Best Dog Training Tips

Dogs are animals with animal instincts, so no matter how much your dog wants to be part of your family, you have to learn what directives and education your dog needs and how to give it to him.

By reading regularly our numerous dog obedience tips articles, you will acquire the knowledge needed to achieve this.

Yelling and scolding your dog for untrained negative behavior is not a positive training method.

In fact, as the human, you have to determine what is causing the instinctive reaction and focus on how to change the behavior in a positive manner.

Basic Dog Obedience Tips

Thanks to basic dog obedience tips, teaching your dog basic behavior through dog training will make future training and behavior modification much easier.

Crates- Crate training is a way to make sure that your dog has a space that is all his. Crate training is not a punishment and should be safe and comfortable for your dog. By letting your dog spend time in the crate when you are home, he will become accustomed to it.

Crating is advised by many pet professionals to reduce barking and anxiety, as well as helping with housebreaking and behavior training.

Leashes

Leash training is a bit of a challenge because most dogs naturally assume that a leash means that they get to go outside.

Their natural exuberance may lead to pulling and tugging. Training your dog to walk calmly on a leash is often accomplished by commanding your dog to sit when they begin to pull.

Making the dog sit and wait by your side allows him to calm down and realize (over time) that when the leash begins pulling on him that his walk will be topped.

Pack Position

Dogs are bred to follow a leader, this comes from centuries of packs developing a pack leader and the other dogs falling in line. Your position as your dogs human is that of Alpha dog.

You are the one in charge, and by teaching your dog that he is to follow you-you are enabling him to relax and do what he is told. The dog will trust you to protect him and take care of his needs just as an alpha dog in a pack.

Obedience

There are classes for dogs and dog owners which teach both dogs and humans their position within the pack that their family has become.

In addition to home dog training, an obedience class is helpful to teach the dog to follow commands and the human how to give those commands and training in a way the dog can understand.

Consistency

Maintaining consistency is one of the most important facets of dog training. Because your dog seems so intelligent you may forget that he needs a repeated consistent pattern.

For example, if you begin a walk by making your dog sit to have the least put on, but only do so every once in a while he will be confused and excited which can cause him to forget the rule.

If you and everyone in the home set a rule and are consistent, then your dog will follow those rules without you having to start over from the beginning after a lapse.

Training a dog is probably harder on the human than it is on the dog because you have to not only repeatedly and consistently maintain rules, you also have to teach the dog what the rules are.

A well-trained dog is well worth the trouble that you expend to train them, so keep reading our dog obedience tips and you will be on the right path.

While the abuse has subsided, the strictness of the practice has not, due to the need to carefully evaluate the Schutzhund trained dogs. At its onset, the training was prescribed through the use of pamphlets and in-person classes. In modern times, dog owners are able to use DVDs to begin their dog’s training.

Originating in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century, Schutzhund dog training was designed as a means of testing numerous dogs, specifically the German Shepherd, to see if they would be viable as police dogs.

As the appearance in and of itself was not enough, this much more thorough method of training made it much easier to decide the animals most adept at this job. Although it is rare that Schutzhund trained dogs today pass the difficult training, many owners of various breeds are allowed to take part.

Schutzhund Dog Training Essentials for Potential Schutzhund Trained Dogs

The canine candidate will be tested for various behaviors associated with police work, such as sniffing, protecting, retrieving, and tracking.

The dog training is started when the dog is less than a month old, and it takes as long as several months to assure the owners that the Schutzhund trained dogs definitely have an aptitude for this line of work.

Techniques used on Schutzhund Trained Dogs

Although there are many alternate concentrations of Schutzhund dog training, there are some basic training factors that the courses focus on:

Obedience

This is the first test that Schutzhund dog training explores. For Schutzhund trained dogs to pass this test, they must understand the 10 or 11 points of training that cover such things as retrieving, heeling, jumping, pointing out of an object, targeting, and heel positioning, and such orders as “go out”, “sit, down and stand”, and “focus and attention”.

Tracking – This kind of dog training is geared toward Schutzhund trained dogs who will be used to seek out bombs, drugs, dead bodies, to name a few. They are ultimately trained to recognize these scents and go after them without stopping until they are pulled off.

Dogs trained in this discipline will be trained exclusively to be trackers. This method teaches obedience cues of “pointing out of an object” and “targeting” to teach the dog to discern between the alternate scents.

Clicker Training

This famous method has proven itself over and over to be amazingly effective with German Shepherds and other breeds that are suited to this training.

Clicker training is initiated when the dog is very young, typically about 10 weeks old. Although this procedure has been implemented universally, not all trainers use it.

Protection

Schutzhund trained dogs may be taught to protect people or objects, with or without commands. Guard dogs, attack dogs, and police dogs all are trained to protect. If they are trained with commands, they are specific so that the dog can discern and then attack a threat.

