Unless you make it clear from the start who is in control then training a big dog can be a problem. A big dog can be a handful because of its size and sometimes its temperament. Unless training has commenced at puppy hood it can be difficult to train your pet. This guide will provide you with some dog training tips and hints to help you gain control over your dog.
It is best to start training your dog from the day you bring it home. If you have acquired a puppy, that is better from a training perspective. Puppies are much easier to train than a big dog. While your pet is a puppy you will easily have control which makes training that much easier.
If your dog is already full grown and is a problem to you and anyone it meets then some serious training is required. Training a big dog will require a lot of patience. A grown dog is harder to train than a puppy. Stay calm and be persistent with your training methods. Start with the basics and take it slowly.
Teaching your dog to sit is one of the first things most people teach their dogs. It can solve a lot of other related problems, like jumping up for instance. There is no point trying to physically get a big dog to sit by forcing their back down. This is not a good method to try on any size dog as it can damage their back so avoid it.
To teach a big dog to sit use food rewards.
- Get your dogs attention.
- If your dog has a tendency to run from you then train it in a small room in your house or in a small confined area of your yard.
- Take a dog treat that you know your dog loves and stand in front of your dog.
- Hold the dog treat just over your dog’s nose, say SIT in a firm voice and move your hand backward behind your dogs head.
- This should all be actioned in one fluid movement. If done correctly your dog will automatically sit. Let him have the treat and praise him. Don’t overdo the praise for hyperactive dogs.
Repeat this four or five times ensuring that you say SIT each time. Do not overdo it on the first day.
Repeat this process for a week reducing the treats little by little until your big dog eventually sits without the treats. Ensure that you praise your dog each time he does the right thing. The praise will eventually replace the need for treats.
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