Dog Training Tips and Tricks

Learning dog training tips is part of being a responsible dog owner. Hiring a professional dog trainer can be a good choice but really there is no better person to perform the job than you. This job needs a lot of patience and will be rewarded with a well-tamed pet that you can always be proud of. Start learning the basic dog training tips and tricks.

Only One Trainer

Only one person should train the dog or it will get confused. Even using the same commands will not work out because there will always be a slight difference on another person’s timing and intonation. A slight difference can always confuse the dog. Another person can take part on the dog training tips and tricks only after the pet has learned the basic commands. Assess also if the dog is more comfortable with only one trainer. It might feel overwhelmed if being trained by two or more persons.

Set the Schedule

A broken three 10-minute training session is better than a one 30-minute training session everyday. Set the training schedule at the same time everyday so the dog can develop its own routine. Its body clock expects it to be trained during that time everyday, which is helpful for the dog’s faster learning.

Reward, Not Punishment

Treats are not the best rewards. Associate rewards with anything pleasant for the dog like petting, praises, and toys. Use these sparingly when rewarding your dog right after it has done your command correctly. Never use treats all the time or it might only obey if you have treats.

Do not say “No” during the training session. This teaches the dog to associate learning with unpleasant scolding. Remember that a dog is not misbehaving if it can’t do the trick right away.

Be Consistent

One of the most important dog training tips is being consistent. Apply this on everything—from verbal commands and praises to body movements. The dog associates every command with how you say the word and how your body moves while you say it. If you say “sit” while holding the treat right in front of the dog’s nose, then do that every time you ask the dog to sit. The dog will eventually learn that it has to sit when you do that. Praises should be consistent, too. Do not say “nice dog” if you were used to saying “good dog” while petting the pet.

One Trick at a Time

A dog learns through consistent practice and once learned, it won’t easily forget a mastered trick. Concentrate on only one trick and introduce a new trick only after the dog has perfected the first one. Always help the pet to recall learned dog training tips and tricks everyday so it won’t forget.

Have Fun

Dogs are like toddlers—they always want to play. Make every training session a playtime. Don’t be too serious and be stern. Sense of humor and cheerful voice encourage dogs to learn better and help you feel less stressed.

Focus on the Positive

Training dogs requires a lot of patience. It’s easy to be frustrated with how slowly your dog is improving. But don’t think it that way and instead focus on the little great things it has been doing. A little improvement is already a big thing for your dog and for you as the trainer.

These are only the start of more dog training tips that you will learn along the way. Be ready to be a lot more patient. Whatever you do will be rewarded—maybe not as soon as you have expected, but surely soon as you deserve it.