Here Buddy - Dog Training

The best tip you will ever learn about dog training is this: Tough Love. That’s right! If you want a lifetime of loyalty and devotion with a minimum of fanfare and fuss, the best thing you can do for your family, your friends, your canine companion and yourself is establish that one simple rule to guide your choices and govern your life.

Dogs are pack animals. They instinctively understand and respond to the concept of Leader or ‘Alpha’ Male and Female as the dominant animals in the house. In the pack, the Alpha dog earns this position over time, by proving him/herself to be the strongest, the smartest and the best. They keep that position by establishing rules of conduct that address issues of seniority, safety, sustenance and sanitation.

Training your dog will be made virtually pain free if you take the time to learn the rules of conduct dogs obey and adapt them to suit your needs. These Best Of… tips will take you a long way toward your goal and save your sanity!

• Seniority
A dog’s first priority is to learn how to adapt to the mysterious ways of the strange new species it meets when it comes to your home. Everything you do is foreign to your dog, so it’s up to you to show him the rules your species live by. Rule number one is this: The person who buys the food wins. To teach the dog to respect you and your seniority in its life you must be firm in your decisions, fair in your punishments, consistent in your demands and generous in your rewards. Keep the commands simple. Keep your expectations reasonable. Keep your heart open and cherish the rewards.

• Safety
The way anyone learns what is safe and what is not is by observation, imitation and experience. To minimize pain, heartache and costly trips to the vet, establish safe areas where the dog may go and safety rules of conduct for everyone who comes in contact with your pet. Keep dangerous items safely locked away or well out of reach. Have a well thought out plan in the event of an accident and keep a first aid kit handy.

• Sustenance
There’s nothing like a hearty meal and a long, cool drink on a hot day to make everything right with the world. This is just one of the many feelings you and your dog have in common. Another feeling you share is that respecting your differences is the highest form of love. If you love your dog, you need to honor and respect the fact that your two species have different needs when it comes to nutrition. Talk to a recognized expert about the best diet for your dog. Respect the serving sizes and meal times. Do not feed your dog human food unless a vet tells you to do so. Buy treats that the dog will enjoy because they work for him: don’t confuse his rewards with your own.

• Sanitation
When ya gotta go, ya gotta go! Create a safe and suitable location and use a leash to establish a regular route and routine. In the earliest stages of house breaking, use a crate to train the dog. Never use the crate as a punishment. It is their safe zone, their sanctuary. They will feel safe there and they will not soil their beds. Ask the advice of an expert and buy a good quality shampoo. Groom the dog regularly. Clip toenails and keep hair free of tangles and burrs from the field. Check teeth, ears and eyes. Give the dog regular exercise and plenty of clean water. Take the bowl away a few hours before the house goes to bed.

In closing, remember that your dog is your friend and companion. Its happiness and well-being are in your hands.