Dog Training

A Step-by-Step Guide to Leash Training, Crate Training, Potty Training, Obedience and Behavior Training

Sarah Moore

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Text Copyright © 2017 Sarah Moore

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this book at the time of publication. The advice contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. The author and publisher do not assume any legal liability or responsibility for any loss or damage that may result from the use of the information in this book.

The contents in this book are for information and educational purposes only. The opinions and suggestions in this book are not intended to replace professional advice. If you have concerns about your dog’s health, please consult a veterinarian.

Introduction

A dog brings joy, excitement and loyal companionship to his family. Once you add this bundle of energetic fur and fuzz to your family, you'll find you have extra reasons to be playful. It's not all cuddles and games of fetch, however. Dogs need to learn how to behave, and your dog will be counting on you to show him how to live in the world.

An obedient and trained dog is a happy dog and a much better family member. Most people train their dogs as a means of disciplining their pets, and many residential communities require that dogs in the neighborhood be well trained.

There are many different theories about how to train a dog. Some people believe in firmness and strict commands that come with consequences. Other schools of thought will tell you that providing rewards for good behavior and withholding rewards for bad behavior is the best way to train a puppy. The best course of action really depends on your dog and the animal's specific personality. The good news is that you do not have to be some type of dog whisperer in order for you to train your dog appropriately.

This book features proven methods and step-by-step instructions for training your dog. Chapter 1 introduces leash training. Chapter 2 shows how to begin crate training. Potty training is one of the most important tasks when a puppy comes home. This is covered in Chapter 3. In addition, Chapter 4 explains how to teach your dog the five basic obedience commands every dog should know, and Chapter 5 provides effective suggestions on how to stop destructive behaviors. Chapter 6 finishes the book with some tips and tricks you can use when you are training your dog.

There is nothing like coming home to the love of a dog after a long and stressful day at work. This book will help you train and bond with your dog, integrate him into your family, and enjoy his loyal companionship.

Chapter 1: Leash Training

Learning how to properly walk on a leash is an important skill to teach your dog. Even if you live on a farm with acres and acres of land for your dog to explore, you'll want to get the dog comfortable on a leash so it's prepared for the days you spend off the farm and out in the world.

Lease training will require patience, consistency and treats that reward good behavior. It shouldn't take too long for your dog to figure out what is happening and walking on a leash will fall into place.

Collar and Leash

The first step in leash training your dog is to choose the proper collar and leash. There are dozens of different collar and leash styles to choose from, and the best one for you will depend on your dog. You should choose a light, flat collar and a light leash for a puppy, because your puppy is not used to having the extra weight around his neck, making it hard for him to focus on what you are trying to teach him. You can move onto other forms of collars after your puppy has grown up. There is no need to purchase a choke chain or choke collar, because rewarding the positive behavior will be enough to reinforce any behavior you are trying to teach the dog.

Follow the Leader

The best leash training technique starts with teaching your dog to follow you. When you are leash training your dog, you must reward good behavior with treats, which you can find in pet shops and grocery stores. Choose treats your dog likes and ones that have high protein and low fat.

Bring your dog to a safe, enclosed space. Encourage your dog to sit near where you are standing and when that happens, reward your dog with a treat. Then, take five or six steps forward and wait for the dog to follow you. When that happens, provide another treat. Keep doing this until your dog gets the idea. It won't take long for this pattern to develop into a habit. The dog will want those treats, and it will quickly learn how to give you the expected behaviors in order to win them.

How to Attach a Collar and Leash

The next step is to allow the dog or puppy to get used to the collar. Put the collar on when there are other things occupying his mind. Attach the collar when you are playing with him. Sometimes a dog will try to remove the collar, even trying to chew it off the neck. If he does this, gain his attention, and encourage him to simply follow you, or get him to play with a toy so he will forget the irritation.

Apply the collar so that it fits the dog while still leaving some room for movement. Make sure it is not so tight as to be uncomfortable or irritating.

The next step in leash training your dog is to introduce the dog to the leash. This can have two effects on the dog. Some dogs react to the leash with crazy behavior that might remind you of a horse that has not been broken. The dog will flip, kick, and roll around as if he had lost his mind. Others will simply shut down, lie still, and refuse to move.

When you first attach the leash, no matter how your dog reacts, simply release your end of the leash. Begin playing with the dog, allowing him to drag the leash around while he plays. This will allow your dog to feel the weight of the leash and get used to it. Make sure there is nothing that will be in the way for the leash to catch on or pull.

How to Teach Your Puppy to Walk on a Leash

Now it is time for you to begin training your dog on the leash. Make sure you have a calm environment, free from distractions in which to train the dog or puppy.

