How to tame a dog? Everything you Need to know

Being a pet parent of an unruly dog is difficult. Still, if you tame your dog with patience, that will help resolve the undesired behavior. Dogs should be alert, active, and constantly ready for action. However, there is an issue when a dog’s activity levels are unmanageable or unpredictable. Fortunately, you can tame your energetic dog’s behavior by making a few easy changes to his daily routine. In addition, changing your conduct may also aid in the reduction of hyperactivity.

How Long Will It Take to Tame a Dog? 

Mastering your dog for specific behavior takes time according to the breed. There will be breeds who can grasp the conduct quickly, and the rest will take time. Depending upon their traits and present behavior, the time will vary.  

Remember to be consistent while taming your dog. Punishing a dog can make the training ineffective.  

What Makes it Difficult to Tame a Dog? 

A dog can be unmanageable at various points for various reasons, making it difficult to tame dogs. However, proper training can overcome the problem. Below are the reasons why dogs are unmanageable: 

• A dog can become aggressive if he is not spayed or neutered. Spaying your dog at a later age also can make the dog aggressive.  
• Underlying medical conditions like adrenal dysfunction, orthopedic issues, acute pain, thyroid abnormalities, sensory deficits, et cetera can make a dog aggressive.  
• Lack of security can make your dog aggressive.  
• Lack of socialization can make your dog aggressive and defensive.

Tools Needed to Tame a Dog

The appropriate tools that will be helpful to you through the training process are listed below:

• Leash: All dog breeds can benefit from a range of training leashes. They are four to six feet long and vary in size. The extra length ensures that your dog has ample space to move away from you while yet being nearby.

BAAPET Dog Leash

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• Collar and Harness: There are collars and harnesses which are very helpful while training your dog.

WINSEE Dog Harness

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• High-Value Dog Treats: The most intriguing part of dog training for a dog is dog treats. In the initial training phase, they obey the command or your hand movement generally for the treat.

Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats

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Steps to Tame a Dog 

Establishing dominance as the pack leader in the house and helping your dog unlearn undesirable behaviors are the keys to taming an unruly dog. However, you can tame most dogs with a bit of patience. So, get started with these simple suggestions. 

Method 1: Establish Dominance 

• Basic Commands: Your dog will obey you if you demonstrate that you are in charge. First, train your dog with the elementary commands like – sit, stay, lay, back, et cetera. This will help you gain control and confidence in your dog. Next, train your dog outdoors and indoors. With the leash on, initially train your dog. Later , start training off-leash.  

• Use Body Language: Using your body language, you can make your dog understand the commands proficiently. Remember, do not be violent with your dog, as the training will become ineffective. Following are the ways you can establish understandable body language.

• Refuse to walk out of the door if your dog moves ahead of you. Instead, stop and apply the stay command. Your dog should move after you or along with you.  

• Do not let your dog pull while walking. Instead, stop while your dog pulls. Then, train your dog in heel position until he masters the command.  

• Prevent your dog from jumping on you. Ignore his jumping on your behavior. Instead, treat your dog when he stops.  

• Discourage the Dog Dominance: Do not punish your dog if your dog is misconducting. Discouraging his dominating behavior can prevent him from doing it the next time. Reward your dog onto changing the misconduct into the desired behavior.

• Schedule a Strict Routine:  It’s a fantastic technique to demonstrate authority by making your dog jump through hoops to satisfy your dog’s everyday needs. Repeat this every day before training with basic commands. This should be a daily routine for your dog. This will develop a sense of obedience in your dog towards you. Use collars and harnesses while training your dog outdoors. 

• Your dog should be fed every day at the same time, bowl, and space. This will maintain a feeding consistency that will keep your dog healthy. A hungry dog will be either aggressive or very sluggish, which will lead to behavior issues.  

• Washroom time too shall be scheduled. After your dog wakes up from sleep, there should be a pee and poop break after every meal. Hence housetraining should be planned accordingly.  

• Sleep training and making a schedule are essential for a dog. Most breeds generally sleep for 14 hours a day. Sleeping rejuvenates the dog and also helps in mental and physical well-being.

• Train’ Off’ and ‘No’ Command: You can apply these commands when you notice their unruly behavior.  

Method 2: Reduce Behavior Issues 

• Exercise: One of the most prevalent reasons for canine misbehavior is lack of exercise. A dog lacking in exercise will have a lot of surplus energy to “act out” to release. If you can’t be there every day to ensure your dog gets adequate exercise, employ a dog-walking service to satisfy its needs. 

• Socialize: If your dog doesn’t know how to interact with other animals or humans, he will become aggressive. So, socialize your dog to keep him mentally stimulated. 

• Do not Accidentally Praise Unruly Conduct: Dogs need attention, and they will try to gain it from you through unruly behavior. Do not react or reward that. Else your dog will acquire the act as a way to gain attention. Instead, ignore the action and reward when he stops. Shower all the attention with generosity.

• Check Your Behavior: Your dog can sense your energy. Your mental and physical illness can affect your dog in the long run. Both you and your dog should go through regular checkups.

• Avoiding undesirable games: It is better to stop playing games that induce aggression in dogs like Tug-o-War. 

• Do Not Punish: Never punish your dog for any misconduct. It will lead to fear, anxiety, and disobedience. Also, dogs live in the moment. Hence it won’t be effective for you to punish for an act that is already done.  

• Positive Reinforcement: Every time your dog acts what is desired, use positive reward immediately.

• Some signs of aggressive behavior: Here is a list of undesirable or aggressive behavior that your dog shows up:
  • Growling
  • Standing still
  • Snarling
  • Threatening barks
  • Mouthing or Biting lightly
  • Snapping at strangers
  • Repeatedly biting

There are several factors why your dog shows aggressive behavior.

• Protective
• Territorial
• Unsocialized
• Possessive
• Frightened
• Defensive
• Suffering from pain

Pro Tips 

Pro tips are an additional advantage to the overall taming procedure. Before taming your dog, it is necessary to build a friendly relation with your dog to help your dog get along with you.

What If General Training Tips Do Not Work? 

Appoint a professional trainer for taming your aggressive dog.

Videos on How To Tame a Dog?

How to tame a dog?

How to tame an aggressive dog?

How to learn the body language of aggressive dogs?

Final Thoughts 

You can tame your dog into a peaceful pet with proper training. It may be challenging at first while alter your dog’s behavior, but the payoff will be years of loving companionship.