Behavioral scientists have proven it: A dog that is put under stress shuts down internally. He can no longer learn, but reacts to the compulsion by quickly forgetting. In other words, people have to start all over again every time. We now also know that only a motivated dog stays alert and is happy to try to do everything right. Dog training today works very differently than twenty years ago. So how do you do it right?
That awakens the desire for more
At the very beginning is the treat. After all, food is one of the most important basic needs of every living being. Later, when the tutorial is equally enjoyable for both humans and dogs, you can omit the reward bite and replace it with kudos or a fun game .
But first your darling needs an incentive to do something and to link this action with your words and gestures. To get him to "sit," simply run your hand over his head with a piece of cheese or wiener. If he wants to follow the scent, he has to sit down and immediately he gets what he was after. A sense of achievement that moves him to take a closer look and listen. He'll learn to "sit" very quickly, and he'll lie down just as quickly if you pull the treat away from him in front of the sitting dog on the floor. Until he's gotten the "sit" and "down" down enough that when he hears your request and registers your raised hand, he automatically puts his bottom on the floor, you keep luring him with the tasty treat. Plus a little jump of joy on your part, a cheer and the dog anthem "Feeein!".
Too much ambition only hurts
The initial quick successes tempt some to overwhelm their dog with tasks. Your own educational goals are set high and overwhelm the student, who has to learn a new lesson every day. The four-legged friend quickly gets frustrated, he is put under success stress by the people. The result is memory lapses. Feel free to set goals, but approach them slowly. Your dog does not have to learn something new every day, but should - successfully and cheered - repeat what it has already learned before it receives a new signal.
Breaks increase success
Studies have shown that even well-trained rescue dogs are so physically and mentally exhausted after twenty minutes that they have to be replaced. A family dog is no different. This is why good dog schools often take a break from playing after a quarter of an hour of intensive training. A dog can relax and recharge their batteries. He also combines the lessons with these relaxing breaks and is ready for the next lesson.
Don't scold - be silent
If you yell at your dog because he doesn't understand what you want from him, the best you can do is make him afraid of you. If something doesn't work out, remain silent for a few minutes and don't respond to his attempts to win you over again. Then you repeat your wish. That works tens of times better than any punishment. And just as quickly as dogs go from angry to affectionate, do the same. Swallow the anger and give plenty of praise when he gets back on track.
Set the right boundaries
Sometimes it has to be and you don't get anywhere by ignoring it. Then the following applies: "Up to here and no further!". Your "No!" or "Ugh!" must be spot on and may sound sharp. Until he has internalized the stop signal, force it: reach into the harness if he wants to eat something forbidden, block his way if he wants to rush off, stop if he throws himself on the leash. Check that he understands the prohibition words by putting a sausage in front of his paws and verbally stopping him when he tries to pounce on it. If he doesn't, release the bite.
