Tips for Success

Recommendations for new dog owners from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers

Work with Your Veterinarian. If you don't already have an established relationship with a local veterinarian, now is the time to find one. Set up a "meet & greet" and make the first visit a fun and positive experience.
Train the Family. If there are children in your home, make sure you train the entire family, not just your puppy. Teaching your children how to interact properly with your dog from the beginning will help to build a loving and trusting relationship.
Use a Dog Crate. Crate training can aid in house training and will also prevent your new dog from practicing unwanted behaviors (like chewing on your cell phone) when you can’t supervise him.
Provide Chew Toys. Provide your new dog with a variety of chew toys, even when he is in his crate. Providing him with chew toys will teach your dog what items are appropriate for him to chew on.
Socialize Your Puppy. Make sure your puppy has a great time meeting all sorts of people. Expose her to noises, objects, and surfaces in a gradual, positive way. Encourage her to explore new things.
Ready, Set, Go! As soon as your veterinarian okays it, sign you, your family, and your new dog up for training classes. Training classes will help you teach your dog good life skills and household manners. These classes also teach owners techniques that will help prevent and fix many behavior problems.
Use Positive Training Techniques. Dog training has changed over the years and there are newer, more humane methods that rely on scientific understandings of dog behavior. The APDT recommends that you work with a qualified trainer who uses sound positive reinforcement and force-free methods.

Choose The Right Trainer: Training should be fun for you and your dog! Selecting the right trainer can make all the difference in terms of how much you enjoy the time you spend training, the speed and ease with which you are able to grasp the concepts covered, your dog's ability to focus on the training exercises, and ultimately whether or not you are satisfied with the results.

A professional dog trainer employs humane training methods which are not harmful to the dog or handler (avoid handlers who use methods that cause pain and distress such as hanging, beating, kicking, shocking, jerking the leash, yelling, etc.).
A competent instructor will allow and encourage you to observe a class prior to making the decision to enroll (look for an instructor who is approachable, who provides clear explanations and demonstrations, and who assists students as they practice. Ask the participants about their experience.).
A conscientious trainer will take care to protect your dog's health (ask if dogs are required to be current on their vaccinations and in good health.).
An honest trainer will not make guarantees regarding the results of her training because she understands that there are a lot of variables outside of her control such as breeding, temperament, owner compliance, etc. If she is unable to help you, she should be able to refer you to someone else.
A well educated trainer will be passionate about learning and will continue to improve her skills by attending seminars, workshops, and conferences.

Training Tips: Once you begin a training program you should focus your energy on helping your dog be successful so he will enjoy training and learn more quickly.

Prevent him from failing so bad choices aren't reinforced. Use a baby gate, crate, or a leash when necessary. If you have a counter surfer or a dumpster diver be sure to keep the counters free of food and put the trash where he can't reach it.
Tell your dog what you want him to do instead of just telling him “no” when he's doing something you don't like. For example, if he knocks you down on his way out every time you open the door, start working with him on sitting at the door before you will open it. If he's chewing something he shouldn't, interrupt the behavior by calling his name, rewarding him when he stops and looks at you, and then quickly redirecting him (give a preferred chew toy, ask him to get the ball, etc.).
Follow the 2 Failure Rule: if you ask for a behavior twice and he doesn't respond, back up, make it a little easier, and take smaller steps to the end result. For example, if your dog doesn't understand “down” you can reward him for bending over, then for crouching more, then for inching a paw out, and then finally for having both elbows on the floor.
Reward every small success! Remember this is hard work. Don't be stingy with your rewards or your praise. He should know that you think he is the smartest dog in the class. If he is struggling with something be sure to give him a “jackpot” (multiple treats) when he gets it. You can also throw in a couple easy requests to keep him in the game and feeling confident.
End each training session with a WIN. It's very tempting to push things a little further, particularly after a great breakthrough occurs. This is like completing a marathon and having someone say “great job, now do it again!” Instead of asking for more from your dog, end the session and do something else fun together.