Thursday, August 27, 2009

Train Your Dog Using a Clicker

by Nick Luvera

Dog Obedience Made Easy With A Clicker

Why Clicker Training Works - The principle behind clicker training comes from operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is how we learn from the consequences of our actions. We tend to repeat actions that have positive outcomes and not repeat those that have negative ones. Psychologist B. F. Skinner used lab rats to study operant conditioning. Skinner's lab rats were placed in boxes that contained a lever that would operate a trap door. When a rat accidentally pressed the lever, the trap door would open and a food reward would tumble into the box. Skinner learned that the rats began associating the action of depressing the lever with food. Thus, this behavior was positively reinforced and the rats were trained through operant conditioning. Using a clicker employs the same concept by rewarding your pet with a treat each time the click is heard. Reinforce positive behavior with the clicker and a treat. Clicker training is most effective when done in short training sessions, rather than hour-long obedience "cram" sessions. When done properly, clicker training is an effective means of training both young puppies and older dogs, even those who have previously been trained by other means, such as voice commands. Dogs are very responsive to clicker training; within a few weeks your dog should know all its basic commands such as sit, heel, stay and come.

Getting Started with Clicker Training - The first step to beginning clicker training is to pair the click with a treat reward. Click and give your dog a treat until your dog begins to expect a treat when he hears the click. Next, wait patiently until your dog exhibits a behavior that you want to reinforce. Click during this desired behavior, as the timing of the click is crucial. For Example, each time your dog begins to sit click and give him a treat. Overtime delay the click and treat reward until he is fully seated. Once your dog associates the act of sitting with a reward, add the verbal cue "sit" before this desired behavior occurs. When your dog's response to the sit command becomes consistent, continue to use the clicker, but vary the food rewards. You will have the most obedient dog on the block!

Dog, Friend or Foe

by Neshah

Of all the animals of the world the dog has proved itself the most adept at learning. Dog obedience is a very desirable aspect of dog and man relationship, but unfortunately most dogs even though domesticated, lack dog obedience.

This singular characteristic of dogs, however, has not discouraged man from keeping dogs as his best friend. Rather a lot of effort has been made to teach dogs obedience and responsibility. To this end lots of dog trainers, dog schools and books are now available for dog owners who are desirous of transforming their dogs into humanlike companions having the capabilities to think fast enough to react to different commands and thereby answer to the others needs.

Dogs have been trained for use by the Police, the army, the physically challenged and
these dogs have equated themselves quite creditably. There are stories of Dogs have saved their master's lives and property. Trained dogs engage in sporting competitions and worn laurels for their owners. Other trained dogs have been of immense value during search and rescue operations after natural, accidental or terrorist disasters.

But none of this praise worthy dog actions is possible without good dog training.
Untrained dogs are very dangerous and are sources of nuisance to the family and society at large. Untrained dogs are known to have the habit of chewing up things in the house, especially shoes and furniture; putting their mouths in food items in the house and generally disrupting the normal family set up. Dogs' aggressions have caused both health problems and even death to family members, strangers and neighbours.

This situation has led to many dog owners killing or sending into the streets their former pet dogs. Most of which can be found in shelters all over the country. Now let me say that a dog is not responsible for its level of intelligence, rather it behoves a dog's owner to ensure that a dog gets the required dog training that will make it a responsible member of society.

That dog and man relationship is inalienable is so obvious; however what is not very clear is whether all dog owners are aware that their dogs need training to be able to function properly instead of being nuisance to both owners and society at large.

8 Dog Training Tips Every Dog Owner Must Know

by Lee Dobbins
Every dog owner wants a well trained, obedient dog. You can enjoy your pet so much more if they are well behaved, and the dog is happier because you are happy with them. The ultimate goal is to have your dog obey your commands while off the lead. This level of compliance, however, takes much training and time. Here are a few great dog training tips to help you along the way.

1. One of the most important tips for training your dog is to start training early. Don't wait for bad behavior to start. The sooner you teach your dog what is acceptable and unacceptable, the happier you will both be. Even a puppy can learn basic commands and household manners. Check out local puppy or dog obedience training classes and get enrolled right away.

2. Only reward desired or 'good' behavior. Never give treats or attention for bad behavior. Your dog wants your approval and attention. If you only give it to them when they are being good, they will learn to behave appropriately in order to get your approval.

3. Dogs have a lot of energy. Find an outlet for this natural energy. Many dogs enjoy activities like agility and fly ball. If that doesn't appeal to you, try regular walks or runs, playing fetch, or take a trip to a doggy park where your dog can run and interact with other dogs. If you give your dog a way to burn off their energy, training will be much easier.

4. Find a regular time that works for you and your dog. Regular training sessions are another one of the key dog training tips that will insure your success as they will have more of an impact than sporadic ones. Make sure that you are both in a good mood, and that your dog has been well exercised before the training session.

5. New puppies need to be handled a lot to ensure that they will tolerate it and become a good pet. A crucial dog training tip is to make the handling of your puppy a frequent and pleasant experience for both of you.

6. Don't ever hit your dog or yell at them. You want your dog to associate pleasant things with you. A dog naturally wants to please you, so if your dog is engaging in undesirable behavior, simply ignore them or remove them to a confined space where they are alone. Dogs are naturally social animals and not being with you is a very hard thing for them, therefore it is a very effective punishment.

7. After your dog has completed a command, make sure you praise them very quickly. You want your positive attention to be associated with the desired behavior.

8. Use a release word to end a command. For example, when a dog has been in a down, stay position and you are finished with the command, say a word like "free" or "release" to tell the dog that it is okay for them to get up. Try not to use common words like "Okay" since this can be confusing to the dog.

These are just a few dog training tips that you can use to successfully teach your dog obedience. Find the things that work best for you and your individual pet. Above all, the most important dog training tip is to have fun and enjoy your dog!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

How To Train Your Dog And Take Charge

by Alan Largo

You can live happily with a well-trained dog, but it is going to take a lot of work on your part. Dogs can be such wonderful, affectionate companions but lets face something, they are just more lovable when they are well-behaved. Even the cutest, sweetest dog can really be a big nuisance if not trained properly.


Sometimes he or she may repeatedly mark its territory behind your couch, make your kitchen floor its regular potty area or dig up your neighbors flower bed. Aside from the messes that you will continuously have to clean up, an untrained or disobedient dog can cause you huge embarrassment if it does not behave well with guests or with other pets around.

Train your dog effectively by educating yourself. Before you can have a well-trained dog, you must first become a well-informed owner. The number one thing you need to know is that most dogs, if untrained, behave exactly how they are supposed to behave, like dogs!

You cannot expect a dog to be intelligent enough as to naturally know what is or is not acceptable pet behavior. That is why it is very important to provide your pet with proper dog obedience training as early in its life as possible. Doing so will instill good habits in him from a young age and he will be much easier to handle as he grows older.

In fact, it is every dogs nature to please its owner. So if you have the knowledge you will find that your dog can be very receptive to training. Do not be overwhelmed by the thought of doing the dog training yourself. You do not need to teach him circus tricks or anything but just basic behavior and practical commands. This will make your life easier and your dog will be happier and more eager to please you. He or she really wants to be your best friend.

Try to find out the right approach that best suits you and your dog. Using a stick to play fetch with your dog is totally permissible, but do not hit him with it. Cruelty and abuse will solve nothing. They are bound to make matters worse for you by making your dog overly defensive and potentially dangerous.

In the same way, plain exasperation will not help you establish dominance over your pet. Your dog needs to see you as its master in order to become obedient. Train your dog, do not let him train you. Understanding dog psychology early on in dog obedience will certainly help make your job much easier.

Later on, you will learn more fundamentals about dog training such as communication. Establishing good communication with your dog is essential. And you being the leader, you will have to set your own shared language that your dog will learn to understand and heed.

Simple commands like sit, stay and fetch are among the most common words you can use as part of this shared language. But there are far plenty more, and when she learns to understand how you want her to behave, the more you will love her for it. That is virtually guaranteed!

What Makes a Great Rescue Dog?

by Amy Nutt

Rescue dogs are frequently used to aid in finding missing people, whether in avalanche areas or in the forest, since they have such a fine sense of smell. Just one dog can do the work of nearly two dozen rescue workers, by covering the same amount of ground in a fraction of the time and far more thoroughly. But how are these dogs chosen and what type of dog training do they go through?

