Pet Care: Dog Training

Here are some tips to help you train your adopted dog:

• When giving a command, use simple one word commands: Come, Sit, Off (which should mean get off the couch, don’t jump on me), Down (which should mean: lie down); Let’s Go (which should mean come this way); and Heel (walk politely by my side — no sniffing around) etc. Also, make sure you have a release word to release the dog from the command (i.e. OK)
• Use hand signals along with the commands to make it visual for the dog.
• As soon as the dog starts to respond to the command, praise the dog.
• Use the tone of your voice to distinguish between a command and praise. Lower tone for a command, higher and more excited tone for praise.
• Say the command once, and if the dog does not respond, gently guide the dog into the appropriate behavior (for example “Sit”). Again praise the dog once it performs the desired behavior.
• If a dog is frightened of something ,for example thunder, do not sooth the dog, it will then think that it should be frightened. Instead, in a happy excited tone, try to distract the animal to a toy or other activity.
• It is very important to socialize a dog. Begin socializing your puppy as soon as it has had all its shots. Socialize the dog with both people and other animals.
• For an adult dog that has been adopted socialization is also important. If the dog is dog aggressive use a Sporn halter to exert control when it encounters other dogs. When the dog becomes aggressive, shake an empty Coke can with coins in it, in front of his face; or, spray his face with a water/vinegar solution. while saying loudly and in a deep voice “shame on you!” This problem may also require the assistance of a professional trainer.
• Exercise the dog regularly. Walks, playing catch, swimming are all great activities. An exercised animal is a happier animal. Young dogs should not be over exercised, particularly on hard surfaces. Ask your veterinarian about an exercise routine. Don’t jog/run with your dog until it is approximately two years old.
• Training should be fun. Get excited when your dog carries out a command. Use his toys for distractions and then let him have them at the end of the training session for a reward.
• Never, ever hit the animal to discipline it. A firm “no” should work. If not, a time out in a quite area is appropriate. The time out should be for a short time (couple of minutes).