Train Any Dog
Having a dog can enrich your life tremendously, but it can also come with its share of difficulty. Many owners simply do not know how to effectively handle canine behavioral problems, and can sometimes make the dog's behavior worse. If this is your situation, then relax - we're here to help!
When crate training a puppy, try to make your puppy feel like the crate is his home. Leave the crate door open and place food inside of it when it's time to eat. This will give your dog a positive association with the crate.
Many instances can arise when an owner is out of ear shot of the dog but still clearly in his sight. Dogs can even be trained to respond to the position of the owner's body. For example, the owner might raise his or her arms above his head and lean in one direction or another to direct the stock dog to a particular point in a field.
Dogs mimic their owner's behavior. Don't be shocked if they decide they want to sleep in your bed and sit in your recliner. Don't be shocked if they attempt to eat from your plate. Most of all, don't be angry. Your dog has to be trained that this behavior is unacceptable. They need to be taught the acceptable options.
Training your dog to walk on lead takes time. The idea is to have your dog walk obediently beside you without straining, tugging, and pulling from side to side. Correct your dog's movement with short snaps of the lead that pull sharply and abruptly back against his momentum. He will stop pulling and walk complacently for a time beside you. During this time loosen the lead but when he pulls again snap the lead again.
Make sure to get everyone involved in training. If you are the only member of the family working with Fido's behavior, then the other members of the family are giving him mixed signals. Consistency is extremely important in dog training. Also make sure that everyone is using the same key words and rewards so that the behavior will be reinforced correctly. Off and down are two different things to a dog, so make sure you aren't confusing him.
To help potty train puppies, consider using a crate. Crate training may sound unpleasant, but it's actually one of the most natural ways to train puppies. A crate is considered their home or den, and puppies have an instinct not to soil in this space. Just be sure to limit the time spent in the crate, so your pup can spend time with you too.
Puppy chewing is a natural and necessary behavior, but it can be redirected. A puppy's chewing is one way that he explores the environment around him. Provide your puppy with clear leadership and a lot of human interaction and stimulation. Also, provide him with fun chew toys. This will help stop him from chewing on the things that he should not be chewing on.
If your otherwise well-behaved and housebroken dog starts exhibiting poor behaviors, such as urinating indoors, take it to a vet to rule out any medical problems. Many medical issues can cause a dog to act out. Don't punish your sick dog for showing you that it is sick; help it.
To teach your dog to mush, you should start by introducing him or her to common mushing terms before you have them pull weight. Start by taking your dog for a walk and saying "Gee" when turning right and "Haw" when turning left. Make sure to praise and reward your dog for turning with you in the right direction. Eventually, your dog will learn the commands and be able to move in the right direction without your physical guidance. Simple directions are essential for mushing dogs to know because it can prevent lead tangles and confusion when pulling an actual sled.
Every owner owes it to their dog to know the basics of dog training. And the good news is that, even if you know little about canine behavior, there are simple and very easy steps you can take to develop a more positive and healthy relationship with your dog.
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