The Selection Process

Most rescue dogs are chosen as puppies. The first selection is usually done around 2 months of age, but the puppies will be weeded out to select the best candidates again at one year, once they`ve matured a bit. While there are some specific breeds (German Shepherd, bloodhounds, etc.) that work better for this type of training, they still need to meet certain standards.

The qualities looked for in these puppies include the following:

- Strong "prey" drive, the ability to hunt something for extended periods of time, which is useful when searching for lost hikers for several hours.
- A calm temperament. Excitable or nervous dogs rarely do well in the field and are not selected for training.
- Dog obedience. If a dog isn`t interested in following commands, it won`t be possible to control him in the field, which is essential for tracking.
Puppy training begins once the dog has proven to fulfill all the requirements.

Training a Rescue Dog

The first step in training a young dog to track people is to lay the foundation. This basic puppy training is actually very similar to what any working dog would need to learn and once the puppy has mastered the basic skills, he is ready for more specialized training.

The foundation training includes socialization, desensitizing the dog to external distractions, dog obedience classes and barking on demand, among other things. These dogs also learn to follow hand signals, rather than simply voice commands. This makes it easier to direct a dog that is too far from its trainer to receive voice commands and also allows for silent work when needed.

Once the dog is adept at these skills, it`s time for more advanced dog training that will prepare him for the real world of scents. One of the first things a puppy learns is to track by air, following a scent carried on the wind or simply lingering in the air. This is very important for areas that don`t hold a scent, such as river beds. The dog is also trained to track scents left on the ground.

To help train these dogs, they are often taken on courses where a person has laid a trail on purpose. The dog is given an object or item of clothing with the person`s scent and is allowed to smell it before casting for the scent in a specific area. In these cases, the person laying the trail will purposely cross roads, walk through water and double back, so the dog can learn to distinguish the true trail. Distractions are also provided, including other animals and people walking across the trail.

Since rescue work often requires the collection of evidence, particularly in the case of death, rescue dog training includes learning to point out objects dropped by the person they are tracking and to handle any evidence with care. The most common method of alerting their masters to the fact that they have found something of value is to bark.

These dogs participate in specialized rescue dog training and in most areas, are required to pass a tracking and ability test in order to become a certified rescue dog. They then need to be recertified every couple of years or so, depending on the area. They provide a very valuable service and are instrumental in the recovery of missing people every year.

5 Ways to Stop Dog Aggression, Aggressive Dog Training Exposed

by J. Walden

Many canines need basic dog obedience training because, like humans, dogs are not born with manners. Some canines display aggressive dog behavior, while others are constantly barking or whining. Behavior problems in dogs are very common, so if you have an unruly dog, do not panic; you are not alone. A typical dilemma faced by dog owners is dog aggression. This, like many other bad dog behaviors, can be prevented. However, in order to stop dog behavior problems, you first need to be able to understand their underlying causes.


Correcting aggressive dogs calls upon you to discover the root of the aggression. Does you dog behave aggressively towards members of the family, strangers, or both? You must ask yourself this critical question. The answer will influence treatment of the problem.

If your pet only exhibits aggressive dog behavior in the presence of strangers, then you need to: learn how to socialize your dog and why socialization is the first, most important step of aggressive dog training. If your dog is aggressive towards family members, then you need to understand why resource guarding and dog pack behavior have a tremendous influence on your dog's actions. A dog may also show aggression towards members of the family if he is mishandled or mistreated. It is important for each family member to learn what type handling/treatment can trigger aggression.

Aggressive dog training is a hard job to do without some form of help. Books on dog behavior are an excellent resource that can guide you through basic dog obedience training and help you learn how to stop dog behavior problems (for example, dog aggression). So, if you want to train your dog in the house and don't want to spend a ton of money on training lessons, then a book on dog behavior is an excellent investment!

Five Suggestions you need to start correcting aggressive dogs:

* Bring your puppy to meet a bunch of different people and expose him to new surroundings.

* Give your puppy lots of physical contact so he can get used to being handled.

* Show your dog that it is you who rules the coop.

* Obedience training lessons should never be too long, inconsistent, or sporadic.

* Reward your dog with treats or attention when he obeys you, and seclude him when he fails to.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Top 5 Aggressive Dog Training Tips, Stop Dog Aggression

by J. Walden

Every dog is in need of basic dog obedience training. Your canine, like a young child, must be taught manners. Many dogs have behavioral problems. There are those that show aggressive dog behavior, those that that have turned barking into a hobby, those that are constantly whining, etc. So, if you are having difficulties with your dog, don't have a panic attack! You are not the only one with an unruly pet, and there are solutions to your dog's problems. Dog dominance aggression is a typical problem that dog owners are confronted with. Bad dog behaviors such as this can be eliminated. If you wish to stop dog behavior problems, however, your first step is to understand what is causing them.

Correcting aggressive dogs requires you to first determine the root of their behavior, that is, what is causing the aggression. Is your dog aggressive towards strangers, family members, or both? This is an extremely important question to ask yourself, as the answer has a great impact on prevention and/or treatment.

If your dog only acts aggressively towards strangers, then it is necessary for you to learn how to socialize your dog. If your dog exhibits aggressive behavior towards people in your family, you must learn how to deal with dog pack behavior and resource guarding. Mishandling or mistreating a dog may also cause a dog to show aggression towards family members. Hence, each person in the family should learn what types of handling/treatment can provoke aggressive dog behavior.

Training dominant dogs is a difficult tack in the absence of some form of guidance. Books on dog behavior will teach you basic dog obedience training and how to stop dog behavior problems, like that of dog dominance aggression. If your dog is disobedient, you'd prefer to train him in your home, and you want to save money, then a very smart investment would be a book about dog behavior.

These are Five Tips for correcting aggressive dogs:


* When your pet is a puppy, let him meet a lot of new people and bring him into many different environments

* Touch your puppy on a frequent basis in a way that doesn't threaten him, this will allow him to get accustomed to being handled.

* Make your dog aware that he is not the leader, you are.

* Use obedience training lessons that are short, consistent, and happen on a daily basis.

* Give rewards to your dog when he follows your commands and put him into seclusion when he misbehaves.

5 Free Aggressive Dog Training Tips, Dog Aggression Exposed

by J. Walden

All dogs need basic dog obedience training. They, like young children, must learn manners. Some dogs bark all of the time, while others show aggressive dog behavior. It is not uncommon to have a dog with behavior problems. So, if your dog is misbehaving, don't worry: many people are in the same predicament, and there is a solution! A common problem experienced by dog owners is dog aggression. This, as well as other bad dog behaviors, can be put to an end. However, if you want to stop dog behavior problems, you must first comprehend their causes.

Correcting aggressive dogs requires you to first determine the root of their behavior, that is, what is causing the aggression. Is your dog aggressive towards strangers, family members, or both? This is an extremely important question to ask yourself, as the answer has a great impact on prevention and/or treatment.

A dog that is aggressive only towards people he does not know is one that has not undergone socialization. To stop your dog's aggressive behavior towards strangers, you need help on how to socialize your dog. If your dog displays aggression to members of the family, you need to become familiar with the concepts of resource guarding and dog pack behavior, as they have a great impact on the way your dog behaves. Dogs also show familial aggression when they are improperly handled or treated. Therefore, every person in the family should learn how to handle a dog in a way that is nonthreatening.

Aggressive dog training is not easy without some kind of guidance. There are many books on dog behavior that can help you with dog obedience training as well as teach you how to stop dog behavior problems, such as dog aggression. If you have a disobedient dog, would like to be able to train your dog in the comfort of your own home, and do not want to spend a lot of money on dog training classes, then a book on dog behavior would be a very wise investment.

Begin correcting aggressive dogs with these 5 Tips:

1. Take your puppy to see new people and different places.

2. Make sure your puppy receives lots of physical contact so he can become accustomed to being touched.

3. Make it clear to your dog that You are the one in control.

4. Obedience training lessons must be kept brief, consistent, and occur each day.

5. Rewards should be given to your dog when he behaves, and he should be given a time out when he doesn't.

Best Selling Dog Books

by Jenny Styles

1. HOW TO RAISE A PUPPY YOU CAN LIVE WITH, 4TH EDITION by Clarice Rutherford & David Neil

This puppy book starts way back with your breeder and steps you through all the processes to make sure you can raise a puppy the right way. It touches on the subjects of selecting breeders, bonding with puppies, discipline, house training, tricks and simple commands.

