Dog Training at Home Tips and Techniques

Dogs are very loyal, intelligent, and easily trained. Using dog training methods developed by professional dog handlers, and proven by decades of experience, you will have a dog that will make you proud. Time, patience, and persistence are the keys to a long and happy relationship with your dog.

Everyone engaged in handling your dog, needs to know the right commands. Dog training not only means training your dog, but also the master and the entire family. Inconsistency in commands will only confuse and frustrate your dog. He wants to please you, but confusion will reign if you use multiple commands for the same action. Dogs are intelligent enough to learn several hundred words, but single word commands are much easier for your dog to understand. If you want him to lie down, teach your dog the command ‘lie’ or ‘down’. He will pick it up much faster. Use the same command every time for the desired act, not ‘lie’ one day, and ‘down’ the next. Consistency with punishment is also very important. Punishing your dog for something one day and not the next will only frustrate your dog. Punishment as well as everything else involved in dog training must be uniform.

Your dog wants to please you. Let him know when he does by showing him happiness and affection. Conversely, addressing your dog in a stern and harsh tone lets him know that you are not pleased. Never strike your dog. Biting and aggression will be the end result of hitting.

Dogs do not like to be alone. They are by nature pack animals. For your dog to be happy and well-behaved, he needs to be part of your “pack”. If you keep your dog outside, confined to a single room or out in the garage most of the time, he will not feel part of your pack. They need to feel that they belong; they need the closeness and familiarity of your family. As part of your pack, your dog needs to learn just who the “alpha dog” is. Your dog needs to know that any children in the family always rank above him.

Dogs, especially puppies, become mischievous, destructive, and sad when they have no release for their pent up energy. Prevent this undesirable behavior with lots of playtime, walks, and exercise. The younger they are, the more important exercise and playtime are to them. A tired dog is a happy dog. Be sure your dog meets your neighbors and their dogs. This prevents loneliness and makes your dog feel even more a part of a larger pack. This also helps reduce the tendency to bark at every movement.

With patient and consistent effort, you will have a dog that is a happy, well-behaved family member.