Dog training: Simple Tips to Make it Fun and Easy

Why does dog training come so naturally to some but to others it seems like an impossible task? Few things will give a dog owner as much pride as when a guest comments on how well a dog is trained, knowing that you and your dog together make a good team. Then again on the other side of the coin, there are few things as embarrassing as trying to stop your dog from yapping insistently whenever a guest stands up for a glass of water. Well, training your canine companion doesn’t need to be a difficult task and with a few of these training tips, training your dog can be an enjoyable time for both of you.



Take it Slow:
Dogs are simple creatures and generally have the mentality of a very intelligent two-year-old, so any training or changes to the way you train will need to be taken slow. Start with teaching one command at a time and reward every small success. This will show the dog that training is rewarding for both of you and they will be eager to please. Once you and your dog have mastered one small trick or command, move onto teaching it in a more distracting environment. 



Keep Training Consistent:
When you are training your dog, make sure that the tone you use in your voice and the command words are the same. Dogs can recognize a few words so when they are properly trained, the command word can be said in slightly different tones. Make sure that any family members are using the same command words as you are when you’re not with them, as your dog may get confused if the same command is asked for in a variety of different ways by different people.



Reward, Don’t Punish:
Training will work out best for you and your dog if the experience is an enjoyable one for both of you. Using punishments or negative reinforcements during training whenever your dog doesn’t get something right can lead to anxiety, mistrust, or even aggression. Never punish a dog for getting something wrong during training, but rather reward them whenever they get something right. This will lead to them enjoying being trained and build a stronger bond between the two of you.



Exercise:
Make sure that your dog gets enough exercise to avoid them getting frustrated and bored, which could lead to bad behaviours. One thing that dog owners need to understand is how important exercise is to have a well-balanced dog. Walking your dog in the mornings or evenings will provide them with much-needed exercise and stimulation. Whenever you take your dog for a walk, make sure that they walk next to you and not in front of you and teach them to stop when you stop without pulling on their leash.



Dogs are a favourite pet around the world and provide us with companionship, affection, and ‘pack’ protection. With a little time and effort, your dog can easily become a well-behaved and happy animal giving you years of joy together. Remember that older dogs may be harder to train and will require some extra patience to break through bad habits, but with love, positive attitudes and a little time, anything can happen.