Every interaction you have with your dog is a reinforcement – either positive or negative. If your dog gets a treat or toy or walk or praise and a pat, you are giving positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement encourages your dog to do that behavior again. If you punish your dog, ignore him, take something away, or refuse something, then you are giving negative reinforcement – he does not want that response so he will probably not do that again.
These five tips for successful Italian Greyhound training will help you establish you as the leader in your dog’s life which will make training your dog much easier. Remember, all members of your family need to participate to make this successful.
Never let your Italian Greyhound lead. You and your family lead. Your dog must always follow. For example, do not reward your dog’s begging at the table by giving him a bite. Whether out for a walk or training, instead of letting your dog pull you, make your dog walk next to you at a “heel” position so that you are in control.
Do not compromise with your Italian Greyhound Dog. In Italian Greyhound training, if you want him to perform a desired behavior, don’t just give up and walk away when he does not perform. Instead, use some type of reinforcement to show the dog his behavior was not correct, such as withholding the treat or toy. If he comes when called but does not sit or does not sit straight right in front of you, correct him firmly and wait a few seconds before praising him. Never say “well, at least he came, so I will praise him for that” and let it slip that he did not sit in the way he was taught.
You and your family should always initiate and terminate interaction with your Italian Greyhound. If you are in a conversation with another family member or friend and your dog comes and nuzzles you for attention, simply make your dog lie down and ignore him until you are done with your conversation and ready to pay attention to your dog. Then tell your dog to come over and reward him with attention.
Avoid tending to your Italian Greyhound’s every desire. In Italian Greyhound training, the dog is easily confused if you give him an extra treat, just because he’s cute. Reward should only be given for desired behavior. If your dog fusses while in the crate and you let him out or do something else because you feel sorry for him or think it will quiet him, you are rewarding him for fussing, so he will do it again – even quicker after being put into the crate the next time. It is then your fault for his never being crate-trained.
In Italian Greyhound training, establish trust by touching or talking to your dog often. This will help establish the trust needed to truly set you forth as the leader. For example, when you are obedience training your dog, each time he does the right thing, praise him and rub him (on top of his head, along his side, or under his chin). This type of touch and praise encourages the dog to look at you and listen to you. If your dog is heeling by your side, every few steps make sure you say things like “what a good girl, Tippy” or “nice job, Tippy.” In this case, use the dog’s name at the end of what you say.