7 pro training tips to ensure your dog is well-behaved

Training can be difficult and frustrating at times, but it is well worth the effort. Having a dog that obeys your every command and never gets into mischief is what all pet owners dream of, there is nothing more rewarding than having an obedient and well-behaved canine. To help you achieve this with your four-legged friend, here are some pro training tips to follow when training your dog.

Train by providing brain games

You can train your dogs using brain games that force your dog to find a treat. This type of game challenges your canine’s brain. 

Consistent brain training for dogs is great because it benefits both you and your dog. You get to bond with your dog and spend time with them while training. And it’s good for you to know what games will brain train your dogs.

There are many brain training games, but one of the most common brain games is hide and seek, find a favorite toy, or find the treat in the brain game.

Find a game that challenges your dog and use it regularly. Brain training games challenge your dog and keep it from getting bored.

Your dog is a living being and needs to not only stretch its legs but also challenge its brain so it does more than just eat and nap.

Find a game that’s fun for both you and your dog.

Start training on day one

There is an old saying that it’s never too late, but with dogs, it is far more beneficial if you start training when your dog is a puppy. Starting early saves you time and effort in the long run. Early consistent training helps your puppy learn and challenges its brain. 

Training may seem daunting at first, but it gets easier and both you and your dog will be pleased with the results.

Use pro training tips at mealtimes, such as waiting for your dog to sit calmly before you put the food down. Using this trick is an easy way to incorporate basic training into your daily routine. Get involved with training from day one, and you will find that you have a well-behaved, pampered pooch in no time at all.

Offer treats only when training

Food isn’t a reward for good behavior all the time, but it can be a great motivator during training sessions. Praise your dog often, too, to reinforce positive behavior.

This year, avoid going overboard with food as a reward. You don’t want your dog to start begging at the table or counter surfing for a snack every time he sees you cooking.

It’s best to use treats only during training sessions and after your pup has successfully completed an obedience task.

Avoid giving too many treats because you don’t want your dog to gain weight. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will prolong its lifespan and make it happy, too. 

Set a schedule

Dogs thrive on order. Keep your dog’s daily routine consistent to avoid confusion or misbehavior.

Feeding, walking, and playtime should be done simultaneously every day.

And stick to the same routines on weekends and holidays, too. If you do need to make changes, it’s time for a vacation or your dog is ill, get advice from an expert on how to ease the transition.

Dogs like knowing what you expect from them and creating a schedule helps keep them happy. It also makes it easier to train your dog if it knows it will eat at a certain time, go for a walk at a certain time, and complete training exercises at a certain time. 

Train with consistency

Pro training tip: Make sure everyone in your household uses the same commands when training your dog. And stick to one training method for all family members and guests, too.

If everyone uses different words or training styles to get your dog’s attention or to tell him he did something wrong, you won’t achieve consistency.

Consistency is key to raising a well-behaved pooch. 

Give commands 

Since dogs can’t speak, you need to teach them how to follow verbal and visual cues. The more you work with your dog, the better it will understand instructions.

Practice basic commands such as “sit” and “stay” right away, so your dog can get used to obeying your commands. And then add leash training and “come.” Once you master the basics, working with your dog daily will be easier. 

Like you would with a child, speak to your dog in a clear and happy tone so that it can understand what you’re asking. Don’t be too loud around young puppies, and don’t be too quiet. If your dog is whining, ease up on the commands for a while so he doesn’t get confused or scared.

Keep training sessions short and mix in some playtime to keep your puppy from getting bored.

Don’t give up 

Dogs learn at different speeds, so just because Fido didn’t figure out how to shake in one day doesn’t mean he’ll never get it.

Be patient and keep working with your pet until he gets it right. Be patient and keep working with your dog until he masters the task.

No matter how busy you are, try to set aside a few minutes daily for training or playtime with your dog.

Some dogs pick things up quickly while others take longer. Patience is key when you’re trying to train your pet. If you can get a friend to help you out, that’s even better.

Bottom line: Use these pro training tips

Use seven pro tips to create a well-behaved dog.

• Train your dog with brain games to keep your dog engaged.
• Use consistent commands.
• Only use treats for training
• Start training from day one, to help prevent bad habits. Keep training sessions short and fun.
• Stick to a daily schedule daily, so your dog will know when it’s time for playtime, food, walking, and potty breaks. Try to stick to the same routine even on weekends or holidays.
• Be consistent. Make sure everyone in your household uses the same words and training methods with your dog.
• Be patient and don’t give up. Some dogs learn faster than others and some commands are easier to master.

By being consistent and patient, your dog eventually will learn what you are teaching and you will create a happy, well-behaved dog.

Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success