Schutzhund dog training can also be used to train an owner’s dog for obedience aims, although the owner will want to make certain to look into numerous training courses to ensure the success of their dog’s training and to understand the various philosophies the training explores.

Although Schutzhund dog training can be harsh and quite difficult, the skills that the Schutzhund trained dogs to learn are very high and permit the dog to complete a task or respond to a command amazingly quickly and with the utmost efficiency, while dogs in more regular training programs may only accomplish the training at a rate of 20%.

They are man’s best friend for a reason. We love our dogs and they love us back. The unconditional devotion that we get from them is unmatched by just about any other relationship out there. Of course, any longtime dog owner will agree that a well-behaved dog is a happy dog.

By training a dog to be obedient you can avoid a lot of the dog problems that novice or inattentive pet parents deal with on a daily basis. Good training requires patience and consistency, but perhaps most importantly, a desire to help your dog live up to his full potential.

It is very important to keep in mind that a dog who misbehaves is not a bad dog. It is simply a dog that is need of some training. Whether it is a problem with housebreaking or barking or even issues with aggression, most dog problems can be solved with the right training.

Obedience training also helps to ensure the safety of your furry family member. Dogs that have not been properly trained are more at risk of running off and having terrible accidents. We want our animals to be healthy and happy and this means finding a good balance between attention and obedience.

Of course, it is easier to start at a young age. Getting your puppy trained will mean avoiding a lot of dog problems in the future. Professional trainers can be a lifesaver for dog owners who do not have the skill set or time to give their pet the training it needs.

They are equipped to handle just about any issue you may be experiencing with your four-legged friends. It is important to keep in mind that disciplining your dog does not by any means mean being cruel or harsh to your pet.

Small breeds need training just as much as larger ones and shouldn’t get away with being naughty. A dog that is obedient and well behaved can bring a lot of love and joy to a household. They are there for us when we need them the most and they deserve the very best that we can provide for them.

To avoid dog problems and guarantee that your dog is the picture of doggy perfection it is vital to give him the right training. If you are not able to be your dog’s disciplinarian then a pro may be able to give him the balance that he needs in order to be our best companion.

When your dog starts to itch, the easiest way to identify the source is to watch him and his other symptoms.

If you see dandruff, a dull coat with no oils, or constant sneezing, he is probably suffering from dry skin and allergies.

If he starts developing red spots or sores, he may have a skin infection that can grow and actually make him ill. If this is the case, you need to see the vet immediately to get treatment for the infection.
Other possible sources might be neurological. A dog that spends far too much time licking and scratching and not enough time outside, getting exercise or enjoying the nice weather is highly likely to develop dry, itchy patches that will need treatment.

When to Worry About Scratching, For the most part, you can ignore when a dog starts to scratch. However, when it becomes chronic, or any form of damage starts to appear as a result of their scratching, you need to rethink your allowance.

For example, if you see any sores start to open up or the dog gets particularly vicious in his scratching, think about taking a trip to the vet to see if there might be a deeper underlying cause for their issues.

A veterinarian will do a series of blood tests and checks on the dog's skin to make sure there are no serious diseases or problems related to their scratching. For example, if they start bleeding or have swollen ears or other infections, it could be a deeper underlying issue that needs to be dealt with.

How to Stop Excess Scratching

There are a few ways to curb all that scratching. First up, try to treat any issues that may have developed as a result of infection or allergies. Get him tested and then get the necessary flea medications or antibiotics.

After treatment, you can curb further scratching by applying deterrents to the spots such as bitter apple or cayenne pepper. You can also tape it up so he cannot scratch the surface, and then use a cone of some sort that will keep him from getting to it.

If your dog scratches his neck every now and then, it’s just an itch. Don’t worry about it. However, if your dog sits and scratches endlessly at his backside or bites his leg for hours at a time, there is something at work that should be dealt with.

It could be fleas, an allergy or a neurological impulse to scratch for no good reason but that your dog is bored. Whatever the case, tackle it head on, and if you can’t get him to stop, see your vet to rule out any medical causes.

If you think that you may have a dog that could benefit from rescue dog training you may find that you are getting as much benefit from this challenge as your four-footed buddy.

Handlers and dogs must train for about two years before they can actively participate as part of an official rescue team. Some dogs excel at this kind of work and may progress a bit faster but it is generally a good idea not to try and rush this kind of learning activity.

At the very beginning of rescue dog training, each canine is tested and judged. Those that show a strong affinity for this kind of work are approved for the next stage of training. A rescue dog must be obedient and able to get along with a variety of animals and people.

The dogs must be able to work long hours in difficult environments while maintaining their composure and focus. Trainers look for dogs that are agile, calm and have a strong prey or food drive when they are considering potential candidates for rescue dog training.

All rescue dog training involves a great deal of physical activity and outdoor work. Dogs must be in good physical condition. They must prove that they can climb, jump and run for long periods of time.

