Before you start your dog in a training program, it is best that you what options
are available, and which suits your dog best. These days you can find many
types of dog training, in many different places. Training programs vary in price
and each one them has something different to offer.
The first type of dog training is known as puppy preschool. This is a dog training
course meant for puppies that are about 6 weeks to 5 months old. These puppy
preschool classes generally last for no more than 6 to 8 weeks. In these training
sessions, your puppy is essentially taught how to socialize with people and as
well as other puppies. Here your puppy also begins to learn how to sit down,
stay at a place, and how to come.
The second type of dog training course is meant for the dogs that are at least 5
months old. This type of dog training is known as the basic dog training. The
duration of these classes is usually about 8 to 10 weeks. This is the basic course,
where your dog is taught the art of walking properly on a leash, sitting, staying,
coming and heeling.
The third type of dog training course is known as the intermediate dog training.
This dog training aims at teaching the dog mostly the same things that are
taught in the basic training course, in a more detailed form. Here the dog is
trained to stay for a longer span of time, and is also taught to follow the orders
given by other people.
The intermediate dog training generally lasts for about 8 to 10 weeks, and is
meant for those that are no less than 5 months old. It is essential for the dog to
have completed its basic dog training course, or to be accustomed to the basic
commands that could have been taught by the owner.
The next type of training course is known as the advanced dog training course.
Here, once again, the course is quite similar to its previous one, i.e., the
intermediate dog training course, except for the fact that this time it is more
detailed. Here, the dog is taught how to sit even without you in the view.
This training course is about 8 to 10 weeks long, and is meant for those that
have completed their intermediate training. Here, they are also trained to walk
beside their owners without a leash. Moreover, it gradually prepares the dog to
take the Canine Good Citizen training course. The Canine Good Citizen training
for dogs is the last course. To pass this course, your dog will be taught the 10
necessary aspects.
This course is strictly meant for those dogs that have completed all the previous
courses. The test is quite tough and can only be passed if the dog is really well
behaved. Depending on whether your dog can pass, the course can last for
several weeks.
Keeping this information in mind, you should be able to decide the dog training
course best suited for your dog. However, you may seek the opinion of your local
dog trainers to know more. Many trainers consult for free. So now you should be
at least a step closer to introducing your dog into a training course!
THE BASICS OF DOG TRAINING
Have you recently brought home a little puppy? Then you may be interested in
giving your dog some basic training. You can get an obedience instructor for the
job, or you yourself can train your pet.
The fees of the obedience instructors can differ, and you would also have to take
your dog to the class where the training would take place. But if you are the
trainer, you can have the whole thing done almost without any expense, and
that too at your own home. So if you have decided to be the trainer, you must
have some knowledge on dog training first.
You should teach your dog three basic things first – sit, stay, and come. The first
thing you need to teach your dog is to sit. The one thing you would surely need
for this is dog treats.
Make sure that you choose a quiet place for this training, so as not to distract
your dog’s attention. Ask the dog to sit again and again while you hold the treat
over his head. Thus, he will have to turn his head up, and will sit there willingly
to get the treat.
If he still doesn’t sit, gently push his back down. When you have made him sit,
praise him and give him his treat. If you repeat the word ‘sit’, your dog will
realize that the command is related to sitting and will obey you to receive his
rewards.
The next thing you need to teach your dog is to stay. This part of the training
can be a little difficult. This is a command which your dog would have to learn
when you teach him to “come”. Make him sit in a place without any direction.
Repeat the word “stay” as you gradually walk back. Maintain an eye contact with
the dog, and if he rises from his position, say “no” and start all over again. This
training does take some time and patience. It would be easies if you initially get
someone to sit and hold him back if he doesn’t “stay”.
If he has learnt this part, try walking away with your back towards the dog. He
will probably rise now to follow you. Tell him “no” and repeat the process asking
him to stay in his position as you move away.
When your dog has passed this test, teach him to come. Make him stay and then
call him in a cheerful voice and thump your knee as you repeat the word “come”.
Reward him, as he will probably respond to your call promptly enough.
The key word of dog training is praise, and not punishment, as dogs respond
more to a positive behavior, rather than a negative one. Keep these tips in mind
and you would be able to install these three basic commands into your dog.
If you follow this process of training, you would surely be the proud owner of an
obedient pet whom everybody praises.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DOG TRAINING
I know I know, you probably think any sort of training will interrupt the
wonderful relationship you share with your dog. Sure it does yell rather
annoyingly when you take it out on walks, and you do have to lock it up during
dinner parties given how it snarls and growls at your friends four year old, but
that’s all okay, because that’s what dogs do right? Ummm….not really. Sorry to
burst your bubble but in spite of not being a human being your dog too is
expected to be polite. Sure his antics might seem adorable to you, you might
think it’s cute when he jumps up at neighbors and scratches up doors, but your
dog’s victims sure as hell wouldn’t agree with you.
You might think you do not want to exercise the sort of authority required to tell
him to behave any better, and that’s all quite all right really. Being the owner of
a dog doesn’t require you to suddenly transform into a whip swinging ring
master and you are right in denouncing the pathetic idea of establishing who the
boss is when dealing with an animal.
Where you are wrong, however, is in your basic understanding of dog training.
You need to realize that training your dog is not about proving how much better
you are than it, you are not trying to teach it ‘human rules’ and thereby
attempting to make it more ‘human’, training is not a method of ‘humanizing’ a
dog. What it is, in fact, is a way of improving the relationship you share with
your pet, and of course a means of making it more sociable.
‘What’s the point of that?’ you might ask. Well, here is the thing. Most of us
spend the larger fraction of our daily lives toiling in office, drinking our instant
coffee, reading those balance sheets. The little time we get with our family and
pets we try to merge with some sort of socializing. We go to the park for a stroll
on a lovely evening after work, or to a friend’s house to watch a movie. If our
dogs are unfriendly then on all these occasions we keep it back home, alone,
such that in no time it’s in no way a part of our life at all.
Now, like human beings your dog too gets lonely, it gets lonely and depressed
and awfully sad especially when it’s left all alone in a dark house where there
isn’t anyone to pat his tired little head.
So you see ultimately due to your aversion towards training you keep your dog
from enjoying the sort of company and activities it would like to.
