Choosing Basics Dog Training Methods

Before choosing a particular basics dog training method, carefully examine the technique to ensure that it will communicate proper associations. Certain methods may not teach what you intend.

A dog-aggressive Akita was enrolled in a basics dog training program that his owner thought was reputable. The trainer convinced the owner that the only way to break the Akita of aggression toward other dogs was to let a more dominant dog put him in his place.

The trainer’s dog displayed dominance toward other dogs, so she placed him in a room with the Akita and left the two dogs to work things out. When the trainer heard a window crashing, she opened the door to find that her dog was injured, and the Akita had been richly rewarded for his aggressive dog behavior with a nice victory under his collar.

Not really a well thought out behavior dog training method. If this method does not make sense to you, it probably won’t make sense to the dog, either. It is very important for you to display dominance toward your dog and he will then respond to your basics dog training commands. But to display dominance you do not need to be violent or hit your dog. Just to be firm and give clear commands to your dog. He will then respond to you in a trusting way.

One trainer sent around a flyer giving free advice to the general public on how to stop dogs from digging. The trainer suggested filling the newly dug hole with water and taking the dog over to the hole by the scruff of the neck to dunk his head in the water filled-hole.

The next sentence on this flyer cautioned the owner that the dunking probably would not stop the dog from digging; instead, forcing the dog down to the water by the scruff of the neck was a demonstration of your dominance, a root cure-all for problem dog behavior.

The trainer thought through the basics dog training method far enough to figure out that the water would have no effect on future digging. Unfortunately, he did not explain that the dog would learn to mistrust his owner for trying to drown him.

Shortly after this flyer was distributed, another trainer was indicted for animal abuse for employing this very correction technique. Therefore when dog training use friendly methods to train him. Make it seem like a game to your dog. Always, without fail give him loads and loads of praise and a treat when he does something right for you.

Occasionally, even thinking through a basics dog training method does not result in a clear understanding of how it works.

One day a fellow drove up to class in a pickup with his dog in the back. The dog trainer explained to him that it was very dangerous to have the dog in the back of an open pickup. He went through the normal care dog lecture on how the dog’s nose and eyes could be damaged from debris in the air, the danger of the dog being thrown out of the truck in an accident, etc.

The fellow proudly said, “I fixed the dog problem of jumping out of the truck. He was jumping out and I would throw him back in. We did this for five or six times when I finally got really mad and threw him in the truck for the seventh time and stuffed a piece of horse manure in his mouth for good measure.
After that the dog never jumped out again, and the next time he does something bad, I am going to use that manure trick again.”

Remember what seems awful for humans could actually be premium dog food for the dog.
It was really hard to determine if the dog stopped jumping out of the truck because he got tired of being thrown back in, or if he was grateful for the gourmet horse manure treat.

If you are not sure about exactly how or why a basics dog training method works, it is probably best to avoid the technique altogether. Even the most popular basics dog training methods use techniques that may not be suited for every breed or temperament of dog.

Professional dog trainers should teach particular basics dog training after having assessed each particular dog. You just can’t use one system for all.What might be appropriate for dog obedience training for a boisterous dog might not suit a timid dog.

Most importantly though is what ever you decide must be a pleasure for both you and your dog. Treat him firmly but kindly and keep him interested. Train for a few minutes with rewards then play games with him. He will remain a truly faithful companion for life.

Basics Dog Training.

John Mailer
http://basicsdogtraining.blogspot.com
http://housetrainingfordogs.blogspot.com

Posted by admin on March 10th, 2010 under Dog Training • No Comments

Effective Dog Training

Dog training is something that every pet owner needs to invest in. You need to spend time doing what needs done and doing it effectively. Pet owners that do not train their animals successfully will experience trouble down the road with misbehavior and disturbed neighbors. It pays to get the dog training done as soon as possible.

But how?

How can you effectively use dog training? There are many methods out there and you can try them all. You have these options because everyone has a different thought or concern about which is the best method available. You will likely use more than one method before you can find something that works for you. While all of these methods work, it is up to you to make them work as the pet owner. Here are a few thoughts to consider in dog training.

One option that you have is allowing a professional to do the work for you. This is quite an effective way especially when you are not home or able to devote the time and energy to training the dog right. It can be costly yet you can also find dog trainers who will do it for much less than others.

Another method of consideration in dog training is using training collars. These work in a variety of ways. Some work by transmitting sound to the dog that is uncomfortable when he does something wrong. Others work by providing a single charge of static electricity to the dog when he steps out of line. Both of these methods are effective. And, both of these methods are completely safe for your pet as dog training instruments.

Of course, you can use your own methods of dog training as well. One way to keep the dog motivated when doing the right thing is to reward them. Dog training doesn’t have to be difficult when you allow others to help you to find the right way to get the job done.

for more information please see http://www.dog-training-advice.co.uk

Posted by admin on March 6th, 2010 under Dog Training • No Comments

Dalmatian Dog Training Tips

Dalmatian training programs are designed to suit the dog’s natural characteristics of a companion dog. Dalmatians seek affection but only from the people they trust - and they tend to take a while before trusting strangers. As with any dog breed, personality differences can be noticed with Dals - some area easier to train, some will give you a hard time. Here are a few of the most common Dalmatian training tips that will help you shape your dog into a real friend and companion:

Posted by admin on March 2nd, 2010 under Dog Training • No Comments

Therapy Dog Training - Working With Your Dog

Therapy dog training, while important, is something with which many people are not familiar. A therapy dog is one that is used to do animal assisted therapy and activities. Organizations train the dog to help people in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and virtually anywhere people need some sort of therapy. So, then, how do dogs become therapy dogs? It is a fairly simple process.

