What is the easiest way to teach your dog to behave?

Question

I have a one year old black lab named Sadie. She doesn't behave. I am only 13 and if I don't teach her to behave my dad will teach her the hard way. Trust me you don't want to know what the hard way is. Well, does anyone got any ideas how to actually train her?

Answer 1

Hi Nina,
I am happy to see you are worried about your dog. That means you love and want to spend time with her. I bet you would make a better trainer than most adults because you care and are willing to spend the time to train her. Good for you !!!!
The first thing i think you should do is get her a crate so she has someplace to stay when nobody is watching her. Kind of like a play pen for a baby. Dogs are like babies in many ways. If you're not around because you have things to do too. like homework, chat on the internet,etc that you can't watch her all the time. Most importantly is she won't get into bad habits, like chewing shoes and other thigns your dad doesn't like.
So now she's safe when you're not around. She needs exercise since she's still real young and growing . You should make sure you walk her everyday. Not just to poop but to spend time with you. Doesn't have to be a lot of time but it should be the same time everyday if possible-like when you come home from school. That way when you come home she'll be dying to see you because she'll know it's time to out and exoplore all the smells and sights of the neighborhood !!
The other thing is training. Dogs like to interact and please their owners. The are like all loving beings they like to be rewarded for doing good and spend happy times together. Nothing does more for that than training.
This book called "Don't Shoot The Dog," written by a lady who first worked with dolphins at Sealife Park in Hawaii. It's kind of like Seaworld bu t smaller, is excellent. Only costs about $15. Other people use her method which is called clicker training - you can find out all sorts of info on it on the web. There are dvds that are very informative too but they cost a little more.
Anyway, this training method teaches you how to train your dog in a very fun, happy, positive way. You can teach your dog to jump through hoops , come when you call her and so much other great stuff. Horse trianers also use Karen's method of training. Shamu the whale and all the trainers use her clicker training too. I mean you don't get a whale to do something unless it wants too. The time you spend training your girl Sadie will be the happiest time you spend together and you'll love each other some much more than if you didn't spend time training. You eventually can compete in AKC obedience competitions and win medals and ribbons.
Black labs are smart......she'll learn fast..When dogs are happy to train with you they learn quickly. Ever have a teacher who you like -- much easier to get good grades in their class right ? Well you are your dogs teacher !!! Make each other happy and you'll train each other well!!!
My email is [e-mail]...
If anything comes in the way of you training your dog or you have any questions about anything i mentioned or anything else i've mentioned in this email send me an email and if i can help you , I will.....good luck....Gary
btw I train dobermans, the male dog i have now is called Stinger, he's my buddy......take care

Answer 2

The best job you will ever do is to make her a good part of your family. This format is hard because it is a complicated job. go to a website www.cesarmillaninc.com and go to it every day. He is a great animal trainer and you can learn a lot from him

The most important thing is to walk with her. Make sure you put her into a sit position before you start the walk. This way she learns that you are the boss of the walk. Go through the door ahead of her....you are the leader. Keep her beside you or slightly behind you so she knows you are the leader. If she gets ahead of you and you cannot stop her, then reverse your direction so you are now in the lead. Keep reversing until she gets the idea to walk with you....not ahead. When you see her trying to go ahead, pull up on the lease , not back. That will distract her and get her attention.
After she has learned to walk well with you....other learning is easier, because she knows you are the pack leader.

But be sure to watch Cesar. He's just fabulous with dogs.

Answer 3

First of all, don't go to Caesar Millan for guidance. There is a reason they tell you at the beginning of EVERY "Dog Whisperer" episode to NOT try the techniques yourself. For as great as they CAN work, things can also go very VERY wrong.

If you are concerned about your dog's behavior, you need to sign up for obedience training. Look for POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT training. I know for a fact PetCo uses only positive reinforcement methods. PetSmart may as well.

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training" by Pamela Dennison is also a great way to learn how to train your dog. You will probably still need assistance from a professional, but you will have a great understanding of what you are trying to for by training your dog in basic obedience.

Good luck, and don't let your dad do ANYTHING to your dog!

Answer 4

I have had dogs for the past 20 years.
I recently got a shepard puppy and wanted to try something new. I found the show the dog whisperer. I tivo'd every episode and watched them to pick up techniques. I found that they all work! every single one. my favorite is teaching my 4 month old puppy to run, yes run, on a treadmill. watch dog whisperer. his methods are very effective. I even taught my pup to pee on command.

good luck. be the pack leader!

Answer 5

Try to train it everyday.
If it doesn't listen to you go to the pet store for advice.

Answer 6

You need to take her to obedience class.

Answer 7

what is the "hard way"? show her that u r the boss and show
dominence!!!