Fast Easy Dog Training Tips

Dogs are an integral part of human life for many people. Training basic obedience helps teach your dog the difference between good behavior and bad behavior, as well as helping to build and strengthen your bond. Some dogs are easier to train than others, but the basic principles of training are the same for all dogs. Using a few simple tips, training can become a more rewarding, exciting prospect for you and your dog.

  1. Use Rewards

    • Rewarding your dog for good behavior helps him quickly learn what you want from him during a training session. The type of reward depends on the dog’s preferences, but popular rewards include food treats, a favorite toy or praise. The reward must immediately follow the behavior, or the dog will not understand the connection, according to the Humane Society of the United States. A clicker is a useful tool for marking good behavior within seconds of its occurrence. If you decide to use a clicker, you must follow a click with a treat every time for it to be effective.

    Ignore Bad Behavior

    • Just like good behavior is rewarded, bad behavior is ignored. Common bad canine behaviors include jumping up, pawing and play-biting. If your dog does any of these things, simply ignoring the behavior will show him that this is not the way to get attention, toys or food, according to dog trainer Stacy Braslau-Schneck at Wag 'n' Train. Wait until your dog gives up and sits, and reward the good behavior with a treat or attention. The more you repeat this, the quicker your dog will learn that good behavior reaps better benefits than bad behavior.

    Keep Commands Short

    • Dogs do not understand full sentences, but are capable of understanding short, simple commands. Rather than saying, “Be a good dog and sit for me please,” try a simple “sit,” advises the Humane Society. Using the same command every time, and getting all family members to do the same helps avoid confusion in your dog, and speeds up learning.

    Keep Sessions Short

    • Dogs, especially puppies, have short attention spans. Limiting training sessions to a short period of time helps keep it interesting for your dog, according to dog trainer Pat Miller. Do not ask for the same behavior over and over, or your dog will become bored. Keep training exciting by switching up commands after five to 15 repetitions, and ending the session while your dog is still interested. Ending a training session if your dog gets bored, tired or frustrated can make your dog think training is boring.

    Take it Slowly

    • Don’t ask your dog for too much too soon. Start with teaching simple behaviors, such as sit, and only move onto more complicated commands once your dog is able to perform simple commands. Try taking a step back if your dog stops making progress. Teaching commands in steps also helps build difficulty rather than trying to teach something new in one session, Miller says.