Top 5 Tips For Successful Dog Training

It’s scientifically sound advice to be nice to your dog. So says the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, in a consensus article, Good Trainers: How to identify one (2006). The authors, esteemed veterinarians, and experts in behavior recommend positive training methods and tools and warn against the use of punitive methods and tools. Intimation and pain-based methods can actually worsen your dog’s behavior.

Sadly, in the unregulated field of dog training, anyone can call themselves an “expert dog trainer “. How’s a well-meaning pet guardian supposed to figure out what is really best for their dog?

Here are some tips you can count on:

1. Train early and practice often. Early training (at 8 weeks) is key. Young puppies are little sponges soaking up everything about their world. Be proactive and you can prevent many problems.
2. Socialize, socialize, socialize. Socialization is the most important thing your dog will ever learn. Socialization skills with humans, other dogs, and tolerance of moving objects are the most difficult challenges.
3. Listen to what your dog is telling you. Your dog is “talking” to you all the time, through her body language. Learn to “read” dog body language: ears, tail, posture, facial expressions, etc., and hear what your dog is telling you. Let this be the guide to your next move.
4. Speak to your dog in a language your dog can understand. A common language is available to you and your dog to help you communicate clearly. Use easy-to-learn hand signals or single-word verbal cues. Reward behaviors that you want to see repeated. You will be able to brag about how smart your dog is!
5. You never need to hurt your dog, physically or psychologically, in order to train your dog. Methods and collars that hurt or intimidate can, and often do, cause aggression. Get your information from reliable sources, not from TV shows that warn, “Do Not Try This At Home.” Redirect, don’t correct!

Remember, both you and your dog can get what you want. Scientifically- endorsed positive reinforcement methods are the most effective, long-lasting, and safest. Your pet is a member of your family, but will be "a two-year-old for life." Be kind. Be patient. Play daily.