Are you stuck when it comes to training your dog? Not to worry! Positive reinforcement training is a very rewarding experience for you and your dog. By nature, your pet will seek your approval, wanting to please you (although there is always time for mischief!). But he won’t succeed without first teaching him what you want from him.
Over the course of your dog’s life, you’ll have time to teach him all sorts of tricks and skills. Today, we’re going to start with the basic teachings that every dog should know. So interested in learning more? Read on!
Teach Your Puppy to Relieve Himself Outside
If your puppy spends all his time indoors, potty training in a designated area is a priority, for very obvious reasons! Potty training is almost always a stressful time, a sort of litmus test for owners. If you are consistent and patient, it will end well.
Ideally, start when the dog is a puppy, at 3 or 4 months of age. If he’s younger, he doesn’t have enough bowel and bladder control yet. And if you start later, the training period may take much longer.
Follow these tips for potty training your dog:
- Feeding times. Regular feeding times are important for potty training. If it’s not mealtime, the dog should not have food available.
- Departures. The more opportunities you give your puppy, the better. As much as you can afford, in the first few weeks of training, take him out in the morning and then every 60 to 90 minutes throughout the day. Also take him out as soon as you wake up from a nap or when you’re done eating.
- Familiarity. Try to always take your dog to the same place to relieve himself. If you have a specific place in the house where you want your pet to relieve himself, use mats, he will recognize the smell and do it more easily.
- Company. If you take him to a terrace or garden, stay with him until he does his business, do not leave him alone until he does it himself!
- Praise. When your puppy does his business, praise him! Give your dog the perfect snack and lots of affection.
Basic Commands for Your Dog
We all know that being with an obedient dog is a pleasure and that a disobedient dog can be a nightmare. Since we don’t want the latter, we should try to get our dog to comply with a few basic commands:
Reward desired behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. This method of training makes learning more enjoyable for your dog and stops unwanted actions. It will also help strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
- Smell. This basic command helps you keep control of your dog.
- Let go. This command teaches your dog to instantly let go of whatever is in his mouth (this could save your dog if he ever picks up something dangerous or toxic).
- Stay. Teach your dog to stay still, calm and in one place.
- Come. Teach your dog to come to the call immediately on your command. You should start teaching your puppy this command as soon as he recognizes his name.
Get a good leash and some toys to encourage learning, as positive reinforcement is always the best method. After learning these initial obedience lessons, your dog will feel happier to please you and you will feel happier because you will benefit from his safety and good communication.
There you go! With those basic teachings, your dog should be on a good path of being well trained. What is your dog’s breed? Do you have any specific tips for dealing with those dogs? Let us know in the comments below.
