8 Training Tips For New Dogs

Now, you just bought a new puppy and brought her home. You probably got her from a reputable breeder. Or maybe you were talking to the animal shelter in your neighbourhood to adopt a puppy that needed a home. Regardless how you got your dog, one thing you start thinking when you get a new dog is, how to train her.

If you have never had a dog before, or you haven't had it for a long time, you might be a bit nervous about training this new family member. Here are some useful tips to train your dog to be a happy and well trained dog.

1. Keep company and let your dog hang around. Take your dog out in public to meet new people and other dogs and see new things. It is easier for your dog to become adaptable, if she feels more familiar with new things. By socializing, your dog can build confidence as well. Adaptability and confidence are crucial keys to train your dog.

2. Start training when the dog is still young. The earlier you start, the better it is. Even if your puppy is eight or ten weeks old, you can start simple training such as how to sit when asked. As soon as you bring your new dog home, start house training.

3. Make sure your training is cheerful and positive. Make all the training enjoyable for your dog, then she will be more attentive and learn more. If you make training like a game, it will be more enjoyable for your dog and yourself.

4. Make training sessions short. You can spend just 15 to 20 minutes for a training session twice a day. If your puppy is young, you can make it even shorter. Lengthen the training time can be boring and generally dogs have a short attention span. Your dog can learn what has to be learned within a few minutes. Then spend the rest of the time for practice.

5. Praise your dog and give rewards. If your dog did well praise her and give her reward. It makes the training more enjoyable for your dog. You don't need to always give food as reward; it can be anything that your dog loves. It could be belly rubs, extra play time with you or even a toy.

6. If you are in bad mood, don't train your dog. If you are angry or grumpy, don't take out your negative feelings on your dog. If you are in a bad mood just put off the training for another time.

7. Make it consistent. If your dog lies down, when you ask her to sit, then do not give her praise or reward. If your dog was rewarded for doing the wrong thing it is very confusing for her. Keep rewarding your dog only when she does the right thing. Also it is important to make your training session consistent and do it on a regular basis. Try to do it every day for best results.

8. Finish your training on a positive note. Even if it didn't go well, finish the training with an exercise which your dog can do easily, so you can praise her and give her a reward at the end of the session.

These are all useful tips to keep in mind when you train your dog. You will have a well-trained and happy dog as a reward.