| Are you feeling overwhelmed with how to train | | | | three depending on the situation. A note of |
| your dog or puppy to be a "good dog?" Are you | | | | caution: if you have a very excitable dog, don't |
| in that critical time of 2 months to 3 years when | | | | use something that would increase his/her energy |
| so many pet parents decide to take their dogs to | | | | level to the point of distraction - for example, |
| a shelter or rescue group? Don't worry because | | | | food or treats. |
| at the end of this article I'll share a resource | | | | Creating a positive and loving bond will give you |
| which will change your life (and your dogs). I have | | | | the best foundation to train your dog. Your dog |
| raised and trained many dogs, and when I was a | | | | wants to please you and as the dogs' person, it is |
| new dog owner many years ago, I had all the joy | | | | your responsibility to take care of this furry |
| and frustration that comes with a new | | | | family member. This means that no matter how |
| four-legged kid. Don't be discouraged or | | | | angry you get, you should never strike your dog, |
| overwhelmed because you CAN train your dog! | | | | or swear and yell at your puppy. You need to |
| The first thing you need to remember is that | | | | learn "dog" just as much as Fido needs to learn |
| your puppy is communicating with you at all times | | | | English. |
| - but if you have never had a dog before, you | | | | In obedience training you do need to speak |
| may not understand what your pup needs or | | | | commands in a strong voice, showing you are the |
| wants. Your dog doesn't speak English so he/she | | | | leader, but if you yell at your dog, there will be |
| can't understand anything you say. It takes time | | | | negative consequences. And if you talk without |
| to learn a new language so you need patient. | | | | authority you will confuse your pooch. In addition, |
| In addition, each dog has a different personality, | | | | always teach hand signals. Many times your dog |
| so training is not one-size-fits-all. For some dogs, | | | | will respond to a hand signal before a voice |
| toys will be a big motivator, for others, it will be | | | | command. Overall if you create a bond and use |
| food, and for another personality type, positive | | | | positive training, you will have less stress and |
| touch (petting/stroking) will be the best way to | | | | frustration because you will have a happy trained |
| train. And there is no reason you can't use all | | | | dog with good manners! |