Snoop Dog

How To Teach Your Dog To Stop Begging

2006-08-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon and your new wife’s parents are coming to dinner. You have noticed a bit of resentment from her side of the family but this dinner is going to show them that you are indeed capable of controlling your own household. The house is perfect, the table is beautiful and the food smells and looks delicious. Unfortunately, your Cocker Spaniel thinks so too and is sitting up and begging for morsels off everyone’s plate and, if not rewarded, attempting to take the food on his own. You may be king of your castle but this dog’s behavior is making you look like the court jester. How could this have been avoided?

Sadly, this is not all the dogs fault and it started a very long time ago. Some horribly misguided individual who was trying to be a good pet owner did this while the pup was still very young and trained the dog for this very behavior. Want to know who taught your dog this trick? It’s a secret so listen carefully… It was YOU.

Now before you get upset and quit reading, take a moment to realize that you weren’t consciously training your pet for this unwanted behavior and you did it with the best of intentions. No one is blaming you but the behavior is here now and must be dealt with. Knowing how to fix the problem is easiest when knowing from whence it came and by now I am sure you are starting to figure that out.

Your dog learned this trick from all those times when, however well meaning you were, the little scraps of food were tossed down to a cute little pup who stared up with sad brown eyes and left you overpowered with guilt as you looked at his dish of dog kibble and your plate with steak and potatoes. Those moments when your kind-hearted generosity over stepped its boundaries and created the begging monster that we find flipping your mother in laws chair over today for a bite of beef tip. All of this could have been prevented by a simple act of will power then but now you have a problem to deal with.

So how do we stop this begging fiend? The first step is doing what you should have done when Fido was still a pup and quit rewarding the behavior both by not giving in and not paying attention to it, perhaps even confining the animal to its kennel or a separate room during meal or snack times if this is difficult. This suggestion is especially useful if you have young children in the household who tend to reward the animal with the foods that they do not favor. Make sure everyone in the household knows not to share their meals with the dog and follows this rule no matter what the circumstance.

When the dog isn’t rewarded in the manner he is accustomed to, the real battle will begin. He will decide that he isn’t receiving enough attention and begin to whine and howl loudly in complaint of the treatment. Do not give in or the battle is lost and will be harder in the next round. The process will take consistent work for several weeks and one weak moment of slipping the dog a treat just to be nice can ruin all the prior training so standing your ground and enforcing the rule of not giving meal time treats to the dog is a must.

Some useful ideas for stopping the begging are appropriate to mention here. One great one is to feed the dog at the same time the rest of the family eats, preferably in a separate room. This way the dog has its own meal and will not feel the need to take food from others in the household. If this is not an option, perhaps give your pet a toy to play with, thus keeping them occupied throughout mealtime.

No matter how you choose to handle the situation, Consistent and rigid training is the only effective way to correct it. Every member and guest of your household must enforce the rules or all your work will be of no avail. However, if you follow these rules, you will be blessed with a healthier pet, a happier household and pride in your well-mannered canine friend.

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How To Teach Your Dog To Sit

2006-08-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

Few things in life are prettier than watching a well-trained dog and one of the basic commands is the sit command. There are several methods of teaching your dog to sit. Two of the most popular are the Click and the Compulsory methods. The Click method is based again on purely positive reinforcement while the Compulsory method uses both positive and negative reinforcements. Let’s begin our discussion with the easier of the two, The Click Method.

The Click Method of training a dog to sit is based upon rewarding the animal for the desired behavior. It gets its name from the idea that some audible queue is used to alert the animal of a pending reward with many trainers using a device called a clicker for this purpose. Whenever the audible queue is given, the reward follows immediately. To train a dog to sit by this method requires little effort on the trainers’ part. One begins by lavishing the dog with several treats, one right after the other while giving the audible queue.

Then abruptly stop the shower of treats and wait for the animal to direct its attention to you. Now display a treat and give the audible queue as you give the treat to the pet. Now hold another treat at chest level so that the dog must look up to see the treat. After a few minutes, your pet will likely sit down on its haunches because this position makes it much easier to watch the treat. Immediately, when this happens, give the audible queue and reward the pet. Repeat this lesson several times.

After a while you will notice your pet sitting in anticipation of the click and the reward so it is now time to add your verbal command to the routine. When the dog begins to sit, say “sit”. This will gradually teach the dog that the command precedes the action and they will learn the meaning of the command in this way. After some practice and a bit of patience, your dog should begin to sit without having to see a reward being offered.

Now let’s discuss the more traditional method of training. The Compulsory Method. This is the method grand dad used on his dogs. Tell the puppy to sit while enforcing it. Saying the verbal command “sit” and pushing down on the puppy’s tail section to make it contact the floor accomplish the lesson. With some dogs you might have to hold their chin up during this process or they will go ahead and lie down. The object behind the lesson is to teach the pup when you say “sit” that there is no other choice but to sit and so eventually the animal will respond on its own rather than having to be coaxed into position.

Some owners use a tool called a choke collar for this training method. They will leash the dog with the choke collar in place and upon the sit command push the dog down. At the same time they will hold the choke collar down by way of the leash allowing only enough slack for the dog to sit but not stand up. If the dog tries to stand the choke collar tightens around the animals’ neck producing extreme discomfort.

The author does not recommend this method as it can produce a nervous and fearful animal, which can become quite aggressive when it feels threatened. Such training also makes leash training much more difficult as it teaches the animal to fear the leash because of the pain inflicted by it. This also tends to lessen the bond between master and dog because the dog comes to associate the master with the pain and discomfort as well and may lash out at the owner or others if the treatment continues.

In whichever method you choose for training your pet, one thing remains constant. Always be consistent. Also be sure to pour lavish affection upon your pet for good behaviors and responses as this improves their bond to you and makes them desire to please you more fully. With a moderate amount of time and patience, your dog will be rivaling any animal presented at the local dog competitions for his well-trained style and mannerisms.

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How To Teach Your Dog To Heel

2006-08-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

One of the first commands your dog learns should be the “HEEL” command. This command will be helpful in insuring the safety of your pet while out in public and will make you look like the owner of a well-mannered and lovable pet. To add to the beauty of all this, the command itself is quite simple and almost any dog can learn the meaning of the command with 30 minutes or so of effort.

So what is the function of the “heel” command? This one word command tells your dog that the animal is to walk directly at your side, not before or after you. This provides safety for your pet in public places as well as for yourself. The command keeps your pet at your side rather than running through the picnic blankets of park goers and, if you own a larger more menacing breed, makes you seem a less approachable target to would-be criminal elements.

Wow, that sounds great… How do I teach my pet? Well, it isn’t as difficult as you might think. There are two general methods of training. One uses only positive reinforcement and the other uses a mixture of both positive and negative tactics. First we will discuss the positive reinforcement method.

In this method, you must first place your dog on a short leash and procure several of the dogs favorite food treats, a few pieces of dry kibble from the animals dog food is normally suitable. Decide which side you prefer your dog to walk on and train from this side in the following manner. With the dog by your side, facing in the same direction, place a treat in your hand next to your hip. In a firm, yet gentle voice, say “heel” and walk forward. When the dog responds by stepping with you, praise them and reward them with the treat. Remember to be consistent and not to reward before the action is carried out, yet always reward for a good performance.

With a lot of patience, this method will work well for most dogs and results in a close bonding of the pet to the owner. However, some dogs are just naturally harder to train, just like some people. If you are blessed with one of these independent and strong willed pets then you might have to avail yourself of a different method of training, which was mentioned earlier in this discussion.

To use the second training method, you must start with a slightly longer leash of approximately seven to ten feet. Allow your pet a few moments to explore the boundaries of the leash and understand how it works. Then call the animal to your side and position yourself as before with the animal next to you, facing the same direction. In a firm voice, say “heel” and walk forward. At this time, the dog will probably not walk with you. It will, instead, begin to explore most likely running in a different direction than where you are leading.

To correct this behavior, turn in the opposite direction of the pets’ direction of travel and take a few steps forward, quite briskly, as you raise the leash to shoulder height and let it play out behind you. The result of this action will be seen as the animal quickly reaches the end of the leash and their forward momentum teaches them the age old physics lesson that “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.” The animal will quite quickly learn that to disobey the heel command results in a discomforting feeling from the sudden stop at the end of the leash and, after a short while, will learn to obey the command. When the pet reaches the state of obedience, be sure to reward them with lots of positive reinforcements, such as play time and treats, along with rich verbal praise.

Whichever of these methods you choose in the training of your pet, the “heel” command is sure to go a long way in making you a much happier pet owner who will be proud to show your pet anywhere. Remember to train with love, patience and consistency and your pet will reward you with loyalty and many, many years of companionship.

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How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch

2006-08-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

The time has come to have a bit of fun with your pet. You step out the door, unhook the leash and throw a tennis ball to the other end of the yard… And your dog looks up at you like you just lost your mind. What went wrong? Looks like its time to head back to the training ground for Fetch lessons.

Fetch is a simple command and is taught easily to puppies but is not beyond the grasp of older dogs as well. In this simple form of a rudimentary game, fetch is primarily used as an entertainment with a primary purpose of creating bonding time between dog and trainer. In more advanced forms, it is used in police dog training for such things as weapon recovery and drug location. So how do we go about teaching this behavior?

One of the basic methods of training the fetch command is using two toys in a bait and switch routine. The toys must be identical and something the dog enjoys playing with. Starting with the dog on a leash or a halter, hide one of the toys on your person and throw the other a short distance after showing it to your pet. Release the dog from the leash and say “fetch” or whatever cue word you choose. The dog will chase after the toy and, most likely, will pick it up. When the animal starts to return with the first toy, produce the hidden one.
The animal will likely drop the toy they are carrying in favor of the new toy. When this happens, wait for the dog to return to you and be reattached to the leash before throwing the new toy. After throwing the new toy, say “fetch” while releasing the animal to give chase. While your dog is chasing the new toy, run and retrieve the first toy. Repeat this process several times using the fetch command. For dogs that are not toy motivated, try adding a bit of flavoring to the game by way of some meat spread or some food reward when the behavior is carried out properly. Toys such as the Kong toys are great for this as they can be stuffed with all manner of pleasant surprises for your pet.

Another method is the forced retrieve. This is accomplished by throwing the toy a short distance and manually walking the dog to the object and waiting for them to pick it up. Reward them generously for finding and picking up the object. In further stages, have a partner walk the dog out for the pick up and then have them walked back to you with the item. Again reward them generously for making the retrieve.

A few of the common tips given by many pet trainers are quite useful in this area. One of the first is not to go for long distance throwing. Short throws are easier for the animal to keep a visual on and require less concentration. They also make for less work for the trainer should the dog fail to adequately grasp the concept. Another point is to reserve fetch toys for fetch. If you let your dog play with the toy all the time, they lose their novelty and the dogs drive to chase them will be greatly diminished. If you make the dog wait to play with these toys then they are a special treat and the dog will see the toy itself as a reward.
Another tip is to be certain to hold the animal a moment before allowing them to chase the object. This gives them a moment to clearly focus on the objective and to build a stronger desire to retrieve the object they seek. Thus, when they are released, they spring to the object in a flurry of motion and grasp it up easily. Another wonderful tip is to avoid the use of sticks as fetch toys. They are hard on the animal’s mouth and may contain parasites or poisonous substances, not to mention confusing the animal if you play near an area with tree growth.

With these simple techniques and tips mastered, you are ready to take to the park with your Frisbee, tennis ball or throwing dummy and enjoy a great afternoon of exercise and bonding with your pet.

