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Advanced obedience is to a dog what putting down the toilet seat is to a man – it takes patient training but it can be done. Dog obedience training is one of the most satisfying experiences between a dog and his master. You are not just doing your own self a favor; you are giving your pet a more complete and happy life. Well trained dogs are well-adjusted, confident and more intelligent. You can be secure in it’s conduct even if you leave him alone with other people.

The most important thing to remember in trying to train your animal is to establish your position as the head in your relationship. When he understands that you are the top dog, so to speak, it is easier to [train|teach} him the commands you expect him to obey. Confusing the dog in this regard can be dangerous; he will be assertive and try to control you himself. Don’t overcompensate and be excessively harsh to show you’re the boss; be firm, stand your ground and fix this critical trait as soon as you see it rearing its ugly head.

Make your leadership known by using a strong and sure voice. As you say “Sit!” gently push him down in the said position firmly. Each command will take several tries, especially in the beginning. Development from basic to more advanced obedience training is pretty much simple once your dog recognizes the patterns you’ve set in your teaching classes.

Operant Conditioning is rewarding your dog with treats or accolades for correctly doing the command. It is the single most effective way to train your dog; it’s what he understands. Praise your dog every time he does something right. At times, this is easy to overlook but make the extra effort not to. Dogs will get confused easily and distinguishing good behavior every time will make certain that he will remember what is right.

Conversely, chastise your dog whenever he makes a mistake. Do it during the mistake and not when it is past so the dog will see the error of his ways. Scolding him will also emphasize the difference between what is good from what is [wrong|bad}. For example, if he starts finding the suspicious looking dirt on his path interesting enough to ingest, scold him as soon as he does it. Then put appropriate food before him to eat. When he starts dining on his own set meal, be profuse in your praise.

To be able to see growth in dog obedience training, keep it short and as often as possible. Be repetitive in what you teach. Don’t restrict training your canine during “school time” or certain hours of the day. Otherwise, he won’t feel like studying during the most part of the day.

Movie dogs awe you with the complexity of the stunts asked of them. However, do remember that they all started with sit. Begin with the basics and progress to the more complicated commands from there. With persistence and consistency your dog will advance to more difficult commands like growl, leave it, fetch and attack. Employ the same standard in how you trained him earlier and you will taste sweet success in the more advanced levels.

There, now that you’ve got working knowledge of a professional trainer’s guide to advanced obedience training for dogs, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, get the happy dog and commence the training!

Filed under: General Interest