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http://www.randysdogtraining.com and deciding you have to discover all there is to it; keep in mind it will not be an overnight task. This is one of those situations that if you are not aware of the need to know more, then there really is no compelling reason to look for it. While that may be an obvious point, the sometimes equally important issues are lying out in the wings and are often overlooked. Nothing beats having a solid hold on the basics, and anything you can learn beyond them will only make you better prepared. The one thing you do not fall prey to is feel like your knowledge is well-rounded by just a cursory exploration of the subject.
When you brought home your dog you were expecting Lassie, but sometimes it feels like you brought Cujo home instead. There is good news - you can train your dog so they are better behaved in a short time.
It's important to use treats that really capture your dog's full attention when training. Cheese, hot dogs or other normally taboo treats can be used as a reward for a job well done.
Come up with a phrase that you can teach your puppy during house training. Every single time you take your pup to do his business, say something like "need to go out?". It does not matter the phrase you choose, as long as you keep it consistent. This will keep him focused, and will teach him to associate those words with the action of relieving himself.
When your dog is six months old, get them neutered or spayed. This is also a good time to begin obedience training classes. A dog that has been spayed or neutered will be a more obedient dog. Your dog will be happier and healthier, and they will live a longer life.
Anxious dogs are prone to chewing on things they shouldn't. If you give the dog a chew toy and put him in the safety of a dog crate, he can occupy himself while you're not at the house.
Buy chew toys so that your puppy can deal with painful teething. Replace the item immediately with one of the dog's own chew toys. Puppies sometimes chew objects while going through their teething phase. A wet cloth that has been frozen is perfect for them during this time.
When you are training your dog away from chewing inappropriately, remember to set him up for success. Remember to keep you dog away from anything that is considered dangerous to chew. Some items can be choking hazards and should be kept away from your dog's reach. Examples of hazards would be: nylons, household chemical products, and hairbrushes.
A good tip when teaching dogs is to make sure that they feel safe during training. If a dog feels threatened, it will likely attack someone or something. To prevent this from happening with your dog, always make sure his environment is conducive to feelings of comfort and safety.
Consistency is king when it comes to dog training, not only from you but also from each family member with whom your dog interacts daily interactions. Consistency is the best method for training a dog. If you train your dog in a certain way while another family member encourages a different behavior, your dog will not know what to do.
A clicker is a good way to reinforce positive behavior. In order for the clicker to work for your training, you need your dog to understand that when he or she hears the click, good things will happen. Start by clicking and immediately giving a reward, and repeat this several times a day for a few days. In short order, the animal will have a pleasant association with the clicking sound, and the clicker will be very helpful in conveying what is considered to be proper conduct.
As you have seen, training your dog is an investment you will enjoy for many years. An untrained dog can wreck your home and cause unnecessary stress, which then creates a hostile environment. By following these tips and advice, you will have a happy, lovable dog who makes you proud for years to come.