Training Tips

Dogs are pack animals, and as such, they need leadership in the behavior of their trainer. Training a dog is the most important part of the dog/human companionship. With that being said, below you will find tips to help you and your dog develop that special relationship only dogs can give humans.

Leadership

• A trainer wants their dog to fully understand who the leader of the pack is. Therefore, establishing guidelines for a dog is essential when the trainer is trying to develop a leadership role. While the trainer is establishing the leadership role, he has to be strict and firm but also kind to the dog. For example, when setting boundaries with the dog, it is important that you stick with the boundaries set. Meaning, if you tell the dog not to sit on the couch once, make sure next time you the same exact thing.

Remain Consistent

• As mentioned above, when setting boundaries with the dog, it is important that you stick with the boundaries set. Once you establish the leadership role in the relationship, it is time to enforce the boundaries. To allow unacceptable behavior just once, tells the dog that on occasion that certain behavior is allowed. Stick to a discipline routine while in training and do not deviate from it.

Correction

• It is recommended that you instill a routine for correction. For instance, If the dog commits an inappropriate behavior, you need to use a firm voice to tell him NO. Note that yelling is not necessary, use a strong firm tone to get the point across. If the dog repeats the offense again, instill a more severe punishment like making the dog lay still for about a minute. But if the dog repeats the offense the third time, place him in his crate for some downtime.
• Using a routine for correction will help the dog realize the consequences for misbehaving.

Stay Active

• Sometimes dogs misbehave because they are starving for attention. Therefore, it is important that you keep your dog active and not bored so he stays out of trouble. Dog agility training is a great to keep your dog entertained.

Show Love

• Just because you are the leader does not mean you should refrain from giving your dog the love he deservers. By reinforcing positive behavior your dog will cease from committing bad behaviors. If you are happy with your dog, then your dog will be happy with you.