It's important to train a dog, whether it's big or small, young or old. In addition to helping your dog behave better, training your dog will strengthen your relationship with you. In addition, training your dog to always obey do's and don'ts, and to always respond to your commands, will strengthen his safety. For example, training a dog can prevent a dog from being hit by a car when he runs or gets lost.
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Method 1 of 4: Preparing to Train the Dog
Step 1. Give your dog a treat that he likes
Take a small cut that you can give your dog for anything he does without having to worry about it getting fat. Some dogs, especially Labrador and Beagle, are very picky when it comes to food. So, you can set aside a portion of the snack in your pocket and use it as a gift.
Step 2. Choose an environment that doesn't have a lot of distractions, such as a backyard
Make sure your dog is listening to you, not paying attention to the other dogs playing in the park. In the early stages of training, keep the dog on a leash if you are unsure of the dog's response. This will allow you to reduce unnecessary screaming to get the dog's attention when he gets bored. Instead, gently pull on the dog leash.
After learning the basic commands, you can continue to practice with distractions. This is beneficial because it can help your dog understand how to react in all situations, rather than just in your backyard
Step 3. Keep the training sessions relatively short at first
The usual exercise program involves two daily sessions of 10 to 20 minutes in duration. Also, encourage your commands by telling the dog to “sit” before eating, or to “shut up” when you are away.
Different dogs have different attention spans. Dogs have different personalities, just like humans. However, some dog breeds are easier to train. That is, the dog has a stronger concentration power. These dogs include German shepherds, Border collies, Labradors, and dogs that were originally bred as hunting dogs
Step 4. Be realistic in responding to the speed of the dog's progress
Yes, you can train an old dog a new trick, but it will take longer. Don't expect an older dog to learn as quickly as a sociable puppy. However, don't be discouraged if progress is slow. Keep training your dog, because you will be rewarded.
Method 2 of 4: Deciding What Kind of Exercise to Use
Step 1. Use a reward-based method
Some training methods advocate perfect master dominance over the dog. While it's good to be a leader for your dog, the training process should be based on encouragement, not harsh correction. Think of your dog as a little family member who has to live by the rules for everyone's benefit.
Reward-based training works on the principle of rewarding good behavior so the dog will repeat it for a reward. Otherwise, the bad behavior will be ignored so the dog will not benefit and will stop on its own
Step 2. Learn how to train a dog using a clicker as it is a superior method of training dogs
This is covered in full in How to Train a Dog Using a Clicker. The principle is to train the dog to associate the clicker "click" sound with a reward or treat. Then, give a cue word and use the clicker to signal when the desired behavior should be performed, then reward your dog.
The advantage of using a clicker is that the clicker can be an advance for a reward, and can signal the desired behavior precisely in an easy way
Step 3. Never use a choke chain
It is very cruel and the dog will hate you. A strangled chain can cause permanent damage to a dog's neck. In fact, dogs can die if they use the chain that strangles them.
Choke chains, prong collars, or electric collars represent poor training. The training relies on fear or pain to make the dog submissive and fearful, rather than encouraging the dog to choose good behavior in your favor
Step 4. Do some research on dog training
Borrow and purchase books on dog training from local libraries and bookstores. Read books and articles on dog training, behavior, and psychology so you can understand what he's thinking and can give you an advantage in training them.
Step 5. Don't yell or hit your dog
Be aware that scolding is rarely used in dog training. Dogs don't think about the future and if you scold your dog, he will see you as a bad person, and become wary of you instead of learning a lesson, which can damage your relationship with the dog. When you are there and want to correct the dog's behavior, such as when the dog is sitting on the couch, use facial expressions and voices that show you don't like it, but punishing by yelling or using physical violence will do nothing but damage the relationship between you and the dog. You.
Aggression often prompts a fear response in dogs, not a trained response. If you hit your dog too often or too violently, he will get nervous when a hand approaches him. So, when a small child strokes the dog, all he will see is a hand hitting it. The dog gets scared and thinks “Is this guy going to hit me today?” so the dog bites out of fear
Method 3 of 4: Teaching the Basic Commandments
Step 1. Start by training your dog to "sit down"
Building a strong “sit” command will put you in complete control in many situations. For example, if your dog hears the doorbell and rushes to bark, you can interrupt this behavior by telling him to sit down, rewarding his response, and moving him to a back room so he won't bark.
- To practice the sit command, show your dog the treat in your hand. Point the treat at the dog's nose, then raise your hand up. Say "sit down". The dog's head will follow the treat, so the dog's head will go up and the buttocks will drop down. When the dog's bottom hits the floor, clicker and reward.
- Once your dog does this regularly, start to stop rewarding. This will be unpredictable for the dog and he will wonder whether he will be rewarded or not. This will make the dog work harder. In the end, reward him for every fourth or fifth commandment.
- After your dog has complied with your regular sitting commands, instruct him to sit down during activities of daily living, before placing food down, and on the curb before crossing.
Step 2. Train your dog to stay on command
How to teach a dog to be quiet is almost the same as telling him to sit down. Tell the dog to sit down first, then take one step away. Say "shut up," and when your dog isn't moving, give him a clicker and reward him with lots of praise. Gradually increase the distance, until you can finally leave the room and the dog is still.
Step 3. Train the dog to respond to calls
To practice call response, start in a small room so your dog isn't too far away. When he turns and walks towards you, give the "here" signal. As he continues to approach, and when he arrives, give him rewards and praise. Keep repeating until he understands what you want him to do. Instruct your dog to come to you when you feed him or under any circumstances.