RAW DOG FOOD: MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG by Carina Beth MacDonald

This offbeat, light read received the Dog Writers of America Award for Best Book Under 100 pages for the year 2003. It is a funny, informative book on how raw diets can actually benefit dogs while being cost-efficient at the same time. This is a must-read book for those grappling with their dog's diet.

2. CAUTIOUS CANINE, 2ND EDITION by Patricia McConnell

This book is so handy it could even benefit people. Patricia McConnell walks the reader through training techniques such as counter conditioning and desensitization to deal with behavioral problems and phobias. It works with people too.

3. RALLY-O: THE STYLE OF RALLY OBEDIENCE, 3RD EDITION by Charles 'Bud' Kramer

Rally obedience advocates an exciting and fun approach to dog obedience. It's a surefire way for the dog and its owner to enjoy their training sessions. If one were to look for an effective, non-burdensome way to train to dogs, this should be in their shelves. ONE ON ONE - A DOG TRAINER'S GUIDE TO PRIVATE TRAINING by Nicole Wilde

An intimate training guide to those new to one-on-one training sessions. It is an easily understandable, yet comprehensive guide to private training and focuses on the intricacies of the training psyche and the dog's response to such.

POSITIVE PERSPECTIVES: LOVE YOUR DOG, TRAIN YOUR DOG by Pat Miller

Almost a book about children. This groundbreaking read will change the way you view pet behavior management and pet upbringing. This comprehensive course emphasizes the emotional aspect of training and behavior modification. Also in this book: vaccination, training with treats, and housetraining.

BRINGING LIGHT TO SHADOW - A DOG TRAINER'S DIARY by Pamela Dennison

An inspirational story of how one trainer refused to give up on an ill-tempered dog with behavioral problems. It is a diary of sorts that deals with the issues, frustrations, solutions, and the patience it takes for one to deal with such difficult dogs. It is a fascinating read that should inspire every dog trainer.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Dogs Training Series Dogs are not Human

by Alex Rocklane

The first rule in dog obedience training is to remember that dogs are not human. It's easy for us to fall into the habit of expecting our dogs to know what we're saying and what we expect from them. We tend to treat our pets as if they think like us.

They don't. Just like we don't think like dogs, or even pretend to know how they think and why they act the way they do. We can't always know that triggers a dog's responses and how they might react to certain stimuli.

While we build memories every second and think ahead to what we expect from our actions, dogs don't. They live in the moment. There is no past and no future. They live in the "now". We might see this as a drawback but that approach enables dogs to put all their energy into taking care of immediate needs, like staying alive. It's how they survive in the wild.

Understanding this will make dog obedience training go a little more smoothly.

As members of a pack, dogs soon establish pack leaders. Any dog not obeying the rules of the pack will soon learn this vital lesson. It doesn't take long for a dog to realize which one is the leader and that it's not acceptable to take food before the leader and senior pack leaders have eaten.

There is a learning curve. It doesn't happen immediately. After several admonishments, the dog comes to understand and obey. It's the same when we train our dogs. It takes several repeated lessons before they learn what they can and cannot do as pack members.

Only after your dog recognizes and respects you as the pack leader can your dog be trained. Therefore, dog obedience training begins by training you how to establish yourself as the leader. You have to gain your dog's trust, which means being clear and consistent in your demands.

Once you achieve this level, you will be better able to teach your dog how to behave in your pack. To do this, the dog must learn your language and get to know what your actions mean. Communicating between species can be difficult, but the more closely you can emulate how his species communicates, the more readily he will learn. And the sooner you will get the results you want from your training sessions.

Your job is to let your dog know you are the boss. Send a clear message to let your dog know when he has misbehaved, and make it the same each and every time.

Consistency in command used and how persistently you use it will bring you success as you proceed in your dog training efforts. Be patient and remember that your dog has a lot to learn about living in your human world. Allow time for the commands and lessons to sink in.

Most of all, make sure your dog obedience training teaches your dog his rightful place in the pack. Make sure he knows that he does not dominate. You do.

Most of all, make sure your dog obedience training teaches your dog his rightful place in the pack. Make sure he knows that he does not dominate. You do.

Is Your Dog Embarrassing You? Get Him Under Your Control In Less Than 2 Weeks!

by Alan Largo

A lot of new canine owners would probably agree that training a dog has its challenges and taking care of them is a not so easy duty. Imaginably the most consequential part of owning a dog is discipline. Being a pet owner, dog obedience becomes solely your responsibility.

Because dogs have a different type of disposition that not all dog owners understand, the job of disciplining one typically seems overwhelming, frustrating and sometimes even impossible. A lot of people consider to hire an adept dog trainer, believing they can't do it themselves.

This may be quite a considerable investment. At any rate, it'll certainly not go unrewarded if your pet discontinues her bad behavior problems and becomes the well-trained pet that you wished her to be. Dog obedience from an early age is integral for success.

But, not all canine owners can afford to hire a dog trainer. If possible, you should strive yourself to give your dog obedience training to instill auspicious behavior. You've got the fortuity to further bond with your pet and instruct him just the way you want him to be.

You wouldn't want to compromise all that money layed out on dog training just to discover your dog picking up bad habits again. That's why it's essential to educate yourself also. Train to be the trainer - it's easier than you imagine.

Spending your own time to dog train could be very rewarding for you and your pet. More so than just the fact you're saving money, dogs love to interact with their owners. It's their disposition to serve and to please their alpha (you - their leader), and so they'll surely be receptive to the attention you're giving to them.

Before you even start to train your pet, it's crucial that you take into consideration that any behavior conditions he may seem to display are not really problems - but are dog instincts. What you'll be instructing your pet is how to act favorably in your home and around others so that he doesn't give you any trouble.

First you should learn more about your pet's nature, including the attributes of a specific breed, so that you are aware of what to watch for and how to accommodate your obedience training depending on your dog's tendencies.

Afterwards comes building communication between yourself and your pet with a simple but consistent language that she'll learn to respond correctly to. Aside from consistency, resoluteness is another precondition for giving commands.

While dogs wish to please its owner, they also have the tendency to challenge you for the position of dominance if you haven't yet established it. Once you can communicate efficiently with your pet, it will be easier to command her and fix her bad habits.

If you feel up to the challenge of training your own dog, you should look for a reliable and viable dog obedience guide that teaches you the basics as well as the further advanced techniques of correcting inappropriate dog behavior.

Sit-Stay-Fetch is a marvelous guidebook that is comprehensive - covering all relevant dog training matters such as; controlling unnecessary barking, curbing threatening behavior and teaching the simplest commands.

Clicker Dog Training Is Best For Your Dog

by Katia Lorenzen

Clicker dog training works best for your dog. Give the command to your dog. He executes it perfectly. Clicker sound. Give him his reward. Give another command and your dog performs excellently. Click. Another reward for your dog.

It is amazing to see how dogs learn easily the tricks that are being taught them using proper obedience training without resorting to any form of violence or hurt. When your dog hears your voice, he would be willing to follow whatever you tell him to do. There is really no need to hurt your dog. The sound of a click is enough in training your dog.

Once upon a time, dog obedience training was not very peaceful. Trainers used collars, bits, and other things that brought harm to dogs just so they can impose their will on the dogs.

The dogs then had no choice but to obey. But their obedience was rooted in fear and without that fear, they barely obey their masters. Because of years of subservience, however, these dogs learned to accept their fate and simply let their human masters have their way.

Good thing though, there arose a new breed of trainers who did not use violence. They discovered the use of the plastic clicker. This way, clicker dog training became popular.

The new breed of trainers loved their dogs so much that they winced every time they see a dog in pain because of electric shock. This prevented them from using electric shock. Instead, they had to rely on the gadget called the clicking device to make the dog realize that they only want to have fun with them and enjoy what they are doing. The dogs were also elated because every time they execute a good trick, goodies are being given to them. Not a bad way of obedience training and spending their time.