Obedience training is a means of letting your dog cope better with it’s immediate
environment. It grants every dog an easier life and makes them easier to live
with. Training your dog will give you more opportunity to spend more time with
your beloved pet, no matter where you are going and who you are going with.
So get in their and give your dog a nice pat and take it out for training. A few
magic words like ‘heel’, ‘down’, ‘stay’, ‘come’ and ‘sit’, will change your
relationship with your favorite companion forever. Good luck.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DOG TRAINING
Known as man’s best friend, Dogs are the most loved domesticated animals in
the world. Having a dog or puppy in a family is quite exciting for that family. But
just having a dog or a puppy is not all. One should also pay attention to training
his/her dog properly so that he can become an obedient and accepting part of
the family. Dog training is not a simple job; it demands certain skills and
approaches in order to make it useful, which can be learned in course of training.
It is believed to be a good idea to train your dog yourself, though you can
appoint or hire an expert or specialized dog trainer to look after the job. But both
the ways have their respective merits and demerits.
Though you might commit mistakes and there could be instability in your
approach it is always helpful to train your dog yourself as it gives you a better
chance of establishing that significant contact or communication between you
and your dog. You will gradually understand how your dog is reacting to any
particular situation or what cause them to do a specific action – like barking. On
the contrary, appointing a skilled person gives you immediate results but does
not allow you to experience the “trial and error” method possible when training
personally, which can be useful at some point of time.
Some will ask you to go for a blend of the two – train yourself, but also join a
professional dog training class. This helps you to attend several things, its like
eating your cake, and still keeping it. It also cuts down your expenses, needed in
the case of professional trainer and still providing with the professional direction
for the training. At the same time it also allows you to establish that special
bond, which is possible when you train your dog by yourself.
Always keep in mind that patience; environment, and rewards are very important
factors, irrespective of how you chose to train your dog. These factors affect a
lot and give you total success if properly maintained.
While training you need patience, keeping in mind the fact that you are going to
communicate with someone who does not speak your language or follow your
way of using any communicative methods. If you see that your hard work is not
yielding any satisfactory results or that you are not being able to proceed with it
just do not give up. It will take some time to make your dog bark or sit by simply
uttering or calling out some words to him as it is not a language which is natural
or previously known to him. You have to go for many repetitions and must praise
him, whenever he does something correctly, to get results.
Environment also plays an important part in dog training as dogs are very much
influenced by their environment. It is better to do the training session in a quiet
place with fewer disturbances, as any disturbance at the time of training can
easily distract their attention. On the other hand you can select a noisier place
for advanced training, but only after he is trained in basic obedience.
Dogs, being man’s good friend, always try to please their owners and keep them
contented. So in order to get a profitable result you must let know your dog
when you are happy with him and reward him with cuddles or any treat after he
performs anything, the way you wanted. This will give your dog an impression
that you are happy with him and he will try to hold up this act of his in future.
So, dog training can be equally challenging and easy, if you follow the
instructions provided to you here.
DOG TRAINING: KNOW THE DIFFERENT TYPES
Every dog owner must take up dog training to know and handle a dog better.
Appreciating a well-mannered dog is something that all can do, training is what
makes things difficult. Now, there are many kinds of dog training available but
not all will suit your dog.
Most dog owners and also people in general are unaware of the various kinds of
dog trainings provided. The types of dog training change with the varying stages
of development in the dog.
While some dogs have never been trained, some others have already undertaken
training before. Therefore, it becomes all the more essential to analyze and know
what type of dog training your dog needs.
The first level of dog training is the basic dog training. The basic training is
meant for beginners — either a puppy or a grown-up dog that is being trained
for the first time. This level includes only the rudiments — how to make a dog
sit, stay and come when called. Some part of it also aims at teaching the dog to
socialize with other dogs and people in a proper way. This is particularly given to
puppies. And if your dog had never taken training before, this basic level is
where to start with.
The next level is the intermediate level. This level of dog training is not for
puppies, but for those adult dogs that have undertaken the basics either formally
or at home by their own owners. This intermediate type of training trains a dog
to heel, walk properly on a leash, fetch something and return. It also revises the
basics of sitting, staying and coming etc.
The third and final type of dog training is the advanced course. This level is only
meant for those dogs which have been through a minimum of one training
course before and have passed it too. Here, in the advanced level, the different
elements of the basic and intermediate courses are revised in details right at the
start of the course. Then it goes to train the dog to act according to various
commands and hand signals like “come”, “stay”, “sit”, “heel”, “fetch”, “lie down”
et al.
When the dog gets accustomed to hand signals, the advanced course takes care
of teaching the dog how to walk and stay beside the master at all times even
without a leash. It also teaches the dog to have focus in its master, that is, to
pay attention and stop getting distracted. The advanced level of dog training is
usually suited to very obedient and well-mannered dogs.
Like all good trainings, dog trainings should also have motivators like prizes and
rewards to yield better and more positive results. Hitting and yelling at the dog
to make it pick up one action is not a wise technique while training. Instead of
being a success, chances are that it will give negative output. So you must make
sure that the dog training you assign your dog is a positive one, which indulges
in positive strategies.
You must also be careful about choosing the right course for your dog—the
course best-suited to it. That way, you may soon be able to boast of owning a
dog that is obedient, well-mannered, well adjusted and the perfect pet one can
have!
EFFECTIVE METHODS OF TRAINING YOUR DOG
Training your dog is something that each and every owner of a pet has to
associate with. You have to use time doing what requires to be done and
carrying it out efficiently. Pet owners who do not train their animals effectively
will have to go through difficulty down the road with misconduct and distressed
neighbors. It is worthwhile to get the dog training through as soon as feasible.
But how?
How can you successfully bring into play dog training? There are a number of
techniques out there and you can make an effort to try all of them. You have
these choices for the reason that every person has a distinct notion or
apprehension in relation to which is the top technique obtainable. You will
probably employ more than one technique before you can come across
something that suits you fine. Even as all these techniques work, you are the
person who should execute them successfully as the owner of the pet. Read on
for a few opinions to mull over on the topic of dog training.
One alternative that you have is consenting to a proficient person to do the job
for you. This is to a certain extent a helpful manner in particular when you are
not at home or capable to give over the time and stamina required to train the
dog correctly. It can be expensive however you can in addition find dog trainers
who will do it for a lot less than others.
