Six rules to remember.

Dog training is the one of the most important parts of having a great relationship with your dog. It is also the foundation for the way your dog will act for the rest of their life.  Being the best possible trainer you can be is the greatest gift you can give to your dog, and to those who will be spending time around your dog. Here is a list of six rules you need to know in order to achieve your goals in dog training.

The first rule to remember is to always be consistent. It will not do your dog any good if you cannot take the time to work with the same commands and give the same rewards for good behavior. If you know you are going out of town for three weeks do not begin a training regimen the night before you leave. Dogs learn by rote, meaning it takes them several times to learn something. The easier you can make that repetitive training the better.

The second rule is to keep your training sessions short. If you think your child has a short attention span, your puppy’s is even shorter. Hours and hours of attempting to teach your dog to sit, will only exhaust and annoy you. If you are not up for the task of training, your dog will not be either. Dog training sessions should last no longer than 10 to 15 minutes.

The third rule is to stay calm and don’t lose control of your emotions. You should train your dog in an even and fun tone. Your dog will not learn a new trick in five minutes. It takes dogs a very long time to become used to what is good behavior. Realize this before hand, and save yourself from losing your temper. That will not help anyone.

The forth rule is to avoid over-praising your dog. Choose an expression of your approval: dog treat, one light pet, or a “Good dog”. Going any further than this will distract your dog.  Make sure you stay consistent with your approval. Too much petting and doting your dog with “Good dog” can be confusing. When the perform the task you ask of them reward your dog with the same response of praise each time, this way they will know what they have done right immediately.

The fifth rule is to always end on a good note. You know how every time you leave a basketball court you need to sink your last shot? The same goes for dog training. The final thing you should do in your dog training session is to praise your dog for a job well done. Make sure they perform their task correctly and then treat them accordingly. This will keep them happy and excited for another session of dog training.

The sixth and final rule is also the most important thing you should know when you begin dog training. Toss out discipline because it does not work. Positive encouragement for a job well done is the best method for dog training. Punishing poor behavior will not inspire your dog to do better. Your dog does not understand what inspiration means.  Your dog does understand the love and affection you give them. They are eager to please and thrilled when you give them positive feedback. By understanding this part of your dog’s psyche you will have a great advantage in the dog training process.