Easy Ways to Train Your Dog

Many dog owners struggle to train their dogs simple tricks such as stay, sit, and speak, while others struggle with the harder parts of training such as potty training. If you remember nothing else, remember, your dog loves food and meaty treats will make him or her do just about anything. This is why using treats that your dog loves is the best way to train them to do anything you want.

The Basics of Positive Reinforcement

With positive reinforcement training, you are teaching the dog that good things happen when they perform a behavior. Therefore, if you want your dog to sit, you should repeat the word "sit" and when he does it, reward him immediately with a treat. Some breeds catch on to this very quickly, while others take a little longer, so patience is a necessity. Remember, to treat when the dog does what you want and pour on the praises.

As the dog begins to understand the connection between a yummy treat and a specific behavior, you will be able to treat less, but he will still sit or stay on command. Soon, treating will not be necessary and your command alone will be sufficient.

Dogs Learn Quicker with Positive Reinforcement

Your dog will catch on to things much quicker with positive reinforcement than other types of training simply because they relate to the food. In addition, when you spend time with your dog training, it strengthens the bond between the two of you. The dog learns what you expect from him or her is very willing to do whatever it is you want, since dogs love to please their owners.

Using Positive Reinforcement for Fearful Dogs

Some dogs, like people may develop fears of various objects or situations. Some dogs develop a fear of taking a bath and trying to get a large dog in a bathtub when they are resisting is next to impossible. The trick is to make the bathtub less scary for the dog and you can do this by using treats. For example, take the dog into the bathroom, but do not turn on the water in the tub, instead, give him a treat once he is in the bathroom and praise him. Next, place a treat closer to the bathtub, again, wait for him to get it and calmly say "good boy" inch your way closer to the bathtub with the treats. Finally, place a treat on top of the bathtub side, allow the dog to get the treat and praise. Now place a few treats in the bathtub and let you dog see you place them in it. If you have a small dog, pick him up, place him in the tub, and allow him to eat the treats as you calmly stroke his back.

If your dog can jump in the tub, make sure you have a non-slip mat in the tub to keep him from slipping. Turn the water on very lightly as you give the dog a treat, then use a cup or sprayer and put some water on the dog, again, giving him a treat at the same time. It may take a few tries but you are teaching the dog that positive things come from bath time.