Obedience training is one of the most important things you will ever go through with your dog. Obedience training will not stop all of your dog’s behavior problems, but applied correctly, it can make a big impact on many of them. Obedience training allows for clear communication with your dog and is the best way to demonstrate exactly what is and isn’t acceptable behavior. It also enables you to correctly demand obedience from your dog.
Dogs that haven’t been through proper obedience training are often guilty of a raft of different behavior problems. Barking, biting, inappropriate elimination, chewing and aggression are all common problems seen in dogs who haven’t been trained properly. These behaviors can often compound over time, especially if your dog doesn’t see you are a firm leader of the pack.
Obedience training helps to make you the “top dog” in the pack, it gives the dog the idea that they are your subordinate and that what you say is meant to be obeyed. Dogs love to please you once they have found that they must obey you because at this point you are the leader and they must respect you.
When you start your obedience training with your dog, make sure it is fun. By having fun with your dog when training him you will not only reduce boredom but you will also increase the success you see.
If you are unsure how to administer obedience training, you will need to enroll your dog in one of the many area obedience schools for dogs. In these schools they not only teach your dog proper obedience but they give you training on how to keep these lessons going in your home. You and your dog will learn proper commands you should use and other techniques that you can use in your home to ensure that your dog listens to you.
The most effective training lessons are those that are short and concise. Long training often become a drag and are boring for both you and your dog. For best results always try to include at least one of your dog’s favorite activities in the lesson. Always be consistent in your commands and stay firm (but fair) throughout the training.
As a part of positive reinforcement, always make sure you reward your dog when he has done what’s expected of him. Rewards will encourage your dog to do more of the same and further improve. Never get too carried away and excited when giving praise as your dog will lose concentration.
Treating your dog after good behavior is a great way to encourage good results. Never be too harsh in reprimanding your dog as this will generally not help your dogs training. In most cases, punishing your dog or yelling at your dog only makes the training less effective.
Successful obedience training can make a massive impact on your dog’s happiness and your families. Be patient and consistent in your training methods and always reinforce good behavior with treats and praise.