Once a dog understands what a leash is for, he will often times become very excited when seeing it. He may jump, spin, bark, or even whine. To avoid reinforcing this behavior, you should stand completely still until the dog calms down.

After the dog has calmed down, attach the leash to the collar. Whenever you take the dog for a walk, make sure you have a treat that is small and can be eaten quickly. If the treat is too large or it takes a lot of time for the dog to chew it, training will be interrupted.

Next, you'll hold the leash while walking with your dog. The first few times you do this, you'll want to be careful not to pull on the leash. Many dogs react to the feeling of tightness around their collar when the leash is pulled. It frightens them, and they'll either erupt into a frenzy trying to get free or they'll sit down and refuse to move no matter how hard you tug and pull. When this happens, take a few steps away while holding the leash, but don't pull. Call him to you and when he walks over to you, reward him with a treat. After you have given the dog a treat, continue on with your walk repeating this behavior each time he lies down. If the dog looks as if he might feel nervous, which is completely normal, you can bend down in front of the dog, pet him, and talk in a soothing voice before beginning to walk again.

It is also very important to stay completely calm while you are walking the dog, because the dog will be able to sense your excitement, and quickly become excited as well, which makes it much harder for them to control their behavior. Just like with children, you need to set the example for your dog.

Leash Training Tips

When you start leash training, keep your walks fairly short. Though all dogs love walks, you need to stay focused on the training you are doing, and not how much the dog loves the walk. As the dog begins to learn how to behave on the leash the walks can begin to get longer and longer. Walk somewhere different every day, as the same walk twice a day will quickly become boring, for both you and the dog.

Once the dog becomes used to walking on the leash, you may find that the dog pulls on the leash. Many people make a huge mistake when their dog pulls on the leash by pulling back, often times very hard. Instead, stop walking and stand still. Call the dog back to you, and give it a treat when it returns. Make sure you remain calm and consistent each time the dog pulls on the leash, because doing so will quickly teach your dog that pulling is not allowed.

The next issue you may face is that your dog refuses to come inside after the walk. Some people think this is very cute when the dog is just a puppy, and often times they will pick the puppy up and carry it into the house, but this is the wrong thing to do.

You see, at some point, depending on the breed of dog, the puppy may become too heavy for you to carry inside. Another mistake many people make is that they try to drag him inside by pulling on the collar.

You can use treats to entice your dog to keep walking, and to coax the dog into the house. Eventually you can stop giving the dog treats for going inside after a walk. Understand that the reason why your dog doesn't want to come in after a walk is that there's so much for him to see outside–like things to sniff, and other doggies for him to meet–but going back inside is boring.

This means that you have to make the transition back inside of the house less boring for your dog. One good way to do this is to create play time inside. Rather than leave him to his own device, grab your dog’s favorite toy and play with him for a few minutes after the two of you finish your walk, instead of leaving him to his own devices after coming inside.

Finally, you might want to consider extending your walks. Many times, dogs are not ready to come back inside because they have not gotten enough exercise, and they are still full of energy. When you extend the walk, you allow the dog to burn up more energy, which means he will be more likely to come into the house without an issue.

Chapter 2: Crate Training

There are many good reasons that people crate train their dogs. House training is one of the most common reasons, because most puppies and dogs will not relieve themselves in their personal space. When you crate train a puppy or dog, the crate can be used as a way to isolate a hyperactive dog when you have company over, or when you are in your car, and it is a great place for the puppy to spend the nights.

Using a crate will ensure the puppy will not eat or chew anything while you are asleep. This is also a great way to stop the puppy from going into certain areas of the home while he is still learning the rules. For example, you will be able to keep the puppy from going into the kitchen, knocking the trash can over, and eating the garbage, before you are able to teach him that the trash can is off limits.

Although dogs naturally want an area that belongs completely to them, it can take some time for him to get used to crate training. You have to think about the dog’s crate as his den, a place for him to hide when there are storms or when he simply is not feeling well. Because dogs are what is known as a den animal, they do enjoy having a crate, even though, in the beginning, it can be a bit scary for a dog when they first begin crate training.

Creating a Den

Prepare the crate by making sure it's clean and in a quiet, private area of the house. Dogs like having a view, so if you have a nice window next to which you can place the crate, even better. Make sure there is enough room in the crate for your dog to stand up and turn around. Place a blanket and some safe chew toys, so that the puppy will view the crate as his nest. Crates come in a number of different sizes, and made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and even fabric.

When you crate training a puppy, you have to ensure the experience is not a traumatic one. You have to make sure the puppy is relaxed during the entire process. This can be accomplished by placing an old blanket or an old shirt in the bottom of the crate for the puppy to relax on. You can also place one of the puppy’s favorite toys in the crate, ensuring he is at ease while in there.

