Sierra Adventures Pet Services

Some Dog Training Tips

 

First, the hardest part of training your dog is training yourself. Your dog wants to please you.

 

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT

 

Always use positive reinforcement and allow your dog to learn each command in his own time.  Don’t scold or yell or lose your temper.  Stay with positive responses.

 

With time and patience they will learn the command.  Remember you can’t teach a new dog new tricks unless you are patient.  Give a lot of praise and let them know when they have accomplished the task with “Good doggie,” “that’s my girl!”

 

TEACH ONLY ONE COMMAND AT A TIME

 

Allow your dog time to learn each command.  Start with sit then progress down the line. But mix it up or you’ll have a dog that will sit and lie down in the same command.

 

ENCOURAGE SOCIALIZATION

 

Just like humans every dog has a different personality, likes and dislikes. Expose your dog early to other people and other dogs will make for a more well-rounded, less aggressive adult dog and a happier pet.  Let your dog be the judge of being introduced to others.  If he is uncomfortable, slack off and don’t force them to interact.  Respect his feelings.

 

TRAINING CAN TAKE A LIFETIME

 

Training is a two step process.  First the dog needs time to learn the command and then he needs to be reinforced in order to maintain the knowledge.  Train and maintain.  Regular, repetitive training for the life of your dog is required.  Don’t forget the last ingredient.  Patience!

 

 

HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS & TREATS

Every dog is a different breed and they are genetically engineered with special characteristics and behaviors.  So have realistic expectations and don’t give up.  Carry a ditty bag with bite sized treats for rewards.  This trick will have your dog focused on you and wanting to please you so the little rewards are just what he’s after.