Your pet is inevitably going to make mistakes, and it’s important to correct them the proper way. According to the staff at K-9 Communication in Milford, CT, learning and practicing appropriate dog training techniques will help your pet establish good behaviors. Their specialists have nearly 35 years of experience in this profession, and as such, they’re here to share three tips about how to properly train your furry friend.

3 Dog Training Tips You Should Try

1. Instruct

Dogs react to commands attached to an action. This is important to keep in mind when correcting them. If you simply say “Stop” or “No,” they may not understand because you are not giving them an alternative action to perform. Saying “Sit” is much more effective because they know to stop what they’re doing to obey the sit command. Other common examples include “Outside” and “Off,” as these give clear actions for your dog to practice during training.

2. Timing

While it can be tempting to undo or clean your dog’s mistake first, it’s important to reprimand them beforehand. The further they’re removed from an object or act before being reprimanded, the less likely they are to understand the association. If they get into their food bag and make a mess, reprimand them immediately by sending them to a designated time-out area. They will eventually understand the act they were engaged in was wrong and will be left to think while you clean up. Consider the same if they jump at guests or rush to the door when someone enters or knocks.

3. Consistency

While it may seem more effective to reprimand your dog verbally several times to get the point across, you may actually be confusing them. One clear, punctual reprimand is enough. Dog training takes time, so you should be consistent and patient during this process. Also, clarity is more important than quantity, so focus on making well-timed, easily understood reprimands your dog will attach to.

For more advice on how to correct your dog or for dog training assistance, turn to the staff at K-9 Communication. They offer a variety of pet training services, as well as dog boarding, and will work with you and your pet to foster a healthy relationship. Call (203) 874-7299 today to speak with their friendly staff, and visit their website, Facebook, and Google+ to learn more about their dog training services.