A different technique that can be thought about in dog training is that of making
use of training collars. These do the job in a range of methods. A few work by
sending out a sound that is painful to the dog, if he does anything wrong. Others
function by giving off a small electrical shock to the dog if he goes out of line.
These techniques, both of them, are certainly of use.
And, both of these techniques are absolutely safe and sound for your pet as dog
training gadgets.
Of course, you can make use of your own techniques of dog training as well.
One way to keep the dog inspired when doing the right thing is to give them an
award. Dog training does not have to be hard when you give consent to others
to assist you to come across the right way to get the job done.
TIPS ON DOG OBEDIENCE TRAINING
Dog training will transform the dog’s mannerisms, from a dog that will not do as
he is told by you to a dog that will pay attention to your orders, from a dog that
is annoying the neighbors into a calm one, from a dog that is at all times
scampering from you into a dog that will remain at a halt at your order. Just like
in any other training scheme, there are some methods to be followed.
The dog has got to be familiar with his name, so he can act in response to the
master’s instructions. When he is familiar with his own name, you can begin
teaching with the check lead and instruct “here” or “come”. You can begin all this
in the house, but initially, he has to be able to make out his own name. If you
would like the puppy to pay attention just to you, then do not permit him to play
with other people. If you will allow him to play too much, he will begin to snarl
and bark every time you take his playthings away.
One more essential feature of dog training is that you have to teach your pet, so
no one will get harmed when you are out with him and people are all about him.
By making use of the dog training instructions correctly, you do not have to be
anxious that he will bite off someone or he will scamper off. Even if you have
trained your dog to be compliant and pay heed you, you should admire him as
well since after all, you selected him, he could not select you, and if you will not
take care of him properly, he will in all probability run away, or he will be
miserable. The fundamental dog training instructions that a dog should act in
response to are: fetch, stay close, here, sit and come.
- Begin teaching the dog whilst he is still a puppy – this makes sure of much
better achievement rates even for starting out dog trainers. - Put up some information on dog training and only then acquire a new puppy.
- Free dog obedience training programs ought to be modified to the precise
necessities of your dog breed. Please see our collection of precise dog breed
training techniques in order to get more understanding on this subject. - Make certain that the puppy is in high spirits and has an adequate amount of
energy to try out training. - Be inventive, by no means let the puppy get fed up and coach the dog where
the limits are set.
HANDY DOG TRAINING TIPS
Despite what it seems to be from a distance, dog training doesn’t need you to be
a fearless Hercules, all it asks of you is to keep a few basics in mind. First,
establish who the boss is, remind your dog again and again that you are the one
on two feet while he is still on all fours, and thus what you say is Gospel and
what he barks is not. Second, speak in a tone which oozes superiority,
something on the lines of your first grade math teacher. Third, routine is
everything so keep your training tactics consistent. Once you master these three
techniques you will be the master of every single dog around!
Your heart might melt into a mush every time your cute little pup cocks his head,
but don’t let that get in the way of your establishing who the master is. Go
gooey eyed too frequently and you are likely to pay with your carpets and
sandals, which it will most merrily chew through. Treat your pup the way you
would treat a little kid, setting it strict boundaries and letting it know what goes
and what most definitely doesn’t. Establish gestures like pointing etc. which will
give the dog a cue to act in a certain way.
You might not think it possible but dogs, like your kids, can tell when you mean
business, slacken up a bit with them and they’ll know you can be taken for a
ride. Interestingly enough they also have this instinct for intonation; be strict
when you want him to stay put at the yard, but be enthusiastic when you are
asking him if he would like to go for a walk. It’s funny how you’ll see your own
mood reflected in his responses. This is the primary step for you to establish the
kind of communication with your dog which will allow you to calm him or set him
up for work with a single word.
One of the main methods of training your dog is to keep a certain consistency in
your approach towards him. Keep your intonations, gestures and words for
expressing dissatisfaction the same every time, so that he gets used to the idea
easily. A young pup who grows up with a certain set of commands will respond
to them more promptly than one who is frequently confused by conflicting
orders. The more consistent your commands are, the better trained your dog is,
the better trained your dog is the greater your confidence in him regarding his
obedience to you. A few other ways of establishing consistency are to use the
same door when taking your doggie out for a walk, give him the same kind of
pat every night before retiring for the day, so that he knows exactly what time it
is.
Little things like these will help you predict your dog’s behavior more accurately.
Most importantly, however, remember to shower your love and affection on the
little one, continue your training through little games which he might enjoy, and
remember to treat him every time he does a task well.
USE DOG TRAINING TO BOND WITH YOUR DOG
Owning a dog that can carry out antics and is very docile and well trained is a
pleasure and delight of every dog owner. Owning a dog that in reality pays
attention, hangs on to each word and abides by its master would surely be
appreciated and awarded. This would firmly strengthen the bond. What’s more, a
dog well trained knows the way to “socialize” properly with people and other
dogs.
Dogs are one of the most cherished pets in every part of the world. They are
well received in more homes than any other domestic animal ever. Though they
are in general affectionate, devoted and faithful, they can be taught to be more
compliant. A well trained and well behaved dog is more cherished in any family
and is shown more affection and consideration. The times you spent with each
other performing antics and teaching equals to a connection that grows deeper
each day.
You will definitely feel secure in taking your dog just about anyplace, to the park,
vacations, beach, if you know that they will be conducting properly.
Getting to Know How your Dog Feels
Though animals are not thought to be as refined mentally as humans are, people
can make the change. Dog training permits us to comprehend how the dog
experiences and behaves.
Dogs are group animals, they fit in to groups and require a head, and we will be
their person in charge. In dog training we will gain knowledge of how to behave
like their head and tell them what to do. When we have set up our role as their
“pack leader”, the admiration and faithfulness follows next.
But apart from that, our dog is a member of our family, as each member of the
family has their part to play, so does the dog. A dog training sitting would let
your dog be aware of his or her part and tasks. In getting to know this, every
one would be happy to co-exist with one another furnishing a good atmosphere
and a strong joyful bond.
HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD OBEDIENCE SCHOOL FOR YOUR DOG
Every person desires for a dog that is well trained, but at times your pet may be
a little problematic or you simply may not have the time or be acquainted with
how to train him correctly. Fortunately you can get assistance and it is as easy as
signing up your dog in a dog obedience school.