Crate Training Steps

You should never put a puppy in a crate for the first time, lock him up, and leave him all by himself as this can be extremely traumatic, and it can make it difficult for you to get the puppy to enter the crate next time you try.

Instead, you need to start slowly. Begin by placing a treat inside of the crate to tempt him to enter it. Be sure to praise the puppy enters the crate. Sit next to the crate and let him know you are not going anywhere. If the puppy is resistant to enter the crate, it is okay to gently pick him up and place him inside of the crate, but you should not shut or lock the door behind him.

You can reassure the puppy by petting him while inside of the crate. This is extremely important if the puppy seems to be stressed, nervous, or becomes agitated.

After the puppy has spent a few minutes in the crate, call him to you, give him a reward, praise him, and pet him, letting him know you are happy with his behavior. Repeat this process several times until the puppy is at ease. Once the puppy is able to go into the crate without experiencing stress, you can have the puppy enter the crate once again, and close the door behind him.

This time, leave the door closed as long as the puppy does not experience anxiety, but no longer than one minute. After the minute is up, or if the puppy starts to experience anxiety, open the door, call the puppy to you, provide him with a reward, and give him lots of praise.

Once the puppy becomes familiar with the crate, teach him to go into the crate and stay there without whining or barking. Begin by filling a small bowl with food. Allow the puppy to smell the food and place it in the crate. The puppy will most likely enter the crate without a problem, and begin to eat the food. Carefully close the crate door, ensuring not to startle the puppy.

When the puppy has finished eating, he may begin to whine or bark to signal he is ready to come out of the crate. Once this begins, tap the door of the crate, and in a strong, but not loud voice, say, "No." It you continue to practice this, the puppy will learn he is not supposed to bark and whine while in his crate.

When the puppy calms down and stops barking or for up to five minutes, allow the puppy to come out of the crate. When you let the puppy out of the crate, provide him with a reward and lots of praise for a job well done. When the puppy comes out of the crate, it is time to take him outside to go to the bathroom.

It is important for you to repeat this process several times each day, taking him out to relieve himself each time that he is released from the crate. Remember, consistency is the key to any type of training when it comes to your dog.

After a bit of time, the puppy will feel more secure about going into the crate on his own. This is when you should begin to lengthen the time that the puppy stays in the crate. You must keep in mind, however, that there is a limit to the amount of time that a puppy can stay in a crate each day. Puppies and dogs should not spend their entire day inside of their crates, nor should they be locked inside of the crate for long periods of time with no chance to play.

The purpose of the crate is for the puppy to be in a safe place at night when you are unable to supervise him, or when you have company over and want him to remain calm while not making your company uncomfortable. A crate should never be used for discipline, because then f it is, the puppy will think that it is in trouble when you go to bed at night, and this could cause the puppy distress. It could also cause the puppy to fight going into the crate at night when you need him to.

You should create a schedule for your puppy so that he knows when he is supposed to be in the crate and when it will be let out. It is very important for you to let the puppy out of the crate at the same time each day, because leaving him in the crate for too long could cause him to relieve himself in the crate, which will make house training difficult, and is quite disgusting to clean up.

Chapter 3: Potty Training

One of the biggest reasons puppies and dogs end up in shelters is because the owner has not been successful in house training them. House training a puppy or dog is vital to your relationship, and it will ensure the two of you have a long and happy life together, free from the stress of messes in the house.

The time to start potty training is as soon as you get your puppy, because once a dog thinks it's okay for him to relieve himself in the house, it will become a difficult habit to break.

Creating a Routine

The first step in potty training a dog is to create a schedule. Puppies and dogs do best when they follow a routine. Having a schedule teaches the dog that there are specific times for him to do specific activities. For example, there is a specific time for him to eat, there is a specific time each day for him to go for a walk and there are specific times each day for him to be taken outside to relieve himself.

Most puppies can hold their bladder for 1 hour for every month of their age. This means that if the puppy is three months old, he can hold his bladder for three hours, however you should never make him hold it for any amount of time longer than that.

Begin by taking your puppy outside at least every two hours. You will also want to take the puppy outside as soon as he wakes up in the morning, before bed at night, after play time, as well as after he has had something to eat or drink.

It is important to pick a place outside for your dog’s bathroom area. This is because you do not want the dog going all over the yard, and you want to build a routine with him. Lead the dog to the area on his leash and say something like, “Go potty.” After he has relieved himself, give him praise. You can also take him for a walk, or spend a few minutes playing with him to reinforce this behavior.

