs may even end up being better behaved once you gradually introduce more formal obedience training. This is a guide on how to train your puppy. It provides an overview of the skills needed for basic obedience training. Read on to find out everything you need to know.

Give clear commands

Some commands might require more work to get right. It is always best to give simple one-word commands such as 'sit,' 'come,' 'stop,' etc. More complex, multi-word commands may be difficult for your pet to understand. Using commands that aren't clear is most likely to lead to confusion or stress.

Use praise and treats

When you have a good session, give your dog a treat, and praise them. This will keep your dog motivated to try harder the next time so they can get more treats or other rewards. Only give praise if your dog has done something right. You could also use rewards as part of bribery. This will only work if you know what your dog likes! If you don't know what kind of treats or toys you should use or you don't have any in the house, get some information from a book on canine behaviour at your local library or speak to a dog trainer or your local vet.

Use repetition

Use the same word or phrase in every situation, especially when asking a dog to perform a task several times. Dogs learn by repetition and are more likely to learn to obey if you ask in the same way every time.

Use body language and voice tone

Don't just give commands and expect the dog to understand. Use your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice to communicate with your dog. For example, by raising or lowering your hands when giving a command, you can signal to your dog that they need to stand up or sit down.

Teach in short sessions

Dogs learn more when their attention is fresh, and this is a good way to keep them motivated. You may need to repeat the behaviour several times in a row, but try not to let lessons run for more than a few minutes at once. Longer can cause your dog to lose focus and get bored. A bored dog will find it difficult to learn commands.

For more tips and advice, speak to your vet about puppy training courses. They will be happy to offer further help and assistance.

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