FIVE MOST EFFECTIVE DOG TRAINING TIPS

Dog Training Tips by K9 Advisors

Get expert professional dog training tips from South Florida’s trusted dog trainers at K9 ADVISORS. These simple yet effective techniques help you improve focus, build better communication, and a strong relationship with your dog.

Dog Training Tip #1:
Get Your Dog’s Attention First

Before asking your dog to do anything, you must get their focus. Many owners repeat commands over and over — “sit… sit… Fido sit…” — but this teaches the dog to respond only after hearing the 5th or 6th repetition. Worse, it teaches them they can ignore the first cue entirely.

The solution? Get your dog’s attention before giving a command. This increases obedience, reduces confusion, and helps your dog respond the first time.

Easy ways to get your dog’s attention:

When your dog looks at you, then give the command. This simple shift improves obedience instantly.

• Snapping your fingers at your chest level
• Tapping your thigh or hip, then chest with your palm
• Making a sharp, not loud, vocal sound such as a short eh! or ek!
• Using a toy or ball to get your dog's attention.

Dog Training Tip #2: Timing Is (Almost) Everything

Once you have your dog’s attention, you have about one second to communicate what you want. Don’t freeze in surprise when your dog looks at you — use that moment!

Example:
Snap your fingers → dog looks up → you immediately say “Sit!” → praise the moment they do it.

Good timing makes training faster, clearer, and more effective. Poor timing causes confusion.
Consistency + good timing = success.

Dog Training Tip #3: Don’t Use Their Name for Commands

Most dogs learn early that their name means “come to me.”
Because of that natural association, avoid pairing their name with any command except “come.”

Examples of what NOT to do:

• “Fido sit!”
• “Fido down!”
• “Fido no!”
• “Fido! Who did this?!”

Using their name during corrections also creates a negative association.

Use their name ONLY for:

• Calling them
• Positively reinforcing them
• Praising them

Examples of what you should say:

• “Fido, good job!”
• “Good boy, Fido!”

This keeps their name positive and strengthens communication.

Dog Training Tip #4: Always Praise the Dog

Just like people, dogs thrive on encouragement. When learning something new, praise helps your dog understand what behavior you want more of.

Praise your dog not only when they do something right — but also when they choose not to do something wrong.

Example:
If your dog was previously corrected for getting on the couch but walks by the couch and chooses to lie down on the floor instead — praise immediately:
“Good girl!”

Over time, they learn that the better choice earns your approval.

Always end every training session with praise.
It builds confidence and keeps your dog eager to continue learning.

Dog Training Tip #5: Protect Your Energy

Dogs respond deeply to our energy. If you’re frustrated, angry, tired, or stressed, stop and take a moment before training.

Training should never come from negative energy — it should come from calmness, clarity, and confidence.

Before interacting with your dog:

• Take a few deep breaths
• Relax your shoulders and posture
• Approach with calm assertiveness

When your mind is clear, your dog is more receptive. Communication improves, corrections are more effective, and praise carries more meaning.

Dog training isn’t about raising your voice — it’s about raising your communication.

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These dog training tips are the intellectual property of K9 Advisors and may not be used, copied, or republished on any website without written permission.