K9 Dog Training - Become The Teacher

Think of this process as if you were teaching a bunch of elementary school kids the ABCs. It's all up to YOU.

Think of this process as if you were teaching a bunch of elementary school kids the ABCs. It's all up to YOU.

Any student can be taught their ABCs, just like any dog can be taught all the basics. It's not just the material itself, its how its presented to the pupil (in this case, the dog).

Its definitely more of an art than a science. Sure, you can learn the principles behind training your dog to do just about anything, but if you don't approach it in the right way, chances are you won't be successful. So let's get started...

Timing is an important part of proper K9 dog training. Whether this be with how correct the dog for doing something wrong, or positively reinforcing the dog for doing something you approve of, timing is very critical.

Either way it has to be done the moment you see the aforementioned behavior. If its too late, the dog will not recognize it. You have to be consistent about this as well.

For example, if you don't like the way the dog behaves when you get home, acting all crazy and jumping on top of you, you have to let the dog know about it. Not just one day and skip the next, but every single day until he does it, until he "gets it".

Don't forget about the praise part. Too many owners focus on negative aspects, for instance if the dog has pooped on the floor, obviously you are going to correct him of this behavior, but if the dog does something on the positive, give him your praise.

It's just as important. It works both ways. The dog has to know that he did something good and that you are proud of him. When your dog is acting up, it's also important to be FIRM with him. Some people have a real problem with this.

They plead with their dog to stop. They are not going to stop that way. If you don't you are going to let them become the dominant species.

I know I just wrote that you have to be FIRM, but don't forget to be fair to the dog. Rome wasn't built in a day. Don't expect him to be able to sit, speak, and give you a high five in one sitting.