DOG OBEDIENCE TRAINING: GREAT DOG TRAINING TIPS FOR BOTH YOU AND YOUR FURRY FRIEND

The dog that you have just adopted may seem less like Lassie, and more like Cujo. The good news is that, with just a bit of basic dog obedience training, your dog can become better behaved within just a short amount of time.

You should always give your dog a challenge. Test what he knows by giving commands, even if you are sure that he has the skill mastered.

Learning how to show authority is the foundation of all dog obedience training methods. Be friendly with your dog, but also be firm. When walking with your dog, always walk first, never let your dog lead, as this is the leadership position.

Even if your dog gets extremely stressed whenever you leave home, with a bit of time and dedication, it's possible to train your dog out of his separation anxiety. Signs of separation anxiety include behaviours like constant barking, and utter destruction of furniture, shoes or anything else the dog can sink his teeth into, when you're not there. You can fix this by showing your dog acceptable behaviour for the times when you're away. Make sure to spend time with your dog when you get home, so that he calms down.

If you'll be away from home for any length of time, such as going to work, then you need to make certain you take your dog on a long walk before you leave. This will tire the dog out, and may help prevent any separation anxiety he may feel when you leave.

Don't let your dog take the lead in a dog training session, or in life. If the patience to follow through with any command you give is not there, simply choose to not give it instead.

Everyone in your household needs to be on board for dog obedience training to be effective. Even if there's one person who regularly oversees the training, having the entire family involved will teach the dog that, he too, needs to consistently follow the household rules.

Decide on a single phrase to use when housebreaking, or training your new puppy. Whenever the dog is taken out, use the term you have chosen to refer to the process of relieving him or herself, and the pet will make a mental link between going outside and doing just that.

Anxiety in dogs often leads to destructive behaviour like chewing or clawing. Keeping your pup in a crate or other doggy-proofed space and providing appropriate chew toys will keep him occupied until you arrive home.

Playing tug-of-war with your puppy makes training less effective. Games, such as wrestling, chasing or tugging, teach the puppy to nip or bite at your hands. This behaviour is very difficult to break, so you should avoid these games while they are still a puppy.

If you dog begins displaying negative behaviour out of the blue, you should make him an appointment to go and see the vet to rule out any illnesses that could cause the behaviour. Some medical problems can cause pain or behaviours that cause them to act in ways that they wouldn't normally do. Remember that your dog cannot express clearly what the problem is: you will have to pay attention to your pet.

Always keep the atmosphere positive and motivational when conducting a training session with your dog. Reward your dog during the training session, particularly when it does what you ask of it. Using dog  training methods that are negative and based upon punishments will likely make your dog afraid, disobedient, and unhappy.

People are often amazed about how easy it can be to train your dog and how quick they see changes. Try out these obedience and house training tips if you're having problems with your dog.

NOTE: Please visit these websites for more dog and puppy training secrets and tips:

Dove Cresswell's Dog Training Online

Dog Clicker Training: The 4 Secrets Of Becoming A Supertrainer