If you want to successfully train your dog, you’ll have to put in a lot of hard work. You will have to commit to a daily training session with your dog and stick to your commitment. Even if you do, success isn’t guaranteed, especially if you are not organized in your approach.

These six tips will help you train your dog to be obedient and well-mannered.

1. When to start training your dog

Many people are in a rush to get their dog trained. They may have seen a cute little puppy on Youtube that is able to sit and shake hands or whatever, and they want their dog to do the same. If this describes you, then you need to take a deep breath and relax.

Dog training is not a sprint, but an ongoing process that needs to be paced properly for best results. A dog can learn at any age, but for best results you need to deliver training at the time when the dog is best equipped to receive it.

Ideally, you’ll want to start obedience training at 12 weeks, when your puppy is a bit more mature, but still biddable.

2. The best person to train your dog is you

Training is about more than just obedience. It also a way of asserting your dominance and leadership. In addition, it is one of the best ways to build up a bond with your dog.

But you’ll only achieve these benefits if you do the training yourself. Yes, you can save yourself a lot of hassle by getting someone else to do the training. But its not the best way to go about it.

3. Why consistency matters

Dogs are very good at spotting routines and this can be a big advantage to your training. If you are consistent with your schedule, commands and approach your dog will pick this up a lot quicker

4. Don’t use the dog’s name for corrections

Don’t ever use your dog’s name when you are correcting or scolding him. Your dog should see his name as something positive, so that when you call him he comes running right away.

5. Find out what really motivates your dog

Don’t assume that a reward always has to be a food treat. Many dogs prefer a game, a favorite toy, or praise and affection. Experiment a bit to find out what really motivates your dog, then use it wisely to get the best results.

6. Physical punishments are a definite no-no

Physical abuse of a dog has no place in training, or in dog guardianship in general for that matter. And it is totally ineffective as a dog training method. The dog will learn to be afraid of you, but he won’t learn anything else.

Dog training takes time, but time spent with your dog is always time well spent. Follow the tips above to a well-adjusted, obedient dog.

There’s lots more about dog obedience training, dog care, dog behavior and other useful dog information at dogsanddogtraining.com

Technorati Tags: dog, dog obedience training, Dog Training, dog training tips