English bulldogs make great family pets. These loyal and affectionate dogs attract families around the world with their short, muscular bodies and multitude of wrinkles. They are the most adorable puppies and the most beautiful dogs when fully grown. The one thing many dog owners don’t realize is that while English bulldogs make amazing family pets, they are exceptionally stubborn.
The best way to train any dog is with positive reinforcement. When dealing with a dog with a stubborn nature, negative reinforcement such as yelling or slapping will not do the trick. Teaching the dog that when he does something right he is rewarded is the best method for this particular breed that craves attention and is loyal, wanting to please his owner when he can.
One of the best methods of training your English bulldog is clicker training. Clicker training has been used by dolphin trainers for years and it comes with many positive rewards. When dealing with a stubborn dog, you can’t afford a delay between the dog actually doing what he’s asked and praise. Due to the fact that these dogs love attention from their owners, petting them to tell them they did well will only increase their craving for affection.
Another thing to remember is that these dogs do not like exercise. Most likely, when you remove the collar and leash, the dog will lie down and refuse to leave the house. Being indoor dogs, you’ll also want to make sure they don’t dirty your house when you’re away or chew on your expensive couch if left alone.
This means that petting the dog to tell him that he has done well or giving him cookies or treats is not the way to go. With clicker training, the dog soon learns that when you click, he has done what you asked. It is a quick method that requires a lot of patience and quick triggers. When your English bulldog finally does what you ask, which can take a lot of time and patience, praise him in a positive voice. The dog will soon realize that saying “good boy” in a happy tone is exactly what he needs and he knows that you are happy with his achievement.
Linking the clicker with positive consequences has proven to be highly successful in English bulldog training. When training this particular breed, you cannot afford to take a break from training. Training should be carried out at regular intervals at various times of the day. Keep training times short because the dog will lose interest. Remember that patience is key as these dogs have minds of their own and will be stubborn to begin with.
Start your training as soon as your new puppy comes home. The first training is house training, teaching the dog to go out on his own when he needs to go to the bathroom. This is the most important step in the training process and once you’ve accomplished it, you can move on to other training techniques. Puppies can begin to train, understand commands and follow commands from two months of age.
When you begin your training routine with an English bulldog, it’s a good idea to establish a set routine that includes feeding times, bath times, and play times. A dog with an established routine will be a happy and confident dog. Be sure to add a few ten-minute training times into the day to ensure you start working on the important commands you want your dog to learn in the future.
