How do you train your dog? Do you take your dog to training classes or hire an expert to teach them? Or are you simply following what you saw your parents do with their dog? If so, you might have the wrong idea about how to train your dog. Whether you’re new to dog ownership or an experienced owner, this guide on the best way to train your dog can help get you started or refine what you’re already doing.

Start with a positive approach

Training your dog is as much about you as it is about them. It's also an opportunity for you to form a strong bond with your new family member! If you're looking for some tips on how to get started, we've got some great ones right here.

The first thing that you'll want to do is take the time to introduce yourself and give the dog something they can chew on like a toy or rawhide bone. Dogs need toys and something to chew in order to release their stress when they are left alone.

The next thing you'll want to do is set up their feeding area and sleeping area in a location where it will be easy for them during meal times and bedtime.

Train your dog on command

Dogs can be trained to do a variety of things, including sit, lie down, stay, and come. The first step is to teach the dog its name by repeating it when they are calm and happy. This will help them associate their name with good feelings.

Next, it is important to teach them their watch me command. To do this, say watch me and point at yourself with one hand while saying watch me in an excited tone of voice. After they look at you for a few seconds, say their name again and give them a treat or affectionate pat on the head. Repeat this until they follow your gaze without having to say anything else. 

Next up, get their attention by waving your hands in front of their face or clapping loudly. Once they turn towards you, then say their name followed by the command that corresponds to what you want them to do (ie. Sit!). When they comply, reward them with praise or food treats. If they don’t listen the first time, don’t worry! Keep practicing and it won’t take long before they start listening to your commands every time!

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Reward good behavior

There are many ways to reward good behavior in dogs. The most important thing is consistency. Some methods of dog training reward the dog with a treat or toy each time they perform the correct action. Others use praise and hugs, which are also very positive reinforcements for dogs.

However, it's important to be aware of how different stimuli can affect your dog's behavior and not overuse any one method of training. All dogs are individuals who have their own personalities and learning styles.

Stay consistent

Training a new dog can be a tough job, but with the right tools, the process can be made much easier. To establish yourself as the alpha of the pack, have a plan of action and stay consistent in applying it. It may take some time for your pup to learn that you're in charge, but once they do, you'll have an adorable and well-behaved member of society on your hands!

Ignore bad behavior

Every dog is different, but here are some general rules: 

1) When you catch him doing something wrong, don't overreact and start yelling. It's not only frightening for the dog but also makes it more likely that he'll repeat the behavior.

2) Don't punish your dog by giving him a stern look or making a scary noise. Dogs often don't know what they're being punished for, so they'll just become fearful and confused. They might even do bad things in order to get away from you if they think you're going to yell at them again! Give them lots of love and attention when they do good things, so that eventually they'll want to do those things more because it feels good.

Supervise at all times

Your dog will learn faster and better if you can supervise him. This means watching him constantly and correcting any bad habits or behaviors as they happen. It's also a good idea to have a squeaky toy on hand so that when he starts chewing something or jumping up on people, you can give him the toy as a distraction. This will show him that the squeaky toy is more rewarding than whatever he was just doing.

You may want to do this for anything from barking at guests, jumping on visitors or furniture, being destructive in the house, or biting hands and feet. When your pup gets older (around 6 months) start teaching them to leave it by showing them a treat with one hand and then covering it with your other hand. They'll soon learn that if they want their treat, they need to leave whatever it is out of their mouth first!

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