The right attitude is every bit as important in dog/puppy training as the right equipment- a properly fited collar and leash. These are some basic steps to keep in mind:
If you are going to train your Tzu properly then you need to be dedicated. Even though they are very intelligent dogs, they don't catch on teh first time you tell them to sit. Can you remember when you tried to walk? You fell a few times before you succeeded. Well, they are the same way.
Are you a very busy person with little time? Well, it's ok. They do learn quick, 5 minutes in the morning and when you go to bed will work.
Would you appreciate it if your teacher changed their style of teaching or how they gave examines? Probably not. Well, most pet owners change their pets habits all the time without knowing or think they are doing the right thing. Not necessarily, it can be damaging to some.
There are two things to remember: (1) After your dog knows a command, use it in the same manner all the time and (2) don't ever think of changing its meaning. A perfect example are the words "OFF" and "DOWN". I prefer the word "Off" and my boyfriend prefers the word "Down". It drives me batty. Please understand that we do not live together any more and my Tzu's know "Off" and his Tzu "Down". When we are together getting ready to eat and he wants them off the bed, he says "Down!". Maggie gets down, but mine look at him like "that's not what mom tells us" and stays there. And you wonder why they don't listen. BE CONSISTENT! Also be sure that everyone in your family knows the same commands.
Don't work agaisnt them, work with them. Just because you get frustrated doesn't mean they don't. It can make learning for them easier if you are a TEAM. It is very similar to the workplace. You know how all the major companies are now enforcing TEAMWORK. It is the same idea. Think of the anagram:
T- Together E- Everyone A- Achieves M- More!!!!
You have to have the right attitude here. A negative one doesn't get you or your Tzu anything accomplished. Your Tzu can detect anything and everything, especially if you would rather be somewhere else doing something else. Let her know you want to teach her. She'll be in return happy to be there. When she does something right give her a treat or a praise. Remember though, too many treats can make a Tzu sick.
Another thing that drives me up the wall is when owners punish their pets for doing something wrong. Don't get me wrong, you have to tell them it was wrong. However, most owners don't tell them what it was they did wrong and just hit them or whatever their method is. Make sure that they understand what is was they did wrong before punishment is given and make sure it fits what they did. Most importantly, be fair. Don't be angry and scream them. Don't take out your aggression on them for something they didn't do. That's not why you have a pet. They are there to comfort you.
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