Dog Training: An Intro to Training Your New Dog

Training a dog is hard work. It definitely takes a lot of time and is frustrating at times. Patience is the key when attempting to train your dog. You must be consistent with your dog, because dogs are creatures of habit. Even though it will get frustrating at times, and you want to give up, just keep in mind that any dog can be trained. Some just take longer than others.

Training should start as soon as you bring the dog home. For the first few days, the dog will feel uncomfortable in your home. You have to make him feel at home. Get him a crate with a dog bed or blankets in it. This will give the dog a place where he feels safe and can call his house. Monitor the dog's every move for the first few days in your house. Make sure he knows right away what is allowed and what is not. Don't let him just wonder around the house alone. The first few days are all about making the dog feel comfortable in this new environment. It is a good idea to take a few days off from work to be home with the dog during the day (especially a puppy).

Probably the most important training at the beginning is potty training. Take the dog outside and bring him to the spot where you want him to relieve himself, and go to that spot every time so he relates that to his "bathroom". When potty training a puppy it is much more difficult because they need to relieve themselves much more frequently than older dogs. A puppy should go outside anytime he wakes up, eats, or plays hard. Always praise the dog for going to the bathroom outside. If a dog has an accident in the house, bring the waste outside and put it on the ground in the dog's "bathroom area" and let him smell it there. This will help him relate that spot to his "bathroom". Don't ever rub a dog's nose into the floor when he has an accident. This will not help him learn.

It is also very important to train a dog to exhibit the proper behavior while on the leash. The dog should not be jumping or pulling on the leash. Always correct the dog when they exhibit this type of behavior. When walking the dog, he should be to the side or in back of you, never in front of you. When he is in front of you, he is showing that he is the pack leader. He needs to know right from the start that you are the pack leader. Also, the dog should not be distracted by everything that moves while on a walk. If he is distracted, correct him. The dog needs to stay focused on walking, not distractions.

These are just a few tips that will help you with the new addition to the family. Having a dog can be so rewarding and enjoyable, but the dog needs to have the right state of mind because of good training.

Check out the links below for more information. These links are about training your dog, and also about the health risks associated with dog food. They are really helpful!