Dog Training Rules Of Basic Dog Training

Sunday, May 10th, 2009 at 7:33 am

Before you start any dog or puppy training program, you need to focus on what you want to achieve, as against the patterns you're trying to eliminate. So when you're going through your training routines, think clearly of how you want your dog to react, and picture it having already happened. Keep your mind away from the negative behavior you're trying to avoid.

If you're not sure what you want, how are you going to get it? That's true of most things in life, particularly when it comes to dog house training also

It's human nature to think about things that we don't want to happen to us. This is particularly relevant with regards to training dogs as well. We don't want our dog to pee in the house, and absolutely not to chew the furniture, or ignore us when we tell him what to do, or bark like maniacs when we have guests or visitors come to stay.

But consider this for a second. Especially if you're thinking of getting a new puppy in the home. Do you really want to spend the next ten, twelve, or fifteen years chasing your dog telling him off for things you didn't want him to do? Don't you think it's a better idea to coach your dog to be obedient and socially acceptable?

A prime example springs to mind is when we think, "The dog had better not chew my shoes, or furniture," try, "I will encourage him to play with his toys." Rather than, "I don't want my dog to jump up on my guests," how about, "I would like my dog to sit to greet people."

By framing your training goals in positive terms, you'll have a clear destination in mind. That's a great way to start your training journey.

Let Him Know When He's Been Good

Probably the best thing that has happened in housetraining puppy in the past few years is a move in focus from highlighting corrective action, or penalizing mistakes, to rewarding obedience and favorable actions.

The practice of rewarding your dog's good behavior is a smart one, especially for potty train puppies. A fundamental reason for using rewards is that if you make a mistake using punishment, the outcome are likely to be quite disheartening for your pet. Punishment can make a dog feel threatened when she may react to being punished by becoming aggressive or fearful. Some dogs, especially timid breeds, may close off completely. They lose their sparkle. Some may even appear completely broken spirited.

The good thing about reward based training is that it also makes you feel good as the trainer. It's nice to be a source of praise and treats, instead of a constant disciplinarian.

And best of all, reward-based training really works. Primarily because rewards training techniques build strong relationships which are key to good behavior. As soon as she discovers that rewards come for a particular action of behavior, your dog will associate one with the other and learn to repeat the behavior when called upon. With regular practice of the best way to use this technique, this technique will have your dog behaving like the perfect gentleman (or lady).