Dogs don't understand English (or any language) until you teach them.
Disappointed when they don't behave, we blame the animal.
Our Dog Training Book shows you canine training isn't complicated.
Dogs respond to repetition, reward, punishment, and affection, according to natural patterns - but only if they understand what you want.
Here are some tips: o Repetition is the second most important aspect of dog training.
Repeat the same words every time you give instructions.
Words easiest to teach begin with hard consonants.
An animal will more quickly learn "bites" than "food," or "don't" than "no.
" Whatever words you choose, training works when you always use the same words and meaningful tone.
o Reward and punishment.
Dogs are extremely sensitive to their owners' attitudes.
Your approval is the most powerful training aid available.
Dogs offer boundless loyalty without restraint and desire warm relationships with human companions.
Lacking words, they read and respond to body language.
A pat on the head, a kind or harsh word, a hand signal, are usually all the reward or punishment necessary.
Consistency is key: be sure you use the same signal every time.
o Affection.
If repetition is second in importance, affection takes first place in dog training.
Dogs are extremely forgiving and loyal, but most eager to please owners who love them.
If your only time with your dog is spent demanding performance, you may be disappointed with the result.
If you walk with him, play with him, and show affection, he'll jump the moon to please you.
Make every contact a pleasant one and never end an encounter on a negative note.
o Nature.
Work with your dog's nature.
Teaching a heeler bred to herd sheep not to nip heels is harder than it is to teach a poodle to sit at your feet.
This doesn't mean a heeler won't be a great family pet-it means you must satisfy his need to chase things, and teach when and where.