Free Training Tips to Train a Dog Quickly

Training a dog is not an easy task and is time consuming and challenging. The breed and attitude of the dog has a lot to do with how well the training will go. The trainer needs to be dedicated to training his dog and persistent in order for the dog to be properly trained. There are rules to follow in order to train a dog as quickly as possible. These tips will work well for any dog of any breed, as long as the trainer is consistent, vigilant and patient.

  1. Treats

    • Always use positive reinforcement when training your dog. One of the best ways to train a dog quickly is to use a treat to reward proper behavior. While training, choose a reward that is special and tasty. It can be a very small piece, as long as they associate it as something exciting that they want to work for. Whenever a dog behaves, it should be rewarded with this treat so it begins to associate these behaviors as acceptable. The treat must be given immediately, however, so the dog associates the treat with the action.

    Consistency

    • The most important factor when training a dog is consistency. It is important to practice good behavior with your dog every day, so it remembers that the reason it is being rewarded is for a certain behavior. Your methods should be consistent as well as your cue words. Dogs do not speak our language, so it is important it is able to recognize certain verbal cues. If you are always using a different word for a job well done, the dog will not understand. Use universal training language such as "sit", "down" (for lay down) "off" (for off the counter or off of you) "stay" "leave it" (meaning to leave something alone) and "speak" (when you want a bark).

    Positive Reinforcement

    • One of the keys to dog training is using positive reinforcement, and ignoring negative behavior. The reason for this is that dogs crave attention, and negative attention is still attention. Sometimes, dogs prefer an owner yelling at them to being ignored, because they are still achieving attention. It is best to reward positive behaviors, and ignore negative behaviors in order to get a dog to understand what you are trying to teach them. Their ultimate reward is attention.

    Crate Training

    • One great way to get a head start on housebreaking a dog is to use the crate-training method. Since dogs are den animals by nature, they will not soil where they sleep. If trained to stay in a crate at night that is just big enough to lay down, it will learn not to defecate or urinate until taken outside. Then, they can be taken immediately outside and rewarded for "going potty" (another command word) outdoors. Do not use the crate for more than four to six hours in the day time, or eight to ten hours at night.