Improvised hurdles and challenges are frequently presented to the dogs, and in order to complete rescue dog training the canine must be able to adjust to these challenges and overcome them. If your dog excels at agility training you may want to consider whether to have evaluated as a potential rescue dog candidate.

Learning how to pick up a scent and follow it is one of the most important aspects of rescue dog training. These animals are trained to stay on the trail of a scent even if it is camouflaged with other smells. Sometimes the dog must follow the scent through ponds, streams or other bodies of water.

The dogs will be taught how to stay focused on one scent and avoid all distractions. They will also be instructed in the proper way to alert their handler to a scent that they have found.

Many of the commands used in rescue dog training exercises will be nonverbal so it is very important that you understand how to work with a canine teammate using this silent form of communication.

With rescue dog training there is always a lot of work for both dog and handler to do. In order to have a good rescue dog, both handler and canine must learn to work as a cohesive and efficient team.

Commands and training drills must be practiced continually to reinforce the lessons that have been taught.

There are some breeds of dogs that are better suited for search and rescue dog training. Usually smaller dogs are not ideal candidates for this type of work because rescue dogs must be able to adapt to any kind of environment including rough outdoor conditions.

A rescue dog may be called upon to negotiate tall steps, ladders or may even be asked to walk across a steep roof. These animals may be required to work in cold, rainy or windy outdoor weather.

Many rescue dogs are sent out into densely wooded or swampy areas and larger boned dogs are better suited for these kinds of environments.

German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Malinois, Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Bloodhounds, Boxers, and Dobermans are some of the breeds that make good candidates for rescue dog training.

Many mixed breeds can also be used as rescue dogs, especially those that have bloodlines containing the DNA of retrievers, hounds or German shepherds. As a rule, a dog that has strong traits for sporting, herding or working are always among the top contenders to become a rescue dog.

Air scent dogs, trailing (or tracking) dogs, water search dogs, cadaver detection dogs and avalanche recovery dogs are just a few of the jobs available for canines that have successfully completed rescue dog training courses. Most dogs will specialize in just one area but there are a few dogs that have proven they have outstanding abilities in more than one rescue field.

You should never try to compel your dog to concentrate on search and rescue training exercises if the animal shows no interest. This will only become an exercise in frustration for both handler and canine. Pursue rescue training for dogs with an animal that shows an interest in this type of activity.

If you want to keep your dog focused and excited about rescue training you need to be sure and offer rewards for a job well done. Prey driven dogs will appreciate additional play and recreation time while food driven dogs will want to be rewarded with treats.

Making sure that your dog is well schooled in basic obedience training is necessary before you even begin to think about rescue dog training.

You can train your dog at home but it is generally a better bet to seek some type of professional training help if you plan to progress your dog into rescue work at a future date and time.

This will help ensure that your dog is well grounded and responds appropriately to commands regardless of the situation.

Socializing a dog will help them overcome some of their feelings of anxiety and insecurity. A dog that is well socialized to people, children, new environments and other animals is the kind of animal that has a better chance of successfully completing any type of advanced training courses.

In order to maximize the full effect of rescue dog training, the handler must remember that he is to maintain his position as alpha leader when exercising and training drills are being done.

The use of the eyes and body posture is often the most effective training tools a handler has to work with. Using these nonverbal signals appropriately will help you control and teach your dog.

Rescue dog training will give any dog and owner a sense of pride and accomplishment. While this type of work is not going to be the ideal choice for some canines it is a wonderful opportunity for many other dogs. If you have a dog that you feel is a good candidate for rescue work there are programs that will help you uncover and develop these hidden talents.

Puppies have to be watched closely during their first weeks and even months of life. There are things you have to accept as being out of your control.

You have to put up cherished items while you train your puppy and you have to make allowances in your daily schedule to do things when the puppy needs them and not when you wish it.

It takes a lot of work to train a puppy, but the rewards are great, you will have a forever friend who won’t max out your credit card and can’t crash your car when they are older.

One of the most important pieces of advice on puppy training that one can get is to set up a schedule. Make a set time to do the things your pet needs to be done. If you set up routine times for feeding, walks, playing and many other things the puppy will begin to learn what to expect and attempt to act accordingly.

Animals in many ways are very routine oriented and if you adopt this in the training of your puppy things will progress for you and the puppy at a much faster rate.

Establish routines of what you wish the puppy to do when it is time for a walk, time to eat or time to sleep. You may want the puppy to sit and wait while you prepare his food, this is good because then he sees that food doesn’t just appear but that you are responsible for it. This helps in establishing your role as someone the puppy best pay attention to.

Walks are another way to establish who is a leader. Make sure your puppy starts to learn the routine you set for going on walks. Making a puppy work for his rewards is helpful to them and makes the process much smoother for you.