Maybe you have come across people with disobedient dogs, or possibly even
have prepared to accept to yourself to believe that your dog will by no means do
as he is told. Perhaps you have got accustomed to returning home from work
and finding chewed up shoes and litter all over the house. Possibly you have
even started to take your dog for a walk at night because that is when no
neighbors are outside. For the reason that you just cannot manage him when
people and other dogs are all over.
You do not have to give up yourself to start believing that your dog will by no
means be controlled and in reality you are accountable to yourself and your pet
to do all the things that you can in order to get him trained appropriately.
Possessing a well bred dog can put away difficulties for both yourself and your
pet. A disobedient dog may perhaps bite off a neighbor or child creating legal
troubles for you. If your dog howls a lot and tries to get loose most of the time
you might get yourself in a problem with the police as well. And most
significantly, if your dog will not come up to you when called, you have very few
ways to keep him away from creating any trouble.
A trainer with a dog obedience school will give you an idea about you can
establish contact with your pet to make him to pay attention to you. He will be
trained how to act with people around and also with other dogs and the
fundamental instructions such as “sit”, “down”, “heel” and “stay”. Your dog will
most likely even take pleasure in this, as he will be able to pass time with you,
which is all that he in fact wants in the first place.
Selection of a dog obedience school is sort of like deciding on a school for your
kids – you would like to be in no doubt to send him to the proper one. Of course,
given that you will in all probability be attending as well, you would like one that
works for the both of you so you have to do a bit of investigation before you
decide on the school.
One thing to think about when making inquires about dog obedience schools is a
recommendation from others who have been at the school. Maybe you have a
co-worker, a neighbor, or a friend you can inquire from. If not, feel free to
request the school for recommendations and call up somebody who has
experienced the course. You ought to have a list of essential queries you can
inquire about the school and the effect of the dogs training. If you get
encouraging replies then you might have found your school, or else, it is time to
shift on to the subsequent alternative.
One more thing you have to do when cutting down your selection of obedience
schools is to drop in at the “campus”. Just like selecting a college, you would like
to be convinced that the school puts forward a fine atmosphere. Be sure that the
school appears well structured and the instructors are well informed. In addition,
you will almost certainly wish for a pleasant surrounding where your dog and you
feel at ease.
Chatting up with the instructors at the school is also a good plan. Find out about
the techniques that each trainer uses and you may even bring in them to your
dog to be certain they will get along. Your training will be much more effective if
both you and your dog are at ease with the trainer.
POSITIVE METHODS OF TRAINING DOGS
Dog training can endow with a remarkable extent of contentment. Every dog
ought to be familiar with the minimum fundamentals for coexisting with people –
sit, come, do not jump on people, stay, and so on. Other than the fundamentals,
there are a never ending range of things you and your dog can take pleasure in
doing collectively. Dogs, who are a delight to be with, have much more
suppleness in what they can do with persons, and so they have more enjoyment.
Constructive dog training techniques are a lot simpler to use, as well.
So what are positive dog training techniques? Various people will describe them
in a different way, but as a rule of thumb they are methods that let you to teach
your dog without causing it physical hurt. As a result these techniques add to
your dogs’ innate faith and enthusiasm. Dr. Ian Dunbar, Karen Pryor, Silvia Kent,
Linda Tellington-Jones, and others have to a great extent stretched out the
reputation of this ground in current years. Teaching dogs can be a deal for both
humans and dogs!
The rules that are behind these techniques are resulting from logical technical
study – proper backing up is a vital part of this method. Clicker training dogs is
possibly the best identified instance, but there are other techniques too. In
clicker training, a tiny noisemaker is clicked at the very instant that the dog does
just what you want it to. It is more specific than saying “Good!” or something
else. Then a goody is given, at a small amount of the time.
There are considerate people who support the cautious use of procedures that
do cause hurt in teaching dogs, in particular when the trouble seems difficult. I
consider that in teaching dogs, many techniques will work. But it is inspiring that
many dog owners and instructors have traversed over to using only pain free,
constructive techniques of dog training.
UNDERSTANDING WHEN TO REWARD AND WHEN TO PUNISH
YOUR DOG
There are certain things which should be kept in mind while training one’s dog.
There are different techniques of dog training.
Some of these techniques are quite useful, while some others can bear negative
results. It is therefore quite natural to get confused with so many sides of dog
training, as it is difficult to tell which one works the best.
The most common confusion, which people tend to have, is when to reward and
when to rebuke the dog. If you are such a confused one, the following tips will
help you.
Your dog-training instructor will probably tell you that you should always keep a
positive air while dog training. But actually you would need to be stern in certain
situations.
However, you must not scold your dog too frequently, as dogs always give a
better response if they get a positive behavior from their trainer. So it is first
important for you to realize when to praise your dog.
Your dog should get a reward every time he obeys you during the training
process. You should reward him if he sits, stays, fetches, goes to toilet in the
proper place, or does anything he his ordered.
His rewards can be anything – praises or kind words, treats, a rub on his belly,
or a pat on his head!
Positive dog training makes the learning process quicker. What your dog actually
wants is to please you, and that is why it will respond better with this kind of
teaching. But make sure that you do not go on rewarding him even when he
disobeys you.
Scolding is something, which should not be used unless it is necessary. You can
reprimand your dog if he jumps, barks, growls, pulls at his leash, destroys
anything, or excretes where he should not.
However, do not scold him unless you catch him doing something wrong.
Or else, he will not realize why you are reproving him. A quick and sharp “no!” or
“bad dog!” should be enough of a scolding.
You should keep an angry condemning tone, and make sure that you are crisp
and quick in your scolding. But if you are too frequent in your reproaches, your
dog will ultimately start ignoring you. Do not ever hit the dog, as it will only lead
to complications in future.
These are the points that you should keep in mind when you decide to praise or
scold your dog. Do not forget that your pet has only started learning, and is
trying to do his best. So patience is something that you must have.
If you are loving and understanding enough, your dog would find the training
easy, and ultimately it will be a wonderful experience for you two!
