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How to Train Your Dog to Listen

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Here we are, all stuck in lockdown due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. We have plenty of time on our hands. I know many people are struggling to find ways to keep themselves occupied. So, what better time to show your furry friend how much you love them, by training them to be the faithful companion you have always hoped for.

How to get your dog to listen to you

How do you train your dog?

This is a question that many friends have asked me. Also, I have been stopped in the street by dog owners who have also asked this question. However, before I attempt to answer your question, let me ask you a couple of questions instead:

  • Does your dog always come or sit on command – anytime and anywhere you want him to?
  • Do you feel as if you are the boss of the household and in control of your dog?

If your answers are no, then it’s time to take some positive steps to train your furry friend. So let’s find out how to train your dog to listen.

How to Get Your Dog To Listen

Before you begin any training, you must first establish yourself as the “ALPHA dog” of your family. Your dog must know that you’re the leader of the pack and it is YOU who is in charge. (I can hear Nelly laughing as I write this!!)

Here is a list of simple DO’s and DONT’s that you must follow if you want to be the Alpha:

  • Always go out or come in through the door first – remember you are the leader;
  • Always eat first – give your dog something to eat only after you’ve finished your meal;
  • Don’t circle around your dog when he is lying on the floor – make your dog move out of your way instead;
  • Don’t let your dog set the rules – pay attention to him when you think fit, and not whenever he demands;
  • Don’t let your dog sleep with you in your bed – make sure you mark out his sleeping area clearly.

How to get your dog to listen to you

Once you have successfully established yourself as the Alpha, training your dog and making him listen will be a lot easier than you can imagine. Remember, if your dog does not learn to “listen”, all your training efforts will be in vain!

Does your dog know his name? Does your dog look at you whenever you call him by his name? This is the first and the most critical step involved in training your dog. If your dog doesn’t respond to his name, you cannot have his attention for teaching him any other commands.

To make sure that your dog recognises his name, take a treat in your hand and hold it away from your body. Call your dog’s name. He is most likely to look at the treat in your hand. Continue calling his name until he turns and looks at your eyes. Give him the treat immediately. Repeat this exercise by holding the treat in the other hand. Once you’re sure that your dog has learnt to recognise his name, just call his name and reward him for looking at you with a pat or a hug.

You must understand that dogs respond far better to positive reinforcement than they do to coercion or force.

Conclusion

These are the very basic ways to start training your dog. The pillars to which you can build on if you like. Once you have mastered these you can then go onto further educating your loved ones.

Please find attached some of the best sellers on Amazon.co.uk that will help guide you when training your loved one. Please note these are also available on kindle and here is the link to help you set this up if need be.

Here we have the best sellers on Amazon.com that are also available on kindle. The link above will send you straight to the kindle site. Happy reading everyone.

 

If you have any comments or feedback please feel free to drop me a line.

David

8 thoughts on “How to Train Your Dog to Listen”

  1. Thank you, David, for this article;  is exactly what I needed. I am a dog lover like you and your wife; The difference is that you are professional. I appreciate Dog Training, in particular, because in my case, I am dealing with the youngest of my two dogs, who is the most rebellious. 
    Reading this article, it opened my eyes, seeing how many basic things I do wrong. From what you listed, all. It should not surprise me why he did not listen to me.:-/
    A very good article, it presents important aspects and information for dog lovers. I will look forward to the next articles.

    Diana

    Reply
    • Hi Diana,
      I know exactly where you are coming from. To really train your Dog takes commitment and you cannot feel sorry for them when you tell them No !!! No matter how much we want to pick them up and give them a cuddle ha ha. With my two, the oldest Hudson is very well trained. Unfortunately our smallest, Nelly, has been over spoilt but that is our own fault. She does have a mind of her own but as my wife says we must enjoy them.
      Thanks again for dropping me a line. Have a great day.
      David

      Reply
  2. Thank you, David, for this article;  is exactly what I needed. I am a dog lover like you and your wife; The difference is that you are professional. I appreciate Dog Training, in particular, because in my case, I am dealing with the youngest of my two dogs, who is the most rebellious. 
    Reading this article, it opened my eyes, seeing how many basic things I do wrong. From what you listed, all. It should not surprise me why he did not listen to me.:-/
    A very good article, it presents important aspects and information for dog lovers. I will look forward to the next articles.

    Diana

    Reply
    • Hi Diana,
      I know exactly where you are coming from. To really train your Dog takes commitment and you cannot feel sorry for them when you tell them No !!! No matter how much we want to pick them up and give them a cuddle ha ha. With my two, the oldest Hudson is very well trained. Unfortunately our smallest, Nelly, has been over spoilt but that is our own fault. She does have a mind of her own but as my wife says we must enjoy them.
      Thanks again for dropping me a line. Have a great day.
      David

      Reply

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