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How To Teach Children To Care For The Dog

2006-08-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

If you have a child, you’ve probably heard those familiar words, “Can we keep him?” Dog’s aren’t just a man’s best friend anymore; they’ve become the whole family’s friend. If you’re like any typical family, the children will probably spend the most time with your new dog. This is why it’s very important you teach your child how to take care of him. Here are a few dog rules to teach them:

1. Make sure you remember to feed the dog and give him fresh water each day. Explain that dogs, especially puppies, need nutrition each day for energy and proper growth. If you have an outside dog, it’s especially important that his water dish is changed everyday. Standing water is a breeding place for mosquitoes. Also dirt can get flung into their dish. It is equally important for small children to be supervised when dealing with this type of responsibility. Sometimes smaller children can be too eager to help. Explain to your children why we don’t feed dog’s certain foods such as sweets. Dog food is made to meet their dog’s nutritional needs and sweets can make their dog sick.

2. Being N-I-C-E to your dog is another lesson to teach children. Younger children, particularly under the age of four, have a tendency to be rough with animals. Pulling tails and ears just comes naturally with their curiosity. With a new dog, you may not know his temperament very well or how he may react to your child’s curiosity. Lead by example. Show your child how to be kind to animals. Show them how to gently pet them on the head or back and that hitting or pulling can hurt the dog.

3. Teach your child about the importance of exercise with the family dog. In order for the dog to stay healthy he must move around and play. If the dog is not overpowering, let your child walk the dog with a leash. Another fun activity for exercise is fetch. Let your child throw a ball or stick for the pet to chase. This is lots of fun for both participants.

4. If you have a rambunctious puppy, make sure your child doesn’t leave things lying around. Puppies love to chew on whatever they can sink their teeth into. If they see your daughter’s favorite dolly on the floor, or your son’s tennis shoe, the puppy will show no reserve. They will usually dive right in. Tell your child that your puppy is too young to understand, and that until he gets older, be extra careful about leaving things lying around.

5. Keep bathroom doors shut. Dogs are notorious for drinking from the toilet bowl. If you can help it, reduce the temptation for him, by teaching your child to keep bathroom doors shut.

6. If you have an indoor dog then he’s got to have potty breaks outside. Keep a schedule of bathroom breaks for your dog. This is one of the not so fun parts of taking care of a new pet. Remind your child that if the new dog doesn’t keep to the scheduled potty breaks that he may find a place in the house. In training a new dog to use the bathroom outside, the scheduled times must be strictly kept.

7. Make a chart. If you child is having problems remembering to feed the pet or take it out for breaks, it would be a great idea to make a chart of things to do each day. Let your child mark a check when the chore has been completed. The more he completes the chore, the easier it will be to remember.

Children don’t always see the bigger picture of taking care of a new dog, but with our guidance, they will no doubt become good little pet owners. It’s a good idea to applaud your child when he takes on responsibility and follows through with it. This will give them confidence to mature and take on more responsibility as they get older. Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility. Teach your kids that just as they have to be taken care of by parents, their pet has to be taken care of as well. Our pets depend on us everyday.

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How To Teach An Old Dog New Tricks

2006-08-05T10:16:00.000-07:00

Common knowledge and witticism tells a person that old dogs are incapable of learning new behaviors as is often bespoken in the adage, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. Despite the numbers of people who would proclaim this decree to be solid truth, we are here to tell you that it nowhere near the being an accurate description of the truth. While it is a little more difficult for an older dog to be trained, it is entirely within the realm of possibility if one uses patience and remains consistent in the dog’s lessons throughout the process.

The first step in training an older dog is remembering that this dog has, most likely, already been trained once, be it properly or improperly. The older dog already has preconceived notions as to what acceptable behaviors are and what behaviors are not welcome. If you wish to change one of these behaviors you have to reprogram the dogs thinking process. For instance, a farm dog may have been trained to protect the barnyard and chase stray animals and predators away from the barn. Unfortunately, the dog now lives in your townhouse and thinks your cat is its mortal enemy. We have to reprogram the dogs thinking to make it understand that chasing the cat is not acceptable. So how would we handle this situation?

To start, make certain that the cat will be safe by placing the cat in a pet carrier or some other sturdy structure that prohibits the dog from actually physically contacting the animal but still allows for both animals to see, smell and hear each other. This provides a way for both animals to acclimate to each other in a safe, though possibly a bit stressful, situation. This small step teaches the dog and cat that both are going to have a presence in the home.

After the animals have both calmed a bit give them each a small reward, such as a piece of kibble. Be sure to give the dog lots of verbal praise and affection when it is not barking or trying to get to the cat as this reinforces his good behavior. These rewards are quite important in teaching older dogs as they help to retrain their minds that this behavior is good and is rewarded, thus making them want to repeat the behavior. This will also show the dog that you are accepting of the cat’s presence and you expect him to be accepting of the animal also. Repeat this process several times over the course of a week or so, until both animals seem fairly accustomed to the presence of the other and their aggressions seem to have subsided. At this point, you are ready to move on to the next step.

This step will require an assistant to help with one of the animals. Have the assistant leash the dog and hold him firmly on a very short leash. After instructing the assistant to maintain control of the dog, open the pet carrier and bring the cat out carefully. Your dog will likely move towards the cat so be sure the assistant has him held tightly and be careful not to let the cat panic and escape your grasp. Gradually bring them closer together and let them calmly adapt to each others presence. Repeat this step several times over the next few days and by the end of the week, these two animals should be like old chums.

Through this exercise, we see the basics of teaching an old dog something new. It involves first recognizing the dog’s previous training and then deciding what is applicable and what needs changed. Then reinforcing the good parts of the dog’s behavior with plenty of positive rewards and verbal praise while restricting or redirecting the parts of the behavior you want to stop. We also see that it is necessary to change the behavior in small steps rather than a complete change all at one time. This serves to help the older dog by not confusing him totally. With small steps the animal feels that it is learning new tricks rather than a complete behavior modification. This also allows you to spot trouble before it grows to large to handle. It also is essential to exercise patience and be consistent so that you may indeed teach your old dog some brand new tricks.

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How To Decide What Training Collar To Use

2006-08-05T04:47:00.000-07:00

Many dog owners find that their efforts toward training their pet are greatly aided by the use of a training collar. There are many types of collars available and each employs a different mechanism meant to guide your pet, restrain him or discourage bad or disobedient behavior. Some training collars can harm a dog if they are not used appropriately or are the wrong size; so, you should research training collars thoroughly before choosing one and consult with a training expert if you are unfamiliar with how to use a chosen collar. Some common dog training collars are: the prong collar, the Halti, the Gentle Leader, the choke collar and the electronic collar.

Prong Collar

The prong collar looks a lot more painful to the dog than it actually is. This collar is made up of metal prongs that have been linked together. When you apply a pulling pressure to the collar (via the leash), it gives the dog a little pinch that is meant to duplicate the effect of a mother dog’s teeth when she grabs here pup by the scruff of the neck. The prong collar is a safe and effective training tool as long as the fit is correct and the collar is used appropriately. The prong collar should not be used if your dog is one to consistently yank at his leash.

The prong collar should fit snugly against the dog’s neck. As most prong collars can be adjusted by simply adding or subtracting prongs, the correct fit should be easy to achieve. A properly fitted collar should leave approximately ½ of a finger space in between your dog’s neck and the prong tip. A collar that is any looser than that won’t do its job and will needlessly chafe the dog’s skin.

Halti and Gentle Leader

Both the Halti and Gentle Leader head halter devices look a lot like the harnesses that are used to control horses. While the prong collar is designed to condition behavior and movement, the head halter is designed to restrict or restrain your dog’s movements. The thought behind the halter’s design is that if you can control the head, the body will follow its movement. When you pull on the attached leash the device closes the dog’s mouth and restrains his head. These types of collars are great for dogs that lunge, bite or display other aggressive behaviors.

There are drawbacks, however, to using a head halter device. Most dogs will not take very easily to any device that positions a strap over its nose. You may have to struggle with your dog many, many times before he will submit to wearing it. Another drawback is that pulling at your dog’s head makes it a lot more likely that you’ll inadvertently injure the dog’s neck or back. To avoid injury, you should always make sure you’re restraining your dog in the correct manner.

Choke Collar

The choke collar is one of those dog training devices that is often surrounded by controversy. Proponents of the choke collar point to its humane effectiveness, while critics say that the collar is more torture device than training tool. The truth is that what the collar becomes is largely dependent upon who is using it.

A properly fitted choke collar works by tightening around the dog’s throat when the trainer pulls on the leash and then releasing pressure when the trainer does. If the collar is not put on correctly, however, the pressure will remain and the dog could truly choke to death. These collars are not meant for dogs that consistently pull at their leash or for inexperienced trainers. As is the case with head halters, the choke collar has the potential to cause injury to the dog’s neck.

Electronic Collar

Just mention the option of an electronic dog collar and many dog owners (even some people with no pets at all) will look at you as if you have suggested training your dog with a stun gun. The reality is that electronic collars can be a very humane way to train a dog. As with any other training device, however, whether or not it is used for purposes of cruelty is totally dependent upon the intentions and experience of the trainer.

The electronic collar works by allowing the trainer to give the dog small, electric shocks (via remote control) in order to modify its behavior. The intensity of the shock is left to the trainer. In general, the setting should be strong enough to make the dog’s ears twitch. If the dog howls or yelps when the shock is delivered, then the setting is too high. Again, the electronic collar should only be used by experienced trainers.

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How To Choose A Dog Trainer

2006-08-05T04:38:00.000-07:00

Although many dog owners successfully train their pets without outside assistance, some benefit greatly by using a professional dog trainer. A quality dog trainer can help instruct the dog while also providing the owner with invaluable guidance and assistance. Very problematic dogs—those who seem inordinately aggressive or unruly, for instance often pose training problems that outstrip the ability of even a relatively well-informed dog owner and a finding a great dog trainer becomes essential.

Dog trainers do not require specific licensing. Any person with a desire to do so can simply proclaim himself or herself a dog trainer, hang up a shingle, and begin soliciting customers. The bar for entry into the dog training profession is set so low that it is no surprise that there are many inadequate trainers trying to do business.

When choosing a dog trainer, how is a dog owner to decide who they should trust with their pet’s care and education? Choosing a dog trainer can be a very difficult proposition but separating the untalented and amateurish from the truly gifted is essential to your dog’s well being. Making a mistake in hiring a dog trainer will not only fail to help your dog, it could worsen his behavior and make it harder to correct later.

There is no magic formula for choosing the right trainer. There are any number of factors you may want to consider to find someone with whom you can successfully work and upon whom you can truly rely. However, there are at least two considerations that should guide most any selection of a dog trainer: Experience and reputation.

Experience

One should try to search out a trainer with significant experience. Experienced trainers are more likely to be able to successfully deal with the unique circumstances of your pet based on their track record with other animals.

Additionally, experience inherently communicates at least a reasonable likelihood of talent. One is not likely to have stayed in business as a dog trainer for any significant period of time if they lacked talent and failed to produce desired results. Experience, in essence, is also a proof of at least some ability.

What about new trainers? After all, even the most veteran and experienced trainer began as a rookie. Does this mean one should pass over every trainer who lacks a long track record?

You may be able to find a truly great trainer among the ranks of the less experienced. There is, however, the increased risk that the trainer will be unable to satisfactorily train your dog. If you are considering a novice trainer, grill them about their past experiences prior to entering the profession. Find out what kind of dogs they have dealt with, if they have a more experienced mentor, and how they feel they have qualified themselves to work with your dog. Picking a rookie trainer could work out perfectly, but it does increase the chances of dealing with someone who is woefully unprepared to handle the job responsibilities of training.

