If you’re looking for some good dog training tips, it’s a good idea to first know where to start.

Understand what your dog actually needs from you in a training situation and then learn how to give it to them. Many people make the false assumption that a dog is much smarter than it actually is. In reality, a dog simply reacts to you. It wants to be part of the pack and it wants to be accepted, but it’s still an animal with animal instincts.

So, if you want to adjust any negative behaviors, the best way to approach your dog is not to scold them or yell at them, but to focus on changing how they express those instincts.

Core Dog Training Tips

There are a few basic things that every dog owner should consider when training their furry friend. These tasks can make dog training much easier across the board.

Crate Training – Crate training provides your dog with a home that it can call its own. Never use a crate as a punishment and make sure to spend time at home with your dog in the crate so he can get used to it. As most dog training tips will tell you, a crate can make house breaking, bark reduction, and anxiety issues much better.

Leash Training – If you’re having issues with your dog on a leash, the most important thing you can do is teach them to reach a controlled, calm state. This controlled state will allow them to respond to your commands without getting too excited about the upcoming walk. The majority of dogs with leash issues are simply allowed to run around outside and pull. If your dog pulls on the leash, make them sit and wait by your side before walking again. In short order, they will associate that pulling sensation with the stop of their walk.

The Alpha Position – The most important dog training tips relate to the position you hold in the house. Despite what most people think, dog training is not the burden of your dog. He doesn’t know what you want and doesn’t generally understand what you’re saying. The burden is on you to teach your dog that you are the leader of the pack and have control of the situation. They can then relax, follow your commands and stop worrying about who will protect them.

Obedience Training – The best dog training tips you’ll get can come from an obedience class. These classes teach new dog owners how to maintain the alpha leadership position in their household, display control over their new pup and give them specific, strong commands. If you have a new puppy or are simply having trouble controlling your older dog, consider an obedience class to supplement your home training.

The Importance of Consistency

The one thing that all dog training tips have in common is the need for consistency. A dog may seem smart, and in many ways they are, but much of what they learn is in response to a repeated, consistent environment. If you only make them sit before going out when you have time for it, they will get confused and excited and stop following your commands. If you set a rule, be consistent with it and ensure everyone in your home does the same. Good dog training can actually be harder for you than your dog, but it is almost always well worth it.