Top 10 Dog Training Tips for 2018

Dogs are highly intelligent animals. They love to learn. Listen to dog lovers talking about their dogs and you’ll hear incredible stories about these canine brain-boxes and the things they get up to.

If you really want a balanced, well-behaved dog then you seriously want to consider giving him, at least, basic dog obedience training. Who knows, in doing so you may even catch the ‘training bug’ and turn your dog into the next canine superstar.

The good news is that training needn’t be a chore. In fact, it can be a whole lot of fun, both for you and your dog. It can help build up the bond between you and re-enforce your position as pack leader.

On this site we offer some straight-forward, easy to follow dog training tips, so there really is no reason at all not to give it a go.

  1. Start Early. Puppy training should start as soon as you bring your new pup home. Puppies can be trained from about six weeks of age, and are most receptive up to about 14 weeks. You’ll probably get your pup at 8 weeks, so you have a unique 6 week window. Lay the groundwork in these 6 weeks and all your later training efforts will be much easier.
  2. Learn the proper techniques. You’ll make it so much easier on yourself and your dog if you learn to do things the right way. These dog training tips are a good start, but there are lots of quality books and courses available online and off.
  3. Use Repetition. Think about anything you’ve learnt in your life – from your ABC’s to driving a car – chances are you learnt by repetition. Your dog is no different. Be consistent both in your schedule and your method of training.
  4. Be at your best. Skip training when you’re feeling stressed or unwell. You won’t be at your best and may not have the patience to work with your dog. Save it for when you’re feeling better.
  5. Keep training sessions positive and fun. Possibly the most important of all dog training tips. Negative methods don’t work, so use lots of with praise, play and treats. Never punish a dog if he can’t, or won’t, carry out your commands. You’ll only undo all the good things you’ve already achieved.
  6. Treats. Every dog has their favorite treats and I’m sure you know what your dog really loves to eat, so use treats that will be a real incentive to your dog.
  7. Don’t expect miracles. Training a dog takes time and patience. Stick with it and you’ll be rewarded. Also be aware that some breeds are easier to train than others. Gun dogs and herding dogs like Labs or Border Collies tend to be easier to train. Hounds, like Beagles, can be a challenge. This doesn’t mean you can’t train your Beagle, but you’ll need plenty of patience.
  8. Set Goals. Have a goal as to what you want to achieve in the session and keep training sessions short and focussed. You’ll achieve more in four well paced 15-minute sessions than you will in a single hour-long session.
  9. Keep sessions short. You’ll also see better results if you break these short sessions up into smaller mini-sessions. Try to have short bursts of focused work, separated by a short game with your dog.
  10. End every session on a high. Finish off the session with a simple command you know your dog can do, then reward him with a game.

Follow these simple dog training tips and you’ll save yourself a whole lot of frustration!