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLLAR FOR YOUR PUPPY
Whether the worry is to teach your dog or pass on an individuality to it, dog
collars and straps represent a vital role. Dog collars are available in a selection of
forms, dimensions and fashions, and are much of a style statement these days. A
dog collar may well be a reprieve for your puppy if, God forbid, it runs away from
your home.
With such an extensive selection of dog collars to be had, opting for the
appropriate one for your puppy can be to a certain extent nerve racking. The
collar ought to be chosen depending upon your choices and your puppy’s
behavior. For a rather docile puppy, a collar made up of soft cloth is fairly
suitable. On the other hand, a stubborn puppy has to be restricted by a fast jerk
of a spiked collar. A dog trainer may give you a hand in making the appropriate
selection of a dog collar for your loyal canine buddy.
The buckle range is mainly the regular sort of dog collar. A broad selection of
cloth may be used to make up a buckle collar, featuring a variety of colors and
designs. Your puppy’s name may be stitched on top of the collar for recognition
reasons. Buckle collar is made up of a sequence of spaced holes, and the buckle
is fixed firmly to arrive at the desired size.
Buckle collar is the most standard type, which can be improved to make sure of
additional protection for the puppy. For example, breakaway collars are planned
to pull to pieces under excessive trauma. A few collar styles are set with
discharge flaps that make sure of a quick taking away of the collar, comparative
to the usual buckle style. Such differences may perhaps help out to avoid your
puppy from gasping in unexpected state of affairs.
One more collar style is a prong collar, which is fairly of assistance if your puppy
is to a certain extent stiff and usually pulls hard while on leash. A prong collar
has vertical metal prongs that are spaced in an even way in the region of the
inside of the collar. Upon tugging the attached strap, the prongs poke your
puppy’s neck, in this manner slowing down its disorderly actions. The expression
“prong collar” does sound as a bit unsafe for your canine. Nevertheless, when
used properly, prong collars by no means cause any harm to the puppy, and are
a great deal safer than even other styles of dog collars.
KNOW ALL ABOUT GOOD DOG TRAINING COLLARS
Most dog owners wish that they could have more control over their dogs. With
dog training collars, however, you can get what you want, i.e., better control
with more comfort, and making sure that you are leading your dog more
effectively. You will find that there are basically two types of head halters that
are available for dogs. One type is known as the gentle leader and the other type
is known as the Halti.
Though both dog training collars are useful, the gentle leader has an advantage
because of its better design that ensures better control. The design is simpler, as
it settles behind your dog’s ears and then goes around the muzzle. Under the
dogs chin, it is connected with nylon straps. But do not confuse it with muzzle.
The dog can be controlled simply by using of general leader to control his nose.
This is sure to make your dog follow.
The second type of do training collar is the Halti. It has been made following the
same type of principles as the gentle leader. However the design is much more
complex and this can even cause problems as it might interfere with its
functioning. Infact, at times, these dog training collars have been known to
cause injuries in the neck and the spine of the dog.
There is another type of dog collar available that looks kind of intimidating. This
is known as the prong collar which is quite effective for controlling dogs that are
large, and have a thick neck. However these are not meant for those that yank
in your arms. The collar, that tries to pinch the dog’s neck by using light
pressure, may remind you of a torture device used in the medieval times.
However, as the pressure is mild, it does not really hurt the dog, and thus it does
not cause any harm. It only helps to make sure that your dog moves in the right
direction. These dog training collars must not be used for dogs that tend to
steadily pull on the leash, since this is essentially a correction device, not a
constant collar. This type of a dog training collar should not be used if you have
just become a dog owner, and extensive studying on its use is yet to be done.
Also, it is always advisable to consult your vet before you fit it to your pet.
An old type of a standby, known as the choke chain, is also available. As it
comes in last it is definitely not for the novice. There have been many studies
proving that a number of neck injuries are caused with this type of collar.
Therefore it is not advisable to use these dog collars, unless you are quite an
experienced trainer.
So, when you are selecting a dog training collar, get some information on their
proper use and use some common sense too. You and you dog are sure to make
a happy pair!
CLICKER TRAINING YOUR DOG
If you are looking to train your dog you might consider using the ‘clicker training’
method, which has recently become popular amongst dog trainers all over the
country. In this method the trainer has to make use of a clicker, a tiny plastic
box with a metal button which makes a distinctive click sound once the button
has been pressed. The training method is simple and is in many ways parallel to
the positive training method. Here is what you have to do. Decide on a certain
behavior which you want to teach or reinforce your dog to do. A number of
behaviors/actions come naturally to the dog like sitting, eating, standing, barking
etc. and these need just to be reinforced so that your dog knows when you want
him to do what. Various other actions like acting dead, shaking hands, rolling
over etc. do not come naturally to the dog and need to be taught. Clicker
training can be used to do both.
Clicker training works according to the basic principles of operant conditioning,
by associating the sound of the clicker with a food item which the dog
particularly likes. Now all you have to do is use the clicker to command the dog
to do something, the dog, given that he associates the sound of the clicker with
the food, immediately obliges and the training is complete.
Let us take an example to illustrate the method better, suppose you want to
teach your dog to sit, you put a cookie on your dog’s nose playfully and then
move it upwards, the dog will obviously follow the movement of the biscuit with
its nose and will then naturally rest its posterior on the floor, thereby putting
himself in a sitting position. Now time your clicking to be so accurate as to occur
right as the dog seats himself, now give him the biscuit and praise him. Continue
doing this for sometime till the dog begins to associate the clicking with the food
until the click makes him sit without you luring him with treats. Now teach him
another behavior, but remember to attach the clicking cue only once the animal
himself offers you the behavior otherwise the clicking will not be connected to
anything in the dog’s head and he will be confused regarding what it means.
Your dog is one smart little animal and it’s time you gave him due credit for that.
A number of trainers have been known to use negative reinforcement techniques
alongside the clicker method but this simply doesn’t work because punishment at
all times creates a number of unwanted behavior even if it serves the primary
purpose of teaching the dog to not do something temporarily.
Any kind of training is a strenuous and rigorous process and needs time and
patience. Although clicker training method has a high success rate it might not
work for certain types of dogs, if you see that it’s not working for your pet you
would be well advised to use some other technique to teach it tricks.
