| We've all been there; frustrated beyond belief | | | | you have to start with the basics. You can't be a |
| because after weeks of one-on-one training, your | | | | NASCAR driver if you can't drive a sedan, and your |
| dog or puppy still goes on your carpet. You flip | | | | dog can't play dead until he knows Being a Doggy |
| through the phone book or your favorite search | | | | 101. The first commands your pup or dog should learn |
| engine and look for 'professional dog trainer' in your | | | | are; |
| area. Up comes tens of thousands of trainers... which | | | | - COME |
| one to choose? How much will it cost? How long will | | | | - SIT |
| it take? | | | | - STAY |
| Worry no more about this headache inducing scenario | | | | - DROP (or another word to drop things from his |
| because you can train your dog like a pro in just a | | | | mouth) |
| few steps. Just remember to remain calm; you didn't | | | | - and QUIET |
| learn how to go to the bathroom by yourself in one | | | | Manners - This one may sound a little crazy, but all |
| day either! | | | | pro trainers know that teaching your dog manners |
| Speak the Same Language - Obviously you can't | | | | will make training him much easier. When you take |
| decipher his woofs, but with a little bit of help he can | | | | your pup or dog for a walk, does he run far ahead, |
| understand your commands. However, it is up to you | | | | pulling you with him and frightening passers by? If so |
| to help him learn these commands efficiently. Keep | | | | you've got a dog with bad walking manners. Correct |
| the commands short and easy for a dog to | | | | this behavior by walking your new puppy during odd |
| comprehend, like STOP, HEEL, NO, or SIT. It's easy | | | | hours at first when very few people and animals are |
| to say these commands loud enough to get his | | | | around. As he improves carrying out commands, |
| attention without yelling. Teach by Association - Dogs | | | | change walk times gradually introducing your dog to |
| learn best by association, so don't just bark an order | | | | more stimuli. As with all things, it is a step-by-step |
| without any context. A good example of this is the | | | | process. |
| 'yelp & shun' technique to stop nipping in pups. | | | | Keep Him Calm - Dogs are generally pretty stressed |
| The pup nips and you scream in pain, then ignore the | | | | out creatures, mostly because they need time to |
| pup so he knows he's done something wrong that | | | | adjust in our world filled with sights, sounds, and |
| has consequences. This same theory applies to | | | | smells. This is why many trainers sound like yoga |
| training of any sort which is what separates good | | | | instructors, it keeps the dogs calm and makes them |
| trainers from average ones. | | | | less anxious about performing new tasks. |
| - When your dog chews shoes, don't punish him | | | | Your pup or dog wants nothing more than to please |
| without showing him his offense...the shoe. | | | | you, but trying new things can be stressful and often |
| - Trainers suggest using a leash to help dogs | | | | frightening. Start slowly, using a calm but strong voice |
| understand when it's time for a walk or the | | | | and give a command. If he seems a little hesitant, |
| bathroom | | | | speak calmer but not softer and more upbeat. You |
| - Treats and Rewards are a perfect way to help | | | | must give your pup the confidence he needs to |
| your pet associate positive things with certain | | | | complete the tasks until he has it on his own. |
| activities. | | | | The pros have studied canines for years, and we've |
| Start With the Basics - Before you start training your | | | | given you these tips to make training your pup the |
| puppy to do tricks, professional trainers know that | | | | fun and exciting experience it should be. |