Teaching Fido Tricks
Most animal lovers can attest to a dog’s happy and faithful nature that people just love. Despite this, many are reluctant in keeping a dog because training them is hard work. The good news is it doesn’t have to be. Here are some easy tips that will help you have that fun and rewarding pet-owner relationship you’ve always wanted.
First thing you have to remember is that you have to establish your authority with the dog. He is after all an animal and will instinctively follow you better once he realizes this. Set ground rules that will allow him to acknowledge you as his superior. During meal times, let him watch you eat first then feed him afterwards. When you are crossing the room and he is blocking your path, dont go around him; instead push him gently out of your way. You are the leader of the pack and this is how it goes in the animal world. The earlier he learns you are his boss, the easier to teach him later on.
Dogs are sensitive to their handler’s emotions so you cannot show timidity or fear. Your voice should be firm and strong voice in delivering doggie commands. However, remember that dogs are especially receptive to positive reinforcement. Hand him treats each time he does something right. Be lavish in your praises to him. If he misses an order, correct him then and there, not after. Training sessions should go for ten to fifteen minutes, done a few times a day.
You will notice that dogs have similar behavioral patterns indicative of their mood. When happy they wag their tails, have an open look and bark a happy sound. Angry dogs bare their teeth, growl and tense up. Understanding your dogs mood will allow you to gauge him better, subsequently giving you response time to be able to train him more effectively.
Be patient in teaching your dogs new tricks. Ideally you start as early as six weeks but even older dogs can still learn. You will encounter some difficulty at first but remain calm and patient. Consistency will win out and he will learn sooner or later. Do not change your training patterns or schedule. Dogs get confused easily and you might lose ground if that happens.
Train your dogs in a place with no distractions. A playful butterfly or whizzing car will distract him from your lessons. You will find it difficult to get his attention then. A peaceful backyard or any indoor area will be satisfactory.
More than anything, keep in mind the reason you got the dog in the first place. Enjoy his doggie company! When training is beginning to seem like a chore, take five and just play around with him. Dogs will lavish you with unconditional love whatever may have happpened to you this week. And at the end of the day, it’s not how well he rolled over but how he got you to smile that makes him the perfect pet to have.
Geraldine Dimarco is a lifelong student of the animal kingdom. Find out more about dog articles your pet will want you to know.
Tags: dog training, dog tricks
dog training | Geraldine Dimarco | 01 December 2009 |