The most valuable advice on puppy training is to have patience. Puppy training does not happen overnight. It can be a slow process for even the most experienced trainers. It takes a great deal of hard work and patience to keep repeating the same steps over and over until the puppy understands what is expected of him.

Puppies are very smart, but they have their own unique personalities. Remember to be patient and eventually, you will have a well-trained companion.

While it may be all but impossible to break a dog of its aggressive behavior in some cases, the vast majority of animals can be saved if a dog owner follows a few simple steps.

There is no shortage of techniques available to an individual interested in curbing their dog’s aggressive behavior, but the one thing that virtually all methods have in common is the fact that aggression on the part of the owner will do nothing to rectify the situation.

The best time to counteract aggressive behavior is when the dog is still a puppy. Aggressive dog training should begin as soon as possible since it becomes more difficult to stop once the animal is older. This means that is necessary for a dog owner to pay careful attention to how they play with their puppy.

Even a game as innocent as simple tug-of-war can allow a dog to exhibit aggressive behavior. This is especially true if the animal has a tendency to nip or bite during play.

During playtime with the puppy, aggressive dog training may require little more than stopping the game as soon as the dog shows aggression. A puppy is much more in tune with what its owner is doing and since they look forward to playtime, they will quickly understand that aggressive behavior results in less fun.

It may also be necessary express to the dog that it has caused pain if it begins biting by yelping or exclaiming in some other manner. This is not unlike the way that dogs behave with one another. If a dog is injured during play it will yelp which lets the other animals know that it has been hurt.

A strong “no” can also curb unwanted behavior in a puppy. For older dogs, more extreme measures may be necessary during aggressive dog training. When the animal displays aggressive behavior, it may need to be locked up in a crate or kennel.

A kennel or crate works the best when the dog is unable to have any contact with the source of its aggression. It is not uncommon for a dog to growl and snap at the air viciously when a stranger passes by or another dog is near in spite of the fact the dog can actually cause any harm.
Dog aggression is something that must be dealt with immediately.

All of your family members must agree on a routine for the puppy, including rules and responsibilities towards it. In the first few days, show enthusiasm. Your puppy needs a routine, and to feel secure. Puppies need lots of sleep, so if your puppy looks sleepy then let them sleep.

One important thing to remember during basic puppy training is to show love. However, showing too much love will result in the spoiling of your dog.

This will make it difficult to train in the future. Attempting to retrain the dog in the future will prove to be even more difficult, and may be frustrating to you as an owner.

To avoid this, ensure that everyone acts upon their agreed commitment and responsibilities towards the puppy. Be consistent in your daily training program, making no exceptions even when you have company in your home. This will allow your puppy to recognize your authority.

When setting your routine for basic puppy training, be sure to include a clear schedule for walking the puppy, as well as feeding and playing with the puppy, and of course, training. When your puppy performs with positive behavior, give it attention and rewards immediately, such as praise or treats.

Do not give in to your puppy’s every whim, giving them a treat simply because they are cute.

Observe the behavior of your puppy so as to prevent punishing the puppy for no clear reasons.

Finally, when you need to change the methods of training your puppy, modify them so that they are always short, enjoyable and fun.

Here are some tips for basic dog training. Get an adjustable puppy for your collar so that you can adjust the collar as your puppy grows. You should also get a leash, preferably a training three in one.

For your puppy’s food and water bowls, only have one of each.

For durability and hygiene, it is recommended that you get stainless steel bowls. Toys should be used as motivators. To get your puppy to recognize its name, call the puppy to you using their name. Crouch down and open your arms to the puppy, then call its name.

How does clicker training work?

The sound of the clicker is very sharp and strong which your puppy can hear from a long distance away. When you sound the clicker you give your puppy a specific command. This aim of this training is to reward this specific command with the noise from the clicker.

Clicker Puppy training does not start with the clicker your puppy must understand that the clicker is a reward for when he is good. So a great place to start would be with a selection of his favorite treats and a cheap clicker from your local pet store.

Your puppy will then always think that after hearing the clicker he has done a good job and a scrumptious treat will soon be heading his way.

How is Clicker puppy training done?

The training can be broken down into 3 simple steps. The first stage is to get your puppy to take a required action that you would like him to do, like sitting or rolling over. Once they have completed this action sound your clicker (which says to him ‘good puppy’) and give him a reward.

The puppy after a short while soon understands what he has been doing and repeats it when you click the clicker. The reason that clicker puppy training works so well is that the puppy understands and responds quickly, much quicker than if they were given a verbal instruction.

One your puppy has received his reward it’s important to keep getting him to repeat the behavior as often as possible so the action will soon become second nature to him. Also, you don’t have to give him a treat every time, the treats can be substituted with petting and praise which work just as well.

Progressing from clicker training

The next stage when your puppy has got used to an action using the clicker you can start to use verbal commands, which can be used anywhere and without a clicker.

