The dog that you have just adopted may seem less like Lassie, and more like Cujo. However, there’s still hope! A bit of training goes a long way in reducing bad dog behavior.
Training is an ongoing process – your dog needs to be constantly reminded of the rules! Most owners think training once is all that it takes. Like their human owners, pets truly are creatures of habit. This is why on-going training is important.
Patience is key in training your dog. Patience helps avert anger and frustration throughout the training process. Your dog wants to make you happy, but sometimes it just does not understand you.
“Leave it” is a very important command that teaches your dog to drop whatever it is holding. This should be the first command you teach. This will help prevent them from chewing on your furniture or other items, as well as prevent them from having dangerous items in their mouths.
Make sure training has an element of fun incorporated into it. Your dog will bond with you the more fun you have together, and this helps the dog give a positive response. Despite the fun the two of you will have during training, it is important to set aside time that is designated to enjoyment only, with no work or training involved.
Primary Reinforcement
Use primary reinforcement to train your dog. Primary reinforcement uses the things that your dog loves as rewards for positive behavior. You can use dog treats or a bunch of love to reward your pet. This teaches your dog something that they desire.
People are often amazed about how easy it can be to train your dog and how quick they see changes. If you feel like you and your dog are having a hard time, try some of this advice.