Don't Let Your Dog Control Your Life!
Don't Let Your Dog Control Your Life!
Training your dog is important if you want him to know his place in the family. You may love to spoil and pamper him but he still needs to understand that you are the pack leader and he is not. This article can help you to understand the benefits of training your dog.
Reward your dog's good behavior. When the dog correctly follows your commands, you can certainly give a reward. While you might be pleased, acting too excited may cause the dog to get agitated, lessening your control. If you are able to maintain your calm, you can expect your dog to maintain calm too.
The diet you are feeding your dog needs to match their needs and activity level. The diet that is right for a working dog is a lot different from that of a dog that lounges around the house all day. Talk with your vet regarding what is right for your pup and don't forget their needs will change as they age.
Properly trained dogs can be taught to regard their crate as a place of safety. When possible always keep the crate in a central location so that the dog learns to understand that it is there and available all the time. He will begin to seek it out when he is tired and even when he is scared and seeking comfort.
When training your dog, it is important to add play into the training sessions. This will help keep your dog interested. Play with his toy and show him how much fun you are having. This will help a dog with low motivation to stay interested. When you want him to take a toy, don't shove it at him, make him take it from you.
Before crating your dog always allow them the opportunity to eliminate. Young dogs, in particular, have to relieve themselves quite frequently. You can't expect them to not urinate or even defecate in the crate if they haven't been given the opportunity to do so before they are crated.
Next time your dog jumps up on you in excitement, tell them "Off" in a firm (but not angry) voice, gently push them off, and turn your back. The verbal command and action of moving them reinforces what the command means, and turning restricts their access to you. This accomplishes two things: a) your dog can't jump on you anymore, b) your dog feels he loses your attention, which is the exact opposite of what he wants. This teaches him quickly not to jump on you.
Many puppies like to use their mouths to play because that is how they played with their litter mates. This should be discouraged as soon as possible after your puppy comes home. It may be cute when a seven pound puppy pulls on your arm or shirt sleeve, but I assure you, it isn't as cute when a fifty pound dog does it.
As already stated, dog training can be important for getting your dog off to the right start in the family. It will be harder if you wait till later to try training. This article can help you to make the decisions about dog training that can help your dog keep his place as a cherished family member.