How To Train Your
Small Dog
by Luke Donnelley
Proving effective training for your dog from an early age is very important
for a number of reasons. The most effective training method for both you and
your dog will depend upon a number of factors, such as which method of
training you feel most comfortable with and which method of training your
dog is most responsive to.
One thing to remember when it
comes to training your dog is that you should always use positive
reinforcement and training methods, and never aggression, impatience, or
abuse in order to scare your dog into submission. Training is all about
mutual understanding and cooperation between you and your dog, and by
shouting, screaming, and lashing out at your dog in order to get him to
respond you will simply instill fear and aggression rather than encouraging
obedience and cooperation.
There are some excellent and
popular training methods in use today, and you can find out more about these
methods in order to determine which is most likely to benefit you and your
dog.
Reward based
training
This is one of the most common
and popular forms of training for dogs, and involves providing your dog with
a treat whenever he or she obeys you when training. You can combine the
treat with fuss and attention, as this will link the receipt of tasty
goodies and fuss with that particular action in your dog's mind, thus
encouraging him to do it again upon your command. In short, this type of
training teaches your dog to associate certain actions with certain rewards
or consequences (i.e. fuss, attention and treats) in order to provide
encouragement.
Clicker
training
Clicker training is a newer
form of training that teaches your dog to obey through association. The
clicks are initially used with something that your dog will respond to such
as treats. However, after a while, your dog will start to recognise the
clicking and link it to his actions rather than associating it with the
treat. He will then start to link certain actions with the clicking, and
will know that when he hears the click that he has done something good, thus
responding to the clicking rather than the treat.
Dog
whispering
Another up and coming form of
dog training is dog whispering, which is a training method that focuses on
the behaviour and body language of your dog in order to enable you to better
communicate with your pet. Also based upon positive association, this method
of training uses calming signals to encourage and train your dog.
Train your
dog from an early age
It is important that your dog
starts to receive training from an early age in order to improve your
chances of success. The older and more set in his way the dog is, the more
difficult he will be to train. With effective early training, you will enjoy
a far better relationship with your dog, and you will be able to enjoy the
companionship of a pet that is obedient, well adjusted, socialized, and a
joy to be around.
About the Author
Luke Donnelley is the owned of
All Small Dog Breeds, a site dedicated to
small dog breeds.
