39.Train your dog to be less sensitive. Dogs can have many of the same fears

as humans, and part of your training efforts should be concentrated on

teaching your dog how to handle fear and anxiety. A good example is

thunder. Many dogs are afraid of the loud noise for which they cannot locate

a source. If you are able, purchase a CD with thunder noises and play it in

the background while you are in the home with your dog. When the dog

starts to get anxious, tell him NO and redirect his attention. Until you are

certain that you have desensitized your dog, be sure to place your dog in a

crate so that he is contained whenever there are loud noises.

40.Stick to small time intervals when training. Dogs do not have long

attention spans, and they tire quickly of the same activities. Therefore, for

effective training you should break up your sessions into 5-10 minute intervals

throughout the day. You can work on one command for a few minutes and

then play with your dog for a while. After a break for water and a quick nap,

you can start again with a second command or maybe even work on

leash-training. Don’t expect to train your dog in a weekend – or you will only

end up frustrated with a completely confused dog!

41.Be aware of the importance of timing. Dogs are not like children. If you

punish a dog just minutes after a bad behavior – chances are that they will

never make a connection between the punishment and that behavior. You

need to catch your dog in the act of an unacceptable behavior if you want to

correct what he did wrong.

42.Define training for yourself first. If you are going to be a successful trainer

for your dog, you need to know in advance what training means to you. What

are your goals? Do you want a perfectly behaved show dog, or would you be

satisfied if your dog learned to come when you call him? There is no

definitive answer for what training means – it’s a matter of preference that

only you can define. But, make the decision before you begin so that you

know what your own expectations are.

43.Know the non-verbal commands that you are giving as well as the

verbal. When you are training your dog, he will pick up on more than just the

commands you issue verbally. Some astute dogs will learn that a hand to the

left means – go left. Others may assume that because you are grumpy when

you tell them to sit, they will be the object of your wrath should they listen to

you. Training is about action and reward. If you give your dog non-verbal

clues and commands, it is likely that they will develop a response. Therefore,

pay attention to your posture, tone of voice and attitude during training

sessions.