Being able to train your dog on your own is one of the most rewarding experiences any dog owner can have. Not only will you get your dog to be the "good boy" (or girl) you want, but you will also strengthen the bond between you and your pooch.
Before starting any dog training program, keep in mind that you want to be a teacher to your dog. You don't want to be a crazy dictator but you also need to remember that you are the one in charge. You are teaching your pup to be a better behaved dog and be the pooch that everyone admires!
Who's the best person to train your dog? You of course! It's a great way to strengthen your bond and make your pup the best behaved dog on the block.
Obviously you don't want to just go in the backyard and start yelling commands. To properly train your dog you need to have a game-plan in mind. For that reason we included a link at the bottom of this article that will take you to a couple of proven dog training programs you can use at home. In the meantime, let's go over a couple of general tips you should keep in mind when training your pooch.
The first thing to always keep in mind is that you want your dog to be in the right frame of mind before you start any "training session". Make sure they have gone to the washroom so they aren't distracted. You also shouldn't start training right after they have ate - it's easy to get sleepy after eating.
You are hoping to eliminate any distractions that might get in the way of your training.
Another tip is to have a little play time before you jump into training. This makes your dog relaxed and more receptive towards you.
And as you might have expected, doggie treats are a part of any training program! Your dog loves to be rewarded when he or she does something right. Don't go overboard and give 3 dozen treats each time - save them for when your pooch has truly earned it so he or she knows what they did right.
You may find that your dog runs off at some point in a session. Don't chase after him. Just use an authoritative voice and call him back. When you have his attention reissue the comand you were working on and keep moving forward.
Don't let yourself get frustrated if your dog appears to be lost at times. Sometimes they just won't understand what you are trying to teach them at first - however getting mad won't solve the problem. You should look to improve the way you communicate with your dog instead.
You may have to help him out and physically show him what you want him to do. There are times that it might be frustrating, but this will get a whole lot easier over time. It will pay off in the long run!
Starting a dog training program with your pup is an incredible way to make your dog the best behaved pooch on the block and build an amazing relationship with your dog. Once you get started you will see just how rewarding it can be. All the best!
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