When you were about to use the clicker just say the command out loud then click and give him his reward. Your puppy will learn to associate all 3 together.

Clicker training makes training your puppy so much easier, they understand what pleases you much quicker and easier.

By using a crate the owner can create the den for the animal and with the addition of their toys and other items, it can become a safe haven for the puppy to play, feed and sleep in.

Crates can also be beneficial in-house training one’s puppy. For some owners who have puppies that seem to be into everything if it is handled correctly, the crate can offer them a safe place for their pet to be where he can’t harm anything or harm himself.

Discover How to CRATE TRAIN Your Puppies Now!

One of the main ingredients in using crate training on a puppy is to do so with the right mindset. The crate needs to be used as a positive place for the puppy.

One needs to avoid any negative actions or sounds that can be associated with the crate. The puppy needs to see this as their refuge from the world, where they can go and relax in a safe place.

It is important to keep this mindset at all times when one embarks on crate training. For a puppy, this can be a warm and welcoming place where he can feel safe and secure that no one will bother him.

One of the main benefits of crate training a puppy is the ability to confine a pet until they learn to control their bladder and bowel control. As a rule, dogs do not like to urinate or defecate where they sleep. Therefore by keeping your puppy confined to his crate you gain some control over when and where he uses the toilet.

It is important that you take the dog out for walks at regular times and that any accidents are cleaned up immediately. By using this technique it becomes easier to house train a puppy.

Many people think of crate training as being inhumane or cruel, they liken it to a jail and such. But when one properly crate trains a puppy nothing could be farther from the truth. Puppies thrive on a sense of safety and security, yet the world is large and it takes some time to get out and explore every bit of it.

There is a great deal of them that is unknown. It only makes sense that at times they would need a place, like a den, where things are always the same, and they know they can be safe and secure.

Dog aggression is something that every pet owner should take seriously and correct as soon as their animal begins to exhibit any unwanted habits.

An aggressive dog can lead to injuries to other animals, children, and even adults and can put the owners at risk for lawsuits. Many owners look the other way if it is a small dog that is acting aggressively.

The truth is, regardless of the animal size, dog aggression is dangerous for both the dog and people.

If a dog growls or snarls at its owner, it should be corrected immediately. The owner must speak firmly and reestablish dominance over the animal.

Dogs, like wolves, are pack animals that follow a very clear leadership structure. If a dog is under the impression that it is the dominant animal in its pack then it will behave aggressively towards anyone and everyone else that encroaches on its turf. Dog aggression is especially evident when strangers come to visit. A dog may become overly protective of its home and yard and react violently to intruders.

Of course, not all dog aggression is directed at humans. It is possible for a dog to be loving and friendly towards all people that it encounters but behaves aggressively and violently towards other dogs. If an individual notices that one or more of his dogs is exhibiting signs of aggression at feeding time then it will be necessary to follow a few simple steps.

The easiest way to eliminate any aggression between dogs when it is time to eat is to feed each animal separately. Once the animals have finished eating, the owner should immediately remove the food bowls.

The best way to avoid dog aggression of any kind is to keep a dog well exercised. Dogs often become extremely territorial when they are bored or have too much pent-up energy.

Taking the dog on regular walks through the neighborhood so that it can become acquainted with the people and animals that live around it will help curb this unwanted behavior. Just like people, exercise also tends to wear a dog out.

They are less likely to behave aggressively if they simply do not have the energy for it. Whether it is a large dog or a small lapdog, aggression is something that must be stamped out as soon as possible.

Whether you are training your dog to eliminate outside or in a designated area inside, you must stand your ground every step of the way.

Specifically, this means: establishing a routine for your puppy’s toileting, correcting the dog when he has an accident and rewarding the dog when he eliminates in the right area.

To housebreak a puppy, you must first initiate a toileting schedule. If you walk your dog, you want to train him to use the bathroom while he is outside.

On the other hand, if your dog eliminates inside, you want to try to have him do it only once during the times that you are not home.

Otherwise, the waste builds up creating an unsanitary situation for both you and your dog. In either case, the best way to establish a routine is to feed your dog at certain times.

For walkers, put the food and water out a couple of hours before going outside. Conversely, if you are potty training your dog inside after a feeding keep him in this area until he starts sniffing around.

This signifies that he has to go to the bathroom. Place him in his toilet spot, whether it’s a litter box, a pile of newspapers or puppy pads.

If a mistake is made during this process, you must correct your dog. After his elimination, point him to the area and say “No,” firmly. He will whimper and get upset, but by the same token, he will realize that he did something wrong.

This is very important when you housebreak a dog. Remember, even when your dog gets used to a routine, it is normal for him to have an accident.

Out in nature, dogs were able to eliminate whenever they wanted; in a domesticated environment, they have to follow human rules. A light reprimand is the best way to reinforce those rules.

