Whether you’re bringing home a new puppy or trying to teach your older dog a few new tricks, your canine friend will no doubt need obedience training. Behavior training can be a bit tricky at times, but the results are all the reward you’ll need. Your pet’s good behavior ultimately depends on your patience and positive attitude during training.

The most important training a puppy can receive is house training, followed by training for separation anxiety. Luckily, puppies are receptive to repetitive commands and positive praise. However, try not to set your goals too high. After all, your puppy is a lot like a toddler: he has much to learn, and it will take a while to sink in. Keep an eye on your puppy at all times so you can stop an accident before it happens. Rewarding your puppy’s obedience with gourmet dog treats will reinforce his good behavior.

Puppies should be socialized and receive training between one and three months of age because they are the most impressionable at this time. Expect accidents and mistakes, and try not to get angry or aggressive with the puppy. A puppy will be more receptive to positive praise and gourmet dog treats for his good efforts than to yelling and punishment for his mistakes.

Most puppies experience separation anxiety: howling, barking, whimpering, chewing, and frantic digging whenever you leave him alone. Puppies feel abandoned, and they don’t know that you’re coming back. Crate training can resolve this problem, but it takes time and patience. Start crate training at small intervals (perhaps 10 minutes at a time) and gradually work up to longer periods of time. When you release the dog from his crate, feed him some gourmet dog treats and praise him. Eventually, the puppy will learn that when you leave, you will come back and give him love and attention.

Although puppies are easier to socialize, older dogs can be easier to train because they already understand a lot about how to live with people. After all, dogs are pack animals and will do whatever is necessary to “fit in.” Your family is his pack, so he wants to please you.

Dogs frequently need training to curb destructive or unpleasant behavior such as excessive barking, chewing up furniture and other household items, jumping on people, digging, and possibly even biting people or fellow dogs.

The key to effective training is to develop a strict routine. Let’s say you want to teach your dog not to jump on people. Your routine might include a command, such as “Down!” and a physical act, such as gently pushing the dog into a sitting position. If the dog complies, give him some gourmet dog treats and lavish him with praise. If you are consistent with your commands and rewards, the dog will get the hang of it. The next time you come home from work and your dog jumps on you, firmly say “Down!” If he obeys right away, give him extra gourmet dog treats. If he doesn’t, try not to get frustrated. Gently push him into the sitting position, and tell him he’s a good dog.

Some behavior problems cannot be fixed quite so easily. If you fear that your dog is too aggressive or may pose a threat to other people or dogs, you’ll need to seek the help of a professional. Also, if you are too busy to establish a consistent training routine, you may consider a group obedience class. Most pet stores offer them weekly.

As long as you spend quality time with your pet, training a puppy or older dog can be a fun and satisfying experience – for both you and your dog! Keep in mind that well-behaved dogs have a strict diet and exercise regiment, as well. Try to take the dog for a walk at approximately the same time every day, and schedule his meals at times you know you can be there to take the dog outside afterward.

In summary, the best tips for instilling good behavior in your dog are:

-         Spend quality time with the dog on a daily basis, and start training as soon as you can.

-         Be consistent, patient, and stick to a strict routine. Consistency provides dogs with a sense of security, and it makes your job as owner and trainer much easier.

-         Reward your dog frequently with praise, affection, and gourmet dog treats. Love and food are big motivating factors for dogs.

-         Don’t give up. If you can’t handle the training yourself, a professional obedience trainer should be able to help.

Author's Resource:

Bones and Bon Bons author of  : Reward Your Dog’s Good Behavior with Gourmet Dog Treats”  invites you to visit www.BonesandBonBons.com for additional articles, news, events and photos about dogs. A great resource for dog lovers like you!