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Whether you just got a new puppy or you want to instill more discipline in an older dog, regular training sessions will help. While your veterinarian can recommend local trainers who are exceptional at what they do, you may be able to accomplish quite a bit on your own. If you’re unsure how to get started, here are a few tips on the basics. 

Do:

Use positive reinforcement. 

Dogs generally respond better to positive reinforcement, so try to avoid using negative tones during your training sessions. Instead of reprimanding your dogs for getting a command wrong, for example, ignore them until they settle, and then try again.

Once they get it right, give them a treat or a friendly pat to reward them. This will encourage them to listen faster next time.

Use hand signals and verbal cues. 

Veterinarians can attest that dogs tend to develop vision problems and hearing loss as they age. To ensure you can communicate with your dogs well into their golden years, train them using both verbal cues and hand signals.

If one of their senses fades, you’ll still be able to give them commands. Just make sure you use the same cues for each command from day one of training so your dog can always comprehend what you’re communicating to them.

Don’t:

Use an excited voice. 

veterinarianYour veterinarian might use a high-pitched, excited voice to put your pups at ease, but it’s best to use a firm, calm voice during training sessions. At the end of the day, you want your dogs to give you their attention because they’re disciplined, not because your tone of voice is more appealing than any other given distractions.

Make eye contact.

In the animal kingdom, making eye contact is almost always a threatening gesture. To ensure each training session gets off to a good start, avoid making immediate eye contact.

Instead, give your pups a few treats and a friendly pat. This will remind them of the reaction that they want from you after each command, which will make them a lot more inclined to focus on you during the session. 

 

Training your dogs is just one component of ensuring their wellbeing. If your pups are due for care, head to Florence Veterinary Hospital in Boone County, KY. Serving the community for more than 30 years, these veterinarians are equipped to provide comprehensive care for household pets and small animals. Using only the most advanced equipment and cutting-edge technology, they offer a broad range of services on site. To learn more about the care they provide, visit their website. To make an appointment call (859) 371-6501.

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