When you get a new Chihuahua or any other dog, it is important that you train it immediately for many reasons. It may not be necessary for your dog to perform all types of tricks and stunts like a show dog but your dog should learn basic obedience. Training a dog first lets them know that you are the “leader of the pack” since they are pack animals. They need to know there are rules that must be followed. As such, they also need to be well-socialized so they are not afraid of every human and animal they encounter. A fearful dog can also be an aggressive dog. Chihuahuas can be a challenge to train and require a great deal of patience. The rewards are many. There are some general rules you can follow for successfully training your dog to be a good, well-mannered member of the family. The friendly staff at your local Rockford Petsmart or Petco or one closest to your home can help with training tips as well as the tools you need for success.
Training your dog needs to be fun. You know firsthand how you would get bored doing something that is not much fun and the dog would feel pretty much the same. If you are training a puppy, the sessions need to be for shorter periods of time since a puppy has a short attention span. You can have frequent fun training sessions each day but each session should not exceed five to ten minutes.
In order to be successful in training your dog/puppy, it is best to first train the dog to focus on you. First put a leash on your puppy at home and let him get used to it. Then you can proceed to the training sessions. With a leash on, hold a treat in front of your face, up by your eyes, and keep saying “watch me” by calling your dog by name. This may take a lot of repetition but it will eventually sink in. Move back and forth, change positions and keep calling by name, saying “watch me” and whenever you get your dog to focus on you without jumping, hand a treat with a lot of praise and repeat this step over and over again. Once your dog can focus on you, it is time to start with basic commands for obedience training.
Use simple commands with your dog and if not responding, try something else that your dog can respond to. Do not reward your dog until it responds to the commands – at which time you will give a small treat and a lot of praise.
Try to finish all training sessions on a positive note. You want your dog to know he did good so do a command he is good at just before ending the session – give the treat and praise and say something like – “free” or “release” to let him know “school’s out.”
Use simple and common commands such as sit, stay, down, heel as well as to sit-stay and down-stay (these last two commands should not be performed until your dog is very open to completing all other commands first). The stay commands require a lot more patience, trust and focus on the part of the dog. You may have more success training with your dog on a leash. Some other commands are to leave it, give it, stop it and release.
Never use negativity and punishment to get results. Never yell at your dog, hit it, and jerk on the chain or electric shock it. You will get more positive results with praise and rewards rather than punishment.
Since food treats are a high motivation for your dog during training, it is best not to train right after a meal. You want the pup to work for his motivation. Different dogs have different types of motivation as well such as a ball or other favorite toy. This would be a great reward for a successful training session when done. When using food treats, reward with a tiny piece the size of a fingernail. It does not take quantity to let your dog know he did the appropriate behavior, but you don’t won’t to provide a huge portion for each command accomplished. Since dogs feel the need to please their owners, a lot of praise goes a long way – along with the tiny little food reward. Just be sure to give the treat within a half second after your dog performs the requested command correctly followed by praise. Do so with each correct behavior accomplished.
Training your dog will require a great deal of patience and time on your part. Getting angry will not reap any rewards. If things are not going well after a few minutes, take a break and try again and again. A dog can feel your anger and frustration and will withdraw or act up. Always choose a quiet training spot until you are quite successful and can move on to an area with more distractions. In time, your dog will obey commands no matter whom or what is around him.
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/12-general-rules-for-training-dogs/page1.aspx
http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/
http://101-dog-training-tips.com/
For all your pets needs in Rockford, go to your local PETCO - 6305 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108, (815) 229-0184 - http://www.petco.com/or your local PETSMART - 6320 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108, (815) 397-7880 - http://stores.petsmart.com/result-details.php?store=493 - PETLAND, (815) 332-4200 - www.petland.com/
For many of your pets essentials, visit your local Rockford area CVS pharmacies. There are four convenient locations - 3134 11th Street, Rockford, IL 61109, (815)398-0048 - 110 S Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL 61108 - 3718 Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103, (815)877-9620- 2454 S. Alpine Rd.,
Rockford, IL 61108, (815)399-5421- http://www.cvsphoto.com/home
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