Can you learn how to train your dog at home? Are you a new dog owner tearing your hair out, wondering how to train your dog? Perhaps your dog bolts out the front door, pulls on the leash, pees on your floor, or she eats off your plate every time you turn around.
Let’s not forget – barking, growling and nipping at your guests’ ankles are on the agenda too for your puppy.
Using a traditional trainer or dog class is simply too expensive for most people. A kind and proactive manner must be taken to train your dogs at home.
Train Your Dog With Kindness If You Want Results
Why do dogs need to be trained with kindness rather than with punishment?
Dogs that are rewarded for good behavior continue to behave well. While dogs that are punished for bad behavior often continue the bad behavior.
Keep these 3 tips in mind when learning how to train your dog:
- All training sessions should be done after the dog has been in the house for at least a few days
- Train in 10 to15 minute increments
- Use small treats as rewards
How To Train Your Dog Tip #1 – Basic Obedience Training
There are two basic commands you must know when learning how to train your dog: Sit and Stay. These two commands will make your life as a dog owner much more freeing and less stressful. It’s freeing because you won’t be terrified that your dog will run off at the site of a squirrel.
And it’s less stressful because you’ll have confidence knowing that your dog will always listen to you – at all times.
The Sit Command
“Sit” is the basic command you should start with first. It’s simple for you as well. Kneel down to eye level with your dog. Hold a treat by his nose and watch as his butt lowers and his head raises, following the yummy treat. Once his bottom is touching the ground, immediately release the treat into his mouth and praise him.
Combine this activity with the word “Sit.” It’s the easiest method in how to train your dog to obey you.
The Stay Command
“Stay” is more difficult for dogs, but is especially necessary. First, put your leash on your dog. Wave your palm in front of his mouth and tell him to stay. Walk right in front of him for a few seconds before returning to his side.
Next, reward him for remaining still. If he moved, say a nice, calm word such as “oops” and return him to his spot. Keep repeating this until you are able to get him to stay on command. Then choose a release word such as “okay” or “come on.”
How to Train Your Dog Tip #2 – House Training Your Dog
The next most pressing issue when learning how to train your dog is potty training. Dogs are prone to relieve themselves in the house. All dogs have accidents, especially puppies. Expect this. But with simple training, you can break them of this habit.
It’s important to not punish your dog or put his or her face near any accidents they had. This kind of brutality is likely to frighten them and cause or worsen problems.
How to Train Your Dog Tip #3 – Consistency
Learning how to train your dog requires setting up a consistent schedule for your puppy. You need a consistent schedule as to when he will eat, as well as when you’ll take him outside to potty.
There are certain times a puppy has to go potty. First thing in the morning, after he eats or drinks, after he plays, every 1-3 hours (depending on age), and before bed time.
Praise your puppy immediately after he goes potty. Doing so will let him know exactly what he’s being praised for. Find a keyword to associate with this action, such as “Let’s go potty” or “Make poop?” Repeat these activities multiple times a day to train your dog in the best way!
Get Access to a Free Online Dog Training Resource
I don’t know about you, but I tend to learn better when I actually watch a video! I strongly urge you to get a really good dog system complete with dog training videos that addresses dog obedience training, house training, and dog health care all in one.
A really great free online dog training program is by TrainPetDog.com.
Or… Buy a Really Good Dog Training Book
Or, if you like to read, a really great book that addresses all 3 problems – dog obedience training, house training, and dog health – there’s a really good book at a very low price called The Dog Training Mastery Multimedia Package by Kingdom of pets. In no time, you’ll have learned how to train a dog effortlessly!
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