One should never attempt to train a dog if they have no knowledge about basic puppy training.
There is a lot of information available on how to becoming a dog trainer. Too much available for that matter. However if you want to train a dog, learn how to do it first.
Dogs by nature, love to please and love to be rewarded. This basic nature of a puppy makes dog training quite an easy task. The difficult part of dog training is the communication between man and beast.
Three fourth of the dog training battle is won if you can get the dog to understand your intentions, actions and commands
The cardinal rule in dog training is ‘TRUST’ ‘RESPECT’ and ‘LOVE’ and definitely NOT FEAR. If a dog fears you, you will be useless as a trainer to that dog. If a dog fears you, he will mistrust you.
Avoid striking the dog at all costs, whether it is with your bare hand or with an object like a leash, cane or anything.
Avoid loud repetitive and harsh scolding al all costs.
To convey your disapproval a single stern verbal NO is more than enough, anything else would be over doing it.
Use the positive approach of praise and rewards instead. If the dog realizes that it will get no praise or reward if it does the wrong thing, it will soon try and remember the things HE SHOULD NOT DO
Rewards are a very important part of basic puppy training.
Remember that any praise or reward will reinforce correct behaviour. Hugging and petting or lovingly stroking the dog when it does the right thing is OK, BUT a reward with a small treat goes a longer way in reinforcing correct behaviour.
Food is the prime motivator with all animals, and the dog is no different.
The next best thing in dog training is your body language. Learn to communicate with your body and not with words. From the beginning develop body movements that express approval and disapproval. Establish a relationship with a verbal command and each particular movement of your hand or head.
A dog is a very attentive and sensitive animal. Body language can go a long way and achieve just as good response as verbal commands.
Start by having a definte body action accompany each individual verbal command. Co-ordinate the movement with the verbal command.
After some time only resort to the movement and reward immediately when there is a positive response from the dog. This would establish in the dogs mind what that particular movement of your body means.
Perseverance and persistence is the key to successful dog training. Frustration can be an early experience, but do not give up.
Everything takes time. Do not expect results overnight. Do not have unrealistic time frames. Do not set a time timtable for results. Work at achieving results instead. As a trainer, you must learn to be patient.
Never give up. Soldier on and be rewarded with a well trained and well behaved dog.
Posted under dog training
This post was written by admin on May 8, 2009
