How to Train a Dog

... considered by many to be the best way to train dogs ...



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Just like people, pets sometimes need that extra attention or shove in the right direction when they need to do something they really are not that interested in doing. Dogs do not care if they dig up your nicest flowers. It is fun for them and if you do not intervene, they will not stop. Dogs are motivated to do things a lot like people-by rewards, praise and building trust.

You can help your dog stay focused and motivated with obedience training by building a good relationship with your dog. Dogs are social animals and need the interaction you can provide. Dogs that are often left alone all day or left outside for long periods of time, cannot build up trust with their owner. It is important to understand why your dog is having a behavior problem in the first place and then work together to correct it. It could be that the reason your dog is digging up the flowers is because he or she is bored with being left alone. Perhaps your dog eats shoes in the house because they have separation anxiety, or have a fear of being left alone while you are away. By understanding these reasons you can help your dog overcome obstacles and motivate their way to obedience.

Rewards are often the easiest way to motivate your pooch into obedience. It is often hard to keep the attention of your dog. During obedience training, dogs become easily distracted. It is important to keep your dog's training fun and interesting. Giving your dog rewards throughout the training session and at different times will help keep your dog focused and motivated. A random stimulus that your dog understands as positive is a great way to keep your dog ready for the next command.

After your dog has performed a request for you, that is the time to offer a positive reward. Rewards for dogs do not always have to come in the form of doggie treats either. Your dog will love a gently pat on the head or a rub on the belly. After a long training session, you can even reward your dog with a trip to the park or a game of catch. Training sessions can benefit as long as your dog understands that when he or she performs a command, he or she will be rewarded. A reward system is a perfect way to keep your dog ready to learned and motivated during obedience training.

Another way to motivate your dog to do well with obedience training is to stay positive and offer lots of praise. Dogs are very adept at sensing your feelings and emotions. If you are frustrated with your dog for not performing commands well, your dog will sense this. It will be harder to keep your dog motivated when you are not motivated. Your dog will also respond well to praise. The tone of your voice is very important to your dog. Dogs may not understand every word you say, but they understand when you are upset or excited by the way you talk. While you are training your dog, try to stay excited and upbeat. This will encourage your dog to learn commands and perform better for you.

In addition, your body language says a lot to your dog, too. When your dog behaves well and you use direct eye contact to praise your dog, your dog understands that you are happy and pleased. On the other hand, when you irritated by your dog's constant jumping, you will look your dog in the eye and speak sternly. Your dog understands that you are upset. If you move quickly towards a shy dog or a dog that feels threaten, the dog becomes upset and scared. When you are training your dog, think about how your body language and tone of voice and motivate your dog.

So as you can see, it IS possible to motivate your dog to learn new tricks. Even if your dog is currently driving you to distraction by digging up the flowerbeds and barking all day long, all your dog may need is that extra little push to learn how to be a well-behaved dog.

Yes, it certainly is possible to motivate your dogs and help them pass their obedience training!