Training your new Puppy

5 Ways to Communicate and Train Your Dog

Although training a dog may seem complicated, the basis for training is simple.  There are some simple steps that should be started from the first day you receive your new pet regardless of what age he/she is.  Training can be performed at home without the aid of an expensive trainer, by just understanding the basis of training.   

Here are 5 simple steps for training your puppy : 

1) Repetition:  The most important part of training is repetition.   By staying consistent and repeating praise for expectable behavior your pet will learn quickly. 

2) Tone of voice- Your tone of voice is much more important than what is said.  Animals don’t understand language but do understand tone, use this to your advantage.  Use a deep strong voice when reprimanding them and always look them directly in the eyes.   

3) Eye contact- Dogs are pack animals and they often establish hierarchy in the pack by staring down their mates.  Becoming the alpha dog in the pack is very important to maintain control.  Always make direct eye contact and never allow them to beat you in a stare down.       

4) Physical punishment- This is obviously the most controversial part of training and differs greatly between owners and trainers.   I often tell my clients that the point of “hitting” your dog is NOT to inflict pain but to scare them.  The best example is rolling up a newspaper and smacking the dog on the rear while vocalizing a deep “No”.  This enables you to “whack” the dog without causing pain and it makes a loud noise.  Using the “newspaper technique” is a good way to scare your pet without causing any harm and can be used as a last resort.   

5) Rewards- Using toys instead of treats to reward them is a great way to get them interested in games such as fetch and promotes exercise.  It improves their drive for non food items which helps them maintain a good weight. Treats are okay to use in MODERATION, but try to use healthy alternatives such as canned carrots or small rice balls.