subject: 5 Dog Training Secrets All Dog Owners Must Know [print this page] 5 Dog Training Secrets All Dog Owners Must Know
Does your dog behave like a mongrel? Are you at your wits end wondering what to do? Believe it or not, with five simple secrets your mangled mutt will transform into a well-behaved puppy dog.
#1 Exhausted Dogs are Happy Dogs
Most destructive behavior is due to boredom. Dogs, especially puppies, need regular daily exercise. This means you will need to walk your dog at least once a day, preferably twice a day, for a minimum of fifteen minutes. This may seem like a lot to you, but it will mean the difference between destruction and chaos and a happy well-adjusted dog.
#2 Regular Feeding Schedule
Despite popular belief, you do not need to have food out for your dog all day long. Not only will this allow your dog to be house trained faster, it will also put you in alpha dog status faster. Since you will be in charge of food, you will be seen as the dominant dog. This is always a good for both you and the dog.
#3 Brush Your Dog
While this may sound like grooming advice, it is also good training advice as well. It promotes a good bonding relationship between you and your dog. You want to establish good trusting relationship with your dog and nothing does that better than grooming. In addition, it will reduce the "dog smell" from your home.
#4 Less is More
A common mistake people make when getting a puppy is providing too many toys. This can cause chewing confusion. Limit the number of toys to one or two for the dog to chew on.
Also, do not allow the dog to chew on anything that resembles stuff you do not wish the dog to chew. For example, do not allow your dog to chew on old shoes, fake newspapers or baby dolls. This will only cause confusion in your dog.
#5 Provide a Safe Place
Your dog will need a safe place to retreat to when it is tired. This can be a bed, rug or a crate. Whatever you decide, it should not be a place of punishment. However, the dog should feel safe in the safe place. Do not harass or allow others to mess with the dog when the dog is in the safe place.
Follow these secrets to dog training and you will see your dog transform before your very eyes. Soon your house will fill with sounds of a happy dog romping through the house. Your home will suddenly become an inviting place for both you and your dog and everyone will be welcome.
