If you’re new to dog training or this is just the first dog you’ve tried to train on your own, it can be very difficult. It can be very frustrating trying to figure it all out for yourself. Luckily, there are really only a few guiding principles you need to learn in order to get a hang of everything else that the training process entails…

Consistency

You have to run the same obedience regiment every day. You can’t punish a dog for stealing from the table one day, and then ignore it the next day. Whenever your dog steals from the table, deliver the exact same punishment you did last time. If they do a trick, always give them a reward. Inconsistency can sabotage any training regiment no matter how carefully planned out or effective it may have otherwise been.

Reinforcement, Positive and Negative

Training a dog should really be equal parts positive and negative reinforcement. Don’t take it easy on them or neglect to reward them. You need both punishment and reward to raise a smart, emotionally healthy, obedient animal. Inconsistency, unbalanced training, they can both lead to the sort of dog we call a “spaz”. If you want a smart, obedient, sensible dog, keep the training consistent and balanced.

Love Your Dog

Your job is more to be your doggy’s mom or dad, not their drill sergeant. Yes you need to be a disciplinarian, but take some time to just play and have fun. Don’t just make it ALL about training. Make sure they’re well behaved, but take some time to just let them curl up at your feet while you scratch them behind the ears. Raising a dog is one half discipline and one half affection.

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