Reputation

Experience is an indicator of talent, but it is not a foolproof way of assessing a trainer’s talents. It is possible for a crafty marketer to stay in business a long time, after all, regardless of the quality of their work. As such, it is appropriate to inquire about the reputation of the dog trainers you are considering. Solicit opinions and references from a variety of sources in order to find the right trainer for you.

Great sources for information regarding wonderful trainers and those you should avoid might include veterinarians, breeders, pet storeowners and close acquaintances who have used a dog trainer. By asking around, you can find out which trainers are most highly regarded.

Ask the trainer himself or herself, too. See if they will provide some references you may contact, preferably past clients. Any trainer who is unwilling to do this should be eyed with some degree of suspicion. Most qualified and talented traders will be happy to give you references to contact. Be sure to follow through. Talk to the references and find out all you can about the trainer and the quality of training the former customers and their dogs experienced.

There are a variety of factors that one may want to consider when seeking out a trainer for their dog. The importance of a trainer to a dog’s life is significant and great care should be taken during the selection process. Two things that must be kept in mind when seeking a trainer are the trainer’s experience and reputation.

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5 Things To Avoid During Dog Training

2006-07-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

In training your dog there are a few major downfalls that you are sure to encounter. Knowing them before you reach this point is very helpful to avoiding stressful situations later. The biggest mistake most people make is also the easiest for new trainers to fall victim to. This is the danger of expecting too much.

Dogs are very intelligent creatures and, by and large, very trainable. Thus when you visit the park with your untrained dog and the person next to you is playing Frisbee with their German Shepherd and the Poodle down the way is sitting patiently rather than attacking picnic goers, it is easy to think your dog should know these behaviors from birth. We often times forget the many hours of training that have been put into these wonderful dogs. Your dog can learn these very same antics but it will take time for these lessons to be instilled. Do not expect your dog to learn all of these routines over night. This would merely set you up for downfall number two.

The second problem people encounter is losing their temper. This usually results in an out of breath owner who is yelling at the top of the vocal capacity, a frightened dog and possibly a visit from the local animal welfare department depending on how the individual vents their frustrations. To avoid this downfall, make a conscious effort never to yell at your pet and hitting is always wrong. Raising your voice to your pet will do little to correct their errant behavior and do much harm to your relationship with the animal. It will result in a nervous animal that cowers from you rather than obeys your commands.

The third thing to avoid falls at the other end of the spectrum. These people let the dog become the master. This is equally detrimental to your relationship with the animal as the animal has no control to its behaviors and can quickly become a danger to itself and others. Dogs are pack animals and quickly decide who the leader is and who follows. If you do not take the leadership role from the beginning, you can rest assured that your pet will. A dog without a master will run amok and will quickly get into trouble chasing cars and people, destroying property and making a nuisance of itself. This mistake is tantamount to animal abuse and is very nearly as bad as the previous one.

Fourth in line of things to avoid is the mistake of giving up. Many a dog owner has a pet that has never reached its full potential due to the owner losing interest in their training. Dogs love to learn, especially when the owner rewards well learned behavior traits. Many owners, lacking the time or perhaps the patience, will be quite happy to have a pet that merely answers to its name and stops barking when repeatedly shouted at. Please do not let yourself fall into this trap. Your pet is a highly intelligent animal and is capable of learning so much more. Occasionally, dogs have even been known to develop neuroses due to boredom from not being challenged enough. This results in an unhealthy animal that can be poorly socialized and destructive of furnishings or even its own body. Your dog can and will respond to your training efforts if given the time to do so.

A fifth point that we keep reiterating (and well we should) is people’s failure to be consistent. If you tell the dog to sit and your pet doesn’t do it, stick with it until they do. Always use the same command words and enforce the same action each and every time. Manually enforce the command if it is necessary to get the desired reaction and reward the animal with some play time or some verbal praise for properly performing the routine. Consistency is the major key to training your pet. Repetitive lessons taught on a regular basis with consistent rewards are necessary to the effective training of your pet.

Knowing these five downfalls ahead of time will save you many frustrations while training your pet and will result in a much a healthier and happier relationship with your pet.

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5 Easy Steps To Stop Your Puppy From Chewing

2006-07-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

You got your new pet almost a week ago. In that time, the little beast has eaten three pairs of shoes, four of your favorite Stephen King novels ( He left Cujo alone… Maybe he is a fan too? ), gnawed the trim around the bathroom doorway, chewed thru the power cord of your laptop and, just this morning, you found him gleefully chewing up your wallet with a side order of your credit cards. This is getting expensive really fast and starting to get dangerous for the pup also. Maybe it’s time we intervened?

So how do we handle this situation? Once again, we want to be sure our young charge is healthy to begin, so off to the vets office if you haven’t been recently. There is a medical condition that can cause chewing in pups aside from the normal tendencies they have of chewing to explore their world. This illness is called Pica and causes your pet to eat non-food items in an attempt to deal with nausea. So please visit your veterinarian and make sure your animal has a clean bill of health.

The next step involves understanding that, while chewing is a normal and healthy part of any pup’s development, it has acceptable and unacceptable outlets. Puppies learn about their world thru chewing much the same as human children. They use their senses to explore the new world, which lies before them and their tactile sense, and sense of taste is brought into play as they chew on various objects. Much like human children, pups also need our protection from the dangers that lurk in their explorations. Electrical cords, needles, poisonous houseplants and household chemicals, even chocolate, all pose very real threats to your pet. It is your duty to protect the animal from these dangers.

Consistent training with the “NO” command can do this. No is a word your dog should learn early and respond to instantly. This one word has saved many dogs from many horrible fates. The pup is trained by repeatedly using the “NO” command every time a situation occurs. If you pet is caught chewing on your shoes, say “NO” in an affirmative tone and take the item from the animal. Do not let it become a game of tug-o-war. Rather, remove the item quickly or back up your “NO” with a spray from a water bottle, a loud clapping of the hands or a light but convincing tap on the nose. This little diversion is usually enough to make a dog lose interest in whatever they may have been chewing on. Also, do not give chase to an animal chewing on an undesirable selection of chew toy.

The will interpret this action to be a game and they will be most happy to play for hours on end. Instead, calmly work your way towards the animal and then remove the object. For items that are habitually mistreated, a chemical additive such as Bitter Apple may be in order to impart a foul taste to the item and make it unpalatable for the animal to chew on. Crate Training is also effective to stop chewing behavior and we shall discuss this course at length in later articles.

You do not want to completely destroy your dogs urge to chew however as this habit is healthy for them when exercised correctly. Instead, offer them suitable objects for their chewing pleasure. Perhaps a dog toy ( For quieter households, remove any squeakers from the toy. ) Rope toys and crunchy dog biscuits provide good outlets for a dog’s destructive behavior and also help to keep up the oral hygiene of your pet.

Also be aware that all animals are different. Your dog may react differently than another dog in a given situation. Some dogs develop aggressive stances upon attempts to remove an object from their possession. If your dog becomes aggressive and territorial, then professional assistance is highly recommended to avoid further problems or biting.

With these simple suggestions, you can insure your pups’ good health and the well being of your book collection. You might even find the time to spend some quality time reading Cujo again with your new best friend.

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3 Common Dog Training Mistakes

2006-07-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

There are many different approaches to dog training and many different ways of implementing each of those approaches. Most techniques utilized today however, are premised upon the idea that positive reinforcement is likely to create the best results. Virtually every truly functional dog training system is outgrowth of positive reinforcement thinking.

Regardless of which specific program a dog owner may choose to adopt, there are common pitfalls that can be avoided. Dog owners are particularly susceptible to making three critical errors, which if avoided will make the training process far more enjoyable and effective. Three of the most common mistakes are inconsistency, impatience and treating the dog as a subject instead of a training partner.

Inconsistency

Consistency may be hobgoblin of little minds in terms of the need for human creativity. With respect to dog training, however, inconsistency is the quickest way to reduce the experience’s effectiveness.

Dogs thrive on predictability. In fact, their ability to grasp cause and effect is at the very root of training. Operant conditioning is predicated on the fact that dogs will begin to associate events with consistent outcomes. This notion of consistency’s importance must be extended to the overall process of dog training.

A dog is likely to best respond to a system in which regular actions produce regular results. Too often, dog owners fail to be entirely consistent. In the dog’s mind, these lapses in regularity convey a sense of randomness to the process and make it difficult for the pet to associate his specific behaviors with specific results—the key to training. Dogs will excel when they are taught that things happen for specific reasons. When surprises occur it undermines the whole of the training process.

A successful trainer will retain consistency and will not deviate from an established course.

Impatience

There can be a great deal of frustration in dog training. Concepts we believe dogs should be able to grasp easily often escape them completely for quite some time.

We live in a world that is so often focused on immediate results. We learn to expect that our actions will be met by prompt, anticipated responses. Dog training runs counter to this societal trend toward speedy, immediate gratification. Training is an extended process that can require a great deal of patience from the trainer.

Impatience results in unpredictability on the part of the owner as they hastily cease a training session or abandon positive reinforcement techniques in hopes of finding a shortcut to desired results. Patience is, indeed, a virtue when one considers the role of the owner in a dog training situation.

A successful trainer will master developing a patient outlook throughout the extended process of dog training.

Treating The Dog As A Subject Instead Of A Partner

Dog training requires two participants: the dog and the owner. Frequently, however, owners tend to perceive the process as being uniquely about them. They fret over their techniques, equipment and strategies without giving real consideration to their training partner, the dog.

When an owner approaches the dog as a simple subject for experimentation, they lose track of what makes the dog unique and denigrate the always-important dog/owner relationship. Training becomes a chore, rather than a joint activity. What might have been a pleasurable chance for interaction becomes an un-enjoyable task.

Dogs are sufficiently intuitive to be attuned to a trainer’s attitude and are less receptive to learning when they are treated merely as a subject instead of as a complete being. Owners who fail to see their pet’s identity during training are unable to pick up on subtle clues and possible means to improve their techniques.

The successful trainer will treat his dog as a full partner in training, not merely as a subject.

By avoiding these three common pitfalls, a dog owner is more likely to be able to implement a training strategy that produces results. Additionally, the training experience is likely to be enjoyable for both the dog and owner, giving them a tremendous opportunity to build their relationship. Regardless of the exact methodology adopted by the owner, the training process will benefit extraordinarily from avoiding the mistakes of inconsistency, impatience and treating your pet as a subject instead of as a partner.

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3 Secrets To Better Dog Training

2006-07-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

There are virtually as many approaches to training a dog as there are dogs to train! It seems as if every day new systems and techniques are announced or older methods are resurrected. Check a bookstore shelf or do a quick internet search and you will be overwhelmed with the number of ways people may advocate training a dog.

Despite the tremendous diversity of methods, almost every successful dog training system is premised on positive reinforcement techniques. The once frequent techniques involving intimidation, humiliation and punishment have long been abandoned in the face of growing proof of their relative ineffectiveness. All of the new, more effective, recommended means of dog training share something else in common: their effectiveness can be enhanced significantly by remembering three simple secrets.

Start Young

We’ve all been told a thousand times “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” That popular old saying, of course, is not entirely true. Any dog, regardless of age, can learn new things. However, like most old adages, it has been remembered because it contains a kernel of truth. Dogs, like humans, are much more receptive to learning new behaviors when young. The earlier you are able to start training your dog, the more effective the training will be.