This training using the plastic clicker is quite easy to follow. Clicker training helps trainers condition the minds of the animals that if they do something correctly, they will get a reward for it. As such, every time that the clicking device produces a sound, the dog will then know that something is up and that they will receive a reward soon after. With the help of a clicker, the dog can easily learn the tricks and maneuvers and he will not be harmed along the process.

So effective is clicker dog training that dogs are not the only animals being trained with this. In fact, dolphins can easily recognize the click and implement the tricks in different water parks. Pigeons are also being trained using the plastic clicker so that they can deliver messages. The bond between the trainer and the dog is so important that violence and harm should not come between them. With the use of a clicker, the obedience training certainly becomes more peaceful and more enjoyable for both the trainer and the dog.

If you are thinking of a training process for you dogs, why not research more about the clicker and try practicing with your dog. With clicker dog training, you can even become more attached together.

Friday, August 21, 2009

How to Stop My Dog From Jumping on People

by Terence Young

There are some specific reasons why dog obedience training for puppies is important. One of those is to stop puppies from jumping on people. It may not grow out of the habit and pounce on you continuously.

In order to express emotions, your puppy tends to jump or pounce on you. It may look harmless at the start or even cute. However, what happens when it starts to jump on little kids who come around your house? Would you like your dog jumping on you after a tiring work day or slobbering saliva on your shirt?

The most important thing that you might want to look at is the puppy's age. Four months is usually the ideal age to enroll your dog into a program. However, you need to consider the breed of the dog. The bigger the size, the earlier you have to start the training.

You should outline a proper dog obedience program for your puppy to prevent it from jumping. You might be giving mixed signals before this by rewarding it for jumping on you. There are times when you just pat it, hug it or give it a biscuit when it jumps up and down in front you.

Well this should stop. The syllabus should be standardized so your puppy will not be confused. Never allow yourself to reward it with anything when it jumps up and down from the start. The simplest obedience step to prevent jumping for puppies is to teach them to sit-stay. It is not easy to restrain your puppy from feeling excited to see someone they like but there is a way to do so. You might not even notice how simple this part of the training is.

This will teach your puppy to sit-stay when someone walks through the house door. You can just walk from the front door to the back door to demonstrate this dog obedience part of syllabus. Before that, you have to instruct your puppy to sit stay. Get the help you need from your children or spouses for more effective dog obedience training. Have them walk from the same route but asking your puppy to sit-stay before you open the door. If may be hard at first for your puppy to conceal its excitement but if it is repeated several times, the dog should get a clear picture of the step. Training should be carried out as frequent as possible for the puppy to grasp the concept. Training it once a day will make it less efficient than it should be.

This sometimes might tire you out. Regardless of how tired and frustrated you are to get the puppy to understand what you are trying to convey, never lose your temper. Resorting to yelling or even physical abuse, might only ruin your carefully planned dog obedience sessions. Try to incorporate reward biscuits in the dog obedience program. By giving it dog biscuits when it manages to sit-stay, your puppy will learn what it should do the next time the doorbell chimes.

Training Aggressive Dog – How to Train your Aggressive Dog

by Davion W

Training aggressive dog is a thorny issue and has gotten many dog owners vexed over it. Dog aggression can be a serious problem as there are laws and by-laws in different states that demand the punishment of dog owners in the form of court charges. At the same time, should your dog happen to attack and injure anyone, your poor dog would be put down. That said, with proper dog aggression training, the aggression in dogs can be curbed so that they do not turn on strangers and your closed ones. Are you ready to start learning some ‘training aggressive dog’ tips?

Training aggressive dog first requires some basic understanding of why dogs become aggressive. There could be several reasons that accounts for your dog’s aggressive behavior. He/she are territorial animals and may feel that their territories are compromised. Maybe they feel threatened by some changes in the environment. Such aggression normally finds its root in the lack of security and confidence. In such instances, simple dog obedience training would not curb aggressive dog behavior.

Training aggressive dog seriously and properly with special aggressive dog training will however solve the problem. Aggressive dog behavior includes barking and lunging at others also. Such behaviors are symptoms of dog aggression behavior. It is therefore important to arrest such aggressive dog behavior early before it balloons into something more serious.

Your dog vet may put forward some suggestions on how to seek a qualified aggressive dog trainer who are experienced in dealing and dog aggression trainer. Training aggressive dog is a special skill set and would thus set you back by a substantial sum of money. However, the results would be good and you can put your worries to rest. Do not just approach any normal dog obedience school as most would not accept your dog if he/she has aggressive behavior since the dog training classes are quite large and there are other pet dogs around. Rather, send your dog to special dog obedience training school that knows exactly how to handle and train aggressive dogs. The local directory and yellow pages are great places to start looking.

One more thing you need to pay attention to is the training techniques and methodology they adopt in training aggressive dog. How they train aggressive dogs is important as some dog training schools are known to use obsolete methods which could be harmful to your dog. As time goes by, accumulated experience and knowledge sharing has taken the area of training aggressive dogs to a more advanced level. So it is worth the effort to be extra careful. After all, the truth is it is hard to train an aggressive dog but with the right techniques; it becomes less of a pain.

Ultimately, what really matters is your favorite pet stops its aggressive behaviors and starts to be a loving companion. You can then enjoy the best moments together and not be in constant fear that your dog would bite you, others or other dogs. Training aggressive dog is so essential in order to make this a reality.

Other than enrolling your dog into dog obedience schools that train aggressive dogs, find out from my dog obedience site how you can apply all the best techniques of training aggressive dogs without being a dog trainer yourself.

Dog Training Tips - Teaching Your Dog to Sit

by Derrick Madison

Many people's experience with dog training can be described like this; when their dog is six months to a year old, they sign up for a dog obedience class; some make it through the six or eight week course and some do not; but for many, that is the end of their dog's education, and they describe their pet as "an obedience school dropout."

To these people, I say, "Let's be honest." The dog didn't drop out. You did. After all, who didn't drive to the class or decided to skip the session?"

The Problem with Obedience School

But in fairness to dropouts, let's also admit that a dog obedience class can be a frustrating experience for both dog and owner if this class is the dog's first experience with training. Obedience classes traditionally begin with the heel command, which is actually one of the more complex things you can ask a dog to understand. It's like expecting a child to learn algebra when they haven't had basic arithmetic.

When you give a dog the heel command, what you're asking him/her to do is not one specific thing. What your dog is supposed to do depends entirely on what you're doing. Should your dog walk when you walk, turn when you turn, and stop when you stop. Add to that the fact that, if this is the first training experience, your poor dog doesn't even understand that training is what is going on. The dog is not a bad dog, and is not a stupid dog, but he/she not only doesn't know what you're asking it to do, your dog also probably doesn't even understand that you're asking it to do something.

An Easier Way

It doesn't have to be this way. There is a simpler way to train your dog, so relaxed that you can begin training your puppy the day you bring her home.

The "sit" command is the most universally useful command you can teach your dog. The new dog owner might wonder why. "How is this useful? The dog is not doing anything!"

Exactly! A dog that is sitting is not jumping all over your grandmother, or whatever other obnoxious behavior you want it to stop doing. And more importantly, a dog that is sitting when told is a dog that is under control and doing what you want.

The traditional method of teaching the sit command is to have the dog on leash at your side, repeat the command "Sit" while you pull up on the leash and push down on her butt. You're forcing the dog into the correct position, but this is not enjoyable and can be stressful and frustrating for both you and the dog.

But why force the dog into position when you can coax? Start with a treat, something yummy like dried liver, or even a piece of kibble if he/she hasn't been fed yet. Call the dog, get his/her attention, and make sure your dog knows you have a treat.

It won't take long. Within seconds your dog will be there, his/her nose right at your fingertips. From this position, all you have to do is move the treat back over his/her nose and the top of it's head.

Keep your hand only an inch or two over the dog's head; too high and she'll rear up on her hind legs. But, with the treat moving right back over her head, the nose will follow it, up and back... until... he/she... SITS!

Say good doggie, and reward him/her with a treat.

Do this a number of times every day. When you feed your dog, he/she will probably be jumping and frisking when your dog sees you coming with the food bowl. Tell your dog to sit, and when your dog sits, tell him/her is a good dog and set down the bowl.