There is one more thing you should do when trying to housebreak a puppy. It involves giving him a reward every time he eliminates in the appropriate area. In addition to giving your puppy a doggy treat, you should also praise him. Say, “Good dog,” and give him lots of hugs.

The dog will start to get excited every time he needs to relieve himself. He may even give his own cues that he has to go.

Scratching on the door, barking and scampering around are just a few of the things dogs do to indicate that they have to go.

This can even be the case for inside dogs when they cannot go to their area. Regardless, when you have gotten to this point, pat yourself on the back as you have successfully housebroken your puppy.

Additionally, different methods are available for different purposes. For instance, a dog being trained as a seeing-eye dog will require a different a different method than a family pet.

Likewise, a dog being trained to pull a sled will need a different type of training than what is used to prepare police dogs.

The biggest difference between modern methods of training dogs and those that were used a generation ago is a switch from negative to positive reinforcement.

Before an individual can decide which of the dog training methods is best for their animal and themselves, it will be necessary to understand exactly why dog training is so important. A well-trained dog will not put children, other animals, and property at risk.

A well-trained dog will also live a happier life since it is less likely to run away, get hit by a car, or get into dangerous chemicals and materials around the home. An important part of the training will involve socializing the dog with children, strangers, and other animals.

It was not uncommon for many individuals to use dog training methods that involve negative reinforcement in the past. That is, a dog owner might strike an animal or yell aggressively at the dog when it misbehaved or failed to follow a command. This method was especially popular when people were trying to house train an animal.

Owners would often rub the animal’s nose in the mess they had made after eliminating indoors. Rather than enforcing the idea that it was wrong to relieve itself in the house, the dog would learn that it should not eliminate in front of its owner.

Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, is one of the dog training methods that reinforce good behavior rather than focusing on the animal’s mistakes. A popular form of positive reinforcement training is the use of clickers. When using this type of method, the owner or trainer will use a clicker to make a distinctive noise when the dog does something good.

The dog then learns to associate that particular sound with a reward. Another one of the dog training methods that is very popular is known as lure training. This method uses a lure such as a toy in order to teach the dog commands.

Following a schedule will teach your puppy that there is a time for everything. Taking your puppy outside frequently will also help. Do this every two hours at least, including after he wakes up.
Choose a spot for your pup to go to the bathroom outside, and each time you take him out to use the bathroom, take him to this spot with a leash.

A big part of house puppy training is rewarding your puppy when he does well. Give him a treat or praise, immediately after he is finished. A regular eating schedule is also important for them.

Feed your puppy at the same times every day to make his routine consistent. About two and a half hours prior to your puppy’s bedtime, put away his water dish so that he will not have to go during the night. If your puppy wakes you up during the night, turn on as few lights as possible while going out.
Supervision is necessary for house puppy training.

Whenever your puppy is indoors, be sure to keep a close watch on him. Keep the puppy close to you or tethered to a nearby piece of furniture when you are not playing with him and he is not being trained.

When he is in the yard, be sure to keep the puppy on a leash. Only give him freedom in the yard after he is house trained. If you are not able to watch your puppy at a certain time, confine him to a small area.

The final thing to consider while house puppy training is what will happen when you’re away from your puppy. Puppies can control their bladder one hour for every month of their age. If you must be away for long periods, you should arrange for someone to take your puppy outside when needed.

This individual should be someone you trust, a responsible adult such as a neighbor or a pet sitter. Confine your puppy to an area that has a place for him to play, sleep, and eliminate if necessary. This space should be a box lined with several layers of newspaper or filled with litter products.

It is tempting to let a cute and clumsy puppy get away with everything in the beginning. This actually reinforces the bad behavior because the puppy does not learn what is expected of it.

Even a puppy as young as seven weeks old can begin to learn the difference between acceptable behavior and that which will not be tolerated.

Another important thing to understand when training a puppy is that positive reinforcement works much better than negative reinforcement.

It was not uncommon in the past for individuals to strike an animal or yell at it when it made a mistake. Even today, owners often rub a dogs nose in a mess when it relieves itself indoors.

This is the wrong way to teach the dog what kind of behavior is expected from it. Rewarding the animal when it obeys and does the right thing is a much more effective means of training.

Positive reinforcement works whether the dog is being trained to come when it is called or to use the bathroom outside.

Another important part of training a puppy is socializing it with other people and animals early.

Introducing a puppy to new experiences is one of the most entertaining parts of puppy ownership.

Watching how the dog reacts to new people, new places, and new animals can be humorous and fun.

Most experts agree that a puppy is most accepting of new experiences when it is less than five months old. The older a dog gets, the more difficult it is to socialize at with other dogs, cats, and even people.

Crate training is another thing that should be done sooner rather than later. Some owners mistakenly believe that crate training an animal is cruel. In fact, the opposite is true.

Puppies that are allowed to roam free are more likely to get injured or become sick from ingesting something dangerous like household chemicals.

