Pointers in Training Dogs

One of the best parts in having a pet dog is when you are able to teach your dog some tricks.  It gives a sense of fulfillment seeing your dog doing something you have taught him/her, much more the happiness knowing that your dog is also having fun while doing the tricks. It is not easy, though, teaching your dogs to perform certain things because it requires a lot of patience and time in dealing with your pet dogs.  You should take into mind that even though these are your pets, and you are so well-attached with them already, still they are animals that think and feel differently from humans.

The following are some tips on how to teach your dogs to obey your commands.  Above everything else, obedience is the most important factor that your dog should observe. If you succeed in imposing obedience to your dog, then teaching him/her some tricks will not be that difficult already. Also, if your dog is obedient and well-behaved you will not have a hard time making him/her understand to your commands.

1. Be patient. There are some dog-owners that get discourage easily if their dogs will not heed to their commands. Of course, these are dogs and their way of thinking is not that of the human beings; hence, dogs are more prone to short attention span, impulsive and unpredictable behaviors, and short memory retention. Experts in dog training said that one should be patient in introducing and teaching  patterns or routine to their dogs so that, eventually, the dogs will get familiar with the routine and, the next time around, it will not be difficult for the dogs to perform such actions because they are already familiar with it.  As the old saying goes, patience is a virtue.

2. Proper attitude. It takes proper behavior and attitude when training a dog. You should have an approachable aura so that your dog will not get the wrong signals. There are times that the master is so stern (or looks stern) that the dog will either got scared or in a defensive mode. We should take into mind that training is not just a “school thing” but a playtime as well. Your dog will also enjoy such playtime because if one is so stern, the dog gets stress-out. Despite  this friendly aura, however, you should maintain the concept of master-and-servant so that the dog will always remember that you are the boss, and that whatever is your command, he/she should follow.

3. Resources.  Raising and training a dog entail some available resources.  One has to invest for the wellness and safety of his/her dog because all efforts in the training will just be put to waste if the dog gets indisposed.  There should be proper food and diet for the dog – there is a wide array of dog food you can choose from.  It is not good to over-feed your dog because, like human beings, they have to maintain a healthy body as well. Do not forget also to provide your dog lots of drinking water. Your dog needs it, especially if you are so serious in training him/her.  It is also proper to give your dogs the needed vaccinations to prevent him/her from acquiring illnesses.  Remember, a healthy dog is more receptive to training and commands.

4. Do not pressure your dog. You should be aware that dogs also have feelings. They get hurt and sad, as well as feel pressure and pain. Do not be too harsh when it comes to training them or teaching them tricks. There are times that they will really not obey you – leave them at is and get back to them if the timing is alright already.  Although the reward-punishment concept is effective, one should take into consideration that there is a big difference between training and abusing. Dogs should not be put at harm when training, whether physically or mentally.