Universal Principles for Successful Dog Training

 Dog training is not rocket science and is not as difficult as you think. It is certainly possible for ANY dog owners to train their dogs themselves provided they put in adequate amount of effort. The principles listed here are universal to dog training of Any dog breeds, be it sporting, working, toy or terrier, Any dogs - big or small, pup or old, Any Owners - competitive or leisure.

In short, if you are serious about training your dog and demand Only success, You MUST apply these principles. No “If” No “But”. Get the basic right first before you start to train your dog!

Consistency
Consistency is very important during training and correcting unwanted behavior. Always use the same "command" for a specific task you require of your dog. Don’t confuse him by using different command for the same task.

Once you’ve establish some house rules such as - keeping the cooking area out of bound to your dog, enforce them constantly. If the dog learns that he can get away with it now and then, your previous efforts will go down the drain. Lastly, make sure everyone in the family accept and enforce your rules consistently.

Timing
Timing is critical to successful training. Praise your dog whenever he is doing something right. As expected, reprimand him on the spot and to the point whenever he misbehave or fails to response to your command. Praise and reprimand that happen later will have no effect on your dog.

* There are 2 main schools of thoughts concerning the timing of correction when your dog misbehaves. I called the first school of thoughts the “Direct Approach”. It simply requires you to reprimand your dog on the spot if he misbehaves. This is more of a tangible and straight forward approach to training your dog and is easy to understand for most trainers.

I called the second school of thoughts the “Endurance Approach” as it’ll require you to ignore your dog when he misbehaves. Using the cause and effect to your advantage, this approach requires you to ignore the dog, especially when he misbehaves to seek attention and encourage you to pay attention to your dog only when he’s a good boy.

Attention Factor (Endurance Approach)
Dogs love attention and are hugely motivated by it. Unlike man, dogs do not know how to differentiate between positive and negative attention. They see things in a simple way. If a certain action gets reaction and attention, you’ll bet they repeat it over and over again. (Cause and Effect)

Unfortunately, for most dog owners, we more often than not give our dogs negative attention. For example, "Do you let him out of his crate when he groans?" or "Do you give chase when he runs off with your socks?" These are negative attentions given to the dog and is certainly motivating his bad behavior.

Fortunately, the opposite is true if you pay enough attention to your dog when he behaves himself. When the dog understands that he’ll get attention only when he’s behaving, he’ll learn that only good behavior attract attention and he’ll repeat his good behavior always.

Focus your attention on your dog only when he is behaving; praise him or give him a treat, let him know that he’s getting the attention. If this technique is used correctly, he’ll be a well-behaved dog for a long time to come. Nevertheless, this approach is probably not for the short temper and requires you to go through an endurance ordeal. Imagine your dog chewing up your sock in your presence. “Endure Dude!”

Training Mood
You need to be in the correct frame of mind before you train your dog. Never train your dog when you are under the influence of alcohol or drug. Also try not to train him if you’ve a bad day or not in the best of your mood.

If you’ve just argued with your sweetie or got a telling off from your boss earlier on. You would most probably take out your frustration on him and threaten your relationship with him in future.

Do remember to apply these dog training principles constantly & you'll be half-way through to successful dog training.

About the Author

Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of http://DogsObedienceTraining.com – The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

 Moses Chia

More Articles 

Top Ten Dog Training Mistakes - Rachel Brett
If you are in the process of training your dog or considering it, then you might like to check the following list to ensure that you are not making one of the common mistakes. 1) Giving different words for the same command. If you want your...

Pros and Cons when Choosing a Specific Breed of Dog - Jon Dunkerley
Pros and Cons when Choosing a Specific Breed of Dog By Jon Dunkerlen www.web-rover.com Ok so you have made the big decision to purchase a dog. Whether the decision was yours alone, or that of your kid’s, you being the voice of reason must...

Pet Nutrition Basics for Dogs & Cats - Chrissie Cole
Good Nutrition is just as essential for your pet’s health as it is for your own health. Your pet needs a balanced diet to help keep him healthy. Unlike humans, your pet’s daily diet is the same day to day. For this reason your pet must meet all...

Safe Dog Toys - Kirsten Hawkins
Dog owners love to think of their dogs as children. "That's my baby," they'll say when referring to their dogs. They'll refer to themselves as "Mommy" or "Daddy" when talking to their dogs as well. And, of course, they buy their dogs toys to play...

Dog Fleas & Ticks - John Moore
Dog Fleas & Ticks. Fleas. Dog fleas are different to those which infest humans and cats. When a flea bites, it injects saliva to stop the blood clotting whilst it sucks it up. The saliva contains chemicals which often cause an allergic reaction...

Easy Steps to Stop Your Dog from Jumping on You - O Neal Hendrix
When you bring home that adorable puppy her dog behavior is so cute. She puts her feet up on you to get your attention, jumps in your lap, jumps up and down on her hind legs begging to be picked up. And what do you do? You reinforce all...

Dogs and Heartworms - je Dunn
It is surprising how many people are still confused about heartworms and the effects that a heartworm can have on your dog. First lets look at what heartworms are and how your dog can become infected. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes...

Dog Travel Supplies - Rolf Rasmusson
Dog Travel Supplies Buy dog travel supplies online The shopping part along for dog travel supplies is amusing for sure. The trinkets, toys and accessories for pet product travel are a blast. Grab your favorite drink, your mouse and grease up that...

Thinking of Getting a Lhasa Apso Dog? - Clint Leung
One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa Apso. The puppies especially are just irresistible but before one decides to purchase a Lhasa just because the kids are begging for one, there are some things that should be known about this...

Aging and The Mature Dog - Debbie Ray PedigreedPups com
Just as with you and I, your pets age is a consideration that must be thought about as your dog matures. It is easy to overlook, especially if your dog is in its prime, however, your aging animal has new needs that must be met just as with any other...

My Dog Wouldn't Do That! - Ed Williams
What’s the world comin’ to? I know that’s not the typical opening to one of my columns, but this one is different because I’m having a real hard time writing it. I’m in pain. Real physical pain. There are two holes in the back left knee of my...

Tips on Choosing a Boxer Dog... - Daniel Lesser
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer starts with checking out the parent dogs for unbecoming traits like aggression, hyperactive and extreme shyness. This is easier to do when you get your Boxer from a reputable breeder or...