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Online Dog Training Lessons
Welcome To Dog Training
The dog training lessons contained in this Online Dog
Training Course are essentially the same lessons that I use in my
dog training classes in Jacksonville, Florida. The links on the right side of this page will take you to any lesson you
are interested in. If you want to follow the lessons in order, you will find a link at the end of each lesson that will take you
to the next lesson. The links on the left side of the page will take you to the other topics on this website.
It's not difficult to train your dog by yourself at home, however, there are a few points you might want to keep in mind.
When you train by yourself, your dog is usually working in an ideal environment, probably at home in his back yard or
front yard. As you progress in your training it is important to take your dog to different places to train so that he learns
that he must listen to you and obey you no matter where you are or what is going on around you. Shopping centers make good
training sites with lots of distractions like traffic, people, noisy shopping carts, etc.
Another important aspect of training that you miss out on when you train by yourself is socialization. It will be important
that you properly socialize your dog, especially if it is a
young puppy. From birth to about 15 month of age, your puppy
goes through many stages of development. Proper socialization during that time is very important, if you want to raise a
confident, happy, social dog.
These lessons are not intended as a substitute for an actual training class where you can get individual attention and
advice from an instructor, as well as the benefits of group training for your dog, and all the socialization that comes
with a class situation. For those who either cannot find a positive trainer in their area, or a training class that fits their
schedule or pocketbook, I hope these lessons will help!
The Ten Commandments
of Dog Training
1) PRAISE YOUR DOG LAVISHLY when he performs an exercise correctly. Don’t be stingy with your praise. Let the
world know how great he is.
Your dog will be happy to work for praise! You want to make training fun and worthwhile for your dog.
Remember to smile and be sincere with your praise. They can tell when you’re faking it.
2) CORRECT YOUR DOG FIRMLY AND FAIRLY when he doesn’t perform an exercise that he knows.
Be sure to do this ONLY if you are sure that he understands what is expected of him. One good, well-timed
correction is better than many "nagging" corrections.
3) THINK LIKE YOUR DOG. Put yourself in your dog's paws, and train him accordingly. Don't punish your dog
for doing an exercise wrong when there is the possibility that he may not understand what you want. Don’t try to make
the dog do something that is not possible for him to do either. Be realistic in your expectations.
4) BE PATIENT WITH YOUR DOG. If you begin to get angry or frustrated and lose your temper, you will do more
harm than good. Put your leash away until tomorrow if you feel yourself losing patience. Always try to end a training session
on a positive note with an exercise that the dog knows how to do well. You will both feel better about it.
5) DO YOUR HOMEWORK, IT SHOWS. Your instructors can show you HOW to train your dog but he won‘t
do the training. The important part is up to you. Practice, Practice, Practice
6) KEEP YOUR DOG’S ATTENTION while working with him. Talk to him enthusiastically, pat your leg or use the
leash to keep him attentive. Use tidbits of food or other training aides if necessary. Smile and make training a fun
game for your dog. If you don’t have his attention you can’t teach him anything.
7) KEEP THE RECALL POSITIVE. Make the recall a pleasant experience always. If he does not come, go and get
him and do not correct him. Pracatice with the dog on leash until the recall is very reliable. Always try to set your dog up
for success. If you can’t control the outcome, don’t do a recall.
8) BE CONSISTENT. Your dog will not learn proper behaviors if you allow him to do something one day and then
punish him the next day for doing the same thing...jumping on the couch for example. If you are not consistent the
dog will become very confused and you could end up with unwanted behavior problems.
9) BE THE MASTER. Don't ASK your dog to do something...TELL him. A dog will happily obey a master he respects.
Remember, dogs equate respect with love. The firmer you are with your dog the more he will love you. You don’t have to
be harsh with him, but be firm with him. You are "alpha". Your dog will only give you what you train for.
10) PRACTICE everyday. Keep the practice times short, frequent, fast and fun. It’s amazing how much you can teach
a dog in a quick 5-minute practice session. Practice in many different locations. As your dog becomes more reliable,
increase the distractions and train for reliability.
With all that said, I guess it's time to
"START TRAINING."
© 2006 PoochProblems.Com
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