Dec 28 2008
TRAINING YOUR DOG (part 2)
How to get your dog to listen to you.
To begin with, remember that when he’s a puppy, he doesnt understand one word you’re saying. So you must show him what you mean and ALWAYS use the same words for a specific action.
SIT: you want him to sit, well use the word SIT and nothing else. So, when he’s a puppy, you must put him in a sitting position, then you say the word SIT and you give him a treat. Repeat this and the first 3 or 4 times, you will have to manually SIT your dog so he knows that SIT means his bottom is on the floor.
Its basically the same for every command you want to give him. First show him what you want a few times, repeat the same word, not 3 or 4 words, but only A ONE WORD COMMAND and give him a treat.
You must be persistent and consistent with it.
Some say that dogs can only understand 50 words, well I dont believe this. My dog is nearly 5 yrs old and I now have to speak in another language so he wont understand some things………well guess what, he’s starting to understand “walk” in French, so I’ll have to use yet another language so he wont understand.
Trust me, dogs know what you say, they also know when you’re talking about them. I will talk about him, not use his name, but still he’ll come stand next to me.
Also, dont listen to what everybody says about you being in charge. If you want your dog to do something for a “good” reason, let him know, have him do it and give him a treat, telling him he’s a good boy/girl. Your dog wants to please you. He’ll do what you want if he knows it pleases you. Dont go into a power trip with your dog. You’re supposed to be the smart one to begin with, so why do you need to prove it?
I have a labrador, I was told they were the worst dogs for chewing everything around the house. Well yes he did try it when he was a puppy, but I kept at it, always saying NO, not loud, I dont scream at my dog, but he knows what “no” means. Then when he’d stop chewing, Id give him a treat, tell him he’s such a good boy and take him away from the spot he was chewing on……..but I kept my eyes on him because I knew he’d go back and sure enough, he did. But I was right there again, saying NO and pushing him away. It stopped after 3 times. He hasnt chewed anything since and he wont touch anything thats not on the floor either. He knows that whats on the floor can be his, but on a table, its mine!
When I mop the floor, I put his toys on a desk, well eventhough they’re his toys, he’ll whine for me to give them to him.
Ive never screamed at him, ive never hurt him. Persistence and love will have him do whatever you want him to.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask!!