You don't need to give the dog a treat now every time you tell him/her to sit. But do give your dog a praise! Your dog is doing what you asked it to do, acknowledge that, let your dog know how pleased you are, and what a good dog he/she is.

These exercises are not just useful in themselves, your dog is also learning to learn. Your dog is learning that sometimes you want it to do something, that there is a word associated with the thing you want her to do, and that if he/she pays attention, he/she can figure it out.

Above all, never consider that you're "done" training your dog. There's always something new to learn, and new ways for you and your dog to have fun together.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Obedience Training Collars For Dogs - Do They Work?

by Tobias Charles

Do they really Work? The short answer to this is yes they do work but alongside a conventional obedience training program. Some people do not like the use of dog obedience training collars as they feel that some can be cruel. I am not advocating the use of the training collar but am stating that as a reinforcement tool they have been proven to work and be effective. As a dog trainer it is not a tool that I use as I prefer to work from a different obedience training perspective using postive reinforcement training techniques.

Below we will discuss how they work and the training collars currently available.

Two of the most popular training collars are those used for distance dog training and controlling excessive dog barking. In this article we will discuss remote collars that use electrical stimulation and how they work.

Training collars that use an electrical stimulation can be controlled by the owner/trainer from a set distance - some of the top makes can work at a distance of 400 yards - and some models can work at up to a mile.

What is a remote training collar?

* Remote training collars allow the owner/trainer to reinforce certain commands and correct disobedient and unwanted behavior.



How does a remote training collar work?



* The theory behind a remote training collar is that they deliver a harmless electric buzz to the dog at the point of dis-obedience or bad behavior along with a verbal command (if possible.) The dog quickly associates bad obedience behavior with the buzz and learns that to avoid the buzz they must behave.
* The remote training collar is controlled by the trainer/owner with a handheld device, a collar on the dog and two small metal probes.
* The remote handheld transmitter sends a radio signal to the two probes situated by the collar and delivers a short electric buzz.
* The two probes must be in contact with the dog's skin.

Dog Training: Do It Yourself for Real Results

by Ron Passfield

If your dog has not received adequate dog obedience training, you could be experiencing a variety of different problems associated with its ownership. These can include excessive barking, destruction and chewing, jumping up or rushing guests or strangers, aggressive behavior toward people or other animals, food aggression or a variety of other serious issues. More basic issues could be difficulties in getting him or her to walk on a leash, come or stay.

When your dog displays any of these behaviors, the feelings that can be caused include severe embarrassment and frustration. These feelings can be overcome by proper dog training.

But dog training is not only about training the dog, but instead is about creating an understanding between you and your canine companion. Dog obedience training is as much about the owner as it is about the dog in question.

Your own behavior may be reinforcing bad behaviors that your dog displays. If you are creating inconsistency in your messages, inappropriate hand signals or other body language, using the wrong types of rewards, rewarding poor behavior or disobedience, overusing punishment, and so on, you may be reinforcing the negative behaviors that your dog is showing. Rather than continue to make these mistakes, it is vital that you put some serious consideration into dog behavior training.

Luckily, there are a wide variety of self help dog training guides that you can turn to for assistance. Why pay out hundreds if not thousands of dollars for dog training and dog obedience training courses that are led by someone with questionable experience and expertise, when you can teach your dog yourself on a much more personal level?

As it was mentioned before, dog behavior training is actually a joint effort between the dog and the dog owner. So personalized self-help dog training is going to be an improvement over what a public course can offer.

You can easily find self help dog training newsletters, e-books or electronic books, audio tapes and CDs, and even training videos. All of these excellent resources will be powerful in helping you develop proper dog training techniques with your special canine companion.

These dog obedience training guides are usually extremely simple, straight forward and easy for you to follow. The DIY or Do-It-Yourself approach can save you a great deal of both money and time. Not only will it save you money and time, but the DIY approach to dog obedience training will also allow you to monitor your dog's behavior as well as your own.

When it comes to dog training and more specifically dog obedience training, it is vital that you train yourself as much as you train your dog. If you are not learning just as much as your dog is, you are not in the right form of training. Obedience training for dogs is a joint effort that requires you to be in it just as much as your canine friend. This is why personal dog training using self help newsletters, e-books, tapes, CDs and videos is the ideal way to go, if you are looking for dog obedience training that gets results.

How to Choose a Good Obedience School for Your Dog

by Jenny Styles

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.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Dog Behavior Training - Dog Training To Correct Behavior Problems

by Ty Brown
Have you ever wished that the secrets of dog behavior training were available to anyone who wished to take their dog obedience training to a new level? The truth is that proper dog training can be simple for anyone who is willing to educate themselves on the best way to communicate with man's best friend. In order to succeed at puppy training or adult dog training you must first understand why dogs do what they do. There are only two reasons why a dog performs any behavior:

1- To increase pleasure: Have you ever wondered why your dog pees on the floor, chews up your couch, and jumps on your guests? That's right, these activities produce pleasure for your dog. It's as simple as that. If these behaviors didn't produce a fun experience then your dog wouldn't do them. Any time you wish to correct behavior problems with your dog it is important to first realize that your dog is doing these things out of pure pleasure.

2- To avoid discomfort: Old school dog behavior training prescribed a very harsh method of correcting behavior problems and fomented a dog obedience regimen that was very disciplinarian in it's root form. That type of dog training is unnecessary and will often do more harm than good.

Very skilled dog behavior training, though, should use humane corrections that merely provide an annoying deterrent to help correct behavior problems. Humane corrections can run the gamut from spray bottles to annoying noises all the way to training collars. Yes, used properly, a training collar can be a very valuable and humane tool for getting rid of unwanted behavior problems. It is recommended that you seek out the services of a qualified professional if you are going to use such a tool. These dog training collars are merely used to provide an annoying feeling and not a painful feeling.

In understanding these two concepts it is then much easier to formulate a training program that will fit your individual dog. With my own dogs or with the dogs of clients I always have a two-fold approach to training:

1- Obedience training must be mandatory. This is where the new school of dog trainers go wrong. The new school of dog obedience training uses lots of treats. The correction for an unwanted behavior is often a simple ignoring of said behavior. This style of dog training will never make obedience a mandatory endeavor for your dog. Think about it, if your dog has the option to come when called to get a treat or run wildly towards a busy street in the direction of a fleeing cat, which option do you think your dog will take? Likely he will head to the street and risk life and limb for the cat. This is because the owner never enforced their training efforts to the point where obedience is mandatory.

2- Obedience training must be fun. Just because something is mandatory doesn't mean it also shouldn't be fun. Dog behavior training is intrinsically fun for your dog because your dog gets to work side by side with you. Your dog is able to bond as he learns from you and learns a deep level of trust as you guide him along with his training. If you skip this step then you may have an obedient dog, but he sure won't enjoy it.

I have referenced old school and new school dog training practices. Old school training is harsh and rough. New school is all fun and games. To truly have the best trained dog you need to combine the best of both schools. From the old school we use corrections to get rid of unwanted behaviors. From the new school we use a great deal of motivation and fun. The end result is the best trained dog on the block.

When you understand dog behavior training and how your dog views his world you can truly accomplish amazing things with your canine companion. Dog training can truly be made easy when you live these principles, rather than practice them at random intervals throughout the day. It's time to get to work!

How to Get my Dog to Play Fetch

by Terence Young
Playing with your dog can be part of a family program and a time to take a break from your hectic week. Your family and companion can play in the park catching Frisbees or running with your kid. The only thing is if your puppy does not know how to play fetch then how do you best teach this so that your dog and your family can get the best enjoyment together.

Worry not as this article will provide a simple guide on how to teach your dog to play fetch as part of a dog obedience program.

It is always a great idea to start obedience training at an early stage. It is even better if you start when the puppy is still very young. The ideal age to start teaching your puppy is four months old, although it may vary from different dog breeds. Larger dogs might need to start earlier.

As part of the training to teach your dog to play fetch, start the syllabus by picking up exciting toys. A perfect example for an exciting toy is a squeaky toy. When you show this toy to the dog, it will get excited. Try not to use its favorite toy, as it will ruin your perfect plan for this dog obedience training.

To play fetch, you need to teach three things to the dog. These steps are easy and can easily be the simplest agenda in a dog obedience program. You need to teach the dog to get the toy, give it to you and let go of it. Start by throwing the toys not far away, say 1 to 2 feet in this step. Motivate your puppy to get the toy. Then, try to attract its attention by calling its name or even clapping your hand. This way, your puppy will go back to you.

