Most dogs have a natural desire to please their masters. But this can only be accomplished through proper training. So training your dog is not making him miserable so you can enjoy him, but rather making him happy so you are happy. It is a win-win situation. (For more on this, please see How I Trained My Dog in One Evening.)
Whether or not your dog is on the top ten list of the smartest, he or she can be trained. Let’s discuss some basic principles in training your dog. First, dogs may not understand English, but they do understand rewards. A wise dog trainer will use a reward system that will teach the dog what is acceptable and not acceptable behavior. This means rewarding good behavior and not rewarding bad behavior. A withheld reward teaches also.
Dogs, like children, must be trained with consistency and clarity. By clarity we mean that each command is directed by a single phrase. To use synonyms to teach the dog to come only confuses him. Instead, always use “come” when that is what you want. It might be good to use a gesture with a command at first, then wean the dog off the gesture as he learns to respond only to your voice.
The other word is consistency. Especially during training sessions, the best dog training books recommend each obedience is followed by the same reward. If he does not do the command when it is expected of him, then something different must happen so he knows that was not an acceptable response. You must be consistent until the dog is consistent in obeying the command. Until he learns it, this means 24/7 consistency.
Basic needs must be met first. This would include food and water, acceptance and safety, and proper exercise. If the dog is full of energy, for example, teaching him how to sit still for an extended time will be much more difficult. Be sure the basic needs are met and then he will be ready to learn something new.
Training involves a regular schedule. Daily training for five or six days a week is better than trying to teach him whenever you get around to it. Also, keep the training sessions to a reasonable length. Most recommend 15-20 minutes at a time of concentrated training. Each session would involve one focus though review is in order as well.
Don’t expect too much of your dog. Patiently go over the same command daily until he catches on. Advanced tricks may take months to master. It will be worth all the work for him to learn.
Try these tips in training your dog. A consistent program of training will reward both you and your dog and make him a welcome host when guests visit.
