Train Your Dog - How to Train Your Dog the Right Way

By Rikard Ingvarsson

All dog lovers have heard infinite advice on how to train dogs the right way, and eventually they find that most of that advice was incorrect. Training a new pet dog is very important; it builds the foundation of a strong and long lasting relationship between the dog and its owner. Therefore, before you start reading this article, remove any preconceived notions you might have on dog training and be ready to start afresh.

Before you start training your dog, make sure you get to know it. Training is more fun if you and your dog both feel comfortable around each other. The best way to make your dog feel comfortable is to make it feel loved, and the only way you can do that is by being around it more often. Rub its tummy and give it special treats, like a bone or a dog biscuit once in a while, besides its meals. That will not only build a connection between you and your dog but will also make the training a lot easier.

When you are ready to start training you dog, make sure you have no other commitments and make sure you can give your dog all the time that is needed. You need to really focus on the relationship you want to build with your dog.

Training a dog is all about making it obedient. The basic commands of fetch or sit or roll over are only paid any heed to by a dog if the dog knows that these are friendly commands. The basic thing you need to remember when training your dog is simple: make use of positive reinforcements. This means that when you train your dog to do a certain 'trick', make sure you give it a special treat, like a bone or a biscuit, or hug it and say, "Good boy". This will make the dog follow your commands more effectively. Make sure that you praise your dog during the training. Use a friendly tone when calling out to your dog and never get angry. Even if your dog does not act the way you want it to act, or is especially slow in learning, do not use any form of negative reinforcements. Never shout or yell at it in an angry tone. More importantly, never hit it. Dogs are very obedient if they are loved and if you act badly towards your new pet, it might even attack you.

For the initial few weeks, only train your dog for about fifteen minutes everyday, roughly. Then gradually increase the training time according to the pace of your dog, and always keep your dog\'s comfort level before yours. Show your dogs that you love them.

Remember, like no two people are the same, neither are two dogs. All dogs are different and therefore your dog training techniques should be unique to match your dog's personality. Lastly, be patient during the training and very importantly, if you get frustrated because your dog is not following your commands, don't show it! Make your dog feel perfectly at ease with you and eventually, it will learn everything you want it to know. Remember, patience is virtue.

Save yourself a lot of time as a dog owner and train your dog to be obedient. It gets so much easier for both you and your dog when you have trained your dog's obedience. Click here to learn more about training your dog.