Tips for Successful Dog Training

It all starts with a strong bond with your dog.

• Use your dog's name to get his attention. Do this randomly 10 times a day. Never call your dog to you and then punish him!
• Always enforce commands that you give, and don't constantly repeat commands. Don't let your furry friend ignore a command. If you're not serious about enforcing a command, don't give it.
• Use timing as a form of communication with your animal. Timing is one of the key elements of canine education.
• Reinforce desirable behavior. Use rewards and praise. Don't ignore good behavior.
  Do not reward undesired behavior. Never punish undesirable behavior. Don't blame a sick dog for undesirable behavior. Have a veterinarian examine him to rule out medical problems. (House breaking)
• Do not punish desirable behavior. For example - when your puppy eliminates outside, you take him inside and then leave him alone. If the puppy wants to be with you, you will have just punished the pup for doing the right behavior.
• Timing is critical to successful training. Praise your dog whenever he is doing something right. As expected, reprimand him on the spot and to the point whenever he misbehaves or fails to response to your command. Praise and reprimand that happen later will have no effect on your dog. Connect the action (your praise or correction) to the event.
• Interrupt the behavior pattern you want to change. Make corrections short, sharp, and well defined. Name a behavior - associate words with your dog's actions.
• Dog training is a lesson in self control. Control yourself and you'll effectively be able to control your dog.
• Never punish your dog if you're mad at him. Put him away and come back to training when you have a clear head and can fairly administer training!

By Deputy Lloyd MacKinnon and K9 Fons