Four Tips to Get Your Dog to Actually Respond to You

If you've ever tried a dog training tip or tactic that you saw on television and realized that it's not as easy as it looks, then you're probably wondering why your particular dog doesn't seem so responsive. In some cases, it may be an issue with the dog, but more often then not, it's actually you - the trainer - who might be making unconscious errors. If you want to get your dog to respond better to training and to your commands in general, this article is right up your alley.

Tip #1: Respond less to your dog.

Many times, we give too much status to our dog - we want its approval, we want it to support our role as leader, we want it to behave a certain way. So we actually try to get a response out of the dog, when really the dog should be more worried about our response. Dogs can sense that you're not acting like a real leader, and they act accordingly. So respond less to your dog - be the popular kid in high school who didn't always answer every question or even look at everyone. If you want to give your dog affection, wait until it does respond to you, and you can use your affection as a reward.

Tip #2: Reverse your treat-giving strategy.

If you're in the habit of bribing your dog to do something, you've got to stop giving away the reward at the beginning. You can't "bribe" a dog to take on a new behavior because they won't understand what they're being bribed for - they just see the piece of bacon in your hand. So wait until the dog produces a behavior like standing on two legs before you produce the treat. Make the dog earn it, and reward that work.

Tip #3: Simplify your commands.

Hard as it is to remember, dogs don't speak English. Adding more words to your command won't help, even if it helps in interacting with other people. Instead, simplify your commands and remain consistent with them. Sit, stay, come - these are all words that a dog can adapt to and begin to recognize. Use them consistently for the same action and eventually your dog will take the hint.

Tip #4: Train yourself as well.

Consistency is important in training dogs, and unless you can cultivate consistency within your own behaviors, you won't be able to have a great impact on how your dog responds to you. Be aware of the commands you give your dog, and make sure that you keep these commands uniform and predictable. This will help your dog to understand what you want, when you want; don't over complicate things.

Photo Credits: Retinafunk

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affection, Dog Training, dogs, habit, hint tip, piece of bacon, tactic, television, training tip, two legs

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Tips for Dog Owners

Posted by Dog Training Pet on February 18, 2010 in Tips for Dog Owners. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.