Good training isn't always down the local gym (Dog Training Techniques)

Member Name: blissman70

Product:	Dog Training Techniques
Date:	01/07/09 (50 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Can be fun and the results are well worth while.

Disadvantages: Takes time and a lot of patience

I've been mainly reviewing DVDs recently but whilst browsing through some other reviews I stumbled across this section regarding dog training, so, considering I have managed to train a few dogs in my time, (no jokes here please, they may offend members), I thought I'd give my bit of advice, (although it does seem to be more than a bit), in the art of training a canine friend, because let's face it, a dog IS mans (and womans) best friend indeed and if they understand their Alpha males, (because to them that is what you are), then both your lives will be so much easier and a lot more fun.

Training a dog is easier the younger the dog is, remember the saying, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks", although technically you can as even older dogs love to learn new things.

Let us look at this as if you have just acquired a puppy, say 8 weeks of age, and named him Sam, who will be a nervous bundle of joy as he has just been taken from his safe surroundings.
The more you bond with Sam the closer you'll become and the more fun you'll have. So the best way to bond is to add a little fun training into Sams life, giving him a reason to want to be with you.

**Remember, Sam needs a leader and will need you to be the Alpha male, (top dog), who will protect him throughout his life, directing him in his ways whilst being a good friend. In return he will become devoted to you until he takes his last breath.

But anyway, back to the training in hand.

** TOILET TRAINING...

One of the first things you need to do is to teach Sam not to do his business in the house, which may take some time and requires a lot of patience indeed, (together with a lot of detergents and air fresheners).

Sam will show certain signs of wanting to go to the toilet, these signs will differ from dog to dog, so you will have to watch for them, recognising them so you can act before Sam messes on the shagpile and ruining that candlelit dinner for two that you have been preparing for months
Watch for the signs that Sam needs the toilet, which can consist of him feeling restless, (Sam not you), circling around, (although this can also mean Sam is trying to settle for a nap), a lot more sniffing than his usual investigation self and possibly loitering around the door as if wanting to go outside.
If Sam shows any of these signs then simply take him into the garden and watch over him for a while, if he does his business then praise him big style and over time he will enjoy telling you that he wants to go outside for the toilet as he will want the praise.

** Remember... if Sam starts to wee/poo before you get to him then simply interupt him and still put him outside to finish off, but do not chastise him for his little mistake

Normally, Sam will want the toilet after sleeping, eating, playing or feeding, ( a little like a baby I suppose), so keep an eye on him, getting yourself used to his toilet signs, maybe try putting him outside for a while after he wakes, eats or feeds. Stay with him though, he's still a nervous pup remember and you both have to get use to each other.
You could try using a prompt, such as 'wee' or 'poo', but do try to keep it to one defining word as Sam can not really understand words, but he can recognise basic sounds coming from that word, ...(for Sam the words walk, talk, chalk and hawk are all the same as he will only recognise the 'alk')....
If and when Sam does do his business outside whilst you're there then give him all the praise you can, thus giving him the idea that weeing/pooing outside will please his friend and 'master', as that is what you are to him. (this technique of praise can be used to train Sam to do his business in a specific part of the garden, making him recognise that that is his toilet area).

** OVERNIGHT...

When Sam has to go through the night without access to his outside toilet area then you have to be prepared for some 'messes', but never be cross with him for it as he can't help it.
And to keep track of his overnight 'mistakes' I find it best to keep Sam restricted to one room, just until he is 'house trained'.

**To over come this there are a few methods...

1) Lay newspaper on the floor for Sam to do his business on, gradually moving the paper towards the door, removing it totally as Sam realises that the newspaper is the indoor toilet.
* Problems with this method... it takes a lot of time and Sam may not associate the paper with the toilet, if he does then it takes time to gradually move the paper away, but another problem is that Sam will think that all newspapers are fair game and will make you regret putting your freshly delivered newspaper down while you eat your toast, it's not his fault' he is just doing what you want him to do...

2) Use toilet training pads instead of newspaper... these are used in exactly the same way as newspaper, the advantage being that Sam will not associate newspapers with the toilet.

3) The crate... (a various size lockable wire box which Sam will sleep in)...this sounds a little prison like but Sam will try not to do a mess in his own bed, helping him to take control of his bladder a little quicker.
Sam WILL have to go outside for his business before going to bed and as soon as you gets up in the morning

* Problems with this method... in the early days you may have to get up during the night to let Sam out as relying on him to manage all night without doing anything is not fair. Remember, he's only a pup.

To be honest, I believe the crate method works the best. But each to there own.