An unsupervised puppy is also more likely to get loose and suffer an injury after being hit by a car or attacked by a larger animal. It is important when training a puppy to get it used to the idea of spending time in a crate during the night or when the owners are not around.

It may have involved sharing a snack with this irresistibly cute new member of the family, slipping an unwanted vegetable off the plate and under the table, letting the dog lick out a cup or clean off a plate, or offering a human food treat as a reward for good behavior.

However it happened, your puppy was introduced to your food supply, and now craves it as much or more than you do. Begging is not a normal, instinctual behavior for dogs. In the wild, the alpha leader of the pack always eats first, followed by those in an accepted hierarchy. It’s just that simple, and everyone goes by the rules of nature.

However, when your puppy discovered that a soulful stare or whimper could elicit a food response from you and others, it fully accepted begging as a new, worthwhile behavior.

If the staring and whimpering do not seem to be working fast enough, your dog may resort to stronger, more annoying tactics such as whining, barking and pawing at you. Drooling is an involuntary response that often accompanies begging. Mealtimes can become chaotic as ordinarily well-mannered pets circle the table crying for food or quietly sit and stare into your very soul for just one tiny morsel, just one.

Unfortunately, we frail human beings tend to be inconsistent, and we vacillate between scolding the dog and then feeling guilty and offering something from our plate.

The message to the dog: Hang in there long enough, and you will eventually wear them down and get some of their food – they’ll actually reward you for your begging behavior. This is definitely not the message you want to send to your four-legged friend!

Why Begging Is Bad

• Dogs that insist on being present during meals can be disruptive.
• Guests and visitors may be extremely uncomfortable when your dog tries to beg from them.
• Food and drinks can get spilled or knocked over, especially when served in the living room, family room or den.
• Who wants to unknowingly eat or drink after the family pet has been stealing from your plate or cup?
• Human food is not the normal healthy diet for a dog’s digestive system. Some foods, such as chocolate and raisins, can actually be poisonous to a dog.
• Dogs that are constantly offered human treats and leftovers tend to become overweight and suffer from obesity-related problems because their food portions are no longer being controlled. 

How To Convince Your Dog To Stop Begging

• Rule # 1 – Don’t let this bad behavior get started in the first place. Resist the temptation to reward your dog with human food treats.
• Rule # 2 – If it’s too late for Rule # 1, decide as a family that your beloved dog will never again taste the human food, and stick to this religiously.
• Rule # 3 – Ignore all forms of begging presented by your pet. Don’t even address them in a corrective tone. Your dog will consider any attention as approval to continue.
• Rule # 4 – If at all possible, feed your dog at the same time as you eat and in another, separate room. If you can’t feed elsewhere, consider creating and ignoring your dog until the meal is over. You can also try giving the dog its favorite toys during times when you are eating or snacking.
• Rule # 5 – Teach your dog that it is not allowed to get uncomfortably close to the table or to people who may be eating elsewhere in the house or yard.
• Rule # 6 – Be patient and consistent. This is not an easy habit to break because your dog knows that food is the reward for begging. However, if you can be more strong-willed than your pet, you can eventually convince your pet that this behavior is no longer welcome.

You do not want a dog that is 50 pounds or more “play-biting” with you or your children. Besides, there is always a chance that the dog could cross the line and bite out of aggression. That is why you must take care of the behavior as soon as it starts.

With that being said, you are probably if it is difficult training puppies not to bite. The answer is no, for one important reason. The dog’s own emotions serve as their own training tool. To trigger them, all you have to do is say “Ouch” very loudly. The dog will instinctively know that he is hurting you.

He will eventually stop the behavior because he does not want to hurt his pack leader. As most pet owners know, a dog’s main objective is to give their pack leaders as much love and affection as possible.

However, it is important to understand that there is a process involved when you’re training puppies not to bite. Saying “Ouch” will resolve the problem initially, but your puppy will end up forgetting. Consequently, you may have to deal with the same issue a couple of hours later. To avoid this, you must try to trigger more negative emotions.

For example, you could place the dog in his crate right after he bites you. The isolation from his owner will make him very upset. Over time, he will begin to link the punishment with the biting. You do have to be consistent though so that he doesn’t forget this connection.

Rewards are another vital element when training puppies not to bite. Basically, every time your dog licks you, give him a treat. Reinforce this action by periodically putting your hand in front of his face.

You want to see if he will bite anyway. If he continues to bite even after getting a reward, revisit the suggestions given above. Again, his instinct will let him know that licking is good, but biting is bad.

This is assuming you want to encourage licking at all. If this is not your desire, you will have to reward him for doing nothing when you place out your hand.

This is a product that deters barking through a physical or psychological deterrent. It can be highly effective at ending barking, though there is some confusion as to whether or not such a device is truly humane.

