Basic Dog Training: Three steps to training a dog

To transform your adorable puppy into a well behaved dog requires good basic dog training techniques. This is the key factor to training a dog and to ensure the whole family enjoys the new puppy. Dogs are like children. They need to know your rules. They need to respect and follow the house rules, and your authority as owners or pack-leaders. You have fallen in love with the adorable, scruffy face at the dog-breeders. Now disillusion and frustration has set in as that same cute little dog chews up your furniture and leaves messes on your floor. All puppies will find their share of trouble, but as a responsible dog owner you will need to display plenty of patience.  Training a dog requires time - time to raise your new family-member into a well behaved dog that all can enjoy.  This requires basic dog training techniques.

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This article provides a few tips on these basic dog training methods which will help you and your new puppy to develop a lasting friendship.  Training a dog really is easy, keeping it up may be more challenging.

Step one in basic dog training is “Establish the rules of the household”.

Begin sooner rather than later, and you will have more success in training a dog. If you don't want your 70-pound dog on your bed at night, then do not let your 10-pound puppy up on to your bed. Never, not once, nada. Teach your pup not to jump on guests and stay off the furniture from the start – it is never too early to start. Before bringing your puppy home, ensure that the whole family understands, agrees and will enforce the rules that their beloved dog will have to follow.

Step two in basic dog training is “Maintain consistency in enforcing the rules”.

Once the rules are clear, it is up to you to maintain them. Reprimand your pup every time it breaks a house rule. Use a sharp "No!" and show what behavior you expect. This is true of every part of training a dog, such as house training, chewing your shoes, and jumping on guests. When the rules are enforced dogs, like children, learn quickly. This is especially true if they are enforced every time. Consistency takes time and plenty of patience on your part. Consistent dog training at the beginning will save time, effort, your shoes and avoid annoying guests – in the long run.

Step three in basic dog training is “Reward your dog for good behavior”.

Every time a rule is followed appropriately, it is very important to provide a reward. To be effective at training a dog you need to use positive reinforcement rather than punishment to produce desired results. In the beginning, rewards could include an edible treat. As your pup gets the hang of the dog training process, move to praise and positive attention when your commands are obeyed. Provide positive reinforcement on a consistent basis, and your pup will soon learn the benefit of listening and obeying the rules.

Dog training is not all that difficult. It does take time, patience and consistency to produce the desired results. Follow the steps of Rules, Consistency, Reward, and you will find that the time you put in will be well worth the effort when you end up with a dog that is enjoyed by all the family, your friends and even strangers.  Focus on some simple dog training basics and you and your dog should share some wonderful life experiences.

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