| An untrained dog is a direct reflection on you, the pet | | | | behavior. Remember, a dog cannot discern why it is |
| owner, and how much you care about the dog. In fact | | | | being scolded if scolding occurs minutes or hours after |
| a dog that is not trained becomes a nuisance to the | | | | the act. Neither does it understand why a certain |
| owner and the environment. You can probably give to | | | | action is acceptable on one occasion but not on |
| your dog basic obedience training, i.e. teaching it to | | | | another, so be consistent.Training of a dog is a |
| respond to simple commands. Whether it's a puppy or | | | | continuous process, but the nucleus for all obedience is |
| a fully-grown dog you can teach them with a little | | | | the command 'Sit!' if your dog understands this basic |
| effort on your part.Dogs are intelligent animals. They | | | | command it becomes quite easy to train your dog in |
| have been trained to do specific tasks like sniffing out | | | | the other basic commands. For example, you can tell |
| drugs and explosives and performing search and | | | | your dog to sit when it begins to jump on visitors. To |
| rescue missions. All these are possible by the efforts | | | | teach your dog to sit, put the leash on it and give the |
| of the dog owner. But how can you train your dog to | | | | command while pushing down on its hindquarters and |
| obey you?First, you need to know about the genetic | | | | gently pulling its head up with the leash. Give praise |
| make up of your dog. Like wolves, dogs are hierarchy | | | | immediately. Repeat these steps until the dog obeys |
| conscious. They instinctively gravitate toward living in | | | | the command on its own.To teach your dog to remain |
| pack under a leader. Your family is your dog's pack | | | | in the position, use the command 'Stay!' while standing |
| and it needs to understand that you are the | | | | in front and putting your hand out with the palm facing |
| leader.Even as a puppy, your dog can learn that it is | | | | flat toward the dog. If the dog moves, say 'No' and |
| subordinate to you. How? Try holding its gaze with | | | | place it back into position. Repeat the command and |
| your eyes until it looks away. Also, rubbing the dog's | | | | praise the dog when it stays sitting for a short period. |
| belly while on its back is a good exercise, as this puts it | | | | Gradually increase the time it sit and then the distance |
| in a submissive position. If your dog is being a nuisance | | | | between you and the dog as it responds to the |
| and does not stop when you say 'No', try ignoring it or | | | | command.The best way to teach your dog to come |
| leaving the room.When your dog responds to your | | | | to you is to use a long leash and give a gentle tug |
| commands, it is acknowledging that you are in charge. | | | | while calling your dog's name and giving the command |
| If you, as the owner, do not establish your position of | | | | 'Come!'. Back up as the dog moves towards you and |
| leadership, your pet may conclude that it is equal or | | | | continue to praise. Soon it will respond to your call |
| superior to you and this might affect its behavior.To | | | | without being prompted by the leash. Never use the |
| teach your dog basic commands, you will need a collar, | | | | word 'Come' for a negative reason, such as to |
| a leash and plenty of patience. For successful training, | | | | reprimand. Your dog must learn that responding to |
| you will have to follow the steps below:a. Give a | | | | 'come' will bring pleasurable results, whether praise or a |
| simple, one-word command, b. demonstrate the | | | | food treat. If you lose your patience while teaching this |
| desired action and c. immediately give praise when the | | | | command, your dog will learn that coming is unpleasant |
| action is done. Your tone of voice is more important | | | | and will be avoided.You can teach your dog to walk |
| than the word you use. A command should be given in | | | | by your side without pushing ahead or lagging behind. |
| an affirmative tone and praise be given in a happy, | | | | To do this without stress, use a link-chain training collar |
| affectionate tone.Physical punishment, such as hitting or | | | | and a short leash. With the dog on your left, give the |
| kicking, is not necessary. Simply say 'No' in a sharp | | | | command 'Heel!' and step out with the left foot. If your |
| tone, prolonging the vowel, so that the dog will know | | | | dog attempts to push ahead or lag back, give a quick, |
| that you are displeased with its performance. A dog is | | | | sharp jerk on the leash and repeat the command. Give |
| intelligent enough to know when you are rewarding or | | | | praise for compliance.Remember, a dog is a social and |
| reprimanding.If anything more drastic is needed, you | | | | intelligent animal. Long period of confinement can lead |
| might grasp the dog by the scruff of its neck and | | | | to excessive barking, hyperactivity and destructive |
| shake it lightly while saying 'No'. Reprimands should be | | | | behavior. But with training, your dog can become a |
| given during or immediately following the undesirable | | | | delightful, loyal companion instead of a nuisance. |