Hi everyone, My dog’s behavior is terrible! He steals food from the counter, nips, barks at everything, and jumps on people when they come in the house.
What’s your best advice for training a dog?
I’ve been there with my dog. My best advice is to be consistent with commands and routines. Use positive reinforcement like treats and praise to reward good behavior. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. Focus on rewarding good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior, and make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Training takes time, so be patient and persistent.
The three D’s. Distance, Duration, Distraction.
I tell people all the time, to stop trying to walk your puppy before they understand how to walk nicely on the leash when you ask inside. Move to the yard, then the front yard, and try to get the end of your sidewalk down in a nice heel before trying to go onto the sidewalk for a few reps.
I don’t walk my puppies until they are about six months, and at that point, they have such reliable recall and healing I don’t even have to ask. They just walk nicely because they’ve learned that I’m the coolest thing and all good things come from me.
People tend to jump right into heavy training when in reality it’s SO slow it’s almost painful.
For beginners training dogs, consistency is crucial. Set clear rules and routines, use positive reinforcement for good behavior with treats or praise, and begin with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and heel in short sessions.
Patience and persistence are key as training progresses. Socialize your dog early by introducing them to various people, places, and other dogs.
Use appropriate tools such as leashes, harnesses, or clickers that suit your dog’s needs. Consider professional training or classes for additional guidance if necessary.
Reward your dog with treats, praise, and toys when they obey commands or exhibit desired behaviors.
Begin with essential commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” These commands form the foundation of obedience and communication with your dog.