DOGGY DISCIPLINE 101

Dog owners always wonder why, despite their attempts at pet training, they fall short of expectations. A well-trained doggy is the dream of every new doggy owner, but there’s no need for it to be just a dream. Proper training and supportive encouragement are the best ways to help a doggy understand good behavior from bad. Of course, there will be mistakes as your doggy learns, but if you know how to discipline a dog and redirect him, you’ll have the best behaved doggy. As you’ve probably discovered, training takes more than just hoping your dog will read your mind and obey.

Dog training can be difficult for both owner and pet but it’s ultimately a rewarding experience for those who persist. These dog training dos and don’ts will help you avoid common pitfalls when training your dog.

Do’s:

Stay calm, setting the example to model. You should be the one setting an example of how to act in all situations. Give your doggy a good example to follow.

Always focus on your doggy. Training must be about bringing him into your world by understanding his instincts and natural behaviors.

Never fool him into doing what you want or tease him with commands you teach him.

Reward your doggy lavishly but only when he has completed the task.

Be consistent. Always use the same words for desired behaviors and the same tone of voice.

Always think ahead. Anticipate your dog’s actions before he moves.

Teach your doggy one command at a time. They get easily confused even the cleverest dog.

Give enough time for your doggy to take in your command and then act. He may not react immediately, but this is not necessarily a sign of disobedience.

Always associate training with companionship so it will become easier for both of you. Play with your doggy before and after each training.

Don’ts:

Never allow others to pamper him any more than you would. You’re his master and he must look to you for leadership.

Don’t punish your doggy while you’re angry.

Never chase your doggy if you want him to come. Make him come to you.

Don’t deceive your doggy. Never shower him with praise to bring him to you and then punish him because he’s been naughty.

Don’t continually repeat the same command to your doggy until he executes it.

Don’t discipline your doggy for disobedience unless you’re certain that he understood the command you gave.

Never allow anybody else to command your doggy while you’re training him.

Disciplining your doggy can be tough, but remember that you’re helping him learn to be the best version of himself. If you treat your doggy like you would a child, you will start to see that you’re teaching him how to be a grown up. Make sure to always be patient and invest time in your doggy’s training so you’ll worry less about how to discipline him. Dogs can be a handful, but with proper discipline, your furr baby can learn habits to keep you both happy and safe.