Tips for Doggie Tricks

As many an animal lover would know, dogs are generally a happy, loyal, and lovable breed. Sometimes we hold off adopting a puppy because training her would require too much of an effort. Fortunately, there are simple dog training tips available that cover the basics and help get you started to a colorful and rewarding relationship with your dog.

Before anything else, make sure your dog knows who’s the boss. His animal instincts will follow you better as soon as he acknowledges this fact. You can do this with simple everyday things. When you’re eating, don’t feed him yet. Let him see you eating and then allow him to have his meal. If he is blocking your path, don’t step over him or go around him, push him gently to make room for you. You are his superior and the sooner he understands this, the easier the teaching process will be.

Dogs can pick up your emotions even as you handle them. Use a firm and authoritative voice in training. However, it is also important to note that dogs respond well to positive reinforcement. Give him doggie treats every time he correctly accomplishes a command. If he makes a mistake, you have to correct him during the time it happens not after. Train him for ten to fifteen minutes several times a day and be effusive in your praise with his performance.

As you may have observed, dogs have behavioral patterns that reflect their current mood. They wag their tails, look to you with open trusting eyes, and sound off a pleased woof when they are happy. Inversely, they stiffen and growl while baring their teeth when angry. Gauging your dog’s disposition will aid you in training him as you learn how to respond effectively with his moods.

You will need patience in training your dogs tricks. Dogs are best taught at around six weeks of age but if he’s been around the proverbial block a few times, there is still hope. Remember, you need to be cool and collected even when he messes up, especially in the beginning. Your patient guidance will see him progress sooner or later. Be consistent in your teaching patterns and training schedules. Confused dogs will forget what you want them to learn.

When teaching your dog, do it in a place with no distractions. Colorful and moving objects can distract him and it will be harder to refocus his attention to you. A quiet backyard or any indoor fenced-in area works well.

More than anything, keep in mind the reason you got the dog in the first place. Enjoy his doggie company! When training is beginning to seem like a chore, take five and just play around with him. Dogs will lavish you with unconditional love whatever may have happpened to you this week. And at the end of the day, it’s not how well he rolled over but how he got you to smile that makes him the perfect pet to have.

Geraldine Dimarco is a lifelong student of the animal kingdom. Learn about doggie information your pet will want you to know.