10 tips to get your dog to listen to you

Training is necessary for dogs. Whether it is basic obedience dog training, or even for tricks and manners training, dog training allows you to understand your dog better and develop a stronger bond with your dog. Dog Training can be tough especially if you are inexperienced. Here are some tips which can help you to succeed in training your dog and having it to just listen to you!

If you would like a quick laugh you can scroll to the end to watch a hilarious video of what happens if you do not start training your dog soon for it to listen to you.

1. Be patient

Different dogs learn at different paces. Just because other dogs can master the cues or commands in a couple of weeks, it doesn’t mean your dog is able do the same. Training your dog takes time and effort, but the end result will be worth it.

2. Be consistent

Be consistent with your training method. Your dog may be confused when you use different cues and commands in different training sessions. Use a consistent set of cues or commands in the training session when you are training your dog and reward your dog if it performs the trick correctly, this will boost up you dogs spirit.

3. Have a realistic expectation

Barking, digging and jumping are normal behaviours for all dogs. Changing these behaviours will take time. You can’t expect your dogs to reverse these behaviours in a short time. Give them enough time and you will see the result.

4. Dog training is not a linear process

Just because you have a few training sessions with your dog, that doesn’t mean it can now do the trick every time you can ask it to do. Your dogs may forget what you taught it in the previous training session. You may need to refresh your dog’s memory if that happens.

6. Training your dog after an exercise

Some dogs are surprisingly energetic. They won’t sit quietly. If that is the case, you can try to train your dog after exercising. Exercises like walking or playing in the yard can drain its energy. When it is tired, it is likely to calm down.

7. Reward Your Dog

Rewards can help reinforce certain behaviours. Reward your dog for the behaviours that pleases you and never reward for bad behaviours. You can give any kind of rewards to your dogs such as treats, praises or just a pat on the head and back.

8. Be flexible

There isn’t one single method that works for all dogs. Training method which works on other dogs may not work on your dog. Try to figure out what is the best training method that suits your dog.

9. Make training a habit

Make training part of your daily routine. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. The more you train your dog, the better it will learn. However, keep your training sessions short. Your dog might get bored if the training session is too lengthy.

10. Get professional help

Photo by Brandon Mcmillan

If your training method doesn’t work, seek help from a professional dog trainer in your community.

With the above tips, you should have your pet obeying your cues and commands in no time. Watch this hilarious video of what happens when your dog refuses to listen to you, but don't let it happen to you!