Dogs are social animals that thrive on companionship and family life. If you have chosen to bring a dog into your home you will be rewarded with loyalty and enjoyment for years to come. You also will have a responsibility to teach your dog to fit into a human family and neighborhood. The first order of business is to find out how to communicate your expectations to your dog.
Animal training consists of rewarding desirable behavior without rewarding undesirable behavior, even accidentally. Most trainers use toys, food, praise and play to reward behavior. You may associate a particular sound, such as a squeaky toy
with food. Gradually offer the food at longer and longer time intervals from the sound. Now you can use the
squeaky toy to reward your dog at any time -- even when you do not have food. He will have learned that when he hears the sound-even the sound of your voice, his current behavior is the behavior you desire.
A dog’s social nature makes him sensitive to disapproval from family members, especially the leader of his family. Canine audible reprimands (growling) are used by dogs as consequences for inappropriate behavior. Reprimanding your dog by saying “No” will signal disapproval. Canine physical corrections (biting and pushing) are used by dogs as consequences for serious misbehavior.
Collar corrections can be used to convey
to your dog that he has committed a serious transgression.
Punishment (hitting, yelling, rolled up newspapers)
is often recommended to alter behavior in dogs but has drawbacks. Punishment only works if it occurs every time the dog makes the same mistake.
This is not likely to happen in the real world. If punishment only occurs when
the offense is witnessed by a person, the dog
associates the punishment with the person’s presence rather than with the
offense. In addition, physical reprimands, especially involving a person's
hands, can lead to fear reactions in dogs and even cause a dog to bite. If you have a reason to punish your dog within seconds of the punishable act, try not to overwhelm him so that he forgets what resulted in your disapproval.
A collar correction and a growl from you are sufficient to indicate
disapproval.
Each time you catch your dog doing something of which you approve, offer a reward. Teach your puppy
the basic lessons at home. Be sure to reward your puppy
when he sits, lies down, stays and comes. Obedience classes will let you work
with your dog in a distracting situation and offer you the help of a trainer in
perfecting his performance (as well as your own.) Obedience class will also
introduce you to other dog owners and open up doors to dog activities for you
and your family.
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