Basic Dog Training Help and Tricks

" Basic dog training involves understanding the way dogs communicate. Their body position, face and sounds indicate what they are thinking or how they are reacting to you. Many training issues have to do with how an owner confuses a dog in terms of indicating what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviors.  A good way to think about dog training is to link following your commands to the things a dog enjoys such as eating where you say "sit" before feeding. Getting your dog in the habit of obeying commands will carry across all situations.  Puppy training should start between weeks 8 to 16. "

Training starts with an educated dog owner. There are skills you can learn so that you in turn can teach your dog basic obedience commands. There are several tips for training your dog.

5 Basic Basic Dog Training Tips:

• Be realistic with your expectations and keep your dog training short, simple and fun.
• Learn to give one command at a time so that your dog will not be confused and always reward the desired action immediately.
• Be consistent with your training methods and keep your commands clear and concise all the time.
• Always call your dog to you to give affection, never the other way round.
• Always end each training session on a positive note so that your dog will look forward to your next training session.

How to Start Basic Dog Training

Consider enrolling you and your dog in a basic dog training class. This is a great way to learn the basics. What follows are some tips that may help as you teach your dog obedience and positive behaviors.

Always put  your dog on a lead before starting any of the following basic dog training techniques:

1. Train with a Collar and Lead: Purchase a nylon or leather collar (buckle type). Your puppy will eventually get used to the collar. Do not approach your puppy, but make it clear you want to be followed when pulling gently on the lead.  Encourage your dog to walk towards you while he is on the leash.  Clapping your hands may help.  Keep the lead on in the house and let the puppy drag it around if he or she is having trouble getting used to it.  The goal with the lead is to always have slack.
   
   The :"woodhouse" collar is a good basic dog training tool. The collar is made of round metal links which will not hurt your dog.  When a dog doesn't obey, you can snap the collar to the side of the dog so that the dog doesn't see you doing it. You should be standing to the side, out of direct view.   The goal is to have the undesirable behaviors associated with corrections provided the collar - the snap, not you.
2. Sit Command: The first commands to teach a puppy (start around week 8 to 16) is the sit command.   Help the dog sit by squatting down next to him. Using your hand, place it on the back of the rear legs.  Say sit and apply slight pressure.  Praise your dog when he does sit.  Don't criticize if he quickly gets up.  Provide food when he obeys.  After a while only use praise with no food.  
3. Down Command: Once your dog has mastered the sit command, move to the down command.  Here, press gently against the right shoulder while saying down.  Use the left hand to hold the dog's left leg.  Then say "down". Praise your dog once in position.  Use food and praise, eliminating food over time.
4. Come Command: Teach this command indoors in a room with no noise and distractions. Say "come" and then give praise, even if the dog doesn't come. That's right, praise, even when the dog isn't following the command.  Assume he will.  Try and act like you want your puppy to come to you. If you are a family, have different people call your dog from different rooms with the "come" command.  Once mastered in doors, try it in an outdoor space.  When your dog looks away, hide and then say come.  This will train your dog to watch you at all times.
   
5. No Bite Command:  Biting is a common problem in puppies.  Hold your dog's lead about 2 feet from the dog. If your dog attempts to bite your arm and leg, give a firm "no bite" command. Provide praise when your puppy lets go.
6. Off Command: The off command is also a useful and common command.  Do not push or pull your dog.  An easy method is to leave the lead on your dog.  If you believe he is going to jump, step on the lead before he does, so it is not possible.  Praise him and instruct "sit" at the same time. Your dog will associate jumping with the the lead tug and will stop to avoid this feel on his neck.  This of the "sit" command as redirecting your dog to a positive behavior.
7. Let's Go Command: Place your dog on the lead.  Hold the lead in your left hand, with your dog on the left.  Have a toy in the right. Say "let's go" and hold the toy in front of your chest so the dog can see it. Snap the lead if your dog jumps, but tease with the toy so that your dog follows.  Give your dog the toy after 30 seconds or so.  Do not start "going" at first.
   
   Be sure to hold the lead correctly, with your right hand through the lead loop, and then rest it on your chest.  The right hand should only hold the lead.  The left hand should manipulate the lead as you direct your dog.

For Further Reading on basic dog training:

Dog Adoption and Training Guide Gives a hands-on picture of choosing and owning puppy or a mature dog. We explain the work and sometimes frustration involved with dog ownership and dog care so there are no surprises which makes for a happy ending. Our goal is to reduce the number of unwanted puppies and dogs on the streets and in kennels by providing workable knowledge.

Dog training tips and everything you ever want to know about your dog. There is a practical advice on choosing and caring for a puppy, feeding, grooming, traveling, dog ailments, and the vet.

Essential Dog Training Tips That You Should Know

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