Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Guide For Training A Dog - 5 Quick Tips For Teaching Obedience

Article Title: Guide For Training A Dog - 5 Quick Tips For
Teaching Obedience
Author: Jed Jones

If you have found that your dog is starting to show aggressive
tendencies, is destructive to your property, or is otherwise
misbehaving, you need to take action right away to nip the
problem in the bud. Reason: if you let these problems go, your
dog will only get the message that this kind of behavior is
somehow acceptable, which of course is something you want to
avoid at all costs.

Here are 5 quick tips for teaching your dog obedience.

Tip #1: Get your dog 's attention: The first thing you need to
do is get your dog to pay attention to what you are saying. If
you are going to be training your dog how to behave properly, he
or she needs to understand that you are not just messing around.
You have something very important to teach and your message
needs to be heard. Expert trainers often us the verbal command
"Watch Me " to get a dog to pay attention to further training.

Tip #2: Remain in control of your emotions: Your dog likely
knows your moods well, and your tone of voice and body language
instantly transmit to your dog how you are feeling. This means
that you need to pay extra special attention to your own
emotional state when training your dog. Your dog needs to be
able to distinguish between the act of teaching it something new
and that act of your merely unloading your anger on your dog
because he or she has done something destructive or aggressive.
If your dog acts up, gain control of your temper before you
start your lesson and the effects will be much more powerful and
lasting.

Tip #3: Give credit where credit is due: When your dog makes
some progress during your obedience training - even if it is
just a small step in the right direction - be sure to credit
your dog with the win. A kind word or an extra doggy biscuit can
make all the difference, and expert trainers know that positive
reinforcement is more desirable than punishment.

Tip #4: Penalize your dog when she makes a mistake: Of course,
positive reinforcement for good behavior or progress in your
training program are always welcome. But, when your dog makes
mistakes along the way (which will happen), be sure to penalize
your dog accordingly. There is no need to resort to hitting or
hurting your dog physically. However, a slight tug of the leash
or just plain ignoring your dog for a few minutes can provide
enough psychological discomfort that your dog will want to start
complying with your wishes.

Tip #5: Always follow your words with consequences: Much in the
way that parents are advised to teach children proper behavior,
when training your disobedient dog you need to make sure that
you actually give consequences for disobedience. For example, if
you tell your dog not to jump on the couch or chew on a shoe,
but you often find yourself too busy to actually stop your dog
from the offensive behavior, you are sending a mixed message. Be
consistent with what you say and make sure to follow through.
Your dog will respect you more for it.

Obedience problems and aggressiveness in a dog are legitimate
causes for concern. At the very least, you may find yourself
picking up chewed-up newspaper bits or cleaning urine off of
your carpet more often than you like. If things worsen, the
personal safety and property of those around your dog could be
at risk. If your dog is experiencing problems like these, take
action right away and bring back the loving, warm companion that
you had always intended to have.

About The Author: Canine obedience problems can be a financial
and emotional strain on you and those around you. Get winning
advice from an expert trainer who has helped thousands of other
dog owners correct obedience problems at:
http://www.I-Feel-Great.com/

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