Dog -Training Tips that Fido Can Live With

Anyone who has a canine buddy living with him knows the importance of obedience training. All too often, though, it's the dog that ends up training the owner, thus making it hard to get Fido to comply with any verbal commands at all. But there are things you can do to turn the tables and regain your position as master of the bark.

First of all, you should remember that you're practicing the four "c's" here: commitment, control, consistence and confidence. You have to be committed to training; you can't do it for just one hour or one day, then skip the next two. That gives your dog the chance to slip the verbal leash off his neck and revert to his untrained attitude.
You also must be the one in control. Dogs are masters at using their emotions to get what they want. A little lick here, a small whine there, and they can have you "easing off" before you know it.

Of course, you have to be consistent. Once you've given a command, be certain to continue giving it in the same wording, meaning and strength as you started. To waver in this can actually give your pet mixed signals, making it hard for him to follow direction. Finally, you have to be confident enough to follow through on the training. If you develop a routine with him, using as few words as possible, and make it consistent, you'll see your confidence growing. You can do this - and do it successfully!

Now, what kind of commands do we give? Each must be definite to let him know you mean business. It's easy to tell a dog to "sit," for example, but within seconds he'll be back up and ready for mischief. However, if you call his name firmly (not gruffly) to get his attention and establish eye contact with him (don't let your eyes leave his!), you've started off well.

The next step is to put your hand on his lower back and push gently but firmly downward while firmly giving the command, "Sit!" Remember to make it sound serious ... a deeper voice, with the last letter emphasized ("siT!"), will let him know you mean business.