Dog Training Code

What's the secret to dog training. Having trouble getting your dog to obey your commands. Want to know the answer to the code?

Does your dog have the mental state?

First of all we need to make sure before any training takes place, that your dog has the mental capacity to take on any new training, if you think he or she has full mental capacity then read on. Also a visit to the vet to make sure there are no underlying medical causes apparent if you are unsure of anything. Well now we have established we have a dog in good health we can begin in learning the dog training code to help with training your dog.

What do dogs best learn by?

Dogs learn best through non verbal communication otherwise known as body language. We need to show them a really pleasing face when you are praising or rewarding, especially when your dog looks at you in the face, if they have done something good. If your dog does something that needs to be corrected, show them in your face of an expression of dislike. Dog will learn to read this and feel the emotion of your dislike. Don't shout at your dog. I teach clients by saying less is more when it comes to dogs.   

Value of rewards

Next we need to understand the value of rewards and different type of rewards that your dog likes. The list for rewards goes like this. Food, Touch, Verbal, Toys, Freedom and breed related traits ie Newfoundland =swimming in water etc. So you need to find five or more rewards that our dog likes. Once you have found your dogs favourite rewards, use these rewards to help with training. You may be surprised what the list looks like..!

The value of the reward should be for the appropriate and desired behaviour. So if your dog performs the stay command for the first time, you will want to use one of your top two rewards to enforce this wanted behaviour. Of course training dogs takes patience and commitment and timing. Rewards should be given in within seconds of the desired behaviour.

Don't spend hours training

Learning should be enjoyable. Spend ten minutes two to three times each day. Sessions should be separated by several hours. Tired dogs don't learn to easily. Mental activities are more tiring to the dog than physical activity.

Step up locations steadily

Learning should take place in a quiet environment first. Once correct responses are being achieved, then move to more challenging environments like a busy park, then repeat the training in this environment

Order of training should be

Every dog should be trained to Come, Sit, Stay, Down, Down Stay, Heel in this order. If the training fails at any stage simply go back to the previous stage and, remember to always finish a training session on a positive note! Have a go at my AGILIO classes to boost your dogs obedience levels

Only use your dogs name to get his attention. Use one word commands in training ie; sit, stay etc.

All have a turn

Once your dog has learnt commands from one person have him learn commands from others in the household. In this way the dog gets to form bonds with all household members. Also trust builds with each family member as well.

Don't break your dogs spirit 

Never punish your dog, this simply is counter productive. You can use your facial expression wrote earlier in this article, backed up with emotion. This is just as effective as anything else. I can help with area of training. Contact me today for help with this.

If all fails, why not book an appointment with me Chris Rose. I can help you resolve all your dog problems with my fixed fee one to one's. Or why not come along to one of my training classes like AGILIO.