Free Dog Training Tips

Dog Training Tips

K9 Basics offers the following free dog training tips.  Visit us at our Marlton, NJ location to learn more about training your dog.

Stop Excessive barking

• Your dog needs both physical and mental exercise.  For a physical burn, take him for a long walk.  For the mental burn, do some training with him.  A bored dog can be a bad dog!
• Teach your dog from the very beginning what you approve of and what you don't like.
• Teach him a command telling him to stop barking, like "quiet" or "enough".
• Keep him inside the house when you are away.  This controls the barking and makes sure no one is tormenting him, causing him to bark.
• Distract him with something else.
• Obedience Training.

Excessive barking is annoying for you as well as your neighbors.  barking may have many good reasons, but it's the excessive barking which is the problem.  You may even be fined if it's not taken care of.

Stop Counter Surfing

• Proper exercise
• Watch your dog.  The only behavior you can correct is what you see happen.
• Keep everything out of reach.  Then your dog can't get into trouble when you're not present.
• Is your dog hungry?  Are you feeding him enough food of his own?
• Don't share your food with the dog.  This will prevent begging and stealing of food.
• Obedience Training.

Counter surfing is annoying and can become habit forming.  The sooner you stop the behavior, the easier it will be.  Put a leash on your dog and set him up by putting food on the counter.  When he goes to jump up, grab the leash, pull him back and say "off" or "leave it".  Reward him with affection and physical praise, maybe also with a treat, when all four feet go back onto the floor.

Stop Pulling on Leash

• Use a regular, non-retractable leash, and a collar that fits snugly.
• Have your dog sit and wait while you put his collar and leash on.  Don't let him jump all over you.
• Make him wait at the front door while you go out.  Teach him a command, telling him to wait or stay while you walk out the door.  use your legs and body to prevent his getting out the door.  If necessary, hold the leash down low by the buckle to eliminate his failing.
• Remember that you are the leader.  The walk is very important in helping the dog understand that.
• If you lose control, stop your motion and have your dog sit until you are back in control.  Stop as many times as necessary.
• Stay calm and asswertive.  Losing patience means your dog will gain control of the situation.
• If your dog is pulling you, keep changing directions!  This gets your dog to pay attention to you and where you are going next.
• Remember, it's not a race.  Practice and more patience.

Walking your dog should be fun for both of you.