A Good Citizen

Though the requirements for therapy dog training vary from state to state, it is almost universal that the dog must be certified as a canine good citizen. In order to receive that, you have to train your dog to be focused and well behaved around distractions. Generally your local animal shelter or even a therapy dog training center will have classes available for you to learn how to turn your dog into a canine good citizen.

Classes for Therapy

Therapy dog training can start as soon as your dog has been certified as a canine good citizen. The training consists mainly of teaching your dog how to ignore things like hospital equipment and school noises that he or she may not be used to being around. They also train the dog to help with simple activities and therapy with those who need it. However, in many cases, the therapy is really just the presence of the dog. Those using the services of dogs trained in how to perform the therapy can be anything from walking them, to reading to them, to simply being around them.

Where to Go

If you are interested in therapy dog training for your four legged pal, then you should check out the internet or your local yellow pages. Whether you live in Virginia, California, or anywhere else, there is an organization in your area that will help you not only teach your dog how to become a therapy dog, but also get him out in the community and doing his part. Additionally, you can volunteer to help with everything from training to the therapy itself. Just get in contact with your local organization.

Therapy dog training can be incredibly rewarding. When you teach your dog how to react to the situations with which he will be presented, you are putting him in a situation to be more than just a pet. You and your dog together can be real additions to the community and help your fellow man.

Dean Iggo is the webmaster of www.dogtrainingadvisor.com providing tips and advice on dog obedience training at home, including obedience, potty training and more.

Posted by admin on February 26th, 2010 under Dog Training • No Comments

Dog Training - They are NOT Throwaways

People tend to have the mistaken belief that domestic dogs (and cats) are perfectly capable of existing on instinct in the wild. Well, let me tell you–they aren’t.

Part of the training that wild animals receive from their parents/packs/prides is to do with hunting and obtaining/stalking prey. They don’t get that training from their humans. What they DO learn, however, is that man is essentially harmless, therefore, if they HAPPEN to survive dumping, they are more likely to invade our territory and trashcans. Packs of dogs that have no fear of man are much more dangerous than packs of wolves that tend to avoid mankind.

The majority of dogs that are taken to the country and dumped are either because the owner has tired of dealing with a dog that is not trained, or, they are from litters of unwanted puppies. Both reasons stem from the ignorance of the humans.

It behooves you, when you go to the pet store and see those darling puppies, to be prepared to train the dog to be suitable for your lifestyle. You need to be aware, for example, that the young puppy needs to go outside frequently. That they teethe between four and six months of age and during that time, they are voracious chewers–on anything.

If I sound angry, it’s because people, when they make the decision to adopt or buy a dog, need to do so with the same care that they would adopt a child. Only this one will not be going off to college in the not too distant future. Nor, as a general rule, will it eventually get a job to help support itself.

What might be cute in an eight-pound puppy, will not necessarily be acceptable in a 50 pound dog. Jumping up on people, chewing on hands or clothing, nipping at your heels are all behaviors that need to be “nipped” in the bud.

Here are some basic do’s of ownership:

Do think about the purchase/adoption before you go through with it.
Do purchase the proper crate for your dog and teach the dog to use it.
Do plan to spend time daily with the dog.
Do make rules for the adult dog that you will teach it as a puppy.
Do get the dog neutered/spayed if it will not be a show dog or working dog.
Do study training books or plan to attend training classes with the dog.
Do get lots of chew toys for the puppy and teach him to use them.

Some do not’s:

Do NOT succumb to the adorable puppies on impulse.
Do NOT assume that if it doesn’t work out, you can just dump the dog in the country and it will survive.
Do NOT make the mistake of believing that the puppy won’t chew on your things. It will, unless you teach it otherwise.
Do NOT let the puppy do things you would not let an adult dog do.

Actually, that last one brings another thought to mind. If you don’t want to deal with the chewing of teething time and the “accidents” of a busy puppy, you might consider getting an older dog rather than a puppy. Dogs over the age of six months have pretty well finished the teething that leads to so much chewing, although they still have that drive. Getting bones and sturdy chew toys and making sure the dog chews them instead of your shoes or furniture will satisfy that.

Plus, if you get an older dog, house training is much quicker than with a puppy, as a rule. Some of it depends on where you get the dog from. With an older dog, you have to watch it some, but if you’re consistent on taking the dog outside from the beginning (which does work with puppies, but takes a bit longer since they actually have little bowel or bladder control until 3-4 months of age), through the same door and encourage him in some indication that you can comprehend as a “signal,” then things should be settled pretty well quickly.

Neutering or spaying a dog that is not breed-enhancing quality will alleviate the unwanted puppies problem. And for those that want to breed their bitch (female dog) for “educational” purposes (”We want the children to see the miracle of life”), I say, don’t be stupid. That may seem harsh, but consider this. If you breed your female and she whelps twelve puppies, what are you going to do with them, if you can’t find homes for all of them?

Smaller breeds tend to have smaller litters, true, but some of them have a much harder time whelping, too. That tiny teacup Poodle is likely to have a much harder time delivering puppies than a larger Terrier-type or a Lab cross. Besides, if you can’t find materials in the library or on the internet to use to educate your children, you’re not trying hard enough.

At any rate, use your brain before your heart (or the kids) tempts you to get that puppy. It will be much better for you and for the puppy.

C. Rogers Upson has been training dogs and studying them for nearly 40 years. Her website is http://www.dogpotentials.com and she has two dog-related stores at http://www.cafepress.com/keepbts (Keeping to the Borders) and http://www.cafepress.com/dp52 (Dog Potentials).

Posted by admin on February 22nd, 2010 under Dog Training • No Comments