You can train your dog

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McAlestar News-Capital

By Joyce McNally


He lunges, he pulls on his leash, he digs, and he’ll bark at anything … he’s your new dog. Whether he’s in the throes of puppyhood or a former shelter pooch that had never been trained properly, your dog can learn to be on his best behavior at home and outdoors.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a well-trained dog is one that understands basic commands such as “Sit,” “Stay,” “Down,” “Come,” “Heel,” and “No.” Before you start, you will need good information and the right equipment. Training manuals and videos are excellent ways to learn how to teach your pet because they allow you to actually see and hear the techniques.

Remember, there is more than one way to train a dog and you may have to do some research and experimenting to find the best technique for you and your pal. Shy and nervous dogs, for example, may respond better to food lures and rewards rather than hard corrections and physical manipulations. Make sure that the method you choose is humane and does not employ fear, force, hitting or coercion.

Next, you’ll need a collar and leash appropriate for your pet’s type and temperament. Buckle collars are a must for puppies and toy dogs and also work well with fearful, elderly animals, and those that don’t pull. A collar must fit properly or the dog will be able to slip out of it. Make sure you can slip two fingers between the collar and your pal’s neck, but that it can’t slide over your dog’s ears. Be sure to check it periodically as your pal grows.

Correction collars can be invaluable training devices, but are not recommended for fearful dogs or small breeds and delicate windpipes. Head halters may be just right for timid or bold dogs. They are the most humane type of correction equipment.

Although the controversial prong collar may look awful, it can be used successfully with dogs that are touch insensitive. If you, as a trainer, lack strength and stature, a prong collar may afford more control. Make sure it can close fully without putting excessive pressure on your dog’s skin. Ideally, once your dog can be controlled while wearing a prong collar, he can graduate to a correction collar, and then to a buckle collar. Be very light-handed when using a correction collar. Otherwise you can easily harm your dog.

The training leash should be six feet long. Cotton or leather leashes are easier to work with than nylon. If your dog tends to bite his leash, apply an anti-chew spray. Tell him to “Leave it” or “Stop It” if he attempts to mouth it.

A little common sense goes a long way. Keep your sessions short and frequent. Stand tall and use a deep, strong voice when warning or reprimanding. This is especially important for women who may become shrill or high-pitched when stressed or displeased with the dog’s performance. When praising your pet, relax your posture or kneel down and speak in a cheerful manner.

Best advice — enroll your dog in a group obedience class. Not only will you receive expert advice on how to train your pet, your dog will gain important social skills.

If you are interested in a sweet, loving addition to your family, call PAWS Connection at (918) 470-7297. While you are on the phone, schedule that appointment to have your pal spayed or neutered. Low-income clinics are held in McAlester.