Top 5 Tips for Training Difficult Dog Breeds

There is an old saying that goes, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But what if you can’t teach a dog any tricks – no matter what age it is? What happens if a dog doesn’t even want to learn how to sit or stay? Some dogs are smarter than others – that’s just the way it goes. And some dogs have a hard time responding to the whole treat and command response method of training. If this is the case, you are definitely going to need some help. Okay, maybe a lot of help. Dog training isn’t for everyone, but you should at least be able to teach your pooch some basic commands. Here are the top five tips for training difficult dog breeds.

1. It’s a give and take relationship. If your dog is hyperactive, likes to chew on your expensive shoes and furniture or is just being a bad boy or girl, you have to figure out why your pup is acting so mischievously. Sometimes you have to find out what you can give your dog before you start the training process. It could be as simple as the fact that your dog needs to get out and run around. Dogs are like balls of energy and most of that energy needs to be exhausted before you can get down to the training.
2. Don’t get mad at your dog. Dogs know anger and they can feel the energy of someone that is not pleased. However, the more patient you remain, the more calm and relaxed your dog is going to be. If your dog fears that it is going to be yelled at, it won’t respond to any commands. So, make sure to take deep breaths and think nice thoughts the next time your dog leaves you a little present by your bed.
3. Take the lead. Dogs are pack animals – they need to have a leader. Where cats will basically do whatever they want, dogs will actual respond if there is an alpha in the group. The last thing you want is for your dog to become the alpha, because that means you have lost the war. So, make sure that you show your dominance and your pup will respond much better to commands.
4. Create a rigid schedule. Some bad dogs need to go to boot camp to learn some of the more basic commands. While you probably aren’t going to get your dog to jump through hoops, dance and walk on its hind legs, you will probably be able to get your dog to heel, sit and stay. However, you need to have a very strict schedule, or else your pooch will forget many of the lessons it learned.
5. Get help from a professional dog trainer. If your dog is not responding to anything – maybe your dog is a rescue or was abused by a previous owner – you may need to take him or her to a professional dog trainer, like Beyond the Leash. In the end, a little professional help can be like therapy for your dog and a little obedience can actually make your pup a better pet and best friend.