Tips For Training Young Or Old Dogs
It may be easier to train a dog when it is young, but it is also possible to train an older dog. While an older dog could have some habits it will take a while to break, the older dog also has a longer attention span than a puppy. Use the information provided in this article to make training your dog more enjoyable and successful.
Just as with children, it is important to be consistent in the lessons you teach your dog. Animals learn by repetition, but they need to see the same lesson repeated exactly the same several times before they can remember it. If you make variations in your approach, it will take longer for your dog to understand your signals.
Animals of any species need to know that you are in charge and they can look to you for guidance. If you allow your dog to make choices for himself without your direction and approval, he will assume he is in charge and will only pay attention to you when he chooses.
Dogs love the feeling that they have pleased you and when you reward them for doing the right thing, they remember how they got the reward. There are several types of rewards you can give your dog. Sometimes just verbal praise and a pat on the head are enough to make your dog understand he pleased you. If your dog has been especially good, you may want to reward him with a treat for his efforts. Do not get into the habit of feeding him from your hand though, because some dogs get too anxious and end up biting a finger or two. Put the treat on the ground and make him wait until you say it is o.k. before he can eat it.
Dogs really do not want to misbehave, but they often do not understand the rules. If your dog is older he may have some ingrained habits that you will need to break him of. Try working with him to make him understand his behavior is not allowed. If he wants to jump up on you, raise your knee quickly and bump him in the chest while telling him "no" in a strong voice. It is not necessary to shout or scream, but use a voice that has authority.
Even though most dogs are more intelligent than we give them credit for, it does take some time and repetition before they understand exactly what they are being asked to learn. As time goes on your dog will come to understand certain words that they hear when you address them. For example, most dogs quickly pick up the meaning of words like outside, walk, food, play and good dog. Most dogs will wag their tail even in their sleep if they hear their name mentioned.
If you are a new dog owner, you have many enjoyable years ahead of you. Take the time to train your dog properly and assure your relationship will be a pleasure for both of you.
