The Best Ways to Train Your Dog

Capturing and Luring

• Your dog will respond best to positive re-enforcement. Use yummy treats (cut up small so they do not interfere with his weight), his favorite toy and a high-pitched, soft-toned voice while training your dog. If you can capture him in a behavior you are trying to teach, label that behavior with a command and immediately reward him. For instance, if he moves to sit down, say "sit" as his bottom is hitting the ground and reward him. You also can lure him into the behavior by using a treat or toy to get his attention. Have him then follow the lure into the behavior you are seeking. To lure a "down," take a treat straight down in front of your sitting dog. You may have to do this a few times before he figures out to lay down. As soon as he does, label the behavior by saying "down" and reward him. Using your leash or hands to force your dog into position will not be as effective and will possibly cause your dog to fear you or the leash.

Attach a Hand Signal

• When teaching vocal commands, you can attach a hand signal. Hand signals are a way to give your dog a command when you are unable to speak to him. Also, hand signals are the best way to repeat a command. Instead of saying, "Sit...sit...sit!" you can say "sit" once, and if your dog does not obey, repeat it with a hand signal only. Otherwise, your dog may learn to only sit once you have repeated the command a number of times. On another note, dogs are physical and visual creatures. In the pack, they communicate with body language. Therefore, hand signals may be more effective because the dog may be more receptive to them than the spoken word.

Corrections and Body Blocking

• Instead of the high-pitched, soft-toned voice you use to encourage and reward your dog, use a firm and low-pitched voice when correcting your dog. You want to be mimicking the tone of a growl, which is the voice dogs use in the pack to correct one another. Ignoring your dog is another way to correct her. Dogs crave attention. By turning your back on unwanted behavior--such as a dog that barks for attention or jumps on you for attention--you can communicate that you will not reward her until she behaves. Once she stops the barking or jumping, reward her by giving her the attention she was seeking. You also can use your body to correct your dog. If you ask her to sit and she ignores you, walk up close to her and lean over her. This tells her you are her pack leader and that she needs to listen. If she jumps up on you, you can use your body to lightly bump her away to tell her to stay off of you. Similarly, if your dog tries to push through the door ahead of you, use your body to block her until she submits. You can then have her "wait" and release her to go through the door once you are through.
  Generally, physical punishments such as spankings only teach a dog to fear you and to avoid you. She may continue her bad behavior, she will just try to hide it from you.

Have Fun

• Make the training fun for your dog. She will be more interested in learning if the learning itself is a kind of reward. When you teach your dog to "come," make it a game of chase. Run away from her calling "come!" and when she catches you, her reward is obeying the command itself. You can still reward her with attention and treats.
  Keep lessons short but frequent--work on commands daily if possible. If you find yourself becoming frustrated or notice your dog is wanting to do something else, stop the lesson for the day and give yourself and your dog a break. You may find that the next time you pick up the lesson, your dog will be ready for the next step.

Additionally

• Clicker training is the best way to reward your dog remotely. To start clicker training, you click the clicker (or cluck your tongue) whenever you give your dog a treat. Your dog begins to connect the treat with the sound. Soon, you can substitute the sound for the treat and your dog will work just to hear the sound. You should still intermittently give a treat as well as the sound reward to encourage your dog to continue responding to the sound.
  Being the leader of the pack is the best way to keep your dog listening to you. Always be firm and consistent with your dog. Have her work for attention, feedings, outside play time and prime spots on the sofa. Have her do a command before she gets something she values. This will remind her that you are leader of the pack. Dogs are very aware of pack hierarchy, and while some dogs are happy being in a submissive position, other dogs will keep an eye open for a chance to advance.