When the little dog comes to you, remember to praise it verbally and with a joyful character at this part of the training. Distract it with another toy or with a small treat so it will release the toy in its mouth. Teach your dog to hand the toy to you with simple instructions like ‘Give it to me' apart from the treats. It is a good practice so the dog will remember these steps. Usually, dogs will happily give the toy they have when it sees another toy in its owner's hands.

After repeating these steps a few times during dog obedience program, your pet will soon learn the basics to play fetch. You can now throw the object farther as an advanced dog obedience learning session. Then, you can change the tool you use in the dog obedience program like using Frisbees. It will be a fun way to conduct dog obedience program.

When you have completed the dog obedience program, you will see that the whole family will enjoy playing fetch with the dog. After all, it is worth the effort that you put in during the dog obedience training.

How to Train My Dog to Stay

by Terence Young
Dogs are men's best friend. It is loyal and obliging. However, you will need to train the dog carefully before it is able to be your best friend. Its nature is to wander freely and move around. Nevertheless, dogs are brilliant and can be taught. What you need is patience and passion to conduct obedience training. Only when you train your family pet, will it be able to follow your instructions thus making it easy for you to control your pet. Getting him to stay put in a place is important. It will be very frustrating to have your guest being uncomfortable when your dog is pouncing or jumping around. Conversation is impossible when you have to search for your dog continuously in the park because it just does not stay in one place. Hence, training to teach a dog how to stay is important.

You will need a leash and a collar in order to continue with this step of dog obedience program. Asking a wandering dog to stay is extremely difficult, when it has many grounds to cover. Both tools will help your dog to concentrate on your instructions.

With a palm flat on your dog's face, give the command to sit. Your tone should not be harsh in this step of dog obedience program. You only have to be precise and give clear instruction to your dog. By giving this instruction, you already have the dog sitting obediently in one place.

Next in training program, is to step in front of your dog and stand still. Whenever he moves, say ‘No!' clearly, so it will not keep on fidgeting. After a period of time that you have selected for example ten minutes, give some rewards to let him know that he has done a good job. by all means, the rewards should not involve petting or giving a biscuit. He will start wagging its tail and even jump up and down the moment you pat it. It will only disrupt the current steps. Just voice out your praises to the dog and this has to be consistent throughout the dog obedience program.

When you have successfully trained him to stay after this step in the program, proceed with other obedience agendas. Increase the length for him to stay put. Just remember to divide sit-stay dog obedience training into separate durations so the dog will adapt to it beautifully.

It is better to conduct this part of dog training in small spaces like in the house or even in your backyard. Doing the training in big spaces such as the park will only distract the dog and you will end up in frustration. Although you conduct dog obedience training with the help of leashes and collars, dogs can still move around and it is hard to control. If he fidgets and starts to move during the training, instruct it to be in the sit position before proceeding with the rest of dog obedience lessons.

When you are done with the stay part of the dog obedience lessons conducted in your house compound, it is now time to try to bring the dog to the park. By this time, your dog will be able to follow your instructions and be easier to control it.

Just remember that any amount of kicking, yelling and beating will not help with the progress of obedience training. Take a break and prepare to take the lessons lightly. It can be the best time for you to relieve your stress by being with your pet.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Puppy Dog Training for Obedience – How to Train your Dog Puppy Properly

by Davion W
Puppy dog training for obedience is a topic close to the heart of dog lovers. Now, getting a new puppy in the house can be as joyous as having a new baby at home. It brings much excitement to everyone especially the kids. But you need to make sure that buying the puppy is not a decision made in haste or at the spur of the moment. Dogs are living creatures and not just gifts that need no maintenance. Though a little puppy can bring so much laughter and happiness, they do require a great deal of training and when that happens, it is not a fun thing to do. Expect work if you want to train puppy dog well.

Dogs are like human beings. They too have temperament as well. Surprised? A puppy’s temperament depends on their birth place and his/her breed. So pay a bit of attention here about different breeds and their personalities in order to know how to train your dog puppy correctly. Rottweilers, bull dogs, boxers and German shepherds are guard dogs and they are born with natural instincts to love and protect their human companions. Gun dogs, pointer and Labradors are born and reared as hunting dogs. Because of their background, they are naturally energetic.

Bearded and border collies, on the other hand, being herding dogs are bred and reared on farmland, and are rather active and curious about their surroundings. They are known to love moving around and don’t sit still well. You have to be a little careful when you bring them to live in cities as they may be anxious and a bit scared and nervous since they are not used to the modern environment.

Training dog puppy needs time. But do not be unduly worried as it often takes a couple of weeks before it learns dog obedience. What you need is a little bit of patience and the amount of effort you put into it. One piece of good news is you do not have to spend hours to train dog puppies as it only takes a few minutes each day over a few times. That’s all it takes.

The very first task to train dog puppy is its obedience in simple commands like come, sit, heel, stay and fetch. These are easy to follow and most puppies are able to learn that quite fast. As they grow older and bigger, you can move on to include more advanced commands like rolling over, pawing and even play dead. One thing good about training dog puppies is they are very open towards learning. They are like blank pieces of paper ready to be written on. So training a puppy dog can be quite a fun experience especially when it starts responding to you.

Like kids, what they learn in their initial growing up months would be engrained in their memories. The puppy dog training for obedience would also shape their behaviors later. All it takes is a simple rule, stick with the few minutes per session routine and keep repeating as a reminder.

Puppy dog training for obedience is so important as untrained puppies can be rather mischievous. Since they are young, during their teething stage, they develop a natural chewing behavior. This can be quite damaging for your furniture as the holes they leave can be numerous in numbers. It is good to therefore start training dog puppies early so that they learn to differentiate what is wrong and what is right behavior.

Dog owners may resort to using dog training devices or products to aid puppy dog training but this is really not that essential. A little bit more of practicing and repeating the simple commands everyday would go a long way. The whole puppy dog training takes approximately a few months. Yes it may seem tough but the rewards would be great. At the end of the training, your puppy would grow up to be a loving and obedient dog that makes a great companion.

If you are keen to find out the specific commands to execute to properly teach and train your puppy, find out from my dog obedience website where you can learn some quick and effective dog obedience training techniques to train your puppy dog.

How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing The Family Furniture?

by Terence Young

Pet Services Industry Are A Multi-Billion-Dollar Industry. It is little wonder really considering the fact that we live in such a fast paced life that we become displaced and readily embrace the affection of our family pets as solace from the world we have created. The fact that there are millions of families out there who have added a family pet to the status of a member of the family is a great thought until the prized pet becomes a menace. This needn't mean the end of the world.

While pet obedience is often overlooked until something negative occurs there are many great dog obedience programs out there that can bring your favored companion back to becoming a well behaved member of the family that brings joy and companionship to you and your loved ones. It is admittedly not easy to instill obedience in pets because as with most things it is going to require your time and commitment.

There are many reasons why dogs chew your socks, curtains and furniture. First, it is afraid. Second, it is their nature to bite into things with their mouth just the same way we have a need to touch, it is just there sensory curiosity. It is even necessary for your pet to chew on things as it is a way to keep their teeth free of plaque and buildup. Thus, a lesson on edible things must be included in your dog obedience agenda so your favored pet can differentiate what you would like it to chew and what is not acceptable for it to chew.

As an owner, you will need to start dog obedience training to save you from the constant headache and pain of seeing your prized possessions destroyed. You will not end up losing your rugs, shoes, wires and so many things in the house the sooner you realize the value in spending just some of your time and possible a small investment in dog obedience.

Familiarizing a dog to a household is the initial step in a dog obedience regimen. When you get a new dog, try to keep them in a small part of the house first, rather than letting it roam freely around the house. By confining it first to a small area you can acclimatize your dog to a part of the house and slowly increasing this area will give your dog a chance to create familiarity and become comfortable to its new home. It will be able to adapt to a new environment and eventually accept it as its new habitat without being fearful or overwhelmed.

It does not matter whether your dog is small or big to qualify it into this important step in the dog obedience syllabus. It has to be confined in one area as part of the dog obedience program. It will then learn to listen to your commands and feel comfortable with its territory.