Puppies will learn at a much faster clip and do not have ingrained behaviors that must be un-learned. Thus, any training regimen is sure to be more successful when conducted with a puppy for a subject instead of an older dog.

If you weren’t able to start training a particular dog when he or she was younger, don’t fret. Training is still effective for older animals. However, if you do have the chance, start training early and you’ll reap the benefits of increased effectiveness.

Remain Gentle

Dogs are social animals and develop a real attachment to their owners. That attachment, in large measure, is at the heart of successful dog training. A dog who trusts his owner and who sincerely wants to please his companion is far more likely to remain attentive and compliant during the training process.

A failure to act gently jeopardizes the training program by undermining the quality of the dog/owner relationship.

Of course, aggressive behavior also runs contrary to the very foundations of most dog training techniques. Dog training is premised on the notion that positive reinforcement techniques best modify dog behavior. The interjection of inconsistent activity frustrates that process. Furthermore, there are ethical and moral concerns about mistreating an animal, in addition to the practical concerns. By making a commitment to retain gentleness throughout the training process one can insure they are consistently treating their dog appropriately.

A gentle dog owner will find himself with an ally for a trainee rather than a rival. Instead of a battle of the wills, training can become a cooperative exercise. Under those conditions, training tends to take less time and be far more effective.

Emphasize Prevention

Too often, training a dog devolves into a series of constant corrections for behaviors the owner finds unsuitable. This reduces the pleasure found in dog training as well as its overall effectiveness. A strong emphasis on preventing inappropriate behavior reduces the need for correction efforts and can help spur quick progress.

The basic goal of prevention is to intervene before a problem is created instead of simply responding to the problem. Instead of waiting for the dog to make a mistake to correct, the prevention-minded owner will keep close watch to see imminent difficulties and will intervene early to prevent them from arising in the first place.

This technique allows one to avoid spending undue time on correction and to emphasize real positively reinforced training methods, keeping a program on track and accelerating its successes. It also decreases frustration throughout the training process making it more enjoyable for both the dog and the owner.

Although there is a multitude of training strategies form which one can choose, all of them can have their effectiveness increased by adhering to the aforementioned principles. By starting early, remaining gentle and emphasizing prevention, any reasonable method of dog training can garner better results. These three secrets, if always operating in the background, serve to push the effectiveness of any training technique.

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How To Train Your Dog To Avoid Lawsuits

2006-07-08T08:38:00.000-07:00

In the litigious society in which we find ourselves living today, legal actions seem to be commonplace. You can be sued for millions if a cup of coffee, which common sense would tell you is very hot, does not contain a warning label to that effect prior to someone dumping it onto their lap and getting burns. Parents are brought into court because their child kissed another child at school and someone called this sexual harassment.

A would-be thief sued and won in a case where he broke his arm by tipping over a soda vending machine in an attempt to steal from it. All of these suits and more happen on what seems a daily basis and you just brought your own little lawsuit factory to live with you, in the form of an adorable little puppy.

It is true that this innocent looking little ball of fur can turn into a nasty, snarling, lawsuit building monster within moments. All it takes is one act of territorial aggression or even self-defense and your pet has just cost you thousands of dollars and, possibly, the animal itself. So how will train abet this poor outcome?

By teaching your pet, not to jump, nip, bite, threaten or behave as an aggressor, you save yourself possible legal actions and a lot of sleepless nights. After all, who really wants to own the dog that just mauled the neighbors’ two-year-old child for pulling its tail or killed the prize-winning cat of the lady next door? So how do we stop the bad behavior?

Well, for starters, every dog should learn the “NO” command. This simple one word command is precise and definite in its meaning. It tells the animal to stop whatever it is doing and instead give you full and complete attention. This command should be trained consistently and often. If the animal is trying to chase a cat, loudly and clearly say “NO” and restrain the animal. If the dog is jumping up, again utter “NO” and perhaps a light swat to the nose as reinforcement of the command. This simple command will stop most behaviors once it is learned.

A similar command is “Leave It” and is taught in much the same way. For training in this command, let the dog approach the forbidden object of its attention and then pull the leash taut and pronounce, “Leave it”. After a few moments, the dog will give up and return to you after which it should be rewarded generously. By doing this, the dog learns that no matter what temptation is presented; your reward for leaving it will be much greater.

A third lawsuit preventing command is “Down” and is one that many dog owners have a lot of trouble with. A dog’s natural instinct is to jump up and greet someone. While this is cute in the puppy stage a one hundred pound adult dog can knock you to the ground and, for a stranger, be quite a frightening experience. Your dog can be taught to stay down by starting when they are pups to curb the jumping behavior by ignoring them when they jump and rewarding them when they sit calmly. To break the habit in older dogs, you may have to resort to more strenuous enforcements such as a squirt of water when they jump up or even an electrical collar.

Also, as pups, they should be familiarized with people who will enter the yard on a daily basis such as the mail carrier or package delivery personnel. They should learn that these individuals are not threats by taking the time to introduce them to your pet and perhaps even asking them to offer the pet some kind of treat. The animal should, at all times, be taught that nipping or biting is unwanted behavior and will result in a punishment of some form, for example, a sprits of cold water followed by the “NO” command or a light but convincing swat on the nose. In worst-case scenarios, a muzzle may be in order.

With these simple suggestions, you are certain to have a safer environment for your pet and those around you as well as lowered risks of legal actions being brought against you.

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How To Train Using Your Dogs Personality

2006-07-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

This type of training is effective because it takes the dogs natural tendencies and just reinforces them and focuses them into proper channels. Let us now look at some of the behavior and personality traits that can be advantageous to training.

For Curious dogs, it is quite easy to train in all manner or tricks and behaviors. These dogs are naturally inquisitive and can be taught such tricks as opening and closing doors or fetching cold drinks from the refrigerator. An easy trick for this dog is fetching ones slippers or even bringing you the food dish at your dog’s meal times. These dogs love to perform so give them lots of chances to do so. They are most easily trained by giving them a challenge to work out. Perhaps hiding a treat under a box or playing games such as hide and seek with them. These dogs are excellent for tracking once they learn to focus their attentions.

The Aggressive dog can be a bit harder to tame but does have its useful areas. A dog with aggressive tendency will be very defensive of its master, including the master’s house and belongings. This animal should be trained with this thought in mind but it is of great consequence to also teach this animal proper outlet for its aggression and also, when enough is enough. In other words, clearly and consistently teach the no and leave it commands or you run the risk of finding this dog mauling a neighbor child for getting too close to the fence.

The Friendly dog is a pure pleasure to train as they truly want to please you and will do almost anything to gain your attention and approval. These dogs are wonderful companions and are awesome when trained for specialized uses such as visiting nursing facilities or hospitals in a pet therapy usage. These dogs do require a bit of training in how to contain their sometimes over friendly advances and must be taught the “down” commands and the “lick / no lick” commands as their warm personalities can be a bit overpowering for some peoples liking.

The Shy or Reclusive dog will be in adventure to train, as first you have to find the pet. This animal will make it a point to stay out of your reach and usually out of your sight. These animals can be stubborn during the training process and they must be taught to answer when called. Leash training most easily facilitates this with a lot of rewards for appropriate behavior. Negative reinforcements rarely work with these animals, as they perceive this is a further reason to avoid your presence.

The Nervous or Easily Frightened dog is very similar in training technique to the Shy pet. They require patience and understanding during training and much in the way of positive reinforcements. Avoid using negative reinforcements unless a particular behavior could prove immediately harmful to you, the pet or another individual. This animal will not respond well to negative reinforcements and these will damage the trust relationship between you and the pet. Trust is a very important issue with these animals and this must be established before any other training will have any effectiveness. These dogs almost always have had prior abuse or neglect issues.

Learn as much as possible about the past of the animal and find what behaviors trigger the fear responses of the animal. For example, if you raise your hand when you say “no” and the dog whimpers, drops to the ground or tucks its tail and runs, you can safely assume someone has struck this dog at least once. If this is the case, modify your training behaviors and hand movements to be less threatening to the animal. Perhaps, instead of raising your hand with the command, just give the verbal cue. This still implies the same lesson to the animal without producing fear, which is contraindicated in training. After the dog learns to trust you, hand gestures can be added later at the animal’s comfort level.

As we discussed before, each animal is different and you may see traits of any or all of these personality types in your pet. You should use this knowledge to modify your training and achieve a happier, healthier bond between you and your pet by reinforcing the animal’s own personality.

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Halter Training Your Dog

2006-07-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

One of the easiest training lessons you will ever encounter is halter training. Why is this? It is because your dog already knows the basics of how to function on a collar and leash system and walking is within their natural range of movement. Thus, you are not asking the dog to do anything outside of its normal field of activity. All you are doing is putting an extension on the collar and leash, which allows for more control of the animal.

So to begin the discussion, what is a halter? A halter in its simplest of forms is no more than an extended collar which has a secondary collar that encircles the animal’s upper torso just behind the front legs. There is a D-loop on the back for the attachment of a leash and the whole attachment usually buckles in the front. The halter is useful in stopping disagreeable behaviors and provides more control for the handler without wrenching the animal’s neck to achieve this goal.

To halter train your dog, you must first get your dog used to the apparatus. Let them explore it, sniff it and generally just look it over and become comfortable with it. This will put the dog at ease that this is not some new form of torture that you have devised and the dog will be more willing not to resist in the next step of training, which is placing the halter on the dog.

Most often halters are placed on the dog by slipping the collar portion over the head and then wrapping the torso section around the dog just behind the front legs. Many systems use a metal buckle or even a plastic snap connector of the type common amongst backpackers which joins the pieces together thus forming two loops, one around the neck and the other around the torso, with a connecting piece in between. The D-loop would then be positioned on the dogs back so affixing a leash is no major task. There are variations on this system however so read the manufacturers instructions on your particular model so as to avoid injury to yourself or your pet.

Now that we have the halter on your pet, the hard part is over. Now you get to have some fun praising your pet for cooperating so well and rewarding them. Also give them a few minutes to explore the new sensation of the halter without the leash while rewarding them for not trying to remove it. The rewards will help with the next part of the training as well, which is getting them to walk while on a halter and leash system. My favorite method for this is to find an assistant who can walk a few feet in front of the animal and myself and offer some kind of treat to the dog, be it food or a favorite toy.

The dog quickly learns that the harness is not restrictive and will follow the treats. Walk with your pet and allow them to sense that this device is not an encroachment on their freedom. If the dog begins to pull you along, say no and stand in one place just as in leash training. This will teach the dog that, while the halter does not impede their normal movements, there are limits to what they are allowed. In no time at all, you should have a pet that will happily be haltered and be ready to walk at your side rather than pulling you along over hill and vale.

The halter also has the added advantage of being a good handle should you need more control of a situation such as when aggressive behaviors are displayed. There is a simple technique to deal with this and avoid injuries to your pet or yourself. If you encounter a situation where you think aggression may be an issue quickly take in all slack on the leash and grab the harness between the collar and the torso loop. By pulling back on this section, you will raise your dog’s front legs off the ground and distract them from their aggressive behavior. In smaller dogs, it is possible to lift the dog completely free of danger in this manner.

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Helpful Tools For Dog Training

2006-07-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

In the dog trainers’ arsenal of tools and tactics, there are many great items that will assist in the task and make things much easier for you. Items such as clickers, leashes of different varieties, halters, electronic collars, electronic and chemical training aids, muzzles and treat carriers all have their place in the trainers world and can prove very useful in your efforts to train your dog. Let’s take a few minutes to explore some of the various tools of the trade.

