puppy training

When training your dog, think only of what you’re hoping to gain, rather than what you don’t want. When you begin each training session, create a picture in your minds eye of the goal you’re aiming for, and focus on it throughout the session. Keep your mind away from the actions and behavior that you want to avoid.

Without knowing where you’re going, it’s unlikely you’ll ever get there. This applies to pretty much everything we do every day of our lives, particularly when it comes to basic dog house training as well

It’s very easy to fall into the trap of concentrating on things that we don’t want. This happens a lot with dogs! We sure don’t want the dog to urinate on the furniture, or chew our shoes, or disobey our commands, or bark like maniacs when our sweet old aunt comes to visit.

But think about it. Assuming you’re looking for new dog or puppy to bring into your family. Do you really want to spend the next ten, twelve, or sixteen years of your life chasing your dog around saying, “No no no”? Isn’t it easier and more satisfying to teach your dog correct behavior from the beginning?

A prime example springs to mind is when we think, “I don’t want my dog to chew the corners of my carpet,” try, “I want my dog to chew his toys.” Rather than, “I hate it when the dog harasses and jumps up on people who visit the house,” what about, “It would be nice for the dog to sit nicely and welcome visitors.”

By concentrating on what it is you want to achieve, you’ll have a clear destination in mind. Wouldn’t you agree that’s a much better way to approach your new dog training course.

Should You Use Rewards?

One of the best things to happen in housetraining puppies just recently is a move in focus from highlighting corrective action, or punishment, and moving towards rewarding good behavior.

The practice of rewarding your dog’s good behavior is a smart one, especially for potty train puppies. One of the critical reasons for this is that whenever you scald you dog for making a mistake, the effects are likely to be quite disheartening for your pet. It’s not overly common, but your dog could possibly react to punishment by withdrawing and becoming frightened of you. Some dogs, especially timid breeds, may close off completely. They lose their sparkle. Some may even appear completely broken spirited.

You also get a better sense of accomplishment and enlightenment when using reward training techniques. It’s nice to be a source of praise and treats, instead of a constant disciplinarian.

But the best news is that this approach to dog obedience training works extremely well. The main reason being that rewards of this nature help to stimulate and build acceptable behavior. As soon as she discovers that rewards come for a particular action of behavior, your pet will want to repeat he behavior as often as possible. With regular practice of how to apply that simple rule, this technique will have your dog behaving like the perfect gentleman (or lady).