A well trained dog is like a well-behaved child. They are wonderful! The same applies the other way round ‘ an untrained dog is like a disobedient child. They can cause havoc! That’s why it is important for every dog owner to do some simple dog training.

Firstly, there’s absolutely no truth to the myth that certain dogs cannot be trained. While it may be more difficult to train some dogs, it can be done. And of course some dogs are easier to train. It all comes down to the ability of the trainer and his or her communication skills.

When a dog has been trained, it is secure, happy and relaxed. Every dog wants a leader just like their ancestors who hunted and lived in packs. There was always the ‘alpha male’ that was respected and obeyed by every dog in the pack. Your dog will look to you to fulfill this role.

Start by teaching your puppy his or her name. This is the most important step in training. Once the puppy knows their name, you can immediately get his or her attention in any situation. This will lay the foundation of all other commands.

Next it will be the ‘come’ command. While dangling a treat in front of the dog’s nose, call out as follows: ‘Snoopy, come!’ Little Snoopy will quickly rush up to get his treat. Repeat the process several times, but each time move back a little further from the dog. Each time Snoopy obeys, shower him with affection and praise.

Use the same method when you teach ’sit’ and ’stay’. Always talk in a firm tone whilst giving a dog commands so he or she can identify the varying tones of your voice. Your dog will soon learn when you are playful or when you mean business! Praising is essential because every dog want to please his or her ‘master’.

Be cautious however about how many treats you dish out. While a treat is necessary in the early stages, you don’t want the dog to obey commands simply because she or he can get a treat. You want obedience on command, with the reward being praise. Only use the treats while training. Don’t give treats in between training sessions, because the dog will get confused.

If you want to enter your dog in shows or training competitions, you should seek some professional help. Join a training clinic where you can learn all the formal requirements that go with dog shows. You can get lots of information online about this form of dog training.

Getting rid of the bad habits your pet has developed can be difficult if you don’t have the training and tools you need. When you have a central New Jersey dog trainer to help you get rid of bad habits and develop new habits, you will find that dog obedience training in NJ is affordable, fast and easy!

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