Timing is very important when it comes to training your dog. It’s important to click the clicker or give your dog its treat immediately after the good behavior. Make sure the treat is something your dog loves. The most common reward is a treat. Try boiled chicken, string cheese, or chicken hot dogs. You could try a bone or dog treat. You want to reward the dog when it responds to your command and behaves. If the dog ignores or rejects your command, no treat. [2] X Research source If treats are the preferred item, keep them handy so that you can practice throughout the day, such as anytime you get up for a drink/snack or bathroom break. [3] X Expert Source Ty BrownDog Trainer Expert Interview. 4 June 2020. You could toss the treat on the ground so the dog has to get up. Then, wait again until the dog chooses to sit, without any encouragement from you. When the dog does, say, “Yes!” in a happy tone, and deliver a super yummy treat. Repeat this 5 or 6 times.
Praise is simply a happy, excited voice and gentle touching. This is the cheapest and easiest reward to offer. You could also use a favorite toy as a reward. [5] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Touch is another great way to reward a dog. Some dogs respond to being petted or their tummies being rubbed. A brisk 10-minute walk can also be a reward if you are able.
You will get as much out of your dog as you put into them. If we say our dogs are “stubborn,” we are basically making excuses for not learning how to teach our dogs to understand us. Ensure everyone around the dog has the same rules and expectations. Everyone in the household should use the same commands for tricks and set out the same limitations. Don’t feel sorry for the dog and violate your own rules at times. The dog will learn the wrong lesson.
It is done by simply stepping in front of the dog, and making it back up and allowing you to go through a doorway first. It is done by taking a bone/toy away from the dog when you want it. Don’t play when your dog wants you to; play when you want to, and stop when you want to. Use your voice, but understand that dogs respond to tone and emotion as much as words. [6] X Research source Change the tone of your voice appropriately - for example, lighthearted and higher to say well done, and serious and deeper for commands and when the dog isn’t doing as it should. A firm no or nope is as important as praising a puppy or dog for doing things properly.
Whenever you train a dog, she or he is training you. People running after their dog on a long leash is an example of a well-trained human to a dog. It is a game of patience, and the more patient one wins, and the less patient one loses. A tired dog, though, might be easier to train at home when you get back.
Use audible and visual commands. Say “sit” and make some sort of hand gesture. Make sure to do the same thing every time or you will confuse the dog and make the process longer. In the beginning, reward the dog if it gets close to sitting. Eventually you can work your way to a full sit. However, once they execute a full sit, you should not reward them for a half-hearted sit. Think of ways to break up a trick or command to make it easier for the dog to learn. Don’t make the dog roll over for the first trick or it will be too complicated.
Do not show emotion or frustration, as the dog will pick up on this, and it won’t help. Keep calm and remember your dog is doing their best. Show the dog love. [7] X Research source Dogs will never obey an unstable person. If you are scared, your dog might get dominant towards you and, if you are excited, he or she will not take you seriously. If you are aggressive, he or she will be confused about what to do and won’t follow this kind of energy.
Keep your lessons short (5 minutes or less). Your dog has a small brain and won’t be able to concentrate for very long. Never train more than one dog at a time. Dogs are easily distracted, and another dog in the area doesn’t help your efforts. Dogs always display different behavior when they are around other dogs (whether they are a familiar dog to them or not). They might end up playing with the other dog more than they are listening to you.
You could also hire a dog trainer to come to your home. Check with your local veterinarian for references. Try using a clicker with the dog. You need to associate your clicker with a treat, so your dog knows that a reward is waiting when you use the clicker and say a command.
Maybe the dog is slower by nature (some dogs are just not as active as some other dogs; if you have a dog that usually moves slowly, don’t expect him to do fast tricks. ) Consider whether the dog is lazy or sick (dogs, like people, will be less motivated to do things on hot days, for example, or when they are not feeling well). Be honest about whether the dog simply does not understand what the owner wants (some things, like sentences, can seem very clear to humans but are not understandable to a dog despite a dog’s best intentions). Maybe there is nothing in it for the dog (dogs, like humans, do things because there is something to be gained from it; dogs expect less - a treat, ball or a pat is to them what a whole salary is to a human).