**Things to remember...

1) Do not frighten Sam if he makes a little mistake, he will soon become so scared that he will 'hide' his indoor toilet 'doings' for fear of punishment if you see him doing it in the house.
2) If you find a wet spot, or a pile of do-do, then don't tell Sam off, he may not even remember doing it.
3) If you see Sam beginning to go to the toilet in the house then be quick, stop him in his tracks with a sudden noise, the word NO, firmly said, usual works, and once Sam has been interrupted then simply pick him up or lead him outside to carry on his toilet needs, (this may take time as once interrupted Sam may not feel like carrying on straight away and be prepared for the 'travelling wee-wee' as you carry Sam outside whilst he's still urinating.
4) When he does as he should then the more praise the better as all dogs love being pampered and all dogs love to learn.

As Sam grows, his bladder control will improve and he will begin to let you know when he needs the toilet instead of just letting go willy-nilly, but each dog is different so don't expect Sam to learn at the same speed as you friends dog. Be patient.

That is the basics of what I feel is the most important part of training a dog, the quicker Sam goes outside to do his business the better as it is more hygienic and safer for your health. (that's why I have gone on a bit about it)

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** OTHER BASIC TRAINING...

Continuing to train your dog should be fun and should never really end as all dogs, especially Sam, love to learn and enjoy nothing more than to please.

Again, as with toilet training, the earlier you start with your dog the easier it may be, but try to keep training session more on the shorter side and fun as your dog may become a little bored if he is not happy.

The basics for a well behaved dog are to get Sam to sit down, lie down, stay, come to you when called, heel and not to jump up at you or others, although not in any particular order.


1) SIT... is the easiest to teach and the simplest for Sam to actual do without even realising he has done it. One way is to look at Sam and use the single word 'SIT', with a firm voice, (try not to sound to much like Freddie Kruger though), whilst tempting him with a treat just in front of his nose, then slowly lift the treat backwards above his head so he has to lift his head to follow it. Sam, as with all dogs, will reactively lower their back end into the sit position. Once he has done this repeat the word 'SIT' in the same firm voice and give him the treat and a lot of 'silly' praise.
If Sam fails to sit either by jumping for the treat or 'back-stepping' then by changing the closeness of the treat and the speed of movement.
You could also encourage Sam by pressing firmly down on his back end whilst firmly saying the word 'SIT', but either way, a treat is nice for Sam and he will want to learn a lot quicker for it.

** Remember... Keep doing this as often as you can, the more often the better, and Sam will soon obey just the word without the need for any treats, (which is useful for distance commands).

2) LIE DOWN... is another important command for Sam to understand, (I tend to try and stick to a single word, so choose either 'LIE' or 'DOWN', although the word 'DOWN' can be used in other parts of training, so as not to confuse poor Sam choose wisely)
To get Sam to Lie down continue with the 'treat and praise' method as this works well. Simply tell Sam to sit, (see above) then, holding a treat in front of his nose, slowly lower the treat to the ground in a straight line, then bring it slowly toward you and away from him, whilst firmly using the command 'DOWN' or 'LIE'. This will encourage Sam to follow the treat with his nose, putting him into the lying down position.
Simply as that really, but as with all training routines, it is a matter of repetitiveness and perseverance until Sam begins to associate the word with the action.
Once he seems to understand the command then try removing the treat and just use your hand for him to follow, eventually he will lye down by word alone, although a nice treat is always a pleasure for him.

3) STAY... This is another important command but can be a little trick depending on the dog itself, (I once knew a nervous dog that was so frightened if she was to far away from its owner that she shook so much she fell over, so she took a little longer to get the hang of the stay command, having to gain a vast amount of trust first).
Anyway, the stay command is applied again using the 'treat and praise' method. Firstly tell Sam to SIT, then, as you stand in front of him give the command 'STAY', holding a flat hand directly in front of him, (like a policeman stopping traffic), repeat the command and the hand action whilst slowly stepping away from him, (don't turn you back on him yet).
If Sam comes towards you then you should stop and get him to SIT once again, with out the praise or treat, then try again with the 'STAY' command and the flat hand motion.
If and when he STAYS in position as you back away then simply walk back towards him, still using the word 'STAY', and the hand motion if needed, and give him the treats and praise he deserves. Eventually, after a little perseverance, Sam will understand the command and you will be able to walk a good distance whilst he SITS and STAYS in position.

