As a new dog owner, you probably need dog training help, unless you are already experienced with training man's best friend. If you are a beginner you may be overwhelmed with the amount of work it takes to make sure your dog is both healthy and well behaved. This article will go into detail regarding tips specific to your situation, a new dog owner, and ways that you can successfully train your dog.
Leash Training Tips
If you want to train a new puppy to walk on a leash, the first step is to put a collar on the young puppy while you are playing with him. Having the puppy get comfortable wearing the collar is important not only so that you can properly use a leash but also that your puppy has the proper identification tags in case he or she takes off.
When walking your dog on a leash, never keep the leash too tight. A tight leash creates a counter pressure response and can cause the dog to become uptight or agitated. Your dog may then pull, rather than walk correctly on the leash. Being less restrictive with your leash hold will allow for a more pleasant walking experience.
Dogs are commonly referred to as "man's best friend, " but when they are unruly and untrained they can be a nightmare. The old adage that one cannot teach old dogs new tricks is false, but it is definitely easier to train a puppy. Dogs are ultimately pack animals and it is important for a dog owner to be the leader of that pack.
Well trained dogs are happy dogs and dogs that are trained make for happy dog owners. It is a win-win situation. Training your dog takes time, but it starts with house-training and moves onto learning how to walk on a leash. Simple commands such as heel, sit and return are important for any dog's safety. Dog owners can find pet trainers via their local big box pet store or the veterinarian, but it will take a lot of work from the owner regardless. A dog that is well trained makes a happier pet and really happy pet owner.
When you toilet train your dog, avoid accidents! Learn to recognize what your dog does when he needs to go out. Pacing, whining and snuffling are common. When you see this, don't delay. Get his leash and take him out to his designated toilet spot! Praise him for appropriate toileting. Eventually, he will learn to ask to go out.
If you're tired of your dog pulling on the leash while walking with you, here's a simple training method. Take your leashed dog to an outside place that is familiar to both of you, such as the backyard. Then begin to walk. If your pet stays beside you, right at your thigh, reward it with a treat. If the animal rushes forward, stop walking. If it wanders off for some reason, say "let's go" in an upbeat way and turn and walk another way. When it catches up with you, feed it a treat, and if it doesn't, pull gently on the leash until it gets the point. In this way, you reward good behavior and don't have to be unduly harsh for bad behavior.
Have the right equipment and use it properly. Learn how to put on a chain or nylon slip collar and use a standard 6 foot leash for most training. Do not yank or pull on the leash. Just give a quick tug and release when the dog ignores a command to come or heel. Soon just wearing the collar will be enough to remind the dog that you are the one in charge of the training session, and very few corrections should be needed.
Because you are a new dog owner, you are faced with many challenges. Hopefully if you follow the steps presented in this article, you will be much closer to being able to successfully train your new dog and will have a better understanding of what goes into dog ownership and training.
