Dogs are so adorable, especially when they are puppies, that it is easy to spoil them. Is a spoiled dog any more difficult to train? It depends on several factors such as how long you've pampered and spoiled your dog as well as his personality and temperament. The dog's initial reaction may be confusion due to a previous lack of training and discipline. But even the most spoiled dog can be trained.
Things You'll Need
- Treats
- Crate
- Newspaper
- Collar
- Leash
Instructions
Dog Training Basics
Start early. Even if you've already spoiled your dog, you don't want to delay her training any longer. If your dog is still a puppy and is not fully potty trained, that should be your first priority. Take your puppy outside after meal time and several times throughout the day. Use a crate and line the bottom of it with paper. This can be especially useful at night and when you are at work. If you catch your puppy in the act of an accident, firmly say, "No," and take her to the proper area.
Use simple commands when training your dog. A dog will usually respond better to one-word commands such as "sit," "no," "stay" and "down." The "sit" and "stay" commands are the easiest to start with. To teach your dog to sit, hold a treat in your hand above the dog's head where he can easily see it. Give the command to sit. Repeat the command as necessary. Once the dog obeys the command, give him the treat and praise him. Give the command to stay once your dog is in a sitting position. If he begins to move, start over with the command. You may need to repeat this process a few times. Once your dog obeys the command to stay, give him a treat and release him from the command by saying, "OK."
Be consistent. Work with your dog daily. Schedule your training sessions for approximately the same time each day. Dogs adapt to routine and may become confused if you vary the routine too much.
Keep your training sessions brief. They should be no longer than an hour each day. Dogs become bored easily and may not learn as well if you make the sessions too long.
Use a reward system. Give treats every now and then when your dog responds properly to a command. You don't have to give him a treat every time he reacts positively because he will then expect one every time. Say things like, "Good dog," and pat him on the head. Acknowledge his good behavior.
Acknowledge wrong behavior--but do so with positive reinforcement. Never discipline a dog in a physical way. Speak to her in a stern tone of voice to call out her inappropriate behavior. Be patient. You've spoiled your dog long enough, so it will take time to teach her proper behavior. Consistent training applied with positive reinforcement is the key to training your spoiled dog.