Dog Zone Guru

Nobody said training a dog would be easy, and professional trainers make their living by banking on the idea that most owners lack the necessary patience. Still, by sticking to your guns and sending your dog a consistent message about what’s right and what’s wrong, you can teach him to mind his canine manners. Dogs respond best to positive reinforcement, which can be attained by distributing dog training treats when deserved.

Only provide positive reinforcement immediately after your dog performs the desired command. Otherwise he could misinterpret the reason for receiving a treat. Don’t send mixed signals to the dog, either. If he’s being bad, you should ignore him for a specified period of time rather than showing affection through petting. In time, he’ll learn which behaviors are acceptable and which won’t be tolerated.

When they are just puppies, dogs almost always receive tons of attention from their owners. Chalk it up to cuteness combined with the thrill of the new. In an ideal world, we would maintain that close connection with our dogs well into adulthood. Unfortunately, our work and social lives often get in the way. When the dog becomes an afterthought, he becomes less obedient and more likely to act out.

If you’re looking to reconnect with your dog and teach him valuable skills at the same time, consider pursuing dog agility training. You’ll need to practice and refine your communication skills with the dog before signing up for competitions. Events range from the rather simple – running through tunnels – to the incredibly difficult – teeter and pole weave.