Training a dog to sit, perform tricks or not be scared of something follows the same basic rules of being consistent, patient and creative. To calm a dog requires that you understand what is making him overexcited and working with the dog to behave properly.
Things You'll Need
- Calm, soothing voice
- Authoritative, commanding voice
- Your dog's favorite toy, food or noise
- About 15 minutes per day until training is complete
Instructions
Identify Issue
Determine exactly what is scaring the dog. You may think the dog is scared of strangers in the home, but he is actually reacting to the doorbell. Dogs act differently anytime their environment is changed. If you brought in a new plant, new furniture, or if there is construction or something new in the home, the dog may be reacting to this. You may have a strange scent on you. If you are carrying a large object in your hands, the dog may become frightened.
Think of the common factors of what causes your dog to be frightened, and note any exceptions. If you see your dog scared of strangers, investigate if he only reacts when they ring the doorbell. Is your dog scared of a certain stranger, but not others? It's possible the person may have a dog at home, and your dog is reacting to another dog's scent.
Experiment with various factors until you can determine what, when, who and how such a thing is scaring your dog. Does he bark at guests that are wearing hats only? Does he bark at dogs only if they are bigger than him? Does he hide when music is played over a certain volume? Once you have determined that there is a single cause to your dog's fear, then you can begin training.
Training
Think of how to simulate what scared him. If he is scared of dogs, go online and get an audio clip of a dog barking. If he runs and hides when guests come in, ask a friend to help or borrow someone's clothes that will give you another "scent" and may fool your dog into thinking you are a stranger.
Let's say you have identified the doorbell as the cause of his fear. Have your dog sit where he can hear the doorbell. Ring the doorbell and give a simple command such as "No" or "Stay." Wait until he stops barking and give him a treat such as meat, chicken or some food he enjoys. If his reaction is to run away, bring him back to the spot and give him a treat. Ring the doorbell again, let him run, bring him back and feed him.
Hold the dog still (to stop him from running) or hold his mouth (to stop him from barking) if there is no danger of you being bit or scratched. When you feel he no longer wants to run or bark, give him the treat.
Turn off your cell phone. Be sure there are no distracting noises or people walking in and out. This must be time you dedicate to training. If you begin training and have phones ringing, other people coming in and petting the dog and distracting him, training will not be effective.
Use a commanding voice to give an order, and use a calm voice with a lot of praise when the dog acts correctly. Patience and calmness is very important when training a dog. The basic model is that you simulate the thing that causes the dog fear, give the command and when he obeys, give a positive reinforcement.
Have training sessions last around 15 minutes. If you are frustrated or angry, the dog will pick up on this and not react well. Like exercising or raising a child, you have to repeat the same action over and over until the dog learns. After training, go to the park or play so the dog will associate learning with fun.