You can give your puppy a treat after he has relieved himself outside, but you have to remember to do this while you are still outside, and not once you have went back into the house. You should also make sure the puppy is completely finished relieving himself before you give him the treat. This is because it is very easy for a puppy to become distracted, and if this happens, the puppy may forget he was not done, then remember once he is back inside of the house.

Regular Feeding

The next step is to make sure you feed your puppy on a regular schedule. Depending on the age of the puppy, he will need to eat between three and four times each day. If you feed your puppy on a schedule, it is more likely he will need to relieve himself at the same time each day, which will make house training much easier for the both of you.

You should also make sure you are picking up the puppy’s food and water bowl at least two and a half hours before going to bed. This will help ensure the puppy does not eat too close to bedtime, or in the middle of the night, which will help ensure the puppy does not relieve himself in the house while everyone is asleep.

Most puppies will be able to sleep for about seven hours without having to be taken outside. The puppy may, however, wake up in the middle of the night and need to relieve himself. Remain as quiet and calm as possible if this happens. First, do not turn on all of the lights in the house, but turn on as few as you can. Next, do not talk to the puppy or pet him, simply take him out, tell him to go potty, reward him when he is finished, and bring him back inside. If you talk to him, he is likely to think it is time to get up and play, which means he will not go back to sleep when you return indoors.

Preventing Accidents

It is important to keep an eye on the puppy when you are potty training him. Do not allow him to have access to the entire house, because this will raise the chance of him soiling in a hidden area when he's out of your line of sight. Keep doors to bedrooms closed and use dog gates to keep your pup within your line of vision at all times.

It's important to remember that even the smartest puppies don't have bladder control yet. Puppies younger than 12 weeks old can't be trained yet, because they just don't have the capability. Young dogs also don't know how to tell you when they need to eliminate their waste. They may be aware of it, but they have not yet figured out how to tell you.

Be aware that accidents are going to happen. There are going to be times when the puppy simply has an accident, even though you have taken him outside regularly. Take these accidents in stride, and try not to get too upset about them.

If you catch the puppy relieving himself inside of the house, you should make a loud noise with the intention of startling the dog. For example, saying loudly, “Outside,” and then take the puppy straight to his potty spot, and allow him to finish there. Praise him with a treat when he'd done.

If the puppy has frequent accidents, you might want to start taking it outside more often, because you do not want it to get confused and think it is okay for him to relieve himself inside of the house.

It is also important for you to make plans if you are going to be away from the house for a long period of time. It is very difficult for a person to house train a dog when they are at work 10 hours per day and the puppy is left alone all day. If this is going to be the case, have someone stay at your house, and follow the puppy’s schedule.

Potty Training Mistakes

You should not punish the puppy for having an accident. Often times, this is going to do more harm than it will do good, and it can damage the trust that the puppy has built up for you, causing it to fear you. Simply ensure that you clean the area, making sure that the scent of the urine or feces is completely gone. This is important because if the puppy smells the scent, he will go back to the same area over and over again. At no point should you rub the puppy's nose in the urine or feces, as this could cause the dog to become very sick.

Chapter 4: Obedience Training

Obedience training is the art of training your puppy to obey your commands. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key to successful dog training is to set yourself up as the pack leader. The best way to help your dog learn is to start when he is young and use consistent practice. Try training just before a meal–that way your pup will come to his meal as a reward. It will also make him more likely to comply with your commands.

Here are five basic obedience commands that every dog should know:

Obedience Training: Teaching to Heel

Teaching your dog how to heel is important, especially when there are other dogs around, or people that your dog might want to jump on without invitation. When you command your dog to heel, the dog should sit by your side quietly, until released.

The key to this part of obedience training is, of course, treats. Start by standing with your dog on a leash, keeping a few treats in the hand that isn't holding the leash. The dog needs to understand the command, so tell your dog to heel. Once he sits still next to you for about five seconds, give the dog a treat. Then take five steps forward, and allow your dog to follow. Say the word, "heel," wait for your dog to sit down next to you, and reward with a treat. Continue doing this until your dog understands, associating your movements and words with the expected behaviors.

Once this has been successful in one location, introduce some other people and distractions to the scene. You might feel as if you have to start the process all over again, but that's only because your dog will take notice of the other people, bouncing balls, or moving cars. Repeat the process with the treats until your dog is obedient and heels on command.

Obedience Training: Teaching to Sit

Teaching your dog to sit is not complicated, and the dog will understand what you want when you reward him with treats and physically show him what you expect. When you teach a dog to sit, you are not only teaching him that you are in charge, but that if he wants any type of reward, he is going to have to sit on the ground and behave.

This also keeps dogs from jumping up on people, which we will discuss more in the next chapter on behavior training. It's also a great way to ensure the dog does not take food from the hands of people in the house.

