This article is contributed by guest writer, Shawn (content writer at FeedFond)

7 Dog Training Tips Everybody Should Know

You just added a new furry member to your family. Congratulations! But barely an hour passed since you welcomed them, and they have leaked on your carpet. Now what?

So, do yourself a favor and keep reading to make your life easier!

Having a new pet join your family is an exciting experience. However, the joy can easily turn into frustration when you realize that you won’t be able to babysit your furry companion every second.

The only solution is to make sure your dog is well trained. And to train your dog properly, you need to know what you’re doing. Luckily for you, this article has some super useful tips for making dog training a breeze.

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1. It is Never Too Late to Train

Some people may assume that only puppies are trainable. Well, they are not completely wrong. It’s certainly recommended to teach dogs correct behavior from an early age. But that doesn’t mean you can’t train adult dogs at all.

You just have to invest more time and patience for adult dogs because they can’t pick things up as quickly as their younger counterparts. But no matter the age and breed, all dogs want to please their owners. Even adult dogs who have never been trained before are open to receiving instructions from their owners.

You should always keep this in mind when training. Try to motivate and correct your dog at the right times, in the proper manner. Being persistent, patient and regular will go a long way.

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2. Constant Supervision is Key

At the beginning of the training period, you must supervise your dog at all times. Try to keep an eye on them wherever they go. Give them treats, hugs, and pats when they follow rules.

Also, make sure to let them know it’s not okay when they do something undesirable.

Once they get an idea of what is acceptable and what is not, your dog will live by accordingly. Dogs can repeat mistakes, but don’t be too harsh on them for that.

Let them know that you are upset, but gently. This can be done by giving them time-outs so they get the message.

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3. Routines Will Make Everything Easier

To keep things in order and ensure a healthy lifestyle, you have to maintain a daily routine for your dog. Make sure there’s a specific time for feeding, grooming, playing, bathroom breaks and even going to sleep.

The feeding schedule depends on the dog’s breed and age. In general, puppies need to be fed 3-4 times a day while adult dogs need to be fed twice. Get your dog’s food ready and call it at the exact same times every day.

When this becomes a habit, your dog will no longer wake you up at odd times whining for food.

By setting a fixed schedule, you can train your dog to not disturb you when you’re busy. Routines will keep you sane and help you take care of your dog properly. You’ll even be able to clean in peace when your little ball of energy is taking a nap.

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4.  Potty Training Advice

First of all, show your dog where their designated potty area is. Make sure they are familiar with the spot. In the first few weeks, you’ll have to take them out for potty breaks at fixed times.

You must reward or praise your dog immediately after they have done their business in the right spot. When you find your dog pottying in an undesirable place, make sure your dog knows this is wrong.  But never yell or shout.  Say ‘No!’ and guide them to the appropriate place.

If there are any accidents on the carpets, clean it up immediately and thoroughly using a quality carpet cleaner. Dogs tend to go potty in places where they’ve already soiled. And of course, they have a much better sense of smell so a simple wipe won’t do.

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5. Stop Puppies from Biting

Your puppies will want to bite everything and anything when their teeth are growing. They may even bite you or your furniture if proper training is not given. But they’re not doing it to hurt you, they’re just trying out their new teeth!

Buy your puppy some chew toys to play with. The toys will be their outlet for all their biting desires. But make sure your puppy knows it’s only okay to bite the toys and not you.

Whenever your puppy bites you, assume that ‘angry’ demeanor and let them know the behavior was unacceptable. But by all means, don’t be harsh. Say “No” or “Stop” and give them the toys to bite on instead.

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6. Teach Your Dog to Respond

First of all, give your dog a nice name that’s easy to say. Whenever you call your dog, make sure you use that name. Calling its name and giving it treats only when it responds is a good way to start.

Later on, call your dog’s name when it’s far away. If it doesn’t respond, walk towards it, call its name again, and say ‘come’. Grab the leash, or direct them with your hand to come over.

Repeat until your dog recognizes its name.  Once they have passed the initial training, try calling them from afar. If they respond, the training has been successful. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name so your dog won’t get confused.

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7. Training Your Dog to Stay

When training a dog, repetition is key. ‘Stay’ is a basic command, so it’s not too difficult to learn. But before teaching your dog any command at all, you’ll need to establish yourself as a leader. Dogs are pack animals and only listen to whoever they consider the “alpha”.

Stand up and say ‘stay’, using your hand for the command as well. If your dog moves, make it stay still by holding their body. Don’t be forceful though. Give it treat once it stops wiggling.

Then move away and say ‘stay’ again. Wait for your dog to follow the command. If your dog doesn’t follow you, then you’ve successfully taught the command. Keep practicing throughout the week. If they are successful, reward them with treats and toys.

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Conclusion

Dog training may sound like a huge task, but it’s not as bad as you think it is. Once your dog is well trained, you won’t regret all the time and effort you invested.

The period of training will vary with each dog, so you need to be patient. Some dogs may show results slower than others, and that is okay. It’s normal to get frustrated at times like these.  But don’t lose your calm and just keep going.

No matter how they are performing, be gentle and loving to your dogs. Keep repeating, rewarding and correcting and soon enough, you’ll see the changes for yourself.