Article Title: Getting Started With Dog Training
Author: Nick Bulka
Learning to train a dog is usually very straightforward. Most
dog training techniques are time-proven, so if someone claims
they have a "new" technique, chances are that it's an existing
technique that has been slightly modified or adapted for a
particular case. And although it is straightforward, that
doesn't mean it's easy for a beginner. A novice dog trainer is
likely to experience frustration when his pooch doesn't respond
as quickly as he likes. But rest assured that if you persevere,
you will see results. Without a doubt, most important aspects
of training your dog are consistency, repetition, and positive
reinforcement. Your dog will be more eager to do what you
request if he's doing it to please you, rather than to avoid an
unpleasant correction.
When someone new to dog training watches an experienced trainer
handle a dog, it may seem that the experienced trainer gets fast
results because of some innate talent that they were blessed
with. The real truth is that, like most other things, dog
training is a learned over time, and it does come easier with
experience, as a result of past successes and failures.
An important aspect of training a dog is using the right tone
of voice. You should use a tone of authority, but never anger.
And volume is not really required to let your dog know who's
boss. Canine social behavior depends on the order of dominance,
and it's important for your dog to know that you are the
dominant one, not him. But remember, you should never attempt
to show your dominance by physical punishment. Once your dog
realizes that you're the "alpha" member of the "pack", training
becomes much easier. On the other hand, if Fido discovers early
on that you're a pushover, you're likely doomed to having a dog
that does whatever he pleases, and it will be extremely
difficult to change his demeanor.
Praise and reward are your key tools when training your dog. As
mentioned earlier, you should strive to get to the point where
your dog gets a great deal of pleasure from pleasing you. And
frankly, it's also a lot more fun for the trainer as well. And
although there are dogs that will require negative corrections
to learn, this is the exception, rather than the rule. It's
also important to spend time with your dog just so you can
enjoy each other's company. When a bond develops between human
and canine, it's truly a wonderful thing.
Remember also that dogs, like humans, have unique
personalities, and what works for one dog may not work for
another. You need to be willing to adapt your training
techniques to better fit your dog's personality. This is one of
the true marks of a successful dog trainer, and only comes with
time, dedication, and experience.
It's also necessary to realize that you shouldn't have
unrealistic expectations of your dog. Don't expect a young
puppy to have the same attention span as an older dog, or to
have the ability to retain as much of what they've learned. And
also take your dog's physical traits into consideration. It's
unlikely that a bulldog will ever become a frisbee champion, or
that a miniature poodle will be able to become a bird dog.
Armed with these tips, you should be ready to take Fido out for
his first training session. Rest assured that as time
progresses, these things will become second nature to you.
About The Author: Nick Bulka operates a number of pet-related
web sites, including http://www.dogtrain
http://www.pet-
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