Try a food-oriented treat, like a dog bone, a biscuit, or little pieces of cut up hot dog. Figure out which food your dog responds best to because this will vary among animals. Some dogs respond more to positive reinforcements that aren’t food, such as toys, a rub to the belly, or a quick walk. Figure out what works for your own dog. It’s important not to use negative reinforcements with the dog that could harm the dog. Physical force and cruelty can be illegal, and they also won’t work well with a dog. Dogs respond to love and to reward, not screaming and bullying.
Make sure you’re not the only person in the house following the rules and reward regimen, or the dog will get confused. Don’t give the dog mixed signals. You have to be patient and understand it could take some time to train your dog properly. It’s easiest to do when the dog is young, but, either way, it will take some time. Use repetitive commands (like telling the dog to “sit,” and use them several times a day. ) The dog needs to know there is no “free lunch. " The dog should not receive food, for example, before obeying a command. Give the dog clear and consistent structure. [3] X Research source
The dog should learn to obey you on the first command. If you end up repeating yourself endlessly, the dog will not perceive this as firmness or strength, and you will lose control of the dog. Always follow through on commands that you give a dog. If you waver or make exceptions, the dog is going to learn that you aren’t that firm after all. Losing patience and control with the dog actually signals weakness.
Make the dog wait for food after the humans have eaten, and do not feed the dog off the table. [4] X Research source Control all aspects of the dog’s feeding habits. The dog eats when you say he eats. The dog eats when you release him to eat even a bite. The dog must work to earn his food. [5] X Research source Control the dog’s toys too. The dog only gets a toy or two out a day, and you choose them. The dog should watch you control the items, putting them away and bringing them out. If the dog tries to guard the toy, the dog loses the toy for a day.
The dog must treat you like a parent, not a sibling. Remain in control, and calm, but stay dominant. Walk through the dog by gently shuffling your feet until he gets up and moves out of the way. Sometimes silence can be most dominating to a dog. Use the verbal commands when you really need them. Be calm at all times. Calmly and silently, stay in command. [6] X Research source Make sure that you control access to doorways. You are in charge of the house. The dog is not. Don’t let the dog wildly jump on you when you get home. Greet the dog last, and ignore the dog if the dog jumps up and down.
This means it’s not a great idea to allow a dog to sleep in your bed. That’s because the dog associates the most comfortable sleeping place with hierarchy. If you must have a dog in bed, make the dog sleep at the foot of your bed rather than, say, on your pillow. Better yet: Give the dog a bed on the floor instead. Don’t wrestle with the dog on the floor in a playful manner because the dog will believe the human is equal or lesser if the human is down at its level. [8] X Research source
If you are happy with the dog, let the dog know so by varying the tone of your voice and making your pitch higher. However, when you want to command the dog to do something or indicate your disapproval when the dog doesn’t obey, lower the pitch of your voice. Use hand gestures in addition to verbal commands to make your point.
Averting your gaze will reinforce the dog’s dominance. Do not have staring contests with the dog, though. Just firmly look in the dog’s eyes when you give the dog a command. [10] X Research source You never want to be in a situation where the dog occupies a higher position than you and you’re averting your eyes. That’s a recipe for losing control - fast.
Keep the dog on a short leash, and stay ahead of the dog or at its side. You’re the person who leads, not the dog. Don’t let the dog run wildly off leash when it’s not trained, either. The dog has to learn that the human is in charge. Stop the dog several times during walks with commands. Try playing “red light, green light” with the dog. Walk the dog on a leash. When the dog runs or walks ahead to the point of pulling at the end of the leash, say red light, and stop completely. Wait. When the dog stops pulling, call him back to you. When he comes back, say, “sit” and give him a treat when he does. Resume walking. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Use treats to reward your dog for walking beside you and try walking fast. Every few seconds that the dog remains at your side walking, pop a treat in the dog’s mouth. The dog gets no treats if the dog moves too far ahead, to the side, or behind. The dog won’t have as many opportunities to pull away. [12] X Research source . Do redirection exercises. Training your dog to redirect their attention back to you will show them that you’re in charge and can handle whatever situation arises. You can use a command like “watch me,” then reward your dog when they look back at you. [13] X Expert Source Toni WoodsProfessional Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
Put a new toy or treat in the crate, and leave the door open. Wait until the dog goes in the crate to get it. Pet and reward the dog when the dog comes out. Repeat the process. Shut the door to the crate, and don’t open the door until he has been quiet for a few minutes. [15] X Research source Make a schedule and stick to it. When you open the crate, take the dog outside to go to the bathroom immediately. The dog will learn over time that going to the bathroom is something that can only be done in a certain spot.
The clicker is a small plastic box you hold in your hand. You press it, making a clicking sound, when you want your dog to do something. [17] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source When the dog follows the command, reward the dog with a treat. Eventually, the dog will consider the clicker as almost a language. The dog will learn that following your commands – the click – will result in a positive reward.
Contact your local veterinarian, and ask for references to credible dog trainers or dog training classes. Know when you need help. If the dog is a danger to children or others, you need to contact the Humane Society right away. It’s wrong to put others in danger because you can’t control your dog.
