Doggie Tricks of the Trade

Most animal lovers can attest to a dog’s happy and faithful nature that people just love. Despite this, many are reluctant in keeping a dog because training them is hard work. The good news is it doesn’t have to be. Here are some easy tips that will help you have that fun and rewarding pet-owner relationship you’ve always wanted.

First of all, you will have to set your leader status in the dog’s eyes. Once he recognizes you as his authority he will follow you without much trouble. Establish this daily with regular routine that mirrors the animal world’s system. Allow your dog to watch you eat first and feed him only after you’re done. Don’t walk around him if he is obstructing your path. Gently force him to leave his position by pushing him out of the way. As he acknowledges you to be the leader of the pack, the easier it is to teach him in the future.

Dogs can pick up your emotions even as you handle them. Use a firm and authoritative voice in training. However, it is also important to note that dogs respond well to positive reinforcement. Give him doggie treats every time he correctly accomplishes a command. If he makes a mistake, you have to correct him during the time it happens not after. Train him for ten to fifteen minutes several times a day and be effusive in your praise with his performance.

You will find that all dogs have consistent behavioral patterns that are a reliable index to their state of mind, so to speak. Happy dogs have wagging tails, a joyful bark and an open expression. Angry dogs will bare their teeth, snarl and tense up, ready to attack. Recognizing particular signs and correctly responding to it will help you in training him successfully.

Training dogs requires patience. It’s best to start them as young as six weeks but you can still teach an old dog new tricks. Remain calm and patient when things don’t go well at first. Be consistent and he will be able to follow in time. Don’t confuse your dogs by changing training time or systems. You might find yourself backtracking because this gets your dog confused.

When teaching your dog, do it in a place with no distractions. Colorful and moving objects can distract him and it will be harder to refocus his attention to you. A quiet backyard or any indoor fenced-in area works well.

More than anything, keep in mind the reason you got the dog in the first place. Enjoy his doggie company! When training is beginning to seem like a chore, take five and just play around with him. Dogs will lavish you with unconditional love whatever may have happpened to you this week. And at the end of the day, it’s not how well he rolled over but how he got you to smile that makes him the perfect pet to have.

Geraldine Dimarco is a lifelong student of the animal kingdom. Learn about dog articles your pet will want you to know.

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