- Make approaching you a good thing for the dog. Have fun and reward as often as possible. Start by saying "here" at close range and make sure to let your dog go quickly to see what he does.
- Generally, calling is the cause of a lot of confusion for the dog as well as the owner. The problem is, reprimanding a dog that takes 30 minutes to come when called has become a human habit. This teaches the dog that when he comes, he will be reprimanded, therefore the dog will choose not to approach his master. Reprimanding the dog when after he was summoned would cause the command to conflict. Instead, no matter how long it takes the dog, you should always be happy to see your dog and give him lots of praise.
- Once your dog has mastered your commands in a small space, try doing them in the backyard. A little warning, unless you believe in your dog's ability to come back, don't let your dog off the leash in the yard. Make sure your dog is straight so it's easy for you to grab him if your dog doesn't obey your commands.
Step 4. Train your dog to poop outside
If the dog is not well trained at home, go back to the beginning and retrain your dog as you would a puppy. Give your dog enough exercise, then go home and put him in a small room or crate (teach your dog to love his crate. Read How to Crate Training for Your Dog). Take your dog outside every few hours, and when your dog squats down, say "go pee" and when he's done, reward him. Do this first in the morning and last at night. At some point, the dog will realize that it is very easy to get a treat, namely by urinating in a designated place.
If your dog accidentally urinates in the house, don't get mad at him. Instead, gently clean the litter with an enzymatic cleaner, so there won't be any lingering odors when your dog returns. Avoid using household cleaners, especially those containing bleach, as ammonia is part of your urine and you can amplify the smell unconsciously. [%]
Step 5. Train your dog to leave things
To train your dog to "drop" things, start with something your dog can pick up, but not his favorite toy. Let him pick up the object, then offer your dog a nice treat in return. Your dog has to drop the object in his hand to get your treat, so when your dog's jaw loosens, say "drop." Click when your dog drops the toy and give your treat. Continue to do this with the other commands.
- Once trained, if your dog finds something your dog shouldn't eat while he seems attracted to it, instruct your dog not to touch it. Praise him when he manages to turn his attention to you.
- When training your dog, keep temptation away from your dog. However, if he picks up something, especially if it could hurt the dog if swallowed, press the cheek near the back of the dog's jawbone and praise him for dropping it. Again, never use force to open your dog's mouth to pick up anything unless the object is dangerous, such as medicine or sharp objects.
Step 6. Train the dog to stay away from furniture
If he climbs on furniture and jumps on you without your permission, tell him to come down in a scolding manner and praise him when he does. If necessary, push your dog off the furniture. If he jumps on top of you, make an angry voice and move your knees forward. Installing restraints indoors is also a good way to move your dog without causing harm if he tends to squirm when removed from furniture. Limit verbal interaction until your dog is down.
Step 7. Train your dog to stay away from other people even when your dog is excited to see someone
To train your dog to descend, use treats and commands, such as "down." If this doesn't help, use canned compressed air that has a motion sensor in front of the furniture so that the dog will receive a long distance punishment when he climbs onto the furniture.
Method 4 of 4: Considering Specific Health Conditions
Step 1. Remember that you are training an adult dog who has had a lifetime of experience
Training is a long process and something that should be continued no matter how old your dog is. However, if you rescue an adult dog or notice that your dog is starting to have bad habits, you should know how best to train an adult dog.
Step 2. Consider health conditions
Getting your dog to the vet is a good start. This will let you know your dog's limitations. Also, if a health issue is your dog's limitation, it could explain his personality problem.
- For example, if your dog refuses to sit, it may be due to hip pain which can make it difficult to sit up. The trick is to give painkillers and consider alternative commands such as “stand up”.
- Also, if your adult dog is still refusing to be asked, he may be deaf and so he can't hear your commands. Knowing this, you can replace the command by using hand signals for your dog to respond.
Step 3. Be patient with understanding adult dogs and find out what causes them to misbehave
For example, if your dog becomes aggressive because of a foreign dog, is it due to fear or is he guarding his territory? Knowing these triggers can help you train your dog effectively by building your dog's confidence around other dogs or when their favorite toy is taken away.
- If your dog keeps running away and he hasn't been neutered, neutering him will be very helpful.
- Know which areas of your training are weak so you can focus your attention on those areas. Does your dog have any specific bad habits to watch out for, or is this training just general grooming?
- If your dog responds well, you can practice some tricks. Training is an excellent way to strengthen the bond and help your dog understand that you are in charge. In fact, training a grieving dog can distract him from his grief while he's enjoying time with his master and it can help him feel safe when you're in charge.
Tips
- Practice whispering to your dog. This will help him listen more carefully. After a while, your dog will recognize the sound that's being directed at him, so you don't have to say whole sentences. It can also help reduce noise levels when the dog is in the room when other people are in the room.
- If your dog is deaf, use simple hand signals. Hold your palms up and wave them quickly in the air. Saying "sit" is still useful because some dog breeds are smart enough to read lip movements.
- Know what your dog likes. If you train your dog in a safe, fenced in area, you can toss the dog's favorite toy and in return, let him pick it up himself. If he can't play catch but he likes tug of war, use that in return.
- Every dog has unique tastes, so experiment with different types of food to see what your dog likes best. Even chopped hot dogs can be a favorite treat for some dogs.
- If you don't have much time, instruct your dog to do activities that are easy to get a treat like sitting and lying down.