The first thing is to get a treat for your dog. Make sure you have a quiet place to train your dog that is free from any distractions. Stand in front of your dog and hold your hand above his head with a treat in it. He will look up at it. Use your other hand to gently push down on his hind quarters until they're on the ground, in a sitting position. At the same time, still holding that treat, say, “sit,” in a calm but firm voice. Once he is able to hold the position, give the dog the treat.

Repeat this process about 10 more times. If the dog is sitting for you when the treat is held above his head, you are ready to move on to the next step. If not, continue repeating this step until the dog sits on command.

The next step is to hold your hand out without the treat, and tell your dog to sit. If the dog sits, reward him with three treats, then take a break.

The next day, start with the empty handed motion while repeating the word, "sit," and providing the dog with one treat. When you are sure the dog fully grasps the sit command, you can choose to stop saying sit and use only the hand motion in order to get the dog to sit, providing treats each time he obeys.

Make sure the dog understands the command completely. However, as we all know, we cannot continue to feed the dog treats every time we tell him to do something. Therefore, you need to begin cutting back on the amount of treats you give the dog. One way to do this is to give the dog a treat every other time it obeys the command, then every third time, and so on, until you are no longer giving the dog a treat for sitting.

Be sure to only teach your dog one command at a time. Once the dog understands that command, continue to practice for five minutes each day. As you practice, increase the distractions the dog is exposed to while you tell him to sit, which will prepare him for the distractions he will face outside of your home, or when he becomes excited and needs to be brought under control.

You can also practice telling your dog to sit in the middle of play time. Run around with your dog, playing, and then stop suddenly and tell him to sit. By doing this your dog will be an expert when it comes to the sit command.

Obedience Training: Teaching "No"

You teach your dog the "No" command only when he exhibits bad behavior. Training your dog to respond to the "No" word can save you a lot of trouble. The steps used to teach a dog the "No" command are similar to the other, basic commands. First of all, whenever you find your dog doing something unwanted, such as jumping on the sofa or barking, immediately clap your hands and say, “No,” at the same time. Clapping your hands will distract your dog from what he is doing and most likely stop the action he is doing. Be sure to say the word "No" in a firm, loud voice, but only say it once, because you're training the dog to listen the first time. If he follows the command, give him a treat and a lot of praise, and redirect the dog to something else. For example, if he is chewing on a piece of clothing, give him a toy.

Obedience Training: Teaching to Lie Down

The next command is the lie down command. This is a good command for your dog to learn so you are able to keep him in one spot and help calm him. This is also a very good way to handle barking.

Once again, find a quiet place to teach your dog the command. Begin by telling your dog to sit, show the dog the treat in your hand, bring it down to the floor, and say “down.” It is a good idea to close the treat in your fist when you bring it down to the floor, so the dog will know that it is there, but that he's not allowed him to take it from you. As the dog lowers his body down to the floor in the lying position, give him the treat.

Bring the dog back to the sitting position and repeat the process about 10 times. After the dog has gotten used to getting a treat for lying down, you can stop bringing your hand to the floor, but instead, simply tell the dog to lie down. If the dog does as he is told, give him three treats. If not, go back to the first step until he understands that the command, “lie down,” is followed by the treat, and try again.

After he has followed the command without you having to lower your hand to the floor, take a break. The next day, practice 10 times, having the dog lie down without you bringing your hand to the floor.

After the dog has mastered this step, repeat the same process, but this time without a treat in your hand. Again, after the dog has mastered this, begin reducing the number of treats the dog receives until the dog no longer receives treats for the behavior.

Obedience Training: Teaching to Stay

The last command we are going to cover in this book is the stay command. This is an important command for your dog to learn because it will teach him self-control, and help ensure the dog does not bolt out the front door when you are trying to leave.

Teach your dog the stay command after he has mastered the sit and lie down commands. Find a quiet place for you to train the dog. Begin by commanding your dog to sit. After the dog is in the sit position, tell the dog to “stay,” wait two seconds, and then give the dog a treat. Increase the amount of time you make the dog wait for the treat until the dog is able to wait for 10 seconds, each time, telling the dog to stay.

Each time you say, “stay,” put up your hand, flat, with the palm facing the dog. This will become your hand command once your dog learns how to stay. If the dog gets up from the sitting position, say, “No,” have the dog sit again, and start the process over.

When the dog is able to stay in the sitting position for 10 seconds without getting up, continue the process, but this time take one step away from the dog. Repeat the word, “stay.” Take two more steps, repeat the word, “stay.” Finally, step out of the dog’s sight.

Continue to work with the dog until you are able to stay out of the dog’s sight for two minutes without him moving. After the dog has mastered this skill, start again, but this time begin with the lie down position, and have the dog learn to say from there.

