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Dog Training For Dummies

Submitted by Michael Adams on February 25, 2010

Dog training provides an outlet for your dog’s energy. It will keep him engaged and out of trouble. High energy breeds especially benefit from training as it helps then build focus.

If you are a beginner, these tips on dog training for dummies will help you get started.

The main point to be kept in mind when training your dog is to stick with the method you select. The most common ways to train dogs is through treat training or by using a clicker.

Also use both, hand and voice signals for each command since dogs are known to respond well when there are more than one ways of understanding the command that is being taught. Consistency is also important and switching of hand and voice signals is not advisable. This will prove to be confusing and frustrating for your dog. Also refrain from blaming your dog when he is not able to get a command right. Dogs by nature will do everything they can to please their owner and blame will only hamper their confidence.

Instead use different ways to enhance consistency and keep everything simple and easy to understand. A trick that is considered to be one of the most important dog tricks for dummies is to teach the dog to engage in eye contact when commanded. This trick should be taught before all other tricks as it will serve as a signal that training it about to begin. It also builds deeper understanding and trust between you and your dog. When using treat training, ensure that the treats are small so that the dog does not feel full after only a few attempts. Practice is the key to mastering any skill. Keep repeating exercises until you are sure that the dog has mastered it. After that, try commanding the dog without offering any treat.

When praising your dog for a well performed trick, you need to pay close attention to your tone. Dogs associate lighthearted and higher pitched voices with positivity, while rough and deep voices are associated with negativity. Also remember to praise each and every step towards progress. You can also gradually reduce treat giving and use the clicker more and more. Offer treats occasionally when you see that the dog is getting bored. Training should not continue for long periods as shorter more frequent sessions are more effective. There are also various lessons and classes on dog training for beginners and you can avail of these for further information on the subject.

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