Top Five Tips For Training Your Dog

Train early and practice often. Early training (at 8 weeks) trumps genetics. Be proactive and you can prevent many problems

Socialize, socialize, socialize. Socialization is the most important thing your dog will ever learn. Socialization skills with humans, other dogs and tolerance of moving objects are the most difficult challenges.

Listen to what your dog is telling you. Your dog is “talking” to you all the time, through her body language. Learn to “read” dog body language: ears, tail, posture, facial expressions etc., and hear what your dog is telling you. Let this be the guide to your next move.

Speak to your dog in a language your dog can understand. A common language is available to you and your dog to help you communicate clearly. Use easy-to-learn hand signals. Reward behaviors that you want repeated. You will be able to brag about how smart your dog is!

You never need to hurt your dog, physically or psychologically, in order to train your dog. Methods and collars that hurt can cause aggression. Get your information from reliable sources, not from TV shows that warn, “Do Not Try This At Home.” Redirect, don’t correct!

Remember, both you and your dog can both get what you want. Scientifically- endorsed Positive Reinforcement methods are the most effective, long lasting, and safest. Your pet is a member of your family, but will be “a two-year old for life.” Be kind. Be patient. Play daily.