Start With These Basic Dog Training Techniques

By: Lee Dobbins

In order to communicate with your dog for effective and successful training, you'll need to arm yourself with some basic dog training techniques. Interaction between dogs and humans has been around for thousands of years, but sometimes it's still a baffling process. While we all like to think that we are more intelligent, sometimes training sessions can leave a bit of confusion about who is really in charge.

A dog's understanding can be compared to that of a two year old human child. However, a dog's senses are not like ours. Not only do they perceive shades of red and green differently than humans, but their noses are extremely sensitive in comparison. A dog's mind also processes information in an entirely different manner. In order to limit a trainer's frustration and misbehavior on the dog's part, it is critical to remember these differences.

Dogs have descended from the wolf, and as a result have a pack mentality. The expression "lone wolf" is a misnomer, as wolves and dogs are by nature social creatures, who do a lot of interaction with each other, and are ruled by a strict hierarchical structure.

Dedicate at least 30 minutes per day (one hour would be ideal) for the first few months of training. Begin when your dog is still a puppy. You can start as early as four weeks with some breeds, as long as you remember the age of your dog and accept his limitations.

While housebreaking your dog is a bit more complicated (and we will discuss this in another article), there are a few basic dog training techniques that all training should follow.

One of the first things to do would be to let your dog know that you are the dominant one. There is a hierarchy to dog packs, starting with alpha dogs, then beta dogs, and then down to the omega dog. The human, whether it is a man or woman, needs to always be the alpha male if you want your household to remain calm and your dog to be well-adjusted.

Depending on the breed of the dog, or sometimes the individual dog, the training technique that is used will be either more difficult or possibly easier. Some dogs are more outgoing, similar to humans. Attitude is what counts the most, though training tools like collars and leashes, and commands are also useful. Your dog should never be allowed to think he is in charge.

Of course, that doesn't mean that you have to use physical force to assert that you're in charge. Occasionally you'll need to use proper physical restraint, but being firm and confident will usually be sufficient for training your dog.

When they are young, try putting them on their backs with your hand firmly on their chest. When their paws go down they are signaling that they recognize your authority. Sometimes doing this in combination with close eye-to-eye contact helps, since this is the language in which dogs speak.

In the beginning it is best to keep the dog on a short leash to help curb the dog's inherent desire to run and scamper. Time to run freely is an important component of a dog's health and well-being, but, at the outset, this should only be allowed prior to or after the training, instead of during the session.

Use single word commands like sit, stay, down, in a firm tone. Always keep your voice the same or each command but make sure each of the different commands sounds different to your dog. You should avoid using double-word commands like 'sit down' or 'stay down' as these words are similar and can confuse your dog.

A constant tone, look and hand sign should be included with every verbal command. Later we can separate them, but initially it is important to offer simplest and most stable type of communication.

Dogs don't have the necessary resources to understand the subtle use of language, much like a toddler. Help their cognitive skill by being consistent. Do not use one phrase for more than one meaning. 'Down' should only mean 'don't jump on others or me', or 'lay on your stomach', but not both things.

Using these basic dog training techniques, along with a firm hand, some patience and a lot of love will help you have a happy and obedient pet for life!

Article Source: www.harperandassociatesinsurance.com

Is your dog a bad boy? Find out how training him can be as easy as 123 with the dog training techniques you'll learn about at www.positivedogtrainingtechniques.com/.

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated

Additional Articles From - Home | Insurance | Pet

Chihuahua Breeders And The Ones To Avoid - By : Sandra Dean
Tried And True Methods For Training Your Dog Not To Bite - By : Lee Dobbins
Give Your Dog A Little Charm. - By : Rebecca Foxton
What You Need To Know About Yorkies - By : Susan Bailey
Why A Rottweiler Breeder Is Better To Buy From Than A Pet Store - By : Sharon Davies
Spotting Cat Ringworm Symptoms - By : Kurt Schmitt
The Feline Leukemia Virus and Your Cat's Symptoms - By : Kurt Schmitt
13 Must-Read Facts About Parvo Virus - By : Rae & Mark
Proper Labrador Breeding - By : Brooke Sunderland
How To Alleviate The Pain Of Dog Bee Stings - By : Lee Dobbins

	Print This Article
	Post Comment
	Add To Favorites
	Email to Friends
	Ezine Ready

Submit Articles
Member Login
Top Authors
Most Popular Articles
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds

Home
Contact Us
Link to Us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

HARPERANDASSOCIATESINSURANCE.com » Copyright © 2006
Terms of Service | Submission Guidelines | Contact Us | Link to Us| Privacy Policy | About Us