To get the real picture, you need to understand how most anti-barking devices work. With this knowledge in hand, you can use your own moral compass to determine if anti-barking devices are the way you should go.

The most common device used to stop puppy barking is the ultrasonic silencer. It emits a sound frequency that is very unpleasant to dogs. This sound can be audible or inaudible to humans, depending on what setting you choose. Both are equally effective, though the audible sound might provide more assurance to the owner.

Either way, if these devices are used regularly, a dog can stop barking in less than a week. In the meantime, they suffer absolutely no physical repercussions, as silencers use noise as a psychological punishment. And even then the effect is so quick that the dog gets the message without being subject to long-term emotional damage.

Anti-barking devices can also come in the form of special collars. These use two different strategies to stop puppy barking. The citronella collar is the more humane choice. It uses a sensor to determine when a dog is barking.

When this happens, it squirts citronella into the dog’s face. The spraying action surprises the dog, while the citronella itself emits an unpleasant smell. This combination quickly encourages the dog to stop barking.

The second strategy utilized by anti-bark collars is more controversial. It uses static shock to stop puppy barking. This means it is the only anti-bark device on the market that uses physical pain to amend the behavior.

Things get even more questionable if a dog owner uses a collar that can adjust the amount of shock a dog receives. True, unless a dog is less than 10 pounds, there is a very little risk of electrocution. However, who enjoys the feeling of static electricity?

If a human experiences static shock through a rug or carpet, the sensation is usually uncomfortable enough to warrant an “Ow.” Imagine going through this multiple times. This is what a puppy has to go through if these types of collars are used. For this reason, shock collars should generally be avoided unless one is under the instruction of a professional dog trainer.

For example, one site might advise using slip collars to curb misbehavior during a walk. Others say to never use pain or discomfort as a deterrent. But in the midst of this advice, you might see opposite suggestions from dozens of real dog owners on Yahoo Answers. This can make things even more confusing since you don’t know who to listen to.

Well, for now, put all that aside, as there is one thing you need to do before researching tips on potty training a puppy. You need to decide how your dog is going to use the bathroom.

If you are home during the day, and your puppy is large breed dog, you should teach him to use the bathroom outside. No cleanup is involved with this method, and it makes a dog much happier. However, it does require a lot of time. If you cannot walk your dog regularly, and/or they are a small breed, you can train them to use newspaper or a litter box.

After you have decided how your dog is going to the bathroom, you need to find tips from a neutral yet reliable source. For example, a site that sells canine litter boxes might have a biased view of walking a dog outside. Conversely, sites selling training aids might belittle other methods. So, try to find resources that do not have anything to gain by promoting a particular technique.

The best ones tend to be blogs from dog lovers or those run by professional obedience trainers. The latter is particularly interesting, as they provide the most in-depth tips on potty training a puppy. They let you know the pros and cons of each approach.

Finally, you need to assess your own preferences when finding the best tips on potty training a puppy. Going back to the slip collar example, if you feel it is inhumane, you need to use methods that do not promote discomfort. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who support slip collars and other training aids. If you are in this camp, you need to find tips that explain how to safely use that type of collar when walking your dog.

Stopping puppy barking is not always easy. This is because barking is a part of a dog’s instinct. In the wild, it was a very important form of communication between other dogs. Even in domestic situations, barking could mean the difference between life and death if an intruder breaks into your house.

However, this does not mean that excessive barking should be encouraged. If a dog barks every time he hears a noise, or because he’s bored, you need to change his behavior. Otherwise, you could lose sleep or get in trouble with your neighbors.

So, what is the magic solution for stopping puppy barking? Ultimately, you will want to reprimand according to the cause of the barking. If a dog only barks when someone comes to the door, you will want to limit your reprimand.

Allow one or two barks, and then say “Enough.” You will want to use this instead of “No,” as no is a more powerful command. To dogs, it is a sign of aggression and could stimulate their barking more. In addition, you do not want to completely discourage barking when someone comes to the door. You just want to control it.

Stopping puppy barking takes a different approach when your dog barks out of sadness or boredom. In this situation, before reprimanding, try to occupy your dog. Buy him lots of bones and chew toys. Hopefully, he will be so entertained that he won’t feel the need to bark.

If this doesn’t work, consider a firm reprimand. After saying “Enough,” put him in time-out for a few minutes. A dog crate works really well for this situation, though you can also place him in the bathroom. Really, all you need is an area that is small and contained.

If this doesn’t work, there is another alternative for stopping puppy barking. It involves using an anti-bark device. These special alarms emit a high-pitched noise that only your dog can hear. This noise is initiated through a button you press every time your dog barks. The dog suffers no pain in the process, though the noise is really annoying.

To humans, it would be like hearing a chalkboard getting scratched over and over. Even though no pain is involved, the noise in itself is so aggravating that it serves as a powerful deterrent. Once the dog connects this noise with his barking, he will be compelled to stop.