By following this same process, taking small steps, rewarding the dog for doing what you want it to do, and increasing your expectations as you train the dog, you can actually teach the dog any command or trick you want, such as “roll over,” or “fetch.”

It is important, however, that you remain calm throughout the entire process. Your dog is like a child, working very hard at learning these commands in order to make you happy. There are going to be mistakes, but they don't have to be setbacks, but can be used as a teachable moment with your dog, instead.

Chapter 5: Behavior Training

Dogs have instincts and natural tendencies, some of which need to be repressed. Habits such as excessive chewing, barking, digging, and biting are ones you must break your dog from early on. Behavioral training can prevent bad habits from forming and correct those that have already formed.

Chewing

Chewing is a behavior that comes naturally to dogs, however it is also one that can cause a lot of damage. Puppies usually begin chewing because they explore the world with their mouths. However, they need to understand what is acceptable to chew on and what is off limits, because if they chew on the wrong thing, they can cost their owners a lot of money, and may even cost them their lives.

It is also important to understand that a puppy will chew more when they are teething, because this is a very painful process, and chewing gives them some relief from the pain. If a puppy chews on inappropriate items, it is most likely to happen while they are teething. If chewing is not controlled during this time, it can become a habit that is very difficult to break later on.

The first thing you should do when teaching your puppy not to chew on inappropriate items is to make sure there are no underlying medical conditions causing the puppy to chew. There are specific dietary issues, parasites, and intestinal problems that can be the cause of this. 

The next step is to puppy proof your house. Look around your house to make sure your puppy does not have access to anything that might put his life in danger. Make sure all of the household chemicals are put up and away from the puppy, and that all of the power cords are covered so the puppy cannot get to them. Remove any objects the puppy might find interesting, such as socks or shoes.

It is best if you restrict the puppy to a small area in the home, such as the living room. This can be done using baby gates on the doorways inside of the living room. It will also make it easier on you when it comes to keeping the puppy from getting into things he shouldn’t.

Give your puppy or dog items that are okay for him to chew on. Each dog will have a different preference when it comes to what they like, so it is a good idea to provide him with a few different toys of different textures. Be careful with rawhide and beef bones because the puppy can chew on these until a small piece breaks off that could fit in the puppy’s mouth and could cause him to choke.

Make sure the toys you provide for your dog are of the appropriate size. It is important that the dog is able to pick the toy up easily and carry it around. However, it needs to be big enough that he will not swallow it. If you purchase a toy that has any type of hole in it, make sure the hole is not big enough for the dog to get his jaw stuck in it.

Do not give your dog toys that look like items you don't want him to chew on. For example, I have seen many owners purchase a toy that looks like a shoe, while telling the dog not to chew on shoes. You should also avoid giving the dog an old shoe to chew on if you hope to teach him to not chew on new shoes.

By providing the puppy with items that he is allowed to chew, and keeping inappropriate items out of his reach, you are going to make a lot of progress when it comes to ensure that he does not wrap his teeth around anything inappropriate.

If you find the dog chewing on an item he should not be chewing on, it is important to take the item away from him, and state in a loud voice, “NO.” Put the item away so that he understands he is not supposed to chew on it. After you have taken the item away from the puppy, you redirect his attention by providing him with one of the toys he is allowed to chew on.

Always make sure you praise the puppy for chewing on appropriate items, to ensure he learns what he should and should not chew on. If you find the puppy is having a hard time understanding which items he should not chew on, spray the item with bitter apple as a deterrent. If an item tastes bitter, the dog is less likely to chew on it.

You should also make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. A bored dog is likely to search for items on which he can chew. Be sure to spend time each day taking your dog for walks, playing with him, and just spending time together. Not only will this make the bond between the two of you stronger, but it will also ensure the puppy does not destroy items that are important to you.

Barking

The next behavior to get under control is barking. Dogs bark for a variety of reasons. Most owners eventually learn what each one of their dog’s barks means. For example, a dog may bark in a specific way if he needs to go outside, he will bark differently if he needs food or water, and he will bark in another way if he wants to play.

Dogs also bark to warn other animals to stay away, to sound an alarm warning their owner of danger, or just because they want to bark.

Of course, you don’t want to stop your dog from every kind of barking. It is best to make sure the dog is able to warn you of danger or scare off anyone or anything that could harm you, but stop it from barking over you when you are talking, or while you are sleeping at night.

Your aim should be to stop the dog from barking when there is no reason for him to bark. Many people make the huge mistake of paying attention to the dog when it barks, or tell it to be quiet in a loud voice, which makes the dog think you are proud of his barking, and to him, you are joining in with the barking as you ‘bark’ loud commands for him to be quiet.

