Dog Training TechniquesTips for Success 
Does the thought of training your dog seem a big overwhelming? The dog training techniques provided here will give you the confidence to get started and to be successful teaching your dog to be a happy well mannered member of your household. Does Age Matter? The popular saying, "you can't teach and old dog new tricks." is far from the truth. Dogs are capable of learning throughout their lives. There is not much difference between training a puppy and training an older dog. The primary difference is that a puppy does not have the attention span of an older dog. But what a puppy lacks in attention, he will make up for with his eagerness to learn.An older dog is very capable of learning new tricks. You may find that an older dog can learn some things quicker than a puppy because an older dog is calmer and can focus more. You may also find that your adopted dog already knows some basic commands. Every dog and puppy is capable of learning. The dog training techniques used, do not vary because of the age of the dog. Keep it Short and Tasty Dogs learn best is small doses. Short (less than 15 minute) training sessions scattered through the day’s normal routine is best. Consistency is the key to success. Every member of the household must know how to train the dog and give the commands in the same way. Dogs thrive when they know and understand the rules and what is expected of them. Training a dog is not something to accomplish and stop. Training should continue throughout the life of the dog.
Stay Positive When you first start training you will be giving a reward (food, toy etc.) each time the dog gives the desired behavior. As the dog learns and understands the command, the rewards are given less frequently and the dog is weaned from the continual rewards. Eventually, pleasing you will be reward enough for the dog. A nice treat now and again will be a bonus for him but he will not obey only to get a treat.Food motivated dogs can be easier to train. Luckily most dogs are motivated by food. If your dog is not fond of packaged dog treats, try some people food. Hot Dogs, Cheese, bits of leftover chicken or steak. The higher value the reward, the more focus you will get from your dog. Keep the treats tiny. The giant breeds can be trained with treats the size of a dime. Remember that the treats are just to teach your dog what you want. Once your dog understands what you want, he will begin to offer the behavior without requiring the treat. To Click or Not to Click A dog training technique used by some trainers is clicker training. The clickers are used to mark when the dog performs the right behavior. You first associate the clicker noise with a treat so that the dog associates good things with the clicker. Then when training the dog, you mark the proper behavior with the clicker prior to offering a treat or other reward. This can help your dog understand the desired behavior quicker and many trainers favor this method.
I’ve found the clicker to be a bit cumbersome. Trying to give the hand signal, have a treat ready, hold a leash, and manage to click at the right moment can be tough to master. If you have more coordination than I do, or if you plan to move into some of the advanced training in the future, this dog training technique may be advantageous. Try the clicker training first and then decide. Please keep in mind that each family member will need to have a clicker with them at all times while the dog is in the begining stages of training if you decide to clicker train.
You can purchase a clicker at your locat pet store for a couple of dollars. Postive and Negative Words When preparing for basic obedience, you need to establish a positive word and a negative word. Dogs will learn verbal commands and will learn certain words, but a dog will read your body language and energy well before he picks up on the verbal cue. The best dog training techniques focus much more on your body language and using your body language and energy to communicate with your dog. Verbal commands can always be added, but much training can be accomplished without every verbally giving the command. The positive and negative words are used as markers to let your dog know if he has done the proper behavior. The word or sound is not nearly as important as the tone and energy behind it.The positive word can be “good boy”, “ok”, “good job” etc. It must be said with a higher pitch, happy voice, and will be the verbal marker for the dog to know when he has done what you wanted. The negative word will be one used when your dog is not doing what he is supposed to. This can be “uh-uh”, “psst” or any sound that can be made in a low and stern voice. No is not a recommended negative word because it is a common word and can easily be yelled at the dog. The negative word is never to be shouted or yelled, it is simply a means of verbally letting the dog know he is not doing what you want him to do. Set Yourself Up for Success 
Dog training techniques that consistently result in positive sessions will work best. Remain calm and keep positive thoughts. If you sense that you are becoming frustrated, end the training session. Frustration or anger will not be productive for you or your dog.
I have found that it is beneficial to put your dog on a leash when training. This will give you a bit more control over the dog and will help with his focus. Find a quiet room to start in. Don’t attempt to begin your training in the back yard or other area that can have distractions. Set yourself up for success. Name Recognition Before you begin basic obedience training, your dog needs to learn (or possibly re-learn) his name. He also needs to understand that when his name is called he needs to focus on you. This prepares him to watch for the hand signal and/or listen for the verbal command.Always make sure that when you say your dogs name, only positive things are associated with it. NEVER shout his name in anger or say his name followed by bad dog etc. To associate positive things with your dogs name and get him to focus on you, practice this exercise several times a day for a few days. First, show your dog that you have a treat. Say the dog’s name. While saying his name move the treat from the tip of the dogs nose to the center of your forehead. The dog will follow the treat with his eyes. He is now staring at you (and the treat being held in the center of your forehead). When his eyes meet yours, praise with your positive word and give the dog the treat. Repeat this process 5 -10 times each session and do multiple sessions throughout the day. Your dog will soon be focusing on you whenever you call his name.
You're a Pro! These dog training techniques will help you and your dog succeed with obedience training. Once your dog has positive association with his name and is focusing on you, you are ready to begin basic obedience training.
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