Simply training

To many people the idea of training their own dog is an overwhelming and intimidating task.  It doesn't have to be!!  This post will be mainly geared towards an owner with a young puppy.  However many of these principles apply to all stages of dog training.

First of all ask yourself:

• What do I want my dog to do for me? 
• What are the boundaries that I am going to set for my dog?
• How much time am I going to set aside for my dog each day?

 What do I want my dog to do for me?
There are many different tasks that a dog can do. In fact, unlimited!  Dogs are amazing creatures that love to learn and please their master.  You need to determine what tasks and tricks you are going to train your new friend to do. A great starting point is basic obedience-- sit, stay, down, off, heel, and come. There are many books dedicated to just dog tricks.  Your local library is a great place to look for new training ideas.  The Internet is also overflowing with fantastic videos and articles on dog training.

Once you have gotten your desired tasks down on paper be sure to go over them and check that you are not setting yourself up for failure with too many tasks.  Remember a young pup can only learn so much!

What are the boundaries that I am going to set for my dog? 
Many dog owners have voiced their frustration to us concerning their dog's annoying, and sometimes destructive bad habits.  This however is rarely an issue with the dog, but the owner.

Dogs crave boundaries.   Determine the boundaries you are going to set for yourself and your dog.  Will they be allowed on the couch?  They better not be counter surfing! Will jumping be tolerated?   After writing these rules down on paper, go over them with everyone who will be living with your dog and contributing to its life.  Rules only work if everyone understands them.

Next, you have to MEAN WHAT YOU SAY!!!  If you tell the dog no, then mean no!  But as soon as he responds you your correction, lavish him in praise so he understands what he wasn't supposed to do. If he isn't allowed on furniture, then begin enforcing that as soon as he comes into the home.  Remember, what you allow your dog to do as a pup, he will try to do as an adult.

How much time am I going to set aside for my dog each day?
A healthy balanced dog will not be spending all of its time in a kennel or crate.  Manners don't come naturally to every dog.  Puppies will need regular training and exercise sessions each day.  Schedule at least a couple times a day to spend time pouring into your dog.  If you are training a pup, it may be a wise idea to give him a good exercise session about twenty minutes before you are planning on a training session. This will help in taking a bit of that excess energy out before you are wanting him to focus on training. 

Another great way to teach manners, (especially concerning leash manners) is to just have the puppy attached to you on leash for a time throughout the day.  This can look like: attaching the pup to you via a leash during house chores, having him in a "down" while you are eating a meal or working at your desk, and including him in just about whatever your life consists of.  Although this can be a bit inconvenient at times, it will pay off immensely if you consistently are requiring of him the same manners and obedience each time you work with him.

Training doesn't have to be hard. It can be one of the most enjoying times of your day.  Dogs just have a way of making you smile.  So don't put it off any more! Go and train!!