Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Training your dog to just about anything can be very difficult unless you know the right method to do it. I know, I've got two myself Salma and Charlotte, a chihuahua rat terrior mix (she's cuter than she sounds) and a boxer hound mix (I think). Salma has calmed down as she's gotten older, but Charlotte is a little over a year old and just thinks the world of digging. While it can be frustrating, remember your dog isn't trying to get on your nerves, but they may be trying to tell you something. The internet has loads of dog training advice, this is a list of some helpful tips I have used before.


  1. NEVER tell dog it is OK when it is not

  2. Use "Jolly Routine" with play, treats, or toys to get dog thinking about something OTHER than what is concerning him

  3. Emphasis on appropriate praise for appropriate behavior

  4. PATIENCE, CONSISTENCY

  5. Remove emotion, especially disappointment or anger!

  6. Favorite treat and/or toy reserved for stressful times ONLY

  7. "Strangers" should have special treats (they are "treat dispensers")

  8. Obedience commands work to get dog thinking rather than reacting

  9. Tone of voice is VERY important! Sweet, soft tones are reassuring and should ONLY be reserved for cuddle times

  10. Normal, matter of fact tones of voice conveys confidence

  11. Teach a "watch me" command – watching you will keep your dog safe

  12. Exposures to new things should be carefully planned, timed & supervised

  13. Clear commands, few words, NO asking/pleading, but BE NICE!

  14. ON LEASH when challenging situations happen

  15. Backsliding is expected and prepared for

  16. Tug games can increase confidence (need to also teach an "out" command)

  17. Teach thinking games at home: names of family, toys, places, objects...

  18. Prevent hiding & cowering away from fearful things

  19. Use a word or phrase in place of "It's OK" ("Oh, you're being SILLY!"). Use your matter of fact tone of voice to cue the dog to something OTHER than the fearful object or situation ("sit", "watch me", etc)

  20. "Let's say hi" is a good phrase to cue your dog to interacting with strangers, and have plenty of tasty treats & jolly praise handy!

  21. "Look" is good for introductions to potentially fearful objects, along with a jolly, confident attitude

  22. Petting and touch reserved for non-fearful or non-shy behavior (petting can inappropriately praise this behavior!)

http://www.dogtrainingbasics.com/Confidence.html


I hope these tips help but it is important to remember that change will not happen instantly, this is a process. With some dedicatation you'll see results (and as they age they get a lot lazier).


On this blog I've placed some helpful programs that have helped me in the past with training my dogs.

The SitStayFetch e-book is a very popular dog training manual that contains insider dog training tips.
SitStayFetch

Dove Cresswell is a professional Hollywood dog trainer, the lessons come in an easy to follow video format.
Dove Cresswell's Puppy and Dog Training

Dog Food Secrets is a downloadable report that exposes the dangers of commercial pet foods as well as how to make your own and what brands are safe.
Dog Food Secrets