Top Tips (continued..):
Whenever possible, use your dog's name positively:
Rather than using it in conjunction to reprimands, warnings or
punishment. Your dog should trust that when it hears its name or
is called to you, good things happen. His name should always be
a word he responds to with enthusiasm, never hesitancy or fear.
Correct or prevent the (mis)behavior, don't punish the dog:
Teaching and communication is what it's all about, not getting
even with your dog. If you're taking an "it's-you-against-your
dog, whip 'em into shape" approach, you'll undermine your
relationship, while missing out on all the fun that a
motivational training approach can offer. Additionally,
after-the-fact discipline does NOT work.
Good timing is essential:
When training one's dog, whether praising or correcting, . Take
the following example: You've prepared a platter of hors
d'oeuvres for a small dinner party, which you've left on your
kitchen counter. Your dog walks into the room and smells the
hors d'oeuvres. He air-sniffs, then eyes the food, and is poised
to jump up. This is the best, easiest and most effective time to
correct your dog: before he's misbehaved, while he's thinking
about jumping up to get the food.
Don't reinforce bad behaviour:
Often, dog owners inadvertently reinforce their dogs'
misbehavior, by giving their dogs lots of attention (albeit
negative attention) when they misbehave. Needless to say, if
your dog receives lots of attention and handling when he jumps
up on you, that behavior is being reinforced, and is therefor
likely to be repeated.
Keep a lid on your anger:
Never train your dog when you're feeling grouchy or impatient.
Earning your dog's respect is never accomplished by yelling,
hitting, or handling your dog in a harsh manner. Moreover,
studies have shown that fear and stress inhibit the learning
process. |
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