Monday, December 21, 2009

Best Puppy Training Secrets

By Miyagii Moto

Dogs are the most preferred pets by majority of the population ever since the beginning of history. They have proven themselves to be efficient, loyal, highly intellectual and trainable in various tasks. They can be sweet and meek to their owners but ferocious to total strangers. This makes them a perfect companion for those who are single and unattached as well as to couples who are just planning to start their own families. People from all ages can also quickly adapt to the presence of an adorable canine.

It has been said that a dog's behavior only reflect his breeding and training. Obviously, there is nothing that you can do anymore to change his breeding. However, there is still a lot you can do with his training. You can still teach new tricks. Now, if you are thinking of getting another puppy as a pet, here are some of the best-kept secrets of puppy training that you should bear in mind.

The first thing that you have to do is to make your pet feel secure in your company. Spend some quality time by playing with him after you have gotten home from your office. This process will ensure that you have established a good rapport. It's a no-no to start implementing difficult tricks that would boggle his mind because it will not lead to any learning. After making your pet comfortable, slowly impose discipline by taking away his comfortable lifestyle.

Chain him, put him in his kennel or place him inside a crate to show that you mean business. At first, they might get a little noisy and howl until the wee hours of the morning, especially if they have been previously used to a very free lifestyle. Try to be immune to this kind of suffering. Sooner or later, they will realize that all their whimpering will have no effect on you. This will inculcate the fact that you are the boss and your orders must be followed strictly down to the last letter. It won't be long before they get used to this set up and will look forward to your arrival.

Next, educate him a simple trick followed by a nice food. The reward could come in the form of a tiny chewable bone or a slice of chicken meat. Just like the classic conditioning technique by prominent psychologist Ivan Pavlov, he will learn to connect the new trick with the treat. This will stroke their attention and whet their appetite for more chow.

Third, you can go the opposite way of the second step and let your dog learn through the negative conditioning process. Instead of giving a nice reward, teach him the power of the words no, stop and don't in a strong and authoritative tone. They will distinguish that it is something significant in relation to your voice.

Fourth, you have to be consistent. When you give a reward or punishment, make sure that it is commensurate to the good task or the bad behavior. Variety is something that needs to be avoided like the plague in this situation because your dog will get confused if you can't follow through with the initial rules you have set. The same rule applies to all the people in your household including your wife and kids.

Lastly, give choices. If there are tricks or tasks that he can't easily act upon like not digging the front lawn or backyard, then provide another alternative like another digging space beside the dog house yard.

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