We shall begin our discussion with the clicker. This handy device is usually made up of a small plastic box with a piece of formed metal inside of it. It emits a clicking noise by pressing down and then releasing the metal. This sound is a quick attention getter for most dogs and once they are taught to recognize the sound, they can discern it even over much background noise or relatively long distances. It is used a great deal by trainers who focus mainly on positive reinforcements.

Next in line are a variety of leashes. These handy tools can range from a very short leash with less than eighteen inches of length to an extremely long leash of twenty feet or more. The shorter leashes are used for more control when working on training an animal for up close behaviors such as the Sit, Heel and Stay commands or when walking thru large crowds where longer leashes could pose dangers for your dog or other people.

The longer leashes are used for behaviors that allow more freedom and come with some nice features such as the retractable leash which is essentially a long leash on a spring loaded spool that will allow the dog to explore at a distance but will coil itself back as the animal returns, thus preventing trip hazards and tangling. In the same group as leashes, we find the halter which is essentially an extension of the collar, which forms itself around the upper torso of the dog thus allowing more control for the owner and less strain on the dogs’ neck. Halters are also made use of for working dogs such as Seeing Eye dogs and police or military animals.

After the leashes we find another control device; the electronic collar. These negative reinforcement devices come in two major categories, sonic and shock emitting. The sonic version is the more humane of the two and emits a discomforting sound when the dog performs a certain disagreeable behavior such as traveling beyond the limits of an invisible fence perimeter or jumping onto furniture. The second version works in the same manner but has the added enforcement of delivering a painful electric shock.

There is also a variety of training aids, both electronic and chemical based, for combating specific behaviors. One of the most popular electronic aids is the electronic shock mat, which is placed on furniture to keep your pet from jumping onto your leather couch or expensive recliners. These devices emit a mild but persuasive electrical shock when the pet comes into contact with them.

(A cautionary note: Don’t forget to remove these items before you sit down on the furniture. It might prove to be a shocking experience. ) Chemical based training aids include such products as Bitter Apple sprays or creams, which are used to prevent chewing or self-mutilation behaviors. Other such products are administered as a dietary supplement to produce calmness in excessively overactive dogs or to stop a dog from eating feces.

Some trainers also use muzzles as a way to curb nipping behaviors. It is a good idea to give your pet at least some familiarity with this item as many veterinarian offices now use them to avoid injury to the staff during procedures such as nail clipping or shots and it can be very stressful on a pet who has never encountered the device before. Muzzles are also useful in training dogs to stop barking and to avoid aggressive behaviors and injuries when a gathering of many animals is expected or when introducing your pet to a new animal in the household such as the family cat.

Last but not least, and certainly the most appreciated by your dog, are the special treat carriers that have become quite popular in training circles. These carriers provide a clean way for you to carry a whole days worth of treats on your side without having to dirty your pockets or have your hands full constantly. They are an excellent choice for outdoors types who take their dogs on back packing adventures or for a days hunting as they provide an ample supply of treats and they are relatively light and easy to carry.

This listing was composed of just a few basic tools of the trade. There are many other training aids that we do not have time to discuss here but feel free to visit your local pet store and find out more about the ever growing line of pet supplies and how they can aid you in your training ventures.

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Leash Training Your Dog

2006-06-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

Who else here is old enough to remember the Jetson’s cartoon show and their beloved dog, Astro? Remember how every time George took the dog for a walk, Astro ended up walking him? George was helplessly drug behind this great beast as it chased cats, food or whatever else struck the animals fancy that episode. I’m sure we all had a good hearty laugh at poor Georges’ expense as kids but, now that we are a bit older and wiser, we really don’t want to be in his shoes… or at the end of Astros’ leash, for that matter. So how do you teach your massive Great Dane to walk at your pace on a leash? How about a few pointers?

The first part of training your pet not to drag you at the end of the leash is to instill in them a sense of calm before the leash ever goes on. Dogs are adventurous animals and the sight of the leash signals them that they are going out on a grand adventure. They become very excited by the prospect and it can be difficult to even get the leash affixed to their collar let alone control the dog. So we need the help of another command. This is the “sit” command followed by “stay.” The idea is to make your pet calm down sufficiently that you do not have to fight to attach the leash and the walk should by no means begin until the pet has calmed. If you allow the pet to set the mood for your walk as a nerve racking frenzy of movement and excitement, then they will continue the walk at the same pace.

Now that you have achieved placing the leash on the collar, you are nearly ready. You might have noticed your pet trembling in excitement as you were attaching the leash. She is ready for the walk and just can’t wait. Hold on to the end of the leash tightly and plant both feet firmly because as soon as you release the collar, two things are going to happen… One, your pet is going to bolt madly around the room in a renewed frenzy of excitement and, secondly, you are going to feel as if your arm is going to be wrenched from its socket.

To stop future incidence of this, try a simple trick… Stand Still. Your pet will quickly reach the end of the leash and be left dancing at the end of it. Hold your ground until she realizes that you are not going anywhere at all. When the animal calms and comes back to you praise her profusely. Then walk around the room with her a bit. If she repeats the pulling behavior, again stand still. She will quickly learn that a frenzy of activity is not rewarded and will be much calmer at the end of the leash. Again praise her for being a good dog. Keep repeating this activity until you feel confident that your pet is ready for the added stimulus of being outdoors.

Now we ramp up the training a bit by moving outdoors. Here in the great unknown expanses, there lurk many new temptations; the neighbors cat, the newspaper boy on his bike, the mailman carrying a sack full of letters and usually a few dog biscuits or even a stray dog passing by. With so many new and exciting adventures, your pet will be tempted to pull at the leash again but you must stand your ground. Some of the pulling can be headed off by avoiding these situations until your pet has more experience with the leash by keeping a watchful eye for other animals or people who might interact with your pet and circumventing these areas.

Once your pet is ready for such interactions, perhaps you can arrange a meeting in a controlled manner such as asking a friend to approach you and your pet at the park so you can teach your pet how to respond to a strangers approach. No matter what the situation, remember to stand still until your pet has calmed or you will be running to catch up to your pet for a very long time to come.

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Being Your Dog’s Leader Is The Key to Training

2006-06-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

Dogs, in their natural state, are pack animals. We tend to think of them simply as autonomous pups and don’t often consider their immutable core nature as pack animals, however. This failure to take into account the true nature of dogs can make training more difficult. Likewise, understanding what it means to be a pack animal can unlock one of training’s greatest secrets.

Dogs, in packs, have leaders. The leadership role in dog packs is one of great influence. Other dogs in the pack naturally subordinate themselves to leadership and will look to their leader for guidance and instruction.

Of course, domesticated dogs don’t travel in packs. Instead, they build a pack based on those with whom they regularly interact. In essence, the owner and the owner’s family members or close friends become the dog’s pack.

This creates a wonderful opportunity for dog trainers. By casting yourself as the leader of your dog’s pack, the dog will naturally tend to follow your lead, will naturally feel inclined to respect you and will demonstrate an instinctive need to learn from you. Since a dog’s real social structure will always be seen through the innate canine perspective of packs and leaders, it only makes sense for trainers to take advantage of this by assigning roles for both pet and master that will make dog training especially effective.

There are several things a trainer can do to emulate being a pack leader. These techniques will allow your dog to find what he will rightfully feel is his place in your family’s social order and will make him substantially more amenable to your training. Some may say it is as easy as “making sure the dog knows who is the boss,” but that is an oversimplification. Being bossy is not the same as being a leader. Simply trying to enforce your will on a dog does not necessarily communicate to him that you are truly the pack leader. The talented trainer will understand this and will take specific actions to emulate a pack leader.

Some expert-recommended techniques include:

Consistency

Good leaders are consistent enforcers of rules and regulations. Leaders who too often “look the other way” are not taken seriously. A dog will notice whether your rules and expectations are consistently maintained and may even test your mettle upon occasion, pushing the boundaries of established behavioral norms to determine who is really in charge. By being a wholly consistent leader, you are likely to establish yourself as being the head of your pack and your dog will then be much more apt to follow your lead.

Respect

Leaders are respected not just as an arbitrary outgrowth of their assigned position but because of how they behave in that role. A firm, but fair leader is far more likely to be admired and followed. One must be firm with their dog when training, but cannot hold unreasonable expectations or enforce their rules with violence or punishment. A good pack leader can still use the positive-reinforcement techniques that have been proven the core of successful training. Being a respectful leader will create a respectful follower in your dog. Their submission to you should be premised in respect and appreciation—not in fear or humiliation.

Interaction

The successful pack leader will interact with his dog in ways that reinforce the notion of the social hierarchy. Dogs, for instance, look for cues from leadership in the eyes. By maintaining eye contact with your pet during training, he will better understand your role as leader. Likewise, it is desirable to occasionally demand your dog’s attention while walking, playing or during more intense training sessions. By commanding your dog to heel and to look at you, for instance, you will further reinforce your position as pack leader.

Unlocking the power of being a pack leader can make training much more effective. With roles clearly established, one can avoid much of the struggle others may experience while training their pets. Additionally, by assigning yourself the role of pack leader you create an environment in which your dog will naturally look to you for its guidance. Pack leadership is an essential component to any fully optimized training program.

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Are Electrical Collars Effective In Dog Training

2006-06-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

Is the use of an electrical collar really an effective training aid? The short answer to this question is yes. Without a doubt, these tools are effective as training aids. They provide a quick attention getter for the animal being trained and they most assuredly provide a negative reinforcement that can teach the animal what behaviors are unwanted. However, like all things, there is much more to consider than just the initial, obvious benefits. In this article, we will discuss the various benefits and problems encountered by using this device.

Let’s first discuss, for a moment, how these devices work. The electrical, or shock collar, as they are commonly referred to, is basically a receiver that, when triggered, delivers an electrical stimulation to the neck area of a dog via two probes that are in contact with the skin. The receiver is controlled by way of a remote transmitter that has an effective range of up to one mile for some models. In early training, the charge is fairly low but consistent until the animal learns that exhibiting correct behaviors can turn off the stimulation.

Once the animal has learned how the collar works, these devices are not used continuously but rather the opposite. They are used only to dissuade incorrect behaviors by delivering a clear and consistent message with its electrical payload. Now that we understand how these devices work, lets take a few moments to discuss why one might use them and whether they are effective or not.

The obvious reason for using an electrical collar is the ability to control the dog from long distances without having to yell or use noise-producing methods, particularly effective with animals that are used around cattle or in an environment where excess noise is not acceptable, such as hunting land. This long distance control also has the advantage of helping you to maintain a non-threatening position with your dog by the collar enforcing the rules rather than you having to be physical or intimidating while correcting him.

On the other hand, relying on the long distance attention getter can also be a disadvantage. How? Because at a good distance, you run the risk of the dog being able to run out of range of the transmitter to escape the electrical stimulus and losing your animal, not to mention a very expensive piece of training equipment.

Another disadvantage to the electrical collar is the prohibitive costs. With these items often falling in the $100 or higher range, they are not for everyone. This is a point to be considered when looking at the maintenance costs and the costs of any loss thru a dog that knows how to slip the collar or breaks it loose.

Another advantage to this training system is the acceleration rate of the training for specific behaviors. Many owners claim to cut their training time in half by the use of an electrical collar for training such commands as “come”, “get out” or “down.” This little fact alone is enough to make many new trainers carefully consider using this tool.