4) COME... (or even HERE or HEAL, the choice is yours but remember to stick to one word). This is the best command Sam can use as once he understands it and reacts correctly to the word, he can be let off the his lead to run wild, yet can still be brought under control if needs be, say for instance if another dog appears which may be trouble.
To get Sam to COME to you can be achieved in several ways, choosing to use the command to entice Sam to come to you in the knowledge that he will be rewarded for doing it. Try firmly saying COME/HERE/HEAL whilst showing Sam a treat, giving him plenty of praise when he comes to you, repeating the process as often as you can, eventually losing the treat, just giving the praise.
But I tend to find that training a dog to come to you from a static position is more helpful for both you and the dog.
Firstly, if Sam has got the hang of the STAY command then you can do this on your own, (although you will need Sam with you of course), but if he is not quite to grips with STAY then get a friend to help you, by asking them to hold Sam until you are ready.
Tell Sam to SIT and STAY, (or get your friend to hold him), then walk away to a good distance, then when you are ready firmly give the command 'COME'/'HERE'/HEAL, (you could also encourage Sam by squatting slightly and gently slapping your legs, whilst continuously calling him). When he comes to you then give him plenty of praise and maybe a treat or two, this will encourage him to repeat the good behaviour, even if distracted by his surrounding.
Keep repeating this procedure and Sam will soon be obeying your every command.

A few points though...
1) Do not shout at Sam for dawdling along his route back to you, this will discourage him from returning to you on command, simply encourage him until he gets to you then praise him for it. His dawdling is just him investigating his surroundings and he will soon speed up.

2) When he does come to you then 'pretend' to put him back on his lead a few times, then letting him run around again. This will make him realise than his mad run around is not over if he returns to you.

3) Start the 'COME' training in a quite area then work up into busier places, this will teach Sam to obey the command regardless of his surroundings.


5) HEEL... This is for your walking comfort as well as the control of Sam and once perfected your daily walks on a lead will be more enjoyable.
Firstly, invest in a good lead/harness and pick a side for your dog to walk on, staying with the chosen side throughout or this will confuse poor Sam. Then, using a treat tucked securely in your hand, or even Sams favourite toy, begin walking along the pavement, distracting him with the treat/toy, clearly and firmly saying the word 'HEAL'
When they lead begins to tighten then stop walking, using the word 'NO' so Sam realises that he has done wrong, (although at first he won't know what he has done wrong, remember, he's a dog not Einstein), recall Sam back to you and when he is back at your side then you can continue walking.
Repeat this simple method, using the word 'HEAL' as you go, and with constant praising when he is at your side he will soon realise that he has to keep stopping if he walks to far ahead, eventually he will walk to heal and you will both have an enjoyable walk.
Also, try changing your walking pace and direction to stop Sam becoming bored and to help him understand that he has to HEAL under different circumstances.
Eventually, although not recommended on roadsides or countryside with cattle or live stock, you can eliminate the need of the lead with Sam walking at your side under full control.


6) NOT TO JUMP UP AT PEOPLE...Dogs love to jump, and Sam is no exception, so it is up to you to stop this behaviour as it can be annoying and a little messy for some people, I mean, imagine if Sam has just trodden in something outside and the local vicar decides to knock on your door, he won't be too happy when Sam jumps up to say hello.
There are a couple of methods to stop this jumping palaver , firstly, when Sam jumps up at you, he is not being aggressive he is simply showing how much he's missed you, but you have to teach him to show his affection in a less physical way. To do this, when he jumps simply turn your back on him without saying a word, ignoring him totally so he realises that you are not happy. DO NOT SHOUT.
You could even try crouching down to Sams level so he doesn't have to jump to greet you, (although I do not recommend this for dog you are unfamiliar with as they may see this as an aggressive move, leading to a possible attack).
You could also try raising your knee when Sam jumps up, (I don't mean knee him in the stomach, followed through with an uppercut to the jaw), just bring up your knee so Sam gently collides with it instead of reaching his full height, this will teach him to stop jumping and is useful in more stubborn dogs.

Again, as with all training, it is a matter of perseverance and patience, but the more you train a dog the better it will behave and the closer you will become, thus the full enjoyment of having a dog can be had.


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Training a dog should be an enjoyable experience for you as well as Sam so just be patient and remember that Rome wasn't built in a day. With a little perseverance and a calm mannerism you and Sam will be enjoying those walks in the park and those crazy ball throwing fun days for years to come.

** and here's a word of advice...

1) If you give a dog an old shoe to chew he will soon think that ALL shoes are fair game, thus ruining your designer shoe collection.
The same goes with fluffy toys as Sam can not tell the difference between his toys and yours.
So try giving Sam an empty lemonade/coke bottle to chew as he will be happy for hours and will protect you personal belongings.
(My mad dog has learnt to unscrew the lid, then he spits that out and runs around the garden with the now squashed bottle.

2) Make Sam realise that taking anything off a table is forbidden, using the word NO works so well in many ways, this will stop him jumping up during meal times in order to get his share.

3) Feed Sam last so he realises that you and your family come first, it called the pecking order and all dogs will try and jump the queue throughout their lives. Feeding him last enforces the fact that he is last in the pecking order.

4) Pick up his doggy mess when he does it outside in the park, because I for one am sick of stepping in it when I'm walking my dog.



Thanks for reading and I hope I was of some help with saving you money taking Sam to an over priced training centre.

Summary: A mans best friend is easily trained...with a little patience