Reviewing the Do’s and Don’ts of Dog Training

Yes, dog training is based on common sense. However, you do need to keep in mind a few specific guidelines — the do’s and don’ts — to make sure that you’re successful and fostering a healthy relationship with your dog. The following sections are here to help get you started.

Do’s

• Do be nice to your dog every time he comes to you (even if he’s just coming back from an unexpected romp around the neighborhood).

• Do get into the habit of giving a command only once. If your dog doesn’t respond to a command you have taught him, reinforce the command.

• Do use your dog’s name to get his attention, and then tell him what you want him to do.

• Do eliminate the word “no” from your training vocabulary.

• Do use a normal tone of voice when you give a command. Your dog’s hearing is quite acute.

• Do be consistent in your actions and expectations.

• Do provide an outlet for your dog’s energies.

• Do keep your dog mentally stimulated by training him.

• Do understand that your dog is a social animal. Train him so he can be a part of the family.

• Do socialize your dog with people and other dogs.

• Do become your dog’s teacher.

• Do make learning fun for your dog.

• Do consistently reward with praise the correct behaviors.

• Do spend plenty of time with your dog and give him lots of exercise.

• Do keep trying, and your dog will reward you by getting the message.

• Do get outside help when you get stuck.

Don’ts

• Don’t do anything your dog perceives as unpleasant when he comes to you.

• Don’t nag your dog by repeating commands — nagging teaches him to ignore you.

• Don’t use your dog’s name and then expect him to read your mind as to what you want.

• Don’t expect your dog to know what the word “no” means.

• Don’t yell at your dog. He’s not deaf. Raising your voice doesn’t improve understanding.

• Don’t confuse your dog with unrealistic expectations.

• Don’t try to suppress behaviors that need an outlet.

• Don’t let your dog stagnate.

• Don’t lock up your dog or put him out because you haven’t trained him to behave.

• Don’t isolate your dog — he’s a social animal.

• Don’t expect your dog to obey a command you haven’t taught him.

• Don’t get too serious in your training.

• Don’t reward undesired behaviors.

• Don’t make your dog neurotic by neglecting him.

• Don’t give up when the going gets tough; keep trying.

• Don’t blame the dog; you are his teacher.