However, there is another disadvantage. After all, the basic principle behind this device is that it will inflict at least a measure of pain upon your pet. If you are the type of person to stay up late at night with pangs of conscience for not sharing your bologna sandwich with your hunting dog, then the electrical collar may not be the best choice for you. This device is created with the purpose of negative reinforcement in mind and it does its job very well. It is a matter that each individual trainer must decide as to whether it is within their conscience to inflict pain upon their animal to achieve results and, if so, how much is enough before it becomes cruelty.

In the end, the answer to the original question is yes, these are effective tools, but like any tool, they have their uses and misuses. This tool can be a great asset if used properly or it can ruin a good dog if used incorrectly. When all is said and done, it is the responsibility of each owner and trainer to decide whether or not it is a tool that fits into his or her training methods and style using their research and sound judgment.

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Agility Training For Dogs

2006-06-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

Without agility, the most muscular person in the world couldn't win a fight against a fifth-grader. But did you know that for a dog agility is possibly even more important? With so many of a dog's happiest moments spent running, jumping, catching, and stretching, dog agility training can really help dogs age gracefully and happily.

What is dog agility training?
You’ve probably seen dog agility training on television. The dogs run a course of tire hoops, tunnels, seesaw, dog walk plank, jumps, hurdles, weaving poles, and a 3-meter A-frame. Heeling, sitting, down stays, send-aways as well as walking off leash are also included.

Who can participate?
Anyone with a dog can do agility training. There is not age limit for people or dogs. In fact, children and puppies are encouraged to take part. All breeds and sizes of dogs without a physical disability can benefit from agility training. Be sure to check with your vet before you begin agility training if you have any doubts about your canine’s fitness.

What equipment is needed?
You as the handler will need comfortable shoes and clothes that you can run in, because this is not exercise for the dog alone. Your dog needs a leather or webbed buckle collar and a leather, nylon or rope lead of fairly long length. Do not use a chain lead; it could get caught in the jumps.

Agility Training Courses for Dogs
There are two sides of agility training for dogs. They are the obstacles and the control training. There are also tips for training your dog. Obstacles. Although it seems high to many handlers, the A-frame is the best obstacle to begin training. The dog walk plank, low jump and the tunnel (dogs love this obstacle) are also excellent for training the novice dog.

Control training is important to keep your dog disciplined both on the agility course and off. Everybody knows that a dog must heel and sit. You must also teach your dog to know and obey different commands: to go left and right, lay down, and wait. After those are mastered, the dog must learn normal recall (returning anytime you call) and recall over obstacles. Also important is the “send away” command, making the dog go ahead you.

Tips for Dog Agility Training
Begin training by getting your dog’s attention. Talk to him and offer a small treat. Coupled with the love he has for you, he’ll be all ears. Be sure you have the correct lead (generally 6 feet) and a comfortable collar (measure the dog’s neck and add 2 inches) for your dog. Give praise often. “Tune in” to your dog to be sure she and you are ready to train.

Here’s a final tip: make sure that you and your dog enjoy yourselves. After all, jumping through hoops is supposed to be fun--at least if you're a dog.

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Dog Obedience The Basics

2006-06-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

Teaching basic obedience skills to a dog can be exciting as well as challenging. Having problems on where to begin? Start by doing your homework. A student can only be as good as his trainer, right?

The first lesson in obedience is to get your dog to pay attention to the commands. You want to start by calling his name and then using a keyword like “watch” or “look” afterwards. This way, he will associate the words to a command. Once you’ve got his attention, the lessons can begin.

You want your dog to be able to pay attention for a short length of time. Try keeping his attention by doing attention exercises. One example would be to hold a toy or dog treat in near your mouth and then give him the keyword command. Each time he takes the time to watch, praise him. The more you do this exercise, the more time he should be able to pay attention to you. Try getting him to watch for at least a minute. Let him know that he is doing a good job by rewarding him. Dogs learn best this way.

Because dogs have such short attention spans, they get distracted pretty easily. Choose a place that is free of other distractions such as other pets, children or loud noises. Training sessions should only last approximately 30 minutes tops. Usually, if you go over this time limit, the dog will get restless and easily distracted.

If your dog isn’t learning very quickly, you may become frustrated. Don’t take that frustration out on your animal. A few things to remember before starting your obedience lessons:

1) Never cause pain to your dog (this will cause him to shy away or become aggressive to you.)

2) If he begins to become distracted, change the tone of your voice (this doesn’t mean raising it)

3) Consistency can not be stressed enough (animals are like children, if you’re not consistent, they will become confused as to what is expected)

Teaching your dog basic obedience commands will make for a more obedient and more pleasant dog to be around.

The first command to start off with would be to sit. You must use the word sit while teaching him so that he can relate the word with the action. Start by gently pushing his backside down and saying the word “sit.” Eventually he will catch on to the concept.

The second command is “down.” Dogs can become pretty hyper when they get excited. Jumping up on their owner’s lap is usually how they express their excitement. If you have a big dog or have other people over, you might not want them pouncing about. When they jump up, tell them “down.” Do not pet them or act excited to see them while they are on you. Continue to tell them “down,” and even place their legs down if you have to.

Next is the command of “stay.” This command is a good one to know especially if you have a rambunctious hyper dog. You can teach him stay, for example, by putting a treat or something desirable on the ground. As he moves toward it, tell him “Stay.” Another good idea would be to put your hand up while saying the word “stay.” When he begins to become obedient in this area, you can move further away from him. This will cause him to become more daring and he will probably take a step forward to see how much he can get away with. When he does this, continue to put your hand out and tell him “stay.” He has to know that even though you are moving away, you can still see what he’s doing and expect him to continue to obey.

After you’ve mastered the stay command, you will move on to the come command. Once your dog has learned to sit and stay, he will need a command to know when it’s ok to get up and approach you. They may be a bit confused at first, but with a change in the tone of your voice, he will soon understand. Put a little excitement in your voice when saying the word “come”. He will pick up on it. You might also want to pat your leg when you say come.

Stand is the last command to achieve. This is where your dog is allowed to get a little excited but not in a pouncing kind of way. When teaching your dog to stand, pat your hands on your chest and, once again, put a little excitement in your voice, so that he knows he’s aloud, under certain circumstances. He will begin to know the difference.

Teaching your dog basic obedience, if possible, should be taught as soon as you and your dog are ready. Remember be consistent with the commands and don’t forget to have fun!

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Different Training Techniques for Companion Dogs

2006-06-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

Companion animals are generally kept indoors except for walks and traveling. Thus their training usually includes some form of housebreaking and a set of manners. These manners generally include such things as staying off the furniture, not barking indoors, not begging for food at the dinner table and not drinking from the toilet. Many companion animals are taught two different sets of rules for different situations, such as the “kiss-no kiss” commands which tell the animal whether it is appropriate to lick or not.(Particularly useful if your dog has a habit of drinking from the toilet.) Companion animals range in all shapes, sizes and breeds but again consider your choices wisely according to your lifestyle.

What do we mean? For instance, a hyper or energetic household might choose a pet that likes a lot of activity and socialization, perhaps a Dalmatian or similar breed. An older person who just wants quiet companionship and something to care for might choose a small dog, such as a Dachshund or Pomeranian. A young gentleman who likes to jog in the evenings might choose a large protective dog like a Mastiff or Doberman Pinscher.

A young lady might choose a German Shepherd or a Husky for their protective qualities and beautiful appearance. A family with young children might lean towards the more nurturing breeds like Saint Bernard’s or Sheep dogs. All of these breeds have their own niches in the dog-human relationship. Choosing the right breed for your lifestyle should be a careful decision with a lot of thought and research and you can be guaranteed happiness with your choice for years to come.

As we mentioned in the previous articles, dogs trained for hunting should retain some of the more aggressive behaviors but in companion animals this is not necessary, except in the case of dogs kept for protection. A less aggressive animal is much to be desired as a companion and will provide years of stolid companionship, rather than fighting and suffering, sometimes fatal, injuries.

Some owners have their animals neutered as a way to curb aggressive tendencies, as well as controlling the stray pet population and decreasing roaming behaviors. This is a suggestion to seriously ponder as many thousands of unwanted animals are euthanized every year but, by the same token, if something ever happens to your pet it might be comforting to have a pup from the same bloodline. While neutering has its benefits, first be sure that you do not wish to ever breed the dog.

Another difference in the training of companion animals is what most people refer to as pet tricks. We have all seen the dog that will hold a treat on the end of its nose until given the okay and then flip the morsel in the air and snap it up or the dog that plays Frisbee on the beach. These are learned behaviors that take much patience and consistent training. Thus, they are usually reserved for companion animals that are in our contact more often than not. In my years of being a pet owner and visiting with other pet owners and trainers, I have seen all manner of pet tricks, some ranging from just plain dumb to pretty awesome.

On the dumb side, I have seen dogs that will drink beer and then howl in tune to old blues records for hours on end. On the awesome side, I have seen dogs that will climb to the top of a high dive and jump right off with no fear whatsoever. (It scared me though…it looked like one heck of a belly buster.) These tricks are all the brainchild of some pet owner who said I wonder if Fido can learn this. So if you are acquiring a companion animal, start thinking. Find some new pet trick to amaze your friends and neighbors. Maybe you will have the first Chihuahua on the block that can fetch you a cold beer and the remote control on Super Bowl Sunday.

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Differences In Dog Training For Hunting Dogs

2006-06-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

As the old song said there is a time for every purpose and the same is true for training your dog. Just as different jobs require different skills and different tools, dogs used in specialized areas require specialized training. For this discussion, we will look at the hunting dog and what specialized training is required for them to be useful members of the team.

Since prehistoric time, man has kept pets and dogs are no exception. What is interesting is that this animal has maintained so much of its history over the years and, yet, has also diversified into other areas of our lives. There is no doubt that the original dogs were kept for hunting purposes rather than companionship but over the years that relationship has evolved to include not only hunting, but also protection from enemies, companionship, guide services and tracking. Also interesting is the fact that while our hunting techniques and tools have evolved our uses for the hunting dog have retained much of their historical ambience.

Dogs are still used for the purposes of flushing game from hiding spots and tracking wounded prey, much as they were used thousands of years ago. One major change has been made though… we rarely expect our pets to actually kill the quarry anymore. The dog now occupies more of a retrieval status and it is quite possible to hunt a whole lifetime and never avail you of the services of a hunting dog. But what fun would that be? In a world that has changed so quickly and moves so fast, it is important to retain part of our history and thus we keep the dog as our ever-faithful hunting companion. Even in hunting, however, dogs still require specific training.

The first step in training a hunting dog is made before the animal is ever acquired. You must decide what kind of dog, your sport requires. Many breeds have been refined for certain hunting activities and this must be taken into consideration. Just as you would not take a dachshund on a lion hunt, you shouldn’t expect your wolfhound to crawl down a badger den.

Decide upon a hunting style and then pick the animal best suited to it. Are you a rabbit or squirrel-hunting fan? Then perhaps the beagle or basset hound would be to your liking. Do you prefer the challenge of hunting quail, dove or pheasant? Maybe you should consider one of the breeds of pointers. Do you like the peaceful calm of long hours spent in a duck blind on a cool morning? A retriever is probably the perfect choice for you. Take the time and do the research. There is a dog bred for nearly every type of hunting and even a few breeds that cross boundaries into different platforms.

The second difference in a hunting dogs training is the training goal itself. While it is desirable to almost completely remove aggressive behavior in a companion animal, it is advisable to leave some of this instinct intact for hunting animals. The reason behind this is simple. These animals spend long hours and sometimes days in the field and may encounter danger from wildlife or even wounded prey. Also the first time your untrained dog hands you a squirrel that is stunned and not completely dead, you will understand the reason for leaving the aggressive instinct in the animal. (Authors note: Promptly seek medical attention to have the finger the squirrel bit off reattached. Duct Tape won’t fix everything no matter what the label tells you. ) All humor aside, a mildly aggressive hunting animal is more of a benefit than a detriment as long as the animal still gives up the prey without a fight.