Get it a chewing toy to accompany it where ever you have in any confined space. This chewing toy will then become its favorite toy and can help it to lower the stress level in a new place. By giving a chewing toy to the dog, you will be seen as a loving owner. Conducting dog obedience program will be a piece of cake.

Writing a list of chewable things in the house to your dog is not possible in dog obedience. What you can do is play with it for a couple of hours per day. Ropes, toys and balls are good tools in dog obedience. By using these tools, you are actually training it to memorize the things that it can play with.

The next part of the dog obedience program is where the favorite toy plays a vital role. Let us just say you come home and see the dog on your cushion, chewing the cover. Do not yell at it. Instead, hand its favorite toy over. This can distract the dog and it will release anything inside its mouth. Give clear instruction that it is not right to chew on cushion covers. Punishing the dog severely is not part of the dog obedience agenda; something you must bear in mind.

The most important thing in dog obedience training is never to lose your temper. Raising your voice or threatening the dog will not contribute to any success. It will actually drive the dog away from you. You will be seen as a cruel two-legged monster which is hardly productive for either your dog or yourself.

Dog and Puppy House Training

by Josella Benton
Dog Training Is Fun!

Early Dog Training Is Essential. Not all dog training is created equal, and is more than just telling your dog to stop behaving the way he is right now; it's one of the most important fundamentals of owning a pet. The important thing about dog training is to get started today because tomorrow the naughty behaviour will just continue.

Do you know that the key to successful dog training is getting your new pet to understand you? Dog training is for every dog or puppy and is not breed specific, it's more a temperament and drive specific thing. It's the process of training your dog to display certain specific acceptable dog behavior in various circumstances.

Basic dog training is available for most all breeds. Performing the correct dog training is something that will better your relationship with your dog. Dog training is definitely not rocket science and is easier than you would expect particularly if you can get help from a good dog training book or guide. Dog training is a must for ALL dogs large or small.

The final major mistake we all make is thinking that the dog training is over. The main advantage of traditional dog training is the high reliability of the trained behaviors. Other advantages are that positive dog training is easy to understand and fun to carry out. The thing needed in training your dog is what most experts define as "positive reinforcement". This is a method of rewarding the dog or puppy when they do something "right" and leads to them wanting to do the right thing all the time.

Dog and Puppy House Training Stops Them Piddling And Pooping in the Wrong Places.

Raising a Puppy and Basic Dog Training is best started with a puppy. House breaking a puppy is an integral part of dog training and will control this behaviour for their lifetime. Did you recently acquire a puppy that you want to train? Some important things to keep in mind when training your puppy are gentle reinforcement, both positive and negative, always consistency and lots of initial practice. If you have a puppy, you must start training him or her early, and do it gently and correctly.

Do you want to teach your dog or puppy some useful commands and amazing tricks? Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with puppy in-home training? There is no time like the present for training (or re-training) a puppy or adult dog to fit into your human world. Puppy Training is for every dog, regardless of breed, size or temperament.

Dog Obedience Training and Behavior Modification. Behavior (or obedience) dog and puppy training is very important in today's society because many people take their dogs everywhere they go. When your dog does something wrong or that is an undesired behavior, do NOT reinforce that behavior. Our recommended training course can effectively and humanely correct unwanted behavior, as well as establish proper behavior and respect. There is no question that behavior is reward driven, so always make sure to properly reward your dog when they do something acceptable.

Does your dog have some behavior that you just can't find a way to stop? This type of bad behavior could have been avoided with early dog obedience training. But it's never too late to start!

Solutions for all behavior problems, including aggression towards people and other animals.

Training allows caregivers to safely and humanely control their dog's behavior and help them fit in better with their human partners. When you have a dog or puppy, dog obedience training can make a large difference in stopping or solving behavioral problems. Dog Obedience Training is a must when you want your dog listen to you. This is very important when you're out on the street or in a public park.

Obedience and agility training for all dogs.

This helps to teach it more dependency on others and obedience to you. A new and novel approach to dog obedience training. Using rewards during obedience training is a very valuable tool. Training collars can be used to teach basic obedience training, advanced training, and sport dog training. Visit our site at www.FastBreaking.info to learn more about dog obedience tips and more. The important thing about dog training is to get started today. Effective dog training is not a mere option.

Free Dog Training Tip:

Dog Training is an INVESTMENT in your dog and your home. Although Dove Creswell's Puppy & Dog Training Online training course is a dog-training online system, it is not like any other. We highly recommend it!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Dog Training for Obedience - How to Pick the Best Program

by Ira Nelson
A search of the internet will reveal a plethora of courses, concepts, videos, and programs aimed at obedience training for dogs. Many are cutting edge and some are dated and no longer accepted by experts in the field. How does one go about finding one that is reasonable in its approach and yet effective in teaching your dog?

For most dog owners there are some very basic reasons for wanting to mold the behavior of their pet. A dog without some basic dog obedience training can be like that annoying uncle in the family who has none of the social graces, always loud and obnoxious, makes a mess of the house, always sticking his nose into other peoples business - you know what I mean. You still love him but you just wish he wasn't around so much.

Well, you should want to be around your dog. Isn’t that why you brought him into your home, to be your friend and companion? This will happen when you find a reciprocal level of respect and understanding. This in turn grows out of finding the best way to communicate with your dog making sure he clearly understands what the boundaries are and what you expect from him.

Common to all reputable dog obedience methods should be the understanding and acceptance of the following basic concepts, though they may be stated differently:

* It’s important to understand that dogs are pack animals and thrive when there is clearly defined leadership and they know what is expected of them. This is important to understanding how the canine mind works.

* It is your job to be the leader – consistently, repetitiously, persistently, and patiently.

* Tied in with patience is the tone of voice you use. Commands should be given firmly with no ambiguity, but also patiently with no yelling. Your dog must not be confused once he understands what you want. There can be no refusal or ignoring of your command.

* Reward and corrective action are also basic concepts in any dog training for obedience course. Reward could be in the form of praise a treat, or a ‘click’ (clicker training) while corrective action could be in the form of withholding praise, a treat, a scratch, or a firm ‘No.’

Dog Training – Basic Obedience

It’s always good to start with the basics. Look for a program that starts with these fundamental concepts and commands:

The Come or Come Here (Recall) command is very important for control of your pet. Nobody wants a dog that ignores them nor do you want to have to mount a search party every time he is outside and off his lead.

Stand and Stay, Sit and Stay, and Down and Stay commands are very helpful especially in situations where there are groups of people and activities where your dog needs to be kept away or out from underfoot.

Walking on and off lead, sometimes called ‘heeling’ is very important training as there is nothing more unpleasant then having an uncontrollable dog pulling and tugging on the leash and lunging at other dogs, animals, and people.

In addition to these basic commands many methods will include turns, fetch and carry, back up, crawl, shake hands, catch, climb ladders etc., and all of these with hand commands as well as verbal commands.

Other behaviors and/or problems that will be dealt with in a well rounded dog training for obedience program are house training, excessive barking, biting and nipping, chewing, digging up the yard, aggression, and jumping up on people and furniture. There may also be some discussion of the best dog obedience training equipment to have available.

This is a snapshot of the things to look for in a reputable dog obedience training program. Of course a good method and system for training are key to the welfare and safety of your pet, but also to your peace of mind and enjoyment of your canine companion.

For additional tips on researching this subject go to Dog Obedience Training

If you are trying to train your new puppy go to Puppy Training.

How to Choose a Good Obedience School for Your Dog

by Patrick Carpen
Everyone who owns, or who is deciding whether or not to own, a puppy wants their puppy to be properly behaved, housebroken, and trained. Many people do not know all of their options when it comes to proper puppy training and obedience. Most decide to do the training all on their own, only to find out that it is not an easy thing to accomplish. There is another option, and this is obedience school; however, finding the right school for your dog can be challenging.

There are many factors which can lead to a dog owner wanting more obedience from the dog. Maybe you come home to find your house in total disarray with puppy urine all over, precious items broken, and furniture and shoes chewed up. Maybe you cannot have any visitors without first locking up your barking, yelping, and jumping dog. It could be that your dog just will not listen at all, even when you call him, and this means that you have no way of controlling your dog at all. Your dog might be a continuous barker, which can lead to problems with neighbors and even the police. Your dog could even be a danger to someone without your even realizing it. All it takes is just one mishap, and a dog who has no obedience whatsoever may not know how to control his fear or anger, and may lash out at someone else, causing harm to someone, and possibly even legal trouble for you.

