It’s A Dog’s Life—

Tips For Training Your Dog

By Mary Jane Anderson

Training should be used in your dog’s daily routine; it reinforces what you expect from him. Commands are given in a firm and calm voice rather than a loud and angry voice. Your dog becomes frightened when you become angry and you teach your dog to be afraid of you. With a smile on your face and a pleasant voice, your dog will be happy to obey you. Dogs are extremely sensitive to the tone of your voice as well as your body movements. The position your hands and feet can be a warning to your dog to move away if you have a tendency to correct your dog by yelling or rough handling. Appropriate corrections will have a lasting impression upon your dog as well as a better relationship between you and your dog.

Many problems owners have with their dogs are that their dogs avoid obeying their commands. One of the most important commands you can teach your dog is to sit down on command and stay. The commands are useful in many ways for keeping a dog from running to the door when the bell rings, from jumping around while its dinner is being prepared, from running outdoors when the door opens, for pulling on a leash when walking, from grabbing and running away with children’s toys and other property.

The problems are that the owner often does not take the time that is required to teach the dog to stay. Sure, the dog will set or lie down to get a treat. But, the minute the dog is given his treat, off he goes. The dog is controlling the exercise, and the owner accepts the one-second situation. The key: patience in both owner and the dog. The owner must stand in front of the dog the whole time, correcting the dog with a “sit-stay” command if the dog starts to get up. After the dog can sit or lie down and stay in front of the owner for five minutes, the owner can back up, until the dog and owner are on opposite sides of the room. Eventually the exercise can be done with the dog in one room and the owner in another. The benefits of these basic commands ensure a happy relationship between you and your dog.

Your dog’s collar and leash is essential for training him to come when called. Depending on the dog’s age, sex and personality, you will be able to tell what collar should be appropriate for the dog. Puppies and small dogs can work on buckled collars. Large, strong and willful dogs would be better with a training collar. But all dogs, big or small, should always wear a buckled collar with identification in case the dog runs off. Their collar will help the dog return home. The leash and collar training is essential for your dog to come when called — without it, the dog has the choice to come or not. That causes many problems between the owner and dog.

Food should not be used in training a dog to be obedient. Praise, both verbal and a pat, should be the only reward offered while you are training your dog. You want an obedient dog, not a trained seal that will not perform without a good amount of bait. After a training session, playtime, such as playing ball, the treats are in order.

Training is done in the spirit of fun, a happy voice, gentle handling and patience. Early fundamental training will form a strong bond between you and your dog for many years to come.