10 Great Dog Training Tips

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Everyone knows how important it is to train their beloved pooch. Unfortunately, it’s also expensive, time-consuming, and tiring. These tips can help you quite a bit when it comes to training your pooch. They won’t make it easy, but they will make it easier.

 

1) Stay positive

 

It’s well known that positive reinforcement works better than negative when it comes to training. Yet it’s hard to be positive when your dog has once again torn up the trashcan. Unfortunately, dogs can sense when their person is upset. If you’re angry, or even plain not into the training, your dog won’t understand what’s happening. Unless you need to curtail a behavior in the moment, it’s best to try training only when you’re feeling up to it.

 

2) Keep Sessions Short

 

No one likes devoting all their time and energy to something that takes hours. Just like people, dogs can get bored with repetitive sessions.

 

3) Play Is A Vital Part!

 

It’s always great to have a bit of fun after hard work, and dogs are no different in that respect. Some dogs respond better if you play before training. It allows them to get out their playful energy and be better able to focus on what you’re teaching them. Other dogs simply get wound up, making it impossible to get them to calm down and listen. Have a good sense of how your dog learns best.

 

4) Find Training Opportunities In Everyday Life

 

If you train on schedule but don’t teach your pooch how to respond in everyday life, your dog will learn they should only perform the action during training. Randomizing when you give a training command can keep your dog on their toes and teach them to pay closer attention. So find places to instruct them. Tell them to sit before you feed them in the morning. Tell them to shake. Call your dog to come when at the dog park, so they learn that the “come” order might happen at any time. If you’re giving your dog a treat, such as table scraps? Tell them to do a trick! If your dog wants attention, a training command can be a good way to interact with them. It teaches them that you’ll give them attention but still expect them to follow the rules.

 

5) Use Mealtime Often

 

Using meal time to train your dog teaches them that food is no excuse for poor behavior. It also gives you an easy to follow schedule.

 

6) Stop If You Get Frustrated

 

 

If you’re getting fed up with the training, stop immediately. Similarly, you should stop if your dog seems to be getting frustrated. You can end training on a calmer note by telling your dog to sit, or possibly to go lay down on their bed. As they rest up, you can rest up and consider what went wrong. Perhaps you simply need to find a better treat. Or you may simply need some outside help. There’s no shame in asking a professional. That’s why they’re professionals!

 

7) Be Consistent With Training

 

As mentioned, your dog will learn if they’re only expected to listen during specific times. This is why you have to be consistent with your orders. It teaches your dog to perform on command, and more importantly that you expect them to listen at all times.

 

8) Have Fun!

 

Play isn’t just a great way for you and your dog to blow off steam. It can be important for helping your dog concentrate and building their intelligence. Keeping the training fun can keep both you and your pooch interested.

 

9) Get Professional Help

 

It might be expensive, but a professional trainer can be a huge help. They can assess if you have realistic goals and help you figure out how to meet them. They can even take over the training if you’re uncertain how to proceed.

 

10) Celebrate Victories No Matter How Small

 

It’s incredibly easy to ignore how much better the trainee has gotten. This is true of humans and dogs. You can get so focused on what you want that you don’t notice how far you’ve come. The harder the behavior, the easier it is to fall into this habit. This is another area where a professional trainer is handy. They can help you notice when your dog has gotten a lot better. Having that kind of feedback can often encourage you when nothing else will.

The Top Three Things to Avoid when Bathing Your Dog

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Bathing your dog can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your pooch. During this time, you get to bond with your pet and get him/her clean. Canines require regular washings to keep them neat and clean. During a bath, you not only clean your pet but help to ensure that your dog’s coat remains healthy. Dogs should be bathed at least every month. Bathing your canine pet is easy when you know what to avoid. Let;s take a look at three common mistakes that dog owners make when bathing their dog.

 

The Wrong Type of Shampoo

 

Dogs, just like people, require specific formulations. Some dogs suffer from dry skin while others battle fleas. This is why it is essential that you choose the right type of shampoo based on your dog’s unique needs. There are numerous types of dog shampoo available. Let’s take a look at how you can find the best dog shampoo based on your pet’s unique needs.

If you are unsure which shampoo to choose, talk with a groomer. Most groomers will be happy to help you choose a dog shampoo because frequent washings help to make a day at the groomers easier.

In addition to asking the dog groomer, you can contact your veterinarian to help determine the best type of shampoo for your dog. Your veterinarian will know your dog’s unique health and be able to recommend the best formula based on your dog’s health.

It is essential that you avoid using shampoo developed for people; however, a baby shampoo may be recommended for those dogs with sensitive skin. However, most human shampoos are not designed to properly cleanse your dog without causing skin irritation. When you opt for the appropriate dog shampoo, your dog will begin enjoying his bath and associate bath time with a pleasant, calm and enjoyable experience.

 

Rewarding Your Dog Too Soon

 

 

You can make bath time more enjoyable by training your dog to be on his/her best behavior. When you are training your dog, make it a positive experience so your dog will begin to look forward to his/her bath time. Many people to get their dog into the bathroom using treat; however, this is a bad mistake. Wait until after your dog has been washed to praise him/her and give them a treat, based on how well they behaved. Never give your pet a treat while he/she is in the bathtub.

 

Avoid Getting Frustrated or Yelling at Your Pet During Bathtime.

 

 

When your pet is excited, he/she can sling soap and water all over your bathroom. It is important to remember that your beloved pooch does not understand why he/she needs a bath. Remain calm and be assertive to help teach him/her how he/she is supposed to ask during bathtime.

Scream at your pet will further excite your dog, which will further worsen their behavior. Additionally, screaming at your pet can cause him/her to fear bathtime. Instead, try to remain calm and take a deep breath. If need be, walk away from the bath and try at a later time. This may not be the most convenient option; however, it can help defuse the tension.

Finally, always make sure that you have plenty of time to devote to your pet’s bathtime.Being rushed can add to your tension, which can cause your pet to misbehave.

As you can see, there are a few things to remember when you are bathing your dog. Remain calm, give yourself plenty of time, choose the right shampoo and only reward your dog after bath time is completed.