Bringing a new dog into your home is always exciting. However, it’s important to remember that puppies are like little babies, and they are constantly learning. As a responsible pet owner, it’s up to you to teach your pup the basics of proper behavior.
In this post, we are going to share with you the top 5 dog training tips for beginners.
1. Start With The Basics
When you first start training your dog, keep the lessons simple. Puppies are learning everything new at this stage in their lives, and they get overwhelmed easily. Basic commands such as sit, stay, come, down, and leave are a good place to start. Teach your dog the basics: come, sit, stay, lie down, and heel.
Start with one command at a time and make sure your puppy understands it before moving on to the next one. Repetition is key when it comes to dog training. Saying a command once and expecting your pup to understand it is unrealistic. You’ll need to be patient and consistent in your instruction.
When your dog responds correctly to a command, lavish him with praise and a treat. Dogs love positive reinforcement, so make sure you give lots of encouragement when he does something good. And as your dog masters each one, you can gradually add more complicated tasks.
Remember to keep training sessions short, no more than 10 minutes for a young puppy. Older dogs can handle a little longer, but no more than 30 minutes per session. And always end on a positive note with plenty of praise.
2. Reward Good Behavior
Your puppy will learn more quickly if you reward good behavior. Immediately after your pup performs the desired action, give her a treat, pat her on the head, or say “good dog.” If she fails to obey a command, don’t give her any attention (positive or negative). Simply start over with the next instruction.
While some trainers suggest that food treats be phased out in favor of more praise when training goals are met, others believe that the promise of food keeps dogs motivated to learn faster. Find what works best for you and your pup by giving both types of rewards at different times during the process.
The most effective treats are tiny cubes of cheese or chicken, hot dog slices rolled up into small balls, or tasty morsels cut from any cooked meat product. Use goodies reserved only for training and avoid giving him treats from the table. However, don’t overdo it – too many treats can make your dog overweight and unhealthy.
3. Keep Your Commands Short and Simple
Don’t get bogged down with long, complicated phrases. Use words that are easy for the puppy to understand so he can learn your commands as quickly as possible. For example, say “sit” only. Don’t say, “sit down.” Keep it simple so your puppy can understand what is asked of him. Then it will be easier for the two of you to work together and achieve success in training sessions.
Remember that puppies have a very short attention span, so you will need to keep sessions brief, especially when he’s first learning a new command. Avoid words like “good boy” because they add no value during the training process.
4. Be Consistent With Your Training Methods and Schedules
If you want your dog to succeed in learning commands, it’s important to be consistent with your methods and schedules. Dogs thrive on routine, so try to stick to the same routine every day during training. Don’t train your dog one day and then relax for a week or two. You can’t expect your puppy to learn something new every time you give him an instruction. So be consistent with training sessions unless there’s a good reason not to be.
Likewise, if you want your canine companion to behave in a certain way, such as always coming when called or relaxing on his bed instead of jumping up on the sofa, keep that behavior consistent by giving him regular reminders throughout the day.
You should also train your pet at the same time each day. It could be morning and afternoon breaks or after breakfast and dinner. If he learns that training occurs during a certain part of the day, he’s likely to be more responsive. Remember that this helps your dog anticipate what you want him or her to do and when you want it done. This builds up their confidence while they learn proper behaviors.
5. Be Patient With Your Training
Whether you’re teaching a new command or reinforcing a previous one, be patient and consistent. Your puppy has to learn something once before he knows it, so don’t move on to another lesson until your dog obeys your first request.
If your dog doesn’t obey as quickly as you’d like, repeat his name as if you were calling him over to come to give you a kiss. Give the command only once. If he responds correctly, offer him a treat and praise him lavishly. If he doesn’t understand what you want from him after repeating the command several times, end the session right away without making a big fuss over his “failure.”
Remember that puppy training takes time and patience, but it’s worth the effort. Your dog wants to please you. So with a little instruction and plenty of practice, your pup will be following your commands in no time. But remember, consistency is key. Always reward good behavior and never let your dog get away with bad habits.
In Conclusion
Dogs are intelligent creatures, and they love to please their owners. By following these top 5 dog training tips, you can make the process of training your pup a lot easier and more fun for both of you. Soon enough, your furry friend will be following your every command in no time. Good luck!