Dog Training Your New Family Member

Have you just brought home a furry new family member and not quite sure how to begin their dog training? You are not alone!

New dogs, whether they are puppies or full grown, bring lots of joy and companionship to any home and in home dog training any new canine addition can be overwhelming to say the least.

I am going to review some basic common behavior problems that occur when adding a new furry family member and provide you with some helpful tips to help your dog become a good family member.

Becoming The Pack Leader

Dogs are pack animals and they need a pack leader. The first step in training your dog is to get you trained to become the pack leader. Most dogs are followers so if you do not assume a leadership position your dog could become confused and may show signs of anxiety.

It is very important that you let them know what you expect from them. For dogs with alpha personalities it is even more important to be the pack leader or you may experience some unwanted agression behaviors.

Potty Training

There are plenty of myths as to the proper method of potty training. If your dog does have an accident in the house, rubbing their nose in it is not only cruel causing stress and anxiety to your dog, but is is also ineffective. NEVER punish your dog physically. Potty training is actually very simple and just requires you being alert to your dogs needs.

Dogs usually do their business about 15 minutes after eating, when they just wake up from naps or when you are taking them out of their crate. You always want to let your dog out prior to calling it a night too. Sometimes a dog will whimper if they need to go.

If you have a new puppy try to keep them around you as much as possible until they get the idea that they need to go outside to do their business. It is very important to always praise them for going outside and never punish them for accidents in the home.

Walking Your Dog

Dogs are walkers and need to be walked on a regular basis. Walking your dog keeps them not only healthy physically but mentally as well. They have a lot of energy and it needs to be released or they can develop behavior problems. By walking your dog properly you also reaffirm your position as the pack leader.

Position your dog at your side or behind your but never allow them to get in front of you. By allowing your dog to lead during the walks tells them they are in charge.

Socializing

Many dogs are fearful outside their comfort zone and there are many reasons including new people, new surroundings or other dogs. They express their fear through inappropriate behaviors such as aggression, excessive barking, separation anxiety and more. Socializing is very important and helps to alliviate their fear, so get them out as much as possible.  

Important Things To Remember About Dog Training

In home dog training requires you to be consistent, dedicated and above all patient. They are animals and depend on you to tell them what they need to do. The way you tell them is extemely important and will affect how they adapt to their new home and environment. Some dogs are quick learners while other may require a little more patience. By training your dog you allow them to become a happy and content family member.