EFFECTIVELY HOUSEBREAKING YOUR PUPPY
One of the most annoying things about pet dogs is their habit of answering to
calls of nature almost anywhere they feel like it. Your bedroom rug, the drawing
room sofa, your Persian carpet; everything seems as good a place as any for
your little pup to go cool his bladders on.
If you have just brought your pup home therefore, buckle up and get ready to
save your upholstery and carpets by means of a simple method we call
Housebreaking.
Now, here’s what housebreaking is all about. We humans tend to visit the loo
when we feel like we must relieve ourselves, in one way or the other (thank god
for that!). However, our pooches don’t have mother potty training them at the
age of 1, telling them to take a crap at some fixed time on a shiny blue potty,
and hence they tend to treat everything like a big ol’ lavatory. And that would be
ok if we were dogs perhaps but most average human beings tend not to like that
sort of thing. So what we have to do is potty train our doggies ourselves. And
this training, to cut a long story short, is what we call ‘housebreaking’.
Now, facts first. Remember,
• No pup is able to keep himself from peeing or …well…relieving himself in some
other form, till about 12 weeks of age. Your attempts at training your dog
therefore must begin before this.
• Most puppies need to engage in bathroom related activities approximately 6-7
times a day
• Every time your dog seems to be following its tail rather slowly, and doing
giddy rounds around a non-descriptive area put your shoes on to take it out
cause it’s getting ready to relieve itself
• Take your dog out every time it has a meal because food immediately puts
pressure on its colon and bladder.
The first lesson in housebreaking, ‘communicate with your dog’. Make sure you
let your dog know that you don’t like him peeing all over the drawing room loud
and clear. No there isn’t any need to use violence; just a loud “NO’ should do the
trick. For best results catch him in the act so that he has no problem in
associating the rebuke with the exact action.
Keep a keen eye on your pooch. As soon as he looks like he could do with a visit
to the good old lavatory take him out. Once he relieves himself at the right place
pat him to show how much you appreciate the fact that he didn’t pee all over
your favorite rug. Give him a biscuit, and an appreciative nod and he’ll know.
See, dogs are like politicians, always eager to please. They will do anything to
get cuddled and patted by their masters, thus it’s always easy to make them do
things as per your requirements. You want him to pee outside? Show him how
happy you are when he does so and he’ll do it always, you want him to crap
every morning? Give him a friendly pat and he’ll bound off to be at it everyday.
For your part make sure you know your dog’s habits, build your routine round
his, try and find out what his usual urinating or defecating times are, is it after
dinner? Before going to bed? Or right in the morning? Take him out accordingly.
Proper communication will ensure your pooch’s proper health and your peace,
and of course a clean bedroom rug.
TECHNIQUES YOU CAN USE TO HOUSE TRAIN YOUR DOG
Every dog needs to be trained in the house, and the process is quite long. Just
like during our childhood we never used proper toilet, even the dogs may do
toilet on carpets. So, they must never be scolded.
Dog house training requires you to be extremely attentive and do a lot of work,
thus making it one of the toughest techniques of dog training. You may believe
that the dog will bark when he needs the toilet, but if you are not lucky enough
to have such a dog, then be prepared to have an accident with the results
showing all over the house! So, it is always better that you learn to read your
dog’s body language.
Dog training is quite simple and requires you to follow quite a few steps.
However, it is, as already said, time consuming. To start with, it is best to put a
newspaper at the door, so that when you find your dog doing one of those
accidents in the house, you can immediately take him there. That way your dog
learns to do it on the paper the next time he needs to do, without your help.
For your house training, you need to know that when your dog wants to toilet,
he would tend to get restless and start sniffing around the place. At this point
you must pick up your dog and take him outside. If it is a young puppy, then you
must make sure to take him out every hour, for at least once. After taking your
dog out, you need to give him the command you wish to use during the training,
such as “do the toilet” or “do your business”. Now, the dog must be appreciated
for following your commands and thus you must give him lots of affection after
he has done his work (since it is always better to wait till he is finished!). This
would help in making your dog realize that the place to do it is outside, and soon
you would find him asking you to take him out when he needs to do it.
There are a number of training techniques and routines that you may use to
train your dog at home. You can learn them from the hundreds of books
available these days. It must be borne in mind that dogs have to be taught to do
toilet outside, as no dog knows it by himself. So, you must teach your dog in
case you do not want accidents in your house, and do remember to clean up the
mess.
STOPPING THE BARKING HABIT IN YOUR DOG
Possibly one of the most annoying action to your neighbors about your dog is
your dog’s barking. If he displaces everything in your home, then that does not
have an effect on your neighbors too much. But the continuous barking day in
and night will end up with community difference of opinion and calls to the police
force.
The major objective of the domestication of the dog was to make available a
buddy to protect and alert. Barking is the way they do this. To prevail over this
inherent feature, you must teach your dog to discontinue barking. Such teaching
to stop a continuously barking dog ought to be done when the dog is a puppy
prior to barking gets to be a crisis.
Barking is nothing but a type of interrelation for puppies and dogs. Dogs bark if
they are keyed up, tired of something, distressed, trying to persuade you to play,
and when welcoming people, as well as in caution. The nature of the bark more
often than not is a sign of just what the dog is trying to correspond.
A few breeds are innately very lively dogs such as the terriers. If they do not get
an adequate amount of work out, this deficiency can result in barking on their
side out of tediousness. In fact tediousness can be a big reason of dogs barking.
This is in particular true if no one is at home all day and then the dog is
unnoticed when you are home.
To pay attention to this problem, first you must understand that a dog requires
notice and work outs just like we do. It makes no logic to get a dog just to
transfer it to the back garden never to interrelate with what is believed to be his
human family. Do not get a dog if you have no time to spend with it. And try to
take into consideration the altering tendency of your family. Life transforms in
due course but that dog will still be there and wanting notice, concern and work
outs.
If you have to be gone for a long span of time, there are more than a few things
you can do to help out your dog deal with being unaccompanied. First off, try to
make him accustomed to you departing and returning back. You would like him
to know you do return back and he has not been cast off.
After that, make your dog used to you being not here for a longer span of time.
Do not just let him to be on his own for hours on end at the same time. Your
dog, and this should be taught to him as a puppy, has to get accustomed to a
longer period unaccompanied one step at a time. It may perhaps need a
weekend of training or even longer. Begin with a very small absence and work
your way up.
