Training and Behavior
Understanding dog behavior and teaching your dog acceptable behaviors will deepen your relationship and improve your lives.
PREPARE
To have a healthy relationship with your dog, train him/her to live amicably in your home. Learning how to train your dog can improve your life and theirs, increase the human-animal link, and be fun.
If you want a well-mannered dog, teach him a few tricks. Your dog should know how to "sit" and "lay down" to regulate his/her desires and stay safe. When sitting, your dog can't jump up, beg at the table, or greet visitors boisterously.
Good, straightforward communication is crucial to teaching dogs. Your dog must know how to behave. Reward good behavior with food, praise, and pats. Reward bad behavior. It's easy to ignore good behavior (like lying quietly) and focus on bad behavior (i.e. jumping up). This is a great technique to teach your dog bad habits. Reward good behavior. Set standards for how you want your dog to behave and be consistent. All family members should be consistent in rewarding your dog's excellent behaviors and not rewarding undesirable ones.
Instructions
Train at least twice a day.
5 to 10 minute sessions are ideal.
Positive endings are best.
One task every session (e.g., "sit" or "bed").
Training your dog takes time and work, but it's fun for you and your dog. You and your dog can accomplish much with patience and determination.
Reward your dog with something he/she enjoys. Different dogs will work for different things, such as dry kibble, chicken or cheese, a toy, or off-leash time at the dog park.
Reward your dog with verbal and tactile praise.
SPCA, veterinarians, dog trainers, and training clubs can offer training suggestions. Choose a force-free trainer. Physical punishment or training aids that induce pain or fear can destroy your bond with your dog, cause behavioral behaviors, and promote aggressive behavior.