In order to get your dog's barking under control, you must first get to know the dog so you can begin to understand what situations might cause the dog to bark. When you understand why he barks, you will be able to take control of the situation and show the dog you are a confident leader for him to follow.

From the moment that you get the dog you have to begin building a strong bond with him. He has to be able to trust you and know you will take control of any situation.

There are several different ways for you to control unnecessary barking. Some people recommend holding the dog's mouth gently closed when they are barking. I, however, do not believe this is the best way to teach your dog not to bark. Other people think you should keep the dog's mouth busy with a toy, however, you must be careful if you use this approach, because the dog may think he is being rewarded for the barking behavior.

Personally, I believe it is important for you to teach your dog the “quiet” command. Consistently say “quite” in a firm and calm voice when you want him to stop barking. After he stops barking, reward him with praise and a treat. After he has mastered the command, begin giving treats less and less often until you no longer provide treats for the behavior. 

Some barking can be ignored. Expect some barking when you first crate training a puppy, because he's getting used to his surroundings and will try to do whatever he can to get you to take him out of the crate. The barking will cease with time, and can be ignored for the most part.

The barking you should not ignore is when the dog barks, for the sake of barking. Barking in and of itself can be rewarding for the dog, as he is having fun, and if you allow him to continue, he will think it is okay.

When you take the dog outside, be sure not to allow him to bark at those that are passing by, or to run the fence line, chasing cars as they pass by. When you show the dog you are the one in control of his behavior, he will accept that you decide when and where he can bark.

Biting

There are many reasons why dogs become aggressive and bite. The dog may feel overexcited or threatened. A lot of dog aggression comes from the lack of confidence and positive training. It is important that you socialize your dog with different people, dogs, children, and environments. Socialization will boost his confidence and reduce his fear in new environments.

Teaching a dog not to bite is vital. Most people do not enjoy playing with a dog that is known for mouthing, chewing, or biting on hands, clothing, or other body parts. It is important for you to get this type of behavior under control early on, because as the dog gets older, it is much less likely he will be sensitive to your reaction when he bites. It is likely that an adult dog who bites or chews on people was not taught to be gentle when he was a puppy.

Mouthing is a natural behavior for dogs, because they explore the world with their mouths. Biting, on the other hand, is a reaction to either fear or frustration.

It is important for you to be able to tell the difference between playful mouthing and aggressive biting. You see, most people enjoy wrestling with their dogs, and they have no problem placing their hands in the dogs' mouths, which helps to build trust between the people and their dogs. It is important for owners to know that their dogs are not going to viciously bite them. When a dog is play mouthing, the dog’s body will be relaxed, his tail will wag, and although his face may be wrinkled, it is obvious from his behavior that he is not being aggressive.

An angry or frightened dog, on the other hand, will have a stiff body, his muscles will be tense, and his tail will be straight. Most of the time, the dog will mouth a person before the bite as a warning, but this is not always the case.

If you want to teach your dog not to bite or mouth your body parts or clothing, spend some time playing with him. Allow the puppy to mouth your hand as you play, but as soon as he does, let out a yelp as if the puppy has seriously hurt you, and allow your hand to go limp, startling your dog.

This should immediately stop the dog from mouthing your hand. Praise the dog for stopping. Often times you will find that the dog will lick your hand. Resume play, and repeat the process if the dog mouths you again. Play with the dog for about 15 minutes. Continue to do this every day until the dog no longer mouths you.

Mouthing is another reason why it is important to provide your dog with a wide variety of chew toys of different textures. When the puppy has the toys, he is much less likely to bite during play time.

Digging

Some dogs will turn their owner's yards upside down, making the owner feel as if they are doing it all on purpose. However, dogs dig for a variety of reasons, none of them being to get revenge on their owners. Dogs dig because they are bored, seeking attention, hunting prey, entertaining themselves, or seeking protection, to name a few reasons.

The first thing to do if you want to stop your dog from digging is to find out why the dog is digging in the first place. If the dog is left alone and outside for long periods of time with no one to keep him company, he may begin digging. In this case, ensure that you go outside and play with him. It is also a good idea to ensure that he has plenty of toys to play with. Make sure you are walking the dog at least twice each day, in order to guarantee he is getting enough exercise and stimulation.

If your dog is digging for prey, it will most likely be near the roots of trees. You can take steps to fence the animal out, or use humane ways to catch the animal and move it to a safer place. However, you should never use poison of any type, because the poison can also hurt or kill your dog.

Dogs will dig large holes to lay in if they are left outside in the hot weather, or to shield themselves from the cold, wind, or rain. This means the dog is searching for comfort, as well as protection. In order to prevent this, make sure the dog has adequate shelter while he is outside. You can also bring the dog inside more often, in order to protect him from extreme weather.

