subject: 5 Dog Training Secrets Everyone Needs to Know [print this page] 5 Dog Training Secrets Everyone Needs to Know
Every dog has the potential to be man's best friend. There a five dog training secrets that separate the "well-behaved" dog and the "bad" dog. Once you master these secrets, your little puppy terror will become a dog owner's dream.
Secret #1: Dogs are always watching you
Just as little kids watch and mimic your every move so does your dog. Your dog is constantly watching how you react to different situations and responds accordingly.
Take coming home for an example. When you walk in, do you greet the dog before putting stuff down? Maybe you greet your dog before you close the door. This teaches your pooch to rush the door when you come home.
However, if you come in and wait a few minutes (or at least put things away) before greeting your dog, then your dog learns to wait. There is no benefit to rushing the door. Therefore, your dog will stop.
Secret #2: Dogs want a leader
Your precious baby wants you to take charge. When dogs see the owner as the leader, they relax. Only the leader needs to patrol the house and ward off strangers. Only the leader needs to find food. When you are the pack leader, the dog will calm down.
Secret #3: A tired dog is a happy dog
Your bundle of joy is also a bundle of energy. Dogs will find a way to burn off that energy in either a positive manner or a negative manner. Dogs that go for long walks, play fetch, or other tiring activities are less likely to be destructive.
Destructive behaviors are normally a result of excess energy. Your dog is not shredding paper to annoy you. He shreds paper because it is fun.
Secret #4: Dogs need friends
Dogs require interaction to stay friendly. This does not mean having another dog or cat in the house. Dogs need to be exposed to a variety of people, places, and animals. The more often you take your dog to the dog park, the less likely your dog will become aggressive.
Secret #5: All dogs can learn
Whether your dog is a brand new puppy or you dog is facing old age, your dog can learn new tricks. The only difference is that it takes longer to break bad habits then it does to install good habits.
In other words, a dog who has rushed the door for years will have more difficulty stopping that a puppy that never started. This doesn't mean a 10 year old dog won't stop rushing the door. It just means it will be harder to teach the good habit.
