6 Tips for Teaching Your Dog Basic Obedience

Whether you’re bringing home a new puppy or just trying to teach an old dog new tricks, there are a few secrets that will make dog obedience training much easier than it appears to be on The Dog Whisperer. If you’re ready to teach Fido to fetch, here are six tips to make him listen every time.

1: Be Consistent

The single most important factor of dog training is remaining firm in your convictions. If walks aren’t until 7pm, don’t cave when he starts whining 30 minutes beforehand. If he isn’t allowed on the couch, don’t let him get away with sneaking under your arm just because he’s adorable. Sending him mixed signals is both unproductive and unfair.

2: Reward Good Behavior

Positive psychology always work better than negative. Instead of punishing your pooch for what he gets wrong, offer treats, praise and belly scratches for what he does right. In his heart, he just wants to please you, so putting him on a positive feedback cycle is good for both his soul and his future obedience training.

3: Get The Right Tools

Puppy pads are useful when you’re attempting to housebreak a new guest. Electronic collars will emit high-pitched noises whenever your dog tries to growl or go beyond the boundaries of his e-fence. “No chew” sprays will protect your table legs and left shoes.

4: Don’t Acknowledge Barking

All they want is attention, so even putting them in another room or trying to calm them down is reinforcing the bad behavior. When your dog starts barking, the best course of action is to ignore them until they internalize the idea that noise-making won’t get them what they want.

5: Train Every Day

Discipline and responsiveness to commands should be an everyday, instinctual response in your dog. To make this happen, however, you can’t slack off when it comes to training. Devote at least 15 minutes a day to putting him through his paces. Remember to have doggie biscuits on hand for afterwards.

6: Take A Class

If your canine is still resisting a good code of conduct, it might be time to bite the bullet and turn yourself over to the professionals. Dog behaviorists can guide you through your very own obedience course until you have the skills and confidence necessary to bring your baby to heel.

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