Another aspect of training a hunting animal is to teach them to behave independently. Many types of hunting require that the hunting dogs will usually lead ahead of the hunter by great distances. They must be able to act upon their own without fear of them running away or getting into trouble. Another point that might seem a trifle silly; A hunting dog must not be gun shy. Owning a $1500 bird dog that just ran yelping over the hill, never to be seen again, when you fired a shot is not good training or a good investment.

So remember when picking your hunting companion… Choose the breed appropriately, train them correctly, and know your dog. With these basics, hunting with dogs can be a great hobby.

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Different Training For Different Breeds

2006-06-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

I am certain we all remember a popular song a few years ago with the line “different strokes for different folks.” Well, the same applies to the canine world. Pure breeds have been refined over the years for specialized purposes and if these purposes are considered in the training, you are assured of a much better animal that is well suited to its training. Just as you would not ask the ninety-pound clerical assistant to operate a jackhammer, you shouldn’t ask a pure breed dog to do something their breeding would make them incapable of. All that could possibly result from this error would be a frustrated owner, a frustrated dog and a damaged relationship between the two.

So what kind of specific jobs are the animals to be trained for? We shall discuss a few breed types over the next few paragraphs and perhaps give you a better idea of what skills to look for in your pet and what would be unfair to ask of them. These suggestions will hopefully point you in the correct direction in your training endeavors so that you and your pet can attain the best possible situation for both of you. Let’s start the discussion by looking at the hunting dog and its subcategories.

Hunting dogs have been bred for a purpose and it has remained relatively the same throughout history. Their main function is to flush game from its hiding places and then to retrieve the game after we have dispatched it. However, there are different skill sets even amongst the hunting breeds and whilst some interchangeability is possible, it is not always in the best interest of the dog. Hunting dogs fall mainly in the categories of water dogs, bird dogs and tracking dogs. Water dogs include such breed as the Labrador Retriever and are bred primarily for the purpose of waterfowl hunting and retrieval in wet land environments.

Bird Dogs are more of a land-hunting animal, even though it is possible to interchange these two breed types a bit. Bird Dogs include Irish Setters and the Pointer breeds. The third classification of hunting dog is the Tracking breeds, which include hounds of all varieties. These dogs are prized for the determination and keen sense of smell. These dogs are well suited for leashed hunts or long distance, night hunts for nocturnal animals, such as raccoons or opossums, which may travel great distances in escape attempts.

For the next group of animals, we shall consider the lap dog or house pet breeds. These are generally smaller animals and have sociable personalities. These dogs are well suited for common pet tricks such as sitting up or being trained to “speak” (bark on command) as well as fetching small objects. These are also the type of pet that is commonly trained to be dressed up in pint size outfits for special occasions and holidays and, for the most part, they seem quite tolerant of the behavior. A listing of such breeds would include animals such as Toy Poodles, Chihuahuas, Pekingese, Pomeranians and Lhasa Apsos, along with similar breeds.

Another breed group to consider is the Working dogs classification. These dogs have both the desire to perform and the size and muscle to back it up. They can be seen on police and military forces around the world, on farm lots working livestock and even on the snowy tundra. These dogs are well trained for personal security and protection, livestock control and even assisting in transportation via dog sleds. These are the dogs who are trained for drug and explosive detection and also leading the visually impaired. These dogs do their job and demand the respect that goes with it. Breeds listed in this category would include German Shepherds, Malamutes, Australian Cattle Dogs and various other breeds of similar size and nature.

It is also to be considered that some pets have left their original purpose when they have switched locations. For example, few Americans actually use Dachshunds for the purpose of badger hunting as they were originally bred. Rather, they tend to keep these animals as house pets. When considering how to train your animal, consider not only the breed, but common practice and whether a particular skill is of use in the area where you live.

Hopefully these simple guidelines will help you to decide the best direction to take your pets training and the two of you can enjoy many wonderful adventures to come.

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Pure Breed Vs. Mutts: Are Their Training Differences ?

2006-05-20T02:32:00.000-07:00

The pure bred dog is something fine to look upon. It is an animal that has been refined over the centuries to reach its pure, unadulterated state today. These dogs have been bred for temper and bloodline from early times. Yet there is a dog that goes back in history even further.

The Mixed Breed or Mutt as some people would call them. This dog is a very ancient mix of pedigrees that, while not always the best of mixes, is most assuredly unique. The temperament of these animals is usually quite good and they tend not to have the congenital defects of their pure bred counterparts. It is possible to produce similar animals thru breeding efforts but as a general rule, mixed breeds are generally a unique animal that won’t be replicated. But what of their training capacity? Is there any reason to train these animals in any different manner than their pure bred brethren?

By and large, the answer is no. These animals are fully capable of learning any behavior that the pure breed is capable of and usually more. Due to better temperaments and high intelligence, these mixed breed animals frequently score quite highly in obedience pre-tests and are very trainable. While pure breed animals have been refined over the centuries, this has occasionally led to inbreeding of the animals and the specific breed has suffered in the way of congenital defects and maladjusted temperaments.

The mongrel has not been so afflicted and while it may not always have the handsome lines of a Great Dane or the gorgeous coat of the Chow Chow, it can certainly have the better characteristics inherited from either of these lines and more. A mixed breed dog can have the house pet qualities of a Poodle alongside the protective qualities of a Doberman and the maternal eye of a Saint Bernard. While possessing all of these qualities, the mixed breed may leave behind the overly aggressive and high strung tendencies of the pure bred ancestry. This figured into the equation along with the price factor of the animals and it is quite easy to see why so many households happily have a mixed breed pet. These animals have the ability to display intelligence, show care, obey commands and circumvent obstacles. They have been doing so for thousands of years and show no signs of stopping.

The only real difference between training of a mixed breed animal and a pure breed dog is the ability to cross platforms with less transition trouble. If your dog is a mix between, say, an Irish Setter and a Red Bone Coon Hound, then you have a dog that quite possibly could be trained in the hunting of both birds and game mammals without much confusion. Perhaps the mix is between a Husky and a German Shepherd? This would give you a large dog with both good defense skills and the muscle for real workouts like long days of hiking. Thus by a simple exchange, you can gain much for very little loss. The animal may no longer be pure bred and the aesthetic quality may, or may not, degenerate a bit but you gain much in the way of a responsive and easily trained dog. Looking at these facts, it is hard to understand why the world has such a population explosion of homeless mixed breed pets. After all, the animal seems to be the better choice from the trainer’s point of view.

That being said there are instances where a mixed breed of dog is not acceptable. If you are training animals for the purpose of professional dog showing competitions, then by all means choose a pure breed animal and train them for the specific purposes for which the breed was created. Also for certain usages such as military animals, pure breeds seem to be the animal of choice for the purpose of uniform appearance, although a number of military animals do not meet this qualification. Aside form these or a similar circumstance, the author sees no reason to limit your search for a pet to strictly pure breed animals. Rather, do something good for yourself and for the homeless pet population and adopt a mixed breed animal.

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What You Can Learn From Training Your Dog

2006-05-20T02:31:00.000-07:00

We think of dog training in pretty simple terms most of the time. The trainer teaches, the dog learns and that’s it. We see dog training as a one-way street upon which a trainer imparts guidance to a dog. That, however, is a great oversimplification. Though it does describe the way a dog’s life can be improved through good training, it doesn’t remind us of another wonderful benefit of training.

You see, in reality dog training is an interaction. And in any interaction, all parties involved take something away from the experience. In the case of dog training, the dog does learn appropriate behaviors. He, however, is not the only learner in the process. The dog trainer also gains from the interaction.

The advantages to the canine half of the training duo are clear. There are advantages for the human, too, which are pretty obvious. In the end, he has a fine companion with whom he can develop a great relationship. The owner also benefits from having a “good” dog, one who doesn’t destroy his property or try his patience at every turn. These are very real benefits and should not be disregarded or trivialized. However, when one closely examines dog training, they find that the teacher gains even more from his interaction with the canine pupil.

Owners gain insight into their own personality during the training process. They find their weaknesses amplified by their pet and their personality strengths underlined. They may learn that patience is not their natural strength and that training forced them to be more considerate and calm. Alternatively, they may learn their threshold for frustration was actually higher than they had imagined. These lessons, learned through interaction with a dog, are transferable into other segments of one’s life.

For example, the trainer who has successfully worked with a problem dog may find it easier to deal with a difficult client or employee—they have learned that they can be patient and see a situation through without “losing it.”

Owners also gain insight into what they really want from their life. There was a reason they sought a dog as a companion and a reason why they spent the time and energy necessary to train that dog. Their interactions throughout training can inform their perspective on self and personal motivation. They may find a new realization of how much they appreciate life and can learn a great deal about friendship building, as well.

There is of course, the tremendous sense of satisfaction that comes from training a dog to consider, too. Training requires a commitment over time and a willingness to give of oneself a great deal. A trainer may reflect on that experience and discover a selfless aspect to their personality of which they had previously been unaware. Tapping into that component of the personality might spur them to undertake other positive activities.

When one realizes they have successfully completed a long-term task, they may better understand their innate ability to set goals and to achieve them by acting consistently with those goals in mind. Dog training can become a great example of what one can accomplish with clear goals in mind.

Training dogs is not just about teaching “sit, heel, and rollover.” It is about working with and interacting with another living being over an extended period of time. It is about giving instruction, of course, but it is also about receiving wisdom.

Thinking of dog training as merely the enforcement of rules and expectations simply does not do justice to the wonderful process. There is much more to it, and there is a great deal a trainer can learn from both his dog and the training process itself.

Dog training is more than an exercise in learning and understanding for a dog. It is an exercise in learning and understanding for the master, too. There is a lot we can learn from our experiences with dog training if we expand our perspective on the matter to include all of the wisdom and understanding acquired throughout the training process. A broad perspective on dog training shows it to be a remarkably valuable enterprise for both the pet and the owner.

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Teach Your Dog Not To Bark

2006-05-20T02:30:00.000-07:00

Unwanted barking is one of the most common behavior problems in dogs. It is normal for dogs to vocalize and bark from time to time but many times this behavior escalates much to the frustration of many dog owners. There are many causes of unwanted barking. First you must determine why your dog is barking before you can begin a program of retraining. You may need help from your animal behaviorist or veterinarian to do this.

One cause of unwanted barking is attention seeking barking. You may have inadvertently reinforced this behavior if as a pup your dog barked a lot and you gave him attention to try and stop the behavior. As an older dog, he may be exhibiting this behavior because he is left alone for long periods of time, does not have appropriate stimulation or exercise, or is an active dog that needs to have a job to be happy.

If you suspect this is the cause of your dog’s unwanted barking behavior, you can start to retrain him by making sure first and foremost that he is getting enough exercise. Make sure to take daily walks - this also allows him to explore the world around him which is good mental exercise as well. If you have a local dog park, take your dog there and let him socialize with other dogs and people. Take an obedience class - this is good for mental stimulation and will help you to better communicate with your dog. Provide many interesting toys to keep your dog busy while you are not around. Make sure to spend one on one time with your dog on a daily basis and make it fun so that your dog learns that he doesn’t need to bark to get your attention.

