Effective Methods for Training Your Dog

January 07, 2011, By Karl Withakay 1 comment

My dog behaves, but that wasn't always the case. It took many hours and plenty of patience along the way. Dogs are intelligent creatures. They can be manipulative, loving, loyal and attentive, sometimes simultaneously. So, how exactly do you get this intelligent, manipulative creature to behave? Here are a few problems that you may encounter with your best friend, and some remedies you can try to correct them.

Your Dog Walks You

This is a common problem, especially with large, strong dogs. Your dog needs to know that you're the boss.

First, your dog should not be walking ahead of you but beside you. If your dog is walking ahead of you, stop in your tracks and gently but firmly remove any slack in the leash. The dog will stop, look back at you as to say, "Well, let's go." Stand fast until the dog returns to your side. If you have to, step up to meet your dog so that the two of you are side by side. Resume walking when the dog gets ahead of you again and repeat the process.

Doing this consistently will teach your dog to walk beside you and not ahead of you, where he will be tempted to tug you along.

Running Amok in the House

The can

Put a handful of pennies inside a steel coffee can and keep it in a place where you can grab it quickly. (Plant a few of them around the house for easy access.) Every time the dog squats, starts to get into things or gets ready to pounce on the table to grab some food, shake the can. It makes a terrible racket and the dog will stop in his tracks. That will give you time to take him outside to do his business, or to eat his dog food. Doing this consistently will whip your dog into shape.

The squirt gun

Your dog won't usually hate being squirted in the face with a squirt gun, but it will distract him from engaging in whatever behavior you find in need of correction. Get the whole family involved. Make sure to instruct your children to only squirt the dog when he's doing something wrong.

It's ideal to train a dog when he's still a puppy, but sometimes we're stuck with an adult dog's bad habits from their previous owners. However, even an old dog can learn new tricks.