Pre-Training Guidelines for Your Dog - 2 minutes read
You'll find proven training techniques for specific obedience commands by selecting from the list below. These are some general tips to keep in mind that hold true in any dog training for obedience situation:
Learn How To Train Your Dog To Obey Your Commands
Praise and reward your dog when he does what you ask of him, give an appropriate correction when he doesn't do what he has been taught to do. The key is to find the right balance for your dog.
Don't expect your dog to just know this stuff straight away. Repetition of the command and the action is crucial. Believe in what you are doing and stick to it.
Always be consistent (this includes everybody who lives with your dog), make it easy for your dog. Give him a simple decision to make and make it clear to him which way is acceptable and which way is unacceptable - provide instant feedback.
Never correct or punish your dog for not doing something he has not been properly taught to do - be realistic and fair.
Make your training sessions short, sharp and fun - for you and your dog. This is where many dog training schools fall down.
Take it slow, master one easy command to start with then move on and build upon it. Continue to mentally challenge and stimulate your dog throughout the training process.
You're the best person to perform these tasks with your dog. Your dog has to live with you, you are his pack and you must be the person he looks to for leadership and who he respects.
Test or proof the obedience commands in different situations, places and with added distractions.
Incorporate obedience training into your daily routine - your dog could perform a "sit" before you give him his dinner, or a "down stay" when you go get the mail.
Never try to correct your dog if you don't catch him in the act of doing wrong, timing your correction is all important.
Find out what motivates your dog, this will be an important tool in your training sessions.
Learn How To Train Your Dog To Obey Your Commands
Never correct or punish your dog for not doing something he has not been properly taught to do - be realistic and fair.