| Here are a few specific dog training
lessons that we hope will go some way in helping you to train
your dog. Your dog needs attention and discipline from you
and then it is just a matter of time before your dog training
lessons will be complete.
Getting your dog used to verbal prompts:
To do this you need to first begin with easy prompts that
seem more like a game to the dog and then move on to more
difficult prompts. If you praise them as and when they get
it right, you will slowly notice that they are pleased to
obey your prompts. We have selected the term prompts instead
of commands for a reason. Commands may give one the impression
that these have to be given in a loud and harsh manner whereas
what we should aim at is a firm prompt that draws the pup’s
attention. There are different ways to do this. The main points
to remember are:
- You need to choose the words that you will use as prompts
in advance and ensure that every one uses the same words
for the expected action.
- You need to harness the natural behavior of your dog as
much as possible
- You need to conduct dog training sessions daily until
the pup is responding correctly. Once he gets here, he will
no doubt get the required practice through his daily interaction
with you.
- Keep your training sessions short
- You need to ensure that everyone in the family uses the
same words to avoid confusion.
- It will help you reach success, if you have your training
sessions in an enclosed area as the pup will not run too
far or have his attention diverted by other things.
Do not cram in too many prompts a day as it may confuse your
dog. Even if you are not at the training session, ensure that
your dog obeys prompts if given. They should not be allowed
to disobey them as you will soon have a dog who thinks he
can get away with it. In a few days or weeks you will see
good results if you are persistent and patient. Remember that
while you have these sessions you are also bonding with your
dog. This time will decide what kind of a relationship you
will have with your dog.
Getting your dog to stop barking too much:
Although it is perfectly normal for a dog to bark or even
howl, you may find that your dog excessively barks just out
of habit. You can make your dog bark less or curb his barking
habits by behaving in a particular manner consistently. We
presume that you are giving your dog the required exercise
and time which is a common cause of excessive barking. Whenever
your dog barks for a good reason, praise him by saying good
dog and then say something like ‘Enough barking’
firmly. He may not pay attention initially, so you need to
divert his attention to something else. Some owners use a
small treat for this but give him the treat only after he
has remained quiet for a little while. Slowly increase the
time between when you showed him the treat to when you give
it to him and give it only if he stops barking. Not even a
tiny bark should be forgiven. If this is done consistently,
that is every single time he barks at someone or something,
then he will understand that barking is fine until you ask
him to stop. You need to react in the same way every time
to prevent confusion. Another important point to remember
is that you should not respond to him every time he ‘barks’
(asks) for something. Some dogs will bark when they want attention
or when they want to go out and if you respond by doing exactly
what they want, they will soon begin to bark for no reason
at all. This dog training can be applied to stop your dog’s
unnecessary whining and howling as well.
Getting your pup to inhibit biting: If you
watch a group of pups playing, you will find them nipping
at each other and even biting each other. If it hurts, the
bitten pup will show his anger by biting back or growling.
Since the pup only meant to play, after some time he will
soon begin controlling his bite so that it doesn’t hurt.
Unfortunately, if pups are brought out of their litter before
they learn this, you will have to take over. The best way
would be to get your dog to mix around with other pups or
well-behaved dogs in your area. If this is not possible then
you will have to respond to his hard bites by stopping playing
with him if you were doing this, moving away or saying ‘no’
firmly. You need to be consistent in this so that he fully
understands what you mean.
It is best that your pup is allowed to be with children or
any other animal he needs getting used to during the first
3-4 months of his life. This will ensure that he is not threatened
by them later. When you spend time with your dog and if you
make that time a good experience for your dog and include
dog training as a part of that time, you will gain his trust.
This will lead to him obeying you and it will be almost impossible
that he will ever bite you.
Getting your dog to accept separation from you:
It is not possible for you to become a constant companion
to your dog. You will no doubt have to go out leaving your
dog behind for a few hours. Your dog may whine, bark or just
throw a tantrum every time he sees you leave, but do not get
back just to keep him calm. He will then begin to think that
he can get you back home by acting that way and if this is
allowed to continue, you will have a tough time when he gets
into this habit. As long as you have done the necessary to
keep him occupied and comfortable while you are out, you should
proceed to where you have to go. Once back you can fuss over
him. Soon he will know that when you go out, you come back
and so will stop creating a ruckus and he wait patiently for
you to return. You can help your dog by not exciting him just
before you go out as he will be sorrier to see you leave.
You can train him by going out for a short while and then
slowly increase the duration.
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