Dog Training Made Easy!

My dog training has consisted of nothing more than a non-sophisticated, repetitive, positive reinforcement approach that involved trading the right response to commands for a treat. What I won't do for a trainer with a dog treat! Call me Mr. Obedience!

Chicks Dig Me!

A well-behaved dog is more attractive and just more fun to be around - sounds like people doesn't it?!!

I don't want to "toot my own horn," but it also helps to be a naturally calm and smart dog. I am really smart, and easy to control, so I was fairly easy to train.

Positive Reinforcement

And, in a rather short period of time, I was responding the right way to commands without the treats! I sit, stay, fetch, speak, lie down, heel and shake (but only with the right, and appropriate, paw).

I even learned to go outside to the driveway and bring in the morning newspaper. Although, when I was an overly enthusiastic puppy, I would sometimes shake the daylights out of it while bringing it in! My dog training was never very complicated.

Breed and Background are Factors

Look for those responsiveness signs. I also know these traits can vary according to breeds,so you may want to do some research on that.

I also think some dogs are more responsive because they simply want to please you. In my case, I am even grateful. I was a rescue puppy and came from a bad situation.

There is no scientific proof, but I am really grateful to be with a good family and really want to please them. Then again, keep in mind that I am indeed the Sensitive Brown Dog!

Do You Have a Special Case?

I believe special cases require special help with a professional trainer.

All said, for basic training, all that is really needed is a dog-sense approach with consistency around the positive reinforcement method.

Just Get Started!

Your beginning training sessions should be conducted be in a safe area with no distractions. After you and your dog are doing well, try moving your sessions to a more public area so he will eventually learn to follow commands despite any distractions.

Two of my Favorite Commands -
Lie Down and Stay!

It is a probably a good idea focus on one new command per week. Once you start, practice the new command for at least fifteen minutes every day. After adding a second command, practice both every day. This repetition and consistency is very important.

Not all dogs learn at the same pace, so don't get discouraged. Let your dog find his own pace.

Important Specific Areas of Training

Depending upon your dog and your time, some of these needs can be challenging. Dog training does take time and must be consistent. It doesn't need to cost a lot of money.

I would encourage you not to send your dog off to someone else to be trained. That can make it more difficult for you to bond with him as the boss, which is a must. Take the alpha position and enable your dog to look to you for leadership and direction.

Fifteen to twenty minutes per day is really all it takes. I recommend this online video training course for great training instruction through easy time management. It will enable you to be effective with your dog right away and move on to the next lesson at your own pace.

If you choose to take it very slowly and sort of do it the old-fashioned way, just look for a good book of training tips or get into an obedience class. You can contact your dog's Doc or check bulletin boards around your local grocery store or other public areas that may have a posting for local dog training.

You can have a well-trained, manageable best friend in just a few weeks!

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