How Do You Train a Dog

(Video: How Do You Train a Dog)

There’s something always grand about training your dog.

Whether you want to go with complex commands, or you just want an obedient puppy, the effort you put into the it will be rewarding the moment your dog is able to do flying cartwheels…ok, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but “Sit!” and “Roll!” still sounds pretty neat.

Of course, there are some folks who will advocate going to great length with a professional dog trainer, but that’s not really necessary. You can train your dog yourself, and you can do so with a few easy steps. However, if time is an issue, getting a trainer is always an option.

But before you do consider writing that check to whomever is going to train your dog and split any affection the dog may have for you away (if you’re the jealous type) through the training process – there are simplified things that you can start doing today, and get results as swiftly as you can, without worry.

It all starts with understanding what your goals are, and then going through the motions of commands, and rewards over time.

The to dog training is start with one solution first, then move to other commands – and you’ll eventually have a well-trained dog. Woof!

The Starting Line

1. First and foremost, you should look at standing in front of your dog, and then asking them to “sit” or “stay.” Be fervent, and clear with your command, and wait for the reaction.

2. At first, they will be confused, but then introduce a treat. Make sure that you’re assertive in how you present this.

3. Focus on the command, don’t get frustrated, and calmly get them to “sit” and “stay.” You’ll find that this may take a bit of patience and time, but if you do this right, they’ll do it, and then process the reward.

4. Do this with other commands, over time. When you go with the reward route, you can easily train your dog based on commands. Over time, they will expect a treat, so you’re going to have to look into slowly taking that away.

5. Use hand signals to help you with this. A hand signal can assist. An open palm and command can help.

Be the Patient Commander

You’re going to need to work on this over time. There is no “one” way to calculate how fast this is going to stick. However, the reward route mentioned above is how you start the process of training with simple commands.

Over time, you’re going to need to work with other commands such as lay down, and stay for an elongated period of time. Get the essentials down before the tricks.

This can be frustrating, but if you’re calm, patient, and you focus on training daily, you will find that your puppy will respond accordingly.

Positive Reinforcement Works

You’ll want to keep repeating commands and testing your dog’s response to them.

1. Make sure that you have positive reinforcement in place to help them learn. It’s never a good idea to over correct, get loud, of frustrated when they don’t obey.

2. Make sure that you have a routine with them, walking, running, playing, and of course the training element.

3. Schedule time, and keep working at it, and as they learn to behave give them treats, and then scale back over time.

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This of course is a generalized solution. There are several commands and ideas that you’ll want to train your dog with. However, start with something simple, and then work towards leash training, crate training, and more.

The more active you are in the training process, the more obedient your dog will become.