Dog obedience school and trainers can accomplish a lot for both you and your dog. They will teach your dog basic commands, such as sit, stay, come. They will also teach your dog proper socialization skills when it comes to socializing with strange people and also other animals, especially other dogs.

Choosing the right school for you and your dog can be more difficult than you think. You want to find a school that offers the things you want for your dog, and also offers these things in a way that makes you feel comfortable. You want to know that your dog will be well-taken care of, and will be treated kindly and gently. After all, you are not sending your beloved friend to doggie boot camp. There are a few things to consider when you are looking for the right school for your dog.

One thing you should try to do is choose a school for which you have received great recommendations. Maybe you have a friend or acquaintance who has sent their dog to a particular school, and who can provide you with a good recommendation for the school into which you are looking. If you do not know anyone who is associated with a particular school that interests you, you can simply ask the school for a few names of people who have had their dogs trained with the school, and you can find out from these past "students" what they thought about the school. Having some knowledge of someone else's first-hand experience with a particular school is always a good idea, and it helps to give you more peace of mind.

Another good idea when choosing a school is to simply visit the school beforehand. Stop by on your way home one afternoon, and this will give you a better idea of how the school functions, whether or not the instructors are friendly and inviting, how the instructors work with the dogs, and the overall atmosphere of the school. These are all very important things to consider when choosing the right school.

Finally, you should get some basic information on how the school and training work. The best source of information of this nature is from the instructors themselves. Go to the school and request information about how the training is designed, how the instructors interact and work with the dogs, and any other questions or concerns you may have.

Following these simple steps will ensure your dog and yourself are happy with the choice you have made.

Obedience training and your dog

by Jeff Rose
Obedience training is one of the most important and most effective things any owner can do for his or her dog. A properly obedience trained dog is a happy, productive and safe member of the family, while a untrained dog can be destructive and even dangerous.

Dogs are designed by nature to follow leaders, and to look for that leadership. As pack animals, dogs naturally follow the directions of their pack leader. In the absence of a strong leader, the dog may assume this role itself. Dogs that think of themselves as the leader of their human pack can become uncooperative, destructive and even dangerous.

Proper obedience training opens up important lines of communication between handler and dog. The basis of any obedience training program is to gain the cooperation and respect of the animal. This respect cannot be exerted through rough handling methods or mistreatment. It must instead be earned through leadership and proper training techniques.

Basic obedience training consists of teaching the dog what to do and what not to do. When it comes to desired behaviors, it is important for the dog to learn and respond to basic commands, such as heeling when walking, stopping on command, sitting when directed, coming when called and staying where the handler directs.

The list of what not to do is also important when it comes to obedience training. Some of the don'ts of obedience training include - not jumping up on people, not forging ahead when walking and, not chewing the furniture or your property, and not getting out of control when exposed to novel situations.

In essence, obedience training involves establishing the social hierarchy that is so important to dogs as pack animals. When your dog follows your obedience commands, such as - come, stay, sit, heel, etc., he or she is showing compliance and submissiveness. This is the same type of behavior a submissive member of a wild dog pack would show to the alpha dog in that pack.

As with any type of dog training, it is important that obedience training sessions be fun and rewarding for both dog and handler. A happy, healthy dog will be best able to learn, and keeping the dog happy during the training sessions will make life easier for both yourself and your dog. Obedience training has many benefits for the dog as well as the handler. For one thing, a well trained, obedient dog can be permitted a larger amount of freedom than an untrained dog. For instance, a dog that has been properly trained to come when called can safely enjoy some off leash play time at the local park.

There is always a debate over whether it is easier to obedience train puppies or older dogs. The fact is that both puppies and older dogs can be successfully trained to be willing, obedient companions. It is generally easier to train puppies and young dogs than it is to retrain dogs that have developed behavior problems. Even problem dogs, however, can be successfully retrained using basic obedience training and control concepts.

When obedience training puppies, however, it is important to remember that puppies generally have a shorter attention span than to do full grown dogs. It is important, therefore to keep training sessions short in the beginning. It is also important to incorporate lots of play with other puppies, dogs and other animals, as well as lots of different people. Proper socialization is very important to creating a safe, healthy and happy companion dog.

There are many obedience training classes held in all parts of the country, and new puppy and dog owners are encouraged to enroll in one of these classes. Not only do puppy kindergarten and dog obedience classes provide important structure for the dogs, but it provides important chances for properly socialization the puppy as well.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Dog Obedience and Behavior Training

by ashsmh
There is a lot of difference between Disobedience and incomprehension. If your dog is not able to comprehend your command, it is not that he has some behavioral problem. It simply means that you both need to bond together more and training him to understand what you are really trying to say. If you have trained him and he still doesn't obey your commands,then it has a Behavioral Problem. This is not a minor problem, it's actually a major problem which needs to be corrected immediately before your relationship with your dog deteriorates further and it becomes embarrassing in front of your friends. If it is not corrected immediately, then you are allowing your dog to form a habit of Passive Aggression. You can't fix this problem saying it will correct itself. It's very important to show your dog that you are the Master and not him. It's not possible to have a good relationship with your dog if you don't make an effort to show him that you are the master and he needs to obey your commands.

Your first step in dealing with this problem is try to make him understand that you are the Boss. Some tips, when leaving your house, it is you who have to leave the house first and not the dog. He needs to follow you out. This is the Alpha Behavior of a Dog. In the Dog's language, only Alpha leaves first. If you let him go first and you follow him, then he understands that he is the Boss and you need to follow him.

Playing with him is a nice way to bond with him and this should be done on your terms and not his.

Just The Basics - Dog Obediance Training Tutorial

by Kelly Marshall
One of the most exciting aspects of getting a dog or puppy is training the pet do follow commands. Sometimes owners overwhelm their dogs by trying to teach too many different and complex commands to their dogs or puppies at the same time. Most breeds of dogs do better learning to master one or possibly two commands at a time, but never all the commands at the same time.

It is important to research how your breed learns best. Some dogs learn by lots or repetition and practice, whereas other breeds learn very quickly and then become bored and disobedient if they are required to constantly repeat already learned commands. Dogs that learn a command and then seem to stop following the command after two or three repetitions in a sort time fall into the later group. Each dog has its own personality so beyond the breed traits you also have to monitor and be aware of your puppy or dog's personality.

Come

Probably the easiest command to teach most puppies and dogs is the simple "Come". Dogs naturally love to have human attention and will actively seek out time with their owner and family. As you notice the puppy heading towards you simply say "Come Fido" or whatever the dog's name is. Always attach the name to the command so the puppy quickly learns their name and will begin to listen for it. A treat or just some praise and attention for coming on command are all that is needed.

Sit

One the puppy will come on command; sit is usually the next step. Hold a small treat just above the puppies nose when they are standing. Slowly move the treat back through the air just above their head. The puppy's nose will naturally follow and the head will tip back, causing the puppy to sit down. As you start to move your and back say "Sit Fido". As soon as the puppy sits give the treat and lots of praise. Repeat this often, not just when the puppy comes but when they are standing beside you, before you put the leash on, or before you give them a toy. Soon the puppy will learn that sitting is a good thing and they will get positives from the action.

Down

Teaching down is usually easiest from the sitting position. Once the puppy is sitting on command, simply call the puppy and have them sit. Give them a treat and let them know you have another treat in your hand. Like with the start of sit, say "Down Fido" and move the treat down towards the floor and slightly out from the dog's body. The puppy will naturally follow with its nose. Slowly move the treat forward until the puppy is prone. Immediately give praise and reward with a treat.

If you want to include hand signals with these commands simply start by giving the hand signal with the verbal command. Gradually say the verbal command in a softer voice while continuing with the hand signal. Be sure the signals are very clear and visible to the puppy or dog. If the puppy does not respond to the visual cue be sure that you have their attention. You may need to call the puppies name so they understand that you are about to give a command.

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Learn about the basics of dog obedience training. If you are considering 'dog obedience training' for your dog seriously, you are at the right place.

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