When visiting various dog training forums, I often come across three recurring questions; 1) why doesn’t my dog come to me?; 2) why is my dog is so sweet, but turns vicious around other dogs?; and 3) why am I having such a hard time housebreaking my puppy? Some of these issues can be addressed by adhering to five fundamentals of training a puppy that new dog owners often don’t realize, forget, or do not implement with consistency.
1. Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. While some breeds are more naturally tolerant, breed isn’t the only factor regarding dog friendliness or aggression. Socialization needs to begin as a puppy. Dogs have a sensitive period for socialization and pleasant exposures to people, other dogs and animals from age 3 to 12 weeks that will have long-lasting influences on their sociability. Exposing a dog to different kinds of people, animals and environments, which involves everything from dog obedience classes to vet visits, to walks in the park, can help them develop confidence and ease around other dogs and humans.
2. Calm, assertive behavior from you will help teach your dog what is and is not acceptable. Yelling and screaming when you catch him peeing or pooping inside will not accomplish what scooping him up and taking him outside, then praising him for going in the right place, will do. Yelling after a puppy has done his business inside will only make him learn to hide when he has to go because he will recall your previous reactions. He will not understand what he has done wrong – even if you think he “looks guilty”. The last thing you want is for him to associate relieving himself with a scolding.
3. Attention seeking behavior should be ignored, otherwise you are unknowingly reinforcing what you don’t want. For example: whining during food prep or crate training, barking, jumping when trying to leash him, etc. Behaviors that are annoying, but not dangerous. After preparing food for a whining dog, wait until he is quiet before feeding him. Let him settle down before you put him in his crate, and wait until he is calm and quiet before being leashed to go for a walk. The moment you get the desired behavior vs. the whining, jumping, barking, etc. give praise and reward. He will learn that the good behavior gets the goods!
4. Reward good behavior – whether he comes straight away or it takes a bit, coming when called should always be followed by praise, a treat, physical affection or a toy! If you want a dog that comes when you call him, never reprimand him when he does come to you. Don’t use the word “come” in an angry tone of voice, or when doing something he really doesn’t like such as getting a bath or leaving the dog park. Until he gets it down pat – make sure the word “come” is used in a positive manner only.
5. Mix up your rewards for good behavior to keep a dog from becoming bored or unmotivated. If the dog isn’t sure if he’ll get a treat, verbal praise, physical affection, or his favorite toy – he’ll always know there is a possibility of something good and will not become bored. It’s also important not to teach expectation of a treat every time good behavior is exhibited – nor is it a good idea to “fake” an offer of a treat or praise. Always deliver when good behavior is forthcoming, even if only with verbal praise.
Manuel Vandenacre
Dog training is exciting and might be very tough with some dogs, but with some patience and lots of tender love, your pal will be healthy and extremely happy. These are great tips posted by the author that all dog owners need to review : thanks.