Make sure that the dog has a full bowl of water, and that there is no way for the bowl to flip over. If the dog prefers to lay in a hole in the ground, make sure he has an area in the yard where he is allowed to dig.

A dog may also dig as a way to get attention. Often times this happens when the dog does not get enough time with, or attention from, the owner. The only way to stop this type of behavior is to provide the dog with the love and attention he deserves.

Dogs also dig as a way to escape. This can occur if the dog is trying to get something outside of the pen, or if he is trying to get away from something. The first thing you need to do is figure out if he is trying to get to something outside of the pen, and remove the item from his view. The next thing you need to do is to make sure the pen is inviting and appealing to your dog.

You also need to think about your home as well. If the environment is stressful to the dog, he may try to dig under the fence to get away. If there is a lot of yelling, arguing, and stress in the home, the dog will feel it, and he won't be comfortable there. Make sure you do your best to provide your dog with a safe and loving environment so he will not want to run away.

You can bury chicken wire under the fencing of the dog’s pen, but make sure that any sharp edges are turned outwards and away from the dog. You can also place large rocks that have been partially buried at the bottom of the fence.

You should not, however, punish the dog after he has been digging, because this will only cause him to feel more anxiety and make him want to get away.

Chapter 6: Dog Training Tips

To finish up this book, I want to give you some tips and tricks you can use when you are training your dog.

Listen to Your Dog

When you are training your dog, make sure you pay attention to the way the dog is feeling and listen to him. If the dog doesn't cooperate, he may be trying to tell you that he needs a break, that he is not feeling well, or that he needs a nap. Make sure your dog is able to focus on you completely. Many people find that morning time is a great time to train a dog, after the dog has eaten, drank, and relieved himself.

Show Affection

Make sure you give the dog a lot of affection. It is very easy for you to show your dog that you disapprove of a specific behavior, but you also must show the dog a lot of affection when you are proud of his behavior. If the only thing the dog ever receives is disapproval, he will not build a bond with you, and he will become depressed.

Enjoyable Treats

If you want to train a dog, you need to provide him with rewards in the form of treats. Make sure your dog actually enjoys the treats you provide. Just because a package claims that dogs like the treat, does not mean your dog is going to love it. If the dog doesn't enjoy the treat you give him for the behavior you expect of him, he will not be motivated to do what you say.

Communicating Your Intentions Clearly

Be sure to tell the dog exactly what you expect of him. You must speak out the words so that he begins to associate the words with the behaviors you expect.

Be Consistent

You have to be consistent when you are training your dog. Think of your dog as you would a child. If you are not consistent when you are teaching the dog what you expect of him, you cannot expect him to ever learn how to behave. You cannot allow him to jump on some people, but get angry when he jumps on other people. This will only be confusing to him, and he won't understand why he is allowed to display the behavior sometimes, but not at other times.

Having Realistic Expectations

Having realistic expectations is important when you are training your dog. Many people become immediately upset or frustrated when their dog does not display the behaviors they want him to display. It is going to take time for your dog to understand how you want him to behave and it is going to take even longer for him to behave this way on a regular basis. Don’t expect the dog to learn what you expect of him overnight.

Providing Rewards for Good Behavior and Taking Away Rewards with Bad Behavior

Your dog may not always display the behaviors you want. If you reward the dog by providing him with a lot of affection and play time after he displays bad behaviors, you will only serve to reinforce those behaviors. It is important that you correct bad behaviors and reward good behaviors every time they happen. In doing so, you will be reinforcing the good behaviors instead of the bad ones.

Giving Your Dog More Freedom as He Learns

You should make your dog earn his freedom in your home. One of the mistakes many owners make is to give a puppy complete freedom in the home right away. The puppy cannot handle this amount of freedom in the beginning. Better to restrict the puppy to a small area of the home when you first bring him home. You can allow him more freedom as he learns the rules of the house and begins behaving in a manner which makes you feel he can be trusted when he is out of your sight.

Training a dog does not have to be difficult if you are consistent and spend the appropriate amount of time teaching the dog the behaviors you want him to display. As long as you work with your dog daily, you will find that he catches on quickly.

Conclusion

Many people make training a dog seem as if it takes some special skill, when in fact, as long as you are equipped with the right knowledge, you can successfully train your dog.

By following the techniques you learned in this book, you will be able to teach your dog any commands you want, and break any behaviors you don’t want. More importantly, if you take the time to train your dog, you will build a strong bond with him that will last a lifetime.

Finally, I want to thank you for reading my book. If you enjoyed the book, please share your thoughts and post a review at your favorite ebook retailer. It would be greatly appreciated!

Best wishes,

Sarah Moore