Just like humans, dogs need to know who’s in charge and what their boundaries are. The best way to develop this understanding, while spending quality time with them, is to provide them with proper training.
While it’s best to start training dogs when they are puppies, older dogs can be trained too – contrary to the adage that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
With this in mind, Pedigree has identified a few, basic training tips to help get you get the upper paw.
You’re the boss
If you give your dog free reign of your house, he will assume he is pack leader and think he can do what he likes. Be strict until your dog knows his place – whether it’s no sofa, no bed or no treats. Dogs can pick up on feelings of anxiety or hysteria, so always using a calm, firm voice.
Be consistent
If you let your dogs on to the bed, but your partner pushes them off, you’ll just confuse them. All people involved in raising the dog need to agree on what’s allowed and what isn’t – and then they all need to stick to it.
Be consistent with your commands too. You’ll have more success with one simple command like "No" than with a mixture of "Don’t do that!" "Stop it!" and "Oi!". Get everyone to stick to the same commands and it’ll be easier for your dog to understand each person.
Don’t tell your dog off after the event
If you arrive home one day to find your slippers in tatters, it’s too late to reprimand your dog. Dogs can’t associate something they did earlier with being told off. Reprimanding your dog only works if you catch him in the act.
Repeat, reward and reinforce
Remember the three R’s of training – Repeat, Reward and Reinforce.
Repeating
the lesson or action you are trying to achieve, helps your dog learn what you’re looking for.
Rewarding
your dog for good behaviour over and over again is the key to a happy, obedient dog. By rewards, we don’t just mean treats. Use a combination of treats, verbal praise and stroking. Here are some hints to help you to use rewards:
Reward your dog as soon as they obey so they associate the reward with the right action. A food reward should be something really tempting. Note that it won’t work as effectively straight after a meal.
Reinforcing
the lesson at regular intervals allows for consistency and means your dog won’t forget what its learnt.