One more thing is to provide your dog with chewable playthings and other
playthings that can keep him occupied. Many dogs bark merely for the reason
that they are fed up. Give him something to keep him busy. A Kong stuffed with
kibble is one inventive plaything you can make use of to keep your dog amused
if used in the approved manner.
POSITIVE TRAINING FOR YOUR BARKING DOG
They say ‘a barking dog doesn’t bite’ but I am yet to meet anyone who hasn’t
been convinced otherwise every time some fine specimen of the canine family
has bared its fangs and snarled and yelped. Dogs and barking dogs, if you ask
my opinion, are two different species all together and while the first can be
petted and cuddled and given biscuits to the latter can only be run away from.
Most barking dogs are quiet the activity master, every time they open their
mouth they make something happen, either your mailman leaves, or your
neighbor shuts his window and oh yes, yells out something nasty or your head
splits into a thousand aching pieces, like I said they are quite the activist.
Unfortunately for them though activism isn’t as a rule appreciated by the average
idle individual, to survive amongst humans you are expected to be as on leash as
themselves. Thus all barking dogs need to be quieted and difficult though that
task is it needs to be done.
Now, for starters, recognize the fact that barking in itself is not a problem. Dogs
bark, just like cats mew and people make promises….it’s just something they do
when they want something done. For instance they bark to tell you that they are
hungry at dinnertime or to let you know that there is someone at the door etc.
and on all these occasions barking is fine and in fact appreciated. It begins to
become a problem however when your dog refuses to stop barking despite your
telling him to. Thus the job in hand is not to shut your dog up completely but to
teach him to shut up when you ask him to.
So begin your training with a simple command like ‘speak’ or ‘bark’ and pat him
and give him a cookie when he woofs a bit. Now tell him ‘enough’ or ‘that’s it’ as
soon as his woofing increases and immediately plop a cookie into his mouth, he
won’t have a choice but to stop, food has often made the best of men seal their
lips so what’s a dog! Now that that routine is final repeat it a couple of times.
Next time he barks to let you know the mailman’s at your door praise him
heartily and then sternly ask him to shut up with a ‘enough’ or ‘that’s it’
(remember to use the same command to avoid confusing him) and give him a
cookie.
Once this regime settles in your dog will soon pick up what “enough” or “that’s
it” means. In case he doesn’t and continues to bark despite your command give
a sharp tug on his collar and say “Enough” in a rebuking, no-nonsense voice. He
will soon learn that that’s his cue to stop.
Now this training will take a good number of weeks to really start working.
However make sure you don’t give up mid way. A few dogs are by nature a little
fond of barking and making noise so these will take more doing than the others.
While training consider if his misbehavior has anything to do with his feeling
depressed or left out. Dogs are very sensitive psychologically and little things
which you might not even notice might affect them. See if you are leaving your
dog alone too long, or if he is going hungry, if you keep him outside in his kennel
at night bring him to sleep indoors for a few days and see if there is any change
in his attitude.
Barking dogs are in many ways like cranky crying babies (except the fangs and
teeth part though) and they need proper attitude training to bring them back to
acceptable track, but they also need good time and attention and loving, so
make sure your training is a right mix of all of these.
STOPPING YOUR DOG’S CHEWING PROBLEM
These days you find that many dog owners are taking their dogs or puppies to a
dog training school. In these dog training classes, many new things are learnt
and many of the aspects are successfully overcome. Unfortunately, one of the
aspects that do not go with the classes is chewing.
The reason why it is usually quite difficult to get over the chewing problem in
dog training classes, is that the dogs usually do not find themselves anything to
chew on or to destroy during the classes. So, if you belong to the group of dog
owners who has been to the dog training classes, and are still looking for
something to help you deal with the chewing problem, then please go on
reading.
These types of dog trainings can be useful for dogs that are both young and old.
Many people believe that this type of dog training is mostly meant for puppies.
However, many a time it has been observed that older dogs might also need this
type of training since they enjoy chewing away, when their owners are not
around!
To begin with, you must first understand that all dogs tend to chew, since they
need to chew. So firstly, you need to ensure that you have a number of things
that are acceptable for your dog to chew on. Now by keeping all the chewing
toys for your dog in one place, you may begin your dog training program.
This would help your dog recognize this area as his spot for chewing on the toys.
Therefore doing this is absolutely essential for your dog training to work. You
may even have a special “toy box” for keeping these toys for your dog.
During the training of your dog, you must never thrash or beat your dog if you
find it chewing on something it is not supposed to. Instead, if you want your dog
training to be a success, you should praise your dog for chewing on something
that it is allowed to chew.
It has been observed that if you want a better response from your dog, then
positive praise and positive dog training can be really helpful. So, if you see your
dog chewing on things that it should not have been chewing on, then reprimand
it verbally. The only punishment required fore these types of training is your tone
of voice.
You can also do train your dog by putting a taste deterrent on those items that
you do not want your dog to chew. This is known as “bitter apple” and is usually
available at all pet stores.
These dog training methods are most effective, and are sure to teach your dog
not to chew on the things that you do not want it to chew on. As long as you
follow the basic aspects, your dog training should be quite simple and easy.
You will find that dog training can actually be quite fun and satisfying, of course
as long as your favorite’s things are not chewed up! All you need to do is stay
calm and not lose your patience, and you are sure to be successful.
TRAINING YOUR PUPPY TO SIT
A badly trained dog is an annoyance and can even be a threat to himself and
others. A correctly trained dog, on the other had, is a fantastic and enjoyable
buddy. In addition to assisting you to bond, it can even shield your pet from
being harmed if he pays attention and will come when called.
When teaching always keep in mind that dogs react best to encouraging
backing– shouting at your dog and beating him will not get done the job, in its
place use rewards such as goodies and your appreciation – this will make the job
much more enjoyable for both of you!
There is a general “process” to teaching, no matter what you want the dog to
do. They solution is to get the dog to carry out the act and at that precise instant
give the instruction for the act, then commend the dog and reward him with a
goody. After a while, he will get the message and connect the act with the
instruction.
Given below some ways you can make use of to teach your dog with the most
fundamental instruction – Sit.
