Protect My House

Advanced obedience is to a dog what returning down the toilet seat is to a man – it takes patient training but it is possible. Dog obedience training is one of the most rewarding experiences between a dog and his pet owner. You are not only doing yourself a favor; you are also giving your pet a happier and fuller life. Well trained dogs are well-adjusted, confident and mentally quicker. You can be confident in it’s conduct even if you leave him alone with other people.

The most important thing to remember in attempting to teach your animal is to set your role as the head in your relationship. When he understands that you are his master, it is much simpler to train him the commands you expect him to obey. Confusing the animal in this regard can be dangerous; he will be aggressive and try to control you himself. Don’t overcompensate and be excessively mean to show you’re the master; be firm, keep your ground and correct this unfavorable trait as soon as you see it rearing its ugly head.

Make your leadership known by using a strong and sure voice. As you say “Sit!” gently guide him in the said position firmly. You may have to go through several tries with each command, especially in the initial stages. Development from basic to more advanced obedience training is relatively simpler once your dog recognizes the patterns you’ve set in your training sessions.

The positive reinforcement method of training is rewarding your dog with treats or praise for correctly accomplishing the command. It is the single most useful way to train your pet; it’s what he understands. Applaud your dog each time he does what you say correctly. At times, this is easy to overlook but make the extra effort not to. Dogs get confused easily and distinguishing good behavior every time will ensure that he will remember what is right.

Inversely, reprimand the animal whenever he makes a mistake. Do it during the mistake and not when it is past so the dog will understand the error of his ways. Scolding him will also highlight the distinction between what is good from what is bad. For example, if he starts finding the unidentified dirt on the street fascinating enough to ingest, scold him then and there. Then put dog food before him to eat. When he starts dining on his own food, be profuse in your praise.