Dog Training Guide



This guide is only stepping stones toward a well behaved canine! "The information and advice contained herein is not intended to replace the services of a trained veterinarian or to be a substitute for the medical advice of veterinarians. The user should regularly consult a veterinarian in all matters relating to an animal companion's health, and particularly in respect of any symptoms which may require diagnosis or medical attention."

This Guide Was Made Possiable By PetPath.

TRAINING


Dogs of every size, age, and disposition need effective training. The educational process requires time and effort, but produces responsible pets and owners. All dogs should begin training when they arrive in your home.
The training method that works best for you will depend on the dog's temperament and physique, family dynamics and training goals. Consult a local professional or specialized handbook for more information and alternative schools of thought. Definitely registar for group obedience classes, which help socialize dogs and teach you proper techniques.
All dog owners, whatever teaching system they employ, should follow these five fundamental principles as a guide.


Avoid hitting your dog!



HOUSETRAINING


Housetraining is usually the first thing owners teach their new dogs, with training beginning as soon as a puppy starts solid food. While the time it takes to housetrain dogs varies, dedicating yourself to the task, following some basic rules and guidelines, and keeping a positive outlook all contribute to a swift and successful experience.
Preventing accidents is one of the most important strategies involved in housetraining. To avoid accidents, do not let your puppy roam freely inside until it is fully housetrained. If you cannot watch your dog attentively, put it outside, place it in a crate designed for training, or confine it to a room with newspapers on the floor so that it can relieve itself.
Crates are especially useful in housetraining, since dogs generally refuse to relieve themselves in the same place as they sleep. By taking your dog out of its crate to eliminate, praising it as it does and then returning it to the crate, you reinforce the notion of going outside every time your dog needs to relieve itself.
Unlike most adult dogs, puppies cannot wait when they need to eliminate. Since this need is most pressing as soon as puppies wake up and immediately after they eat, it is essential to take them out at these times. Puppies usually need to eliminate at night as well. Putting newspapers down by the outside door is a useful approach if you are unwilling or unable to take your puppy out during the night.
In addition to learning about your dog's needs, it is also important to recognize related clues. When a dog sniffs the carpet, walks in circles and begins to squat, it sends a clear signal that it needs to eliminate. A puppy communicates the same message at nighttime by crying or going to the door that leads outside.
Never punish your puppy for mistakes made while being housetrained. If you catch your puppy in the process of relieving itself in the house, a mild verbal correction followed by a trip outside will suffice. Lavish and enthusiastic praise each time your dog eliminates outside helps to send a strong message about which behavior os better.
If your dog eliminates inside, but you only discover the evidence later, simply vow to be more vigilant. Attempting to correct the behavior after the fact will only confuse your puppy, since dogs associate punishment and reward with the act that immediately precedes it. Be sure to clean the area thoroughly with enzyme-based cleaners (not ammonia), removing all traces of the scent so that your dog will not return to that spot next time.
When taking your dog outside, bring it to the same spot each time. The famililar smell will help to remind your dog about the purpose of the trip. By repeating a specific phrase, such as "hurry up" or "do your duty" each time your dog begins to urinate or defecate, you can also train your dog to eliminate on cue. This is especially helpful before going for a drive or taking your dog out in cold weather.


COMMAND: WHEN: WHY:
"Hurry-Up" or "Do Your Duty". Each time your dogs urinates or deficates outside. To teach your dog your eliminate on cue.
Bring dog to same spot outside each time when eliminating. When you bring dog outside. To remind dog about the purpose of the trip.

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