- The first thing you have to do is to get your puppy or dog to connect the
action of sitting with the instruction. To do this, merely spend time with your dog
and when he sits give the “sit” instruction. - Going down to your dog’s height will let you to give his reward (goodies)
faster so take hold of a handful of bite sized goodies and got down on the floor. - Take the goody up above the dog’s head. He will smell the food and go
behind it with his nose. This act will compel him to sit – or backup, but
apparently we are hopeful for the sitting act. - The solution to the teaching is to give the reward at the precise instant the
dog sits, but you have got to also give the instruction at that instant as well so
that he links instruction with act. Hence when your dog sits, you should say “sit”,
following it up by right away giving him the goody. - Shower praise on your dog – demonstrate delight in your voice; this will
actually make him act in response. - Go over three to five times at each sitting but no more than that. Training
should be enjoyable and not an uninteresting odd job, so do not go over the top
with it in one sitting. You might have more than a few sittings all through the
day.
When you use up the time to teach your dog, you get much more than just a
dog that does a number of antics. He is keen to do things with you. He grasps to
pay attention when you say his name. He gets accustomed to being with you
and doing things on your command. Through fine training your stance as a
person in charge is made stronger. You ought to arrange to use up a couple of
minutes every day on working his “tricks”. This sort of recurring reinforcement
will help him to keep in mind and in addition generate the bond between you
and him.
REWARD TRAINING: A GOOD WAY TO TRAIN SMALLER DOGS
Reward training has indeed been made use of for many years to train dogs; it is
a good method to teach dogs of a small size like Pomeranians that are too small
to act in response to choke collars and other insensitive techniques of training.
Reward training is made use of to teach dogs to carry out all kinds of actions
along with police job and military work. This sort of exercise is used at length in
the training of dogs for films and advertisements. But you do not have to have a
police dog or movie star to bring into play reward training – it is very efficient to
train your pet fundamental obedience instructions.
As the name suggests, reward training consists of a treat of some kind. In
general an especial treat, but even appreciation and a few stroke on the head
can be taken as a precious reward by your dog.
By using rewards, you can teach your dog to do almost everything. You just
have to abide by a set of methods to get your dog to carry out the wanted job
and then reward him exactly after. So if you want your dog to be taught to sit,
you may dangle the treat on top of his head and move it towards the back until
he sits on his own – all the while say the command “sit” then when he has sat
down, commend him and reward him. Soon enough he will relate the word “sit”
with the action of sitting along with the following reward.
Clicker training is one type of reward training that can be made use of if you
would like the dog to do as he is told by you without using spoken instructions.
The dog is trained to connect a clicking sound with the reward. The trainer snaps
the clicker when the dog does something good, followed right away by a treat.
In due course, the dog finds out to act in response to the clicker only.
Reward training can be made use of to train your dog difficult actions if you have
the time and endurance. In many situations, the teaching makes use of a decoy
to get the dog into the spot preferred by the trainer. This decoy makes the dog
to do the “trick” of his own free will. Once the dog has carried out the action he
is given the reward. This is a good method to make the dog to do something
without being handled by the trainer and is used a lot in the entertainment
industry.
When teaching your dog, it is vital to make certain he will pay notice to your
instructions when there are other disruptions about and not just when the two of
you are on your own in the house. You have to make out that your dog will
comply with you with disruptions as this can be one of the most significant times
for him to pay attention to your instructions since complying with you can be
what places between your pet and some type of peril. Once you have practiced
an instruction at home – take your pet to the park or other locale where there
will be disruptions and put into practice the instruction until he learns to abide by
you in public as well as in private.
UNDERSTANDING THE MANY MOODS OF YOUR PUPPY
Arrange your puppy training to be easier and more enjoyable by comprehending
that your puppy is making an effort to connect with you in further ways than
barking or wiggling his tail. Keep in mind, your puppy also tries to communicate
with his ears, paws, tail, mouth and more and your puppy teaching and day to
day life with your dog will be to a large extent more enjoyable.
Here are a few guidelines to some fundamental body language of your dog and
its meaning:
Dominant – You will come across that a dominant dog will have the ears directly
up or frontward, its mouth a little open or closed, its eyes wide open or looking
intently, its body standing rigid and tall with hackles perhaps lifted up, and its tail
out from the body rigid or plumped up. A low down and aggressive bark can
frequently be anticipated.
Friendly – A friendly dog has upraised ears, open and watchful eyes, a calm
mouth, the whole rear end or tail wagging, and perhaps whining, yelping or
giving out small barking sounds.
Playful – A bended over pose with the tail wagging implies, “come, let us play.”
Submissive – A dog with its ears firmly back, eyes closed and paw lifted up is
presenting excessive submission. The dog is not in high spirits but shows it will
not assault.
Aggressive – An aggressive dog has its ears packed down behind touching its
head, its eyes tapering or testing, body on edge, mouth open to show teeth and
tail held out from the body and ruffled up if possible. Growls or howls are usual.
Worried – Quick barks along with howling, ears compressed and neck hairs lifted
up means “I’m worried” or “something is wrong.”
Fear – A dog shows fear with a lowered posture, tail down or put underside, an
curved back, looking or turning head even as showing the whites of their whites
of eyes and enlarged pupils. Dogs frequently bark out of fear, in particular if they
are in a tight spot, cooped up, or on a restraint.
Stressed – A dog under stress will frequently have its ears down and back, mouth
wide open, and the lips being drawn backwards with fast breathing. Also tail put
down, shoulders lowered, bent frontward, nervousness in attitude and it will
almost certainly be shaking.
Now that you know more about what your puppy is making any effort to say to
you about how he senses or the frame of mind he is in, try to put up this in your
puppy training and day to day life.
In a puppy training sitting your dog should be showing that he is in a responsive
or mischievous mood. If he shows he is commanding then you can make out
that he may not be taking you sincerely or may well be being obstinate and you
most likely have to be more forceful.
A little submissive conduct is not a bad thing as it means that that he knows that
you are in command.
If your puppy turns out to be hassled, terrified, troubled or even hostile, you
have got to stop your teaching and comfort your dog right away. If you have
been teaching for more than 15 minutes, discontinue and take a breather. When
you come back take things more leisurely or commence things in a different way.
Use your awareness in day to day life too. Watch your puppy in different
circumstances and you will soon find out what he is fond of and hates or what
his state of mind is. You can then take action to give him more of what he takes
pleasure in and more encouragement,