Many people complain they have a ‘bad’ dog, but the truth of the matter is, there are usually only bad OWNERS.
If they got the dog as a puppy, then the reason why their dog is badly behaved is because they did not take the time to train it properly. In truth, they were probably never trained themselves in how to raise a happy and well-adjusted dog which will not be a nuisance to everyone.
If the no proper puppy training takes place, it is not the dog’s fault that they don’t have good manners, and do not obey basic commands. It is the owner’s responsibility to take care of this and to teach their dog what is expected of them, both for the dog’s safety, and for that of humans.
There is plenty of information on the internet, most of it free, on the topic of dog training, what works and what doesn’t. Some of the information may contradict each other, but there are basic things you should expect of your puppy as soon as you get it.
The most obvious one would be toilet training, and obeying commands like stay and stop. If you follow the dog training information and guidelines you find in books and on the internet, no matter what kind of puppy or dog you own, it can definitely turn out to be one a pleasure to own.
You will be more than happy with the results for your puppy training, and everyone in the family will be able to enjoy your puppy: family, friends, and visitors to your house. You will be stress-free, and not have to worry about your dog being aggressive, or acting in an unpredictable way which might cause ham to himself and/or others.
It is really important that you learn how to get your dog to listen to your commands as soon as you get your puppy. Your tone should match what you ar trying to get the dog to do.
Start out with something small, and when they obey, praise them. Puppies are always eager to please and it will raise their confidence and give them emotional maturity and self-esteem. they will be eager to do it again, or learn more.
They may not be perfect all day every day, but reward their best efforts and don’t punish the harshly if they do anything you consider to be bad.
Successful puppy training takes time and patience, in the same way that raising a well-adjusted child does not happen overnight.
Above all, your dog training time, when you are with your dog one on one, getting to know your puppy, and figuring out what makes it tick, is a great bonding time for your both to enjoy. Puppies are very adaptable and you should see it respond and bond fairly quickly with you. The more time you spend with your new puppy, the more it will adjust to your way of doing things.
When not left alone, and kept occupied with challenging and interesting tasks, your puppy will be less likely to do the many annoying or destructive things which a bored puppy will do. These include chewing, destroying property or furniture, going to the toilet in inappropriate places, barking, and acting aggressive or hyperactive.
Whatever you do throughout the dog training process, never, under any circumstances use physical punishment, no matter how frustrated and irritated you might become at times. The tone of your voice should say it all when it comes to getting your dog to listen to your commands. You will learn better which tone to use for each task you are want them to perform.
Once you have completed just the basic dog training commands with your dog, you and everyone else around will definitely notice an enormous difference in them and will be very, very pleased to have such a pleasant pet to share their life with.
you will also set a great example for other people. Just think about it: if you see a loud, barking, uncontrollable dog on the street, you are certainly not going to think, “I wish I had a dog like that.”
Puppy training is time consuming, but you will get what you put into your puppy, out of your puppy multiple times over, because they offer unconditional love and are so eager to please. They are pack animals, and want to be part of a safe, secure, supportive pack. You must be the ‘alpha’ dog, the one in charge, who will keep them safe and secure.
If they think you are not up to the task, they will take to domineering and even aggressive behavior, not only in the house, but out on the street. So act as though you are in charge, even when you might be unsure of yourself in certain situations. Your puppy will take its cue from you.
If you encounter a large, aggressive dog on the street, for example, be safe and sensible, but do not act intimidated or scared. Walk straight on by at a safe distance, and your puppy will do the same (of course, you have to be sure that you do not take them out walking in public until they have had all their puppy shots. See our article on innoculations for more details).
Rewarding your dog is very important during the training process, so any time that they do listen to something that you are trying to say to them, make sure that you do give them praise, attention, and a treat.
We tend to avoid packaged treats due to the preservatives and wheat flour, which many dogs are allergic to. So to reward, or ‘bait’ the dog as they do in dog shows to get its attention, we like to use their own dry food. the act of hand feeding causes the bond to deepen. The association of a trick with a treat is also one they will catch on to quickly.
Even better, you can offer your dog a ‘bribe’ too without waving the treat in its face by carrying it in a small metal tin that rattles, such as an empty candy tin, filled with dry dog food. Just shake the tin before each command, and they will often come, sit, stay, give paw, and so on.
Again, this will take time and patience, but the noise of the tin helps them become conditioned to what is expected of them, and with persistence, they should be obeying your every command in no time.