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1. BASIC DOG TRAINING TIPS

2. INTRODUCTION CONT…
Life with a dog in your home has the potential to be
one of the greatest joys in life, or one of the
greatest sources of anxiety, depending on how well
it is trained. Poorly trained dogs can be aggressive,
destructive and very insecure, while well-trained
dogs are calm and loving and secure.

3. INTRODUCTION CONT…
It really doesn’t take an expensive, complex training
regimen to get your dog to behave the way you
want. Just be sure to start with some basic dog
training tips the minute you first bring the dog into
your house, and you should be fine.

4. BE A LEADER
The only way that any dog can find a permanent
place in your home is if you assume the role of
leader. Dogs are pack animals and they must
have a leader in order to function.
If you don’t provide that leadership, the dog will
naturally assume the role, even though he isn’t
equipped to do so. Being a leader includes setting
ground rules, not catering to his every whim and
getting him to focus on what you want him to do.
If he feels taken care of, he will be far less anxious
and will feel less vulnerable.

5. DON’T ALWAYS REACT
Sometimes, when you react to barking and similar
unwanted behavior at the moment it happens,
you are actually reinforcing it and encouraging
him to continue. If you do anything, move to him
physically and claim the space that he is barking
in, as a real pack leader would do.
Experiment with different reactions toward barking,
especially if you find that your verbal responses are
only making it worse.

6. PROVIDE A SAFE PLACE FOR SLEEP
Your dog wants and safe and comfortable place
to relax and sleep, and it’s up to you to provide it
for him. Giving him that little sanctuary will help to:
• Keep him off furniture
• Calm him down when he is agitated
• Reduce barking when you aren’t home
• Reduce anxiety because he knows that space
belongs to him

7. PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR
POTTY TRAINING
Potty training is a huge issue for many dog owners,
and it can be more than a little maddening getting
your dog to realize where he’s supposed to go.
With a new dog, you should leave him outside six
times a day for roughly 30 minutes each time. Take
him out:
• Before going to bed
• Upon waking in the morning
• After eating his meal
• After energetic play time
• When you return home from being out
• After he has a nap during the day

8. DON’T DISCIPLINE FOR ACCIDENTS
It’s important to praise your dog when he goes
outside, and just as important not to discipline him
if he has an accident.
If he does have an accident, remain calm and
walk him to the area where you do want him to go.
Also, make sure you clean the urine from the area
he did go with an enzyme cleaner that will
completely remove the smell.

9. IGNORE WHEN NECESSARY
There are times when it is important to ignore the
dog altogether. The main one is when you arrive
home and the dog is in an excited state,
demanding a greeting from you. When you react
like most dog owners do, you’re only reinforcing
that behavior.
Ignore the dog until he has calmed down and
stopped demanding your attention. Once he is
relaxed, then you can call him over and say hello.

10. WALK YOUR DOG DAILY
As a pack animal, a dog requires
exercise on a daily basis in the
form of walks. Walking your dog
regularly will help:
• Create a bond between the two of you
• Reduce anxiety and nervous energy
• Keep both you and the dog healthy
• Reduce aggression and tension

11. MASTER THE LEASH
Of course, if you’re going to walk the dog regularly
you must learn how to master the leash. It won’t do
you or the dog any good if he ends up walking you or
if the leash is a tangled mess.
It’s important that the dog’s collar fit so that just fit two
fingers between the collar and back of his neck. Your
leash should be made of cotton and be around six
feet long.

12. THE LEASH CONT…
Give the dog the freedom to move and try not to
pull him back at all. He will pick up on any tension
in the leash and that tension will transfer into him.
The goal is to get the dog to willingly follow you,
without using the leash as a physical force to
control him. If your dog continues to pull you
around despite your efforts, contact a reputable
dog trainer to give you a hand and sort it out.

13. DON’T STOP TRAINING
Even once your dog knows the basics, you should
always continue with the dog training for the
entirety of the dog’s life. Your dog has a great
capacity for learning, and it’s important to
reinforce the things you’ve taught and continue to
teach new things to keep him happy and
stimulated throughout his life.

14. REFERENCES
http://www.barkbusters.ca/
Bark Busters
http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/its-me-or-th
Animal Planet