• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

10 rules for dog training success

Posted January 15, 2021

dog training success
For dog training success, use positive reinforcement, punishment-free training. Reward your dog with positive feedback when their behavior is appropriate.

Well-mannered dogs don’t just happen, but with work, you can achieve dog training success.

And remember, training your dog correctly is a labor of love and lots of fun.

Needless to say, the sooner you start, the easier it is. Once a puppy or dog develops inappropriate behaviors, then it becomes hard work!

There are as many methods of dog training as there are dog trainers. Positive reinforcement, punishment-free training is probably the least stressful and most rewarding for most owners and dogs.

It is quite simple. You reward your dog with positive feedback every time their behavior is appropriate.

Dogs learn by association. They learn appropriate behavior pleases the boss; hence life is good when the boss is happy. It’s a win-win! They get what they want…and you get the reward of dog training success: a well-behaved dog.

Set expectations for dog training success

1. Set your dog up to succeed. Begin with reasonable, undemanding expectations. This shared experience should be fun, not stressful, for you and your dog. Keep training sessions short and fun.

2. Keep it simple. Use one-word commands whenever possible. It is easier for your dog to comprehend one word than an entire paragraph!

3. Be fair. Don’t expect your dog to read your mind. Make sure they understand what you are expecting of them. Correct them, then demonstrate in another way what you want them to do.

4. Be firm. Always make your dog follow through on the command you have given before you release them.

5. Be consistent. Do not bamboozle your pet by varying your commands, especially during the initial training.

Use repetition for dog training success

6. Be patient. Expect to be repetitive until they grasp what you are conveying. Dogs learn by repetition and demonstration.

7. Be visual. Demonstrate exactly what you are expecting. Show them in a way they can follow.

8. Be generous with praise. Praise goes a long way. Even dogs love to know they have done a good job! The sooner your dog responds to your command, the more praise they should receive.

9. Keep your expectations in check. Raise the bar slowly. It takes some dogs longer than others to learn particular commands. Be patient. Sooner or later, if you follow the rules, your pet will catch on.

10. Always end every training session on a positive note and with lots of praise and/or reward. Rewards do not always have to be food treats. A short car ride is like Christmas to many dogs. A new or favorite toy is a great reward. A quick game of fetch will be all the reward some dogs will need.

Bottom line

Keep training sessions short and fun! Before you know it, you will achieve dog training success and be the proud owner of a good dog.

You may even discover you enjoy dog-training so much that you want to share your skills with others by becoming a dog trainer. 

Follow Karen A. Soukiasian on Facebook

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

Related Posts

  • get your dog's attention
    Dog training: Get your dog's attention

    To get your dog's attention, don't yell. Speak in a…

  • Do not encourage jumping games, or tap your shoulder for your dog to jump up on you, until your dog is completely obedience trained and under control at all times.
    Dog training: 3 things every good dog should know

    Dog training should include three key things every dog should…

  • Man trains border collie.
    Dog training: Speak softly

    Speak firmly, but speak softly, not harshly and loud, and…

  • mix obedience training with playtime
    Mix playtime with dog obedience training

    By Kelly Marshall Combining playtime with your kids and dog…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Training, Home Page, Puppies

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

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

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Old dogsSheddingPuppy-proofTicksTwo dogsPet sitterPuppy kindergartenOutdoor activitiesPet parentsSeparation anxietytraining tipsRescue dogYorkshire terrierValentine's DayPoodleRottweilerPandemicThanksgivingPawVacation dog carePotty trainingPit bullPetfinder.comSmall dogsVeterinarianPomeranianSocializationWorking dogsWaterService dogs

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Balancing cleanliness and canine comfort: The ultimate guide for dog owners
    Balancing cleanliness and canine comfort is crucial for the well-being of your pet. This guide is for you if you want to achieve this balance. […]
  • The importance of a balanced diet for dogs: Why and how you should care
    Feed your dog a balanced diet with the right mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Ensure they get the right amounts to stay healthy. […]
  • Use 5 factors to choose the best veterinarian for your dog
    Research thoroughly and consider location, services, experience, cost, and staff before choosing the right vet for your dog. […]
  • Fight insomnia: 12 tips to help your dog get good sleep
    The most common cause of canine insomnia is pent-up energy. Help your dog sleep all night by ensuring it gets enough exercise. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.