Training Dogs to Listen

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    A dog comes when called when it's in the dog's interest. That's only natural. If you're calling a dog to go for a walk or get dinner or a treat, it will be all ears. If the dog's busy baying up a tree at a squirrel or you're trying to get it to mind you on a leash when it's interested in the dog across the street, you're a murmur in the background. You are simply not as interesting as the squirrel or the neighbor's dog.

    Having a deferential and attentive dog is really part of your total relationship. There is no one training exercise or rule. However, there are plenty of daily interactions you can use to build a better bond. The more your dog listens to you and looks to you for guidance, the more trust it has in you, and the calmer it will become....
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    Here are some ways to increase the effectiveness of your dog obedience training.

    1. 1Use positive reinforcement for desirable behaviors.
    2. 2When the behavior is undesirable, make use of proper corrective methods.
    3. 3Make sure you don't ignore any kind of behavior, whether desirable or undesirable.
    4. 4It causes confusion if you don't follow a sign of progress with a reward or words of praise, or if you ignore undesirable behaviors like chewing.
    5. 5Never correct him if he hasn't done anyhting wrong at that exact moment. This is crucial.
    6. 6Timing is of the utmost importance in dog training. Don't wait to correct him; ensure he makes the connection between his bad behavior and your correction immediately.
    7. 7Make use of repetition to establish proper learning.
    8. 8Keep training short and simple. A few minutes a day is quite sufficient.
    9. 9Start with simple commands, and once these have been firmly established, progress to more advanced lessons.
    10. 10Make obedience training a daily part of your life. Commands like "sit" and "heel" can be used in everyday situations.