House Training A Dog: How To Do It Right
The Two Fundamental "C's" Of House Training a Dog
To begin house training a dog, remember the two fundamental C's -- consistency and communication. Owners who are successful in house training a dog are owners who have learned to be consistent in their actions and statements: they always give the same commands in the same way, saying and doing the same things. Consistency in giving commands will make it much easier for your dog to learn what it is that you wish them to do. Inconsistency in your approach when house training a dog will cause you to fail every time, as your dog will become hopelessly confused.
Along with consistency in giving commands, clear communication is also necessary in house training a dog. Clear communication in house training a dog means that not only will your dog understand what you wish them to do, but that you understand what you are dog is trying to tell you as well. When house training a dog, you as the owner need to be alert to signs that your dog is unsure or nervous, or when your dog is confused -- or just happy to see you. Remember: in house training a dog, communication is a two-way street.
House Training a Dog: What Signals Are You Sending? When house training a dog, keep in mind that the four most important messages you can send to your dog are: you are bad -- try again -- keep it up -- here's a reward. Not that you say those words exactly, but that these are the four basic messages that you will need to learn how to communicate when you house train a dog. And remember, that you must send a message that is CONSISTENT in order to keep your dog from becoming confused. House Training a Dog: the Power of Positive Reinforcement I'm a big believer in using positive rewards when house training a dog. For example, when teaching your dog to go to the bathroom in a certain "place" use a reward as a positive reinforcement. Remember that when you are house training a dog it is not always necessary for a reward to be food -- a special playtime, a special play toy, a relaxing fur-combing -- or anything that your dog likes to do. The House Training a Dog: Watch What You Say -- and How You Say It In-house training a dog, you will of course need to give them a voice commands. As you do so, be sure that you give the same command consistently so as not to confuse your dog. Use the same words;don't vary them. For example, don't say "go" on some occasions when you want your dog to go outside, and at other times say, "outside". In addition to using consistent vocabulary, when house training a dog make sure to speak clearly, with a firm and calm manner of expression. When house training a dog you want to speak in such a way that you let your dog know that you are in charge, but you don't want to confuse them or stress them. Most dog owners find it much easier to house train at dog if they use their dog's name as a part of the command -- saying "Spot, outside" will train your dog, over time, to recognize that this command is intended for them, not another pet in the family, nor some other human being.
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