| One of the biggest mistakes that dog owners make | | | | minimum number of times. Generally if the puppy or |
| in training their dog or puppy is to get lazy with | | | | dog does it correctly the first couple of times in the |
| expectations and in working with the dog. Often it is | | | | training but then becomes inattentive or |
| easier to just let the behavior slide rather than | | | | non-compliant they are likely bored with the activity. |
| addressing the problems as they occur. Ultimately this | | | | Try changing the order of the commands, completing |
| inconsistency will result in teaching the dog that they | | | | the training in a different environment or even |
| only need to do what you say when they feel like it, | | | | teaching new commands. |
| rather than every time you give a command. | | | | · Make time for training every day, even |
| Being consistent doesn't mean that you have to | | | | with mature dogs. Dogs that don't have any behavior |
| punish your dog, nor does it mean that you have to | | | | expectations become less likely to perform when |
| use punishment methods that are harsh. Generally | | | | needed, so working a few basic commands every |
| dogs that are well bonded to their owners only | | | | day is important. Try including basic commands in |
| require a gentle correction or a simple "No" and the | | | | everyday interactions with the dog. For example, |
| dog will cease the problematic behavior. Dogs that | | | | when the come to greet you have them sit, shake a |
| are punished either by spanking or by being yelled at | | | | paw, or even lie down. Do the same when you are |
| are far less likely to be well-behaved dogs as they | | | | out walking. |
| have less of a bond with their owner. Dogs that are | | | | · Set a training time. While this may seem a |
| treated with kindness, consistency, firmness and love | | | | bit artificial if you don't schedule training time it will |
| are far more likely to be obedient and compliant pets. | | | | often be forgotten. By setting aside five to ten |
| If your training has started to slide or if you are | | | | minutes everyday to work specifically with your dog |
| noting that your dog is not consistently following | | | | you will notice immediate improvements. |
| commands try the following suggestions: | | | | · Provide lots of verbal praise, pets and |
| · Set reasonable goals for your dog, breaking | | | | recognition for appropriate behavior. Give treats |
| all commands down into their basic steps and then | | | | randomly and less frequently as the dog begins to |
| progressing to more challenging commands. In order | | | | respond to praise. |
| for the dog to be able to roll over, for example, he | | | | · Last but not least, never give into the dog. |
| or she must first have mastered the commands of | | | | It is better to skip a training session than to let the |
| come, sit, down and stay. | | | | dog get away with poor behavior during the session. |
| · Watch for signs of boredom in your dog or | | | | Most trainers agree that one person working with a |
| puppy. Not all dogs and puppies enjoy repeating | | | | puppy or dog at a time, at least until they have the |
| exercises over and over again whereas other dogs | | | | commands mastered, avoids confusion for the dog. |
| thrive on this type of training. Do some research on | | | | Once the puppy or dog has learned the commands |
| the breed to find out if it is a repetitive learner or if | | | | the trainer can then work with others in the house |
| he or she does best when commands are given a | | | | to help them learn how to work with the dog. |