Another cause of excessive barking is as a response to something that your dog is afraid of. Many dogs bark during thunderstorms or around unfamiliar people. If your dog is barking as a response to thunderstorms or other loud noises, provide him with a safe place he can go in these situations such as a crate. Make his safe place fun by providing good treats such as a Kong filled with peanut butter to keep him occupied. Play a radio or the television at a low level to help mask the noise. If your dog is barking at unfamiliar people, help him get over this fear by enlisting the help of your friends and neighbors. Have them walk by and approach your dog. Have them ask him to sit, and when he does so without barking, have them give him a treat.

Pretty soon, your dog will learn to associate unfamiliar people with treats and will learn new positive behaviors. If your dog barks at people and noises that are coming from outside the house, you may want to limit his access to rooms with windows. This will help cut down on the unwanted barking behavior.

If your dog is barking when you’re not home, it could be due to separation anxiety. If your dog is especially attached to you or has recently experienced a situation of change in his routine such as divorce, a move, or a death in the family, this could be the case. To remedy this kind of barking behavior, you will need to start a course of desensitization. You can begin to do this by taking very small trips such as just out to the mailbox and back, while leaving fun toys and yummy treats for your dog. As your dog learns to behave while you’re gone, slowly increase the length of time you are gone.

To check and see if your dog is barking when you’re gone, you may need to use a tape recorder or enlist the help of your neighbors. Separation anxiety often needs to be treated with medication as well as desensitization. If you suspect your dog is barking due to separation anxiety, please consult your veterinarian or animal behaviorist.

Some people choose to treat their dog’s unwanted barking problems with bark collars. The most humane bark collar available today is the citronella collar. These bark collars work by spraying harmless citronella in your dog’s face whenever he barks. Studies show a very high rate of success with the use of these kinds of collars. Using a citronella collar for a period of time can help to reinforce more positive behaviors.

There are many training tips and tools available to help you replace unwanted barking with more positive behaviors. If you need more information, consult your veterinary staff or pet professional.

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Teach An Old Dog New Tricks

2006-05-20T02:23:00.000-07:00

A dog of any age can learn new tricks. Your dog should be familiar with the basics - sit, lie down, and stay, as these are excellent building blocks of new tricks.

To teach “sit,“ have a yummy treat in your fingers and place your hand near your dog’s nose. Say, “sit,” and move the treat over your dog’s head toward his tail. As he follows the treat, he should sit naturally. When he successfully completes this behavior, immediately give him the treat as well as verbal praise in an excited voice, saying something such as “good dog!” When you are first teaching this behavior, always give the food treat and the verbal praise. When your dog seems to be associating the word sit with this behavior, gradually wean him off the treats. You may want to train your dog to a release command such as “okay!“ so he knows when he can discontinue each behavior. As with all training, you should teach “sit” in short (10 minutes or less) sessions followed by free play.

To teach “lie down,” first get your dog in the sitting position. Hold a yummy treat in your fingers and place your hand near your dog’s nose. Say, “lie down,“ and bring the treat straight down to the floor. As your dog follows the treat, he should naturally place himself in the down position. As soon as he gets in the proper position, reward him with the treat and verbal praise. If you are using a release command such as “okay!“ you can now use it to let your dog know it is okay to stop lying down. As with all commands, as he begins to associate the behavior with the verbal command, begin to wean him from the food reward.

To teach “stay,” place your dog in either the sitting or down position. Grab a yummy treat in one hand and ask your dog to stay while placing your other hand with the palm open in front of his nose. When your dog stays for one or two seconds, give him the treat and verbal praise, and use your release command. You will want to gradually increase the length of the stay.

Once your dog has these building blocks firmly under his belt, you can begin to teach him new and exciting tricks. One of the most popular tricks to teach is “play dead.” To do this, ask your dog to lie down. Teach him to roll on his back by holding a yummy treat in your hand in front of his nose and moving it in a small circle while giving the command “play dead.” As his nose follows the treat, his body should follow until he is on his back. Reward him with the treat and verbal praise. With practice, your dog will be able to associate the command with the behavior and you can wean him off the food reward.

Another popular trick is “shake.” To teach your dog to shake, first get him into the sitting position. Have a treat ready and say, “shake.” Gently grab right behind his paw and lift it into the shake position. Give him the treat. You will need to repeat this step several times until he learns that he will get the treat by lifting his paw by himself. While he is learning “shake,” reward even the smallest attempts at getting into position by himself with food and praise. Eventually he will associate the command “shake” and lifting his paw with positive rewards.

Another fun trick is “bow.” This is a very natural position for a dog to be in. To teach this behavior, get your dog in the sitting position. Have a treat in your fingers, hold it in front of his nose and say, “bow.” Push the treat straight toward your dog’s chest. As his nose is following the treat, he should naturally get himself into the bow position. When he does, reward him with the treat and verbal praise. As with all tricks, eventually wean him from the treat.

Tricks are fun to teach your dog and it gives him mental stimulation while enhancing the time you spend with him. There are many books available on teaching new tricks to your dog and many dog trainers offer tricks and games classes. Keep training sessions short and fun, and always use positive reinforcement. In no time, your dog will be entertaining your friends and family.

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Military Dog Training During World War II

2006-05-09T02:38:00.000-07:00

During World War II, over 10,000 U.S. dogs were recruited and trained for military service as part of a program known as “Dogs for Defense.” The military believed it would be able to put a few hundred well-trained dogs to use. Their estimates proved very low as thousands would eventually be trained and served.

A patriotic public donated dogs to be trained for military functions. In all, the military received nearly 20,000 dogs but made use of only approximately half of those available. The others were found, for a variety of reasons, to be unsuitable for their purposes and were returned to their owners.

The Quartermaster Remount Branch of the army administered the program and supplied service dogs to all branches of the military over the course of the war. Even the Navy and Coast Guard eventually made use of service dogs supplied by Dogs for Defense.

Dogs were subjected to their own version of army boot camp, a training program that lasted eight to twelve weeks. The program involved general obedience training and military-specific training. Dogs learned specific tasks that would help them in their army careers and even were trained to function while wearing gas masks. Training duties were handled by Quartermaster staff who followed a training regimen established by the army and codified in an army technical manual. Service dogs were trained at a variety of military installations across the U.S.

Dogs were trained for a variety of tasks. Sentry dogs were the most commonly needed of the Dogs for Defense. In fact, over nine thousand of the dogs trained by the military were used for this function. Sentry dogs worked as guard dogs at military installations and military-protected sensitive civilian locations. They were to provide warning to soldiers of intruders. Scout dogs filled a similar need, but were trained to operate silently to help “sniff out” snipers and other dangers. Messenger dogs were taught to courier materials between soldiers in both combat and non-combat situations. The army even commanded specific teams of sled dogs for possible use during the war.

One of the most interesting functions performed by the Dogs for Defense was to serve as mine dogs. The dogs were specifically trained to search out mines and booby traps. There were two units of mine dogs. Both were deployed in the North African campaign. However, the experiment did not work out as planned. The dogs failed to successfully perform the functions for which they were trained and the mine dog project was discontinued.

The unsuccessful experiment of using dogs to find mines was one of the only aspects of the Dogs for Defense program that fell short of expectations. Overall, the program was a tremendous success and the well-trained dogs served their country admirably.

Of particular note was a war dog named Chips. Chips had been trained for sentry duty but was observed breaking away from his trainer during a combat situation in Sicily. According to those who observed the happenings, Chips attacked an enemy machine gun nest and seized one of the soldiers. His heroics were legendary and Chips’ story was eventually made into a feature film. Although Chips is certainly the most famous of the so-called war dogs, many other trained dogs made important contributions to the allied war effort.

Following the war, the Dogs for Defense were returned to their original owners. This required another training session to re-acclimate the war veteran dogs to civilian life. By all accounts the dogs reacted well to returning to their pre-war lifestyles. The return of the first war dogs, however, did not mark an end to using dogs in the military.

Subsequent to World War II dogs served the U.S. military in multiple theaters. Many dogs saw combat duty in the Viet Nam (in fact there were twenty eight dog casualties during the war) and in the Persian Gulf War. To this day the U.S. army continues to train dogs for service. These dogs demonstrate not only the potential for good training techniques to teach complicated skills but also the capacity for dogs to help their owners and country in a variety of ways.

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Negative Reinforcement Versus Positive Reinforcement Training

2006-05-09T02:36:00.000-07:00

In this article, we shall discuss a variety of reinforcement methods used in animal training. We shall endeavor to clearly point out the pros and cons of each type and also discuss their appropriateness for given situations. Hopefully this will give you, the reader, the knowledge needed to make an educated decision on how to reward or correct your pets’ behavior. To begin, let’s improve our understanding of positive reinforcement.

Positive Reinforcement, for the purposes of this article, refers to any form of training that is based on rewards rather than punishment. This training would be the type witnessed in many zoos where a trained animal is rewarded with some treat, such as a morsel of food, for a job well done. Positive reinforcement can also refer to petting the animal or verbal praises. Other examples of positive reinforcement would be play time, such as a rousing game of fetch or playing chase.

Negative Reinforcement is the opposite of positive reinforcement. This involves a punishment for less than favorable performances and usually implies some kind of fear, pain or discomfort for the animal being trained. Training aids such as electrical shock collars or choke chains would fall under this category. Also in this category, you would find such things as crate training and chemical compounds, such as Bitter Apple and Cayenne Pepper. This is the kind of training exhibited in the old time circus shows displaying lion tamers and whips to keep the animals in submission.

While both types of reinforcement have their place, they also have limits and unacceptable uses. To beat a dog or inflict serious physical injury to the animal in the name of training is morally unacceptable and inexcusable, not to mention illegal in most areas. By the same token, allowing a dog to become a danger to others by never using any form of punishment is also unacceptable. An equal balance must be achieved for proper training of your pet or you run the risk of owning a maladjusted animal which will be either overly aggressive or fearful and nervous. If error is to be made in either direction, fall to the safer side of too much positive reinforcement, as this is much easier to correct.

Positive reinforcement does much for the relationship of the pet to its master and should be given any time the pet demonstrates a correct behavior at an appropriate time. Your pet will sense your pleasure in its performances and will seek to repeat them more often in the future. A kind word or a small treat goes a very long way towards your dog seeing you as a leader. Being pack animals, dogs will pick an Alpha or leader to the pack and will follow readily with a sole desire to please. To use positive reinforcement effectively, find what motivates your dog. Perhaps it is food or toys, playtime or even verbal praise. Whatever the case may be, use this motivation to achieve results with your pet. Consistently reward the pet in immediate response to the desired behavior. Dogs are creatures that thrive on instant gratification. In other words, reward them immediately for an action and they are far more likely to repeat it.

Negative reinforcement also has its place in training your dog, albeit a much smaller place. If your dog exhibits an undesirable behavior such as chewing on your power cords for your laptop or soiling the floor, then action must be taken to correct this. Behaviors such as chewing power cords could be dangerous to the animal and allowing this to continue could be harmful to your pets’ health as well as costly for you, in both repair bills and veterinary visits. Just like a child, sometimes a pup needs correction or a time out. A little time in the kennel or a light but convincing tap on the nose will help your pet to understand that these behaviors are not going to continue. (A note from the author: While a light swat to correct a dangerous situation such as cord chewing is acceptable, beating or injuring your pet is not. Please be a responsible pet owner and if you have had a bad day, don’t take it out on the dog.)

Again it should be remembered that immediate and consistent action is the key in training using both methods of reinforcement. If you wait too long before correcting or rewarding a behavior, all impact of the message will be lost. Observing these basics, you can clearly see that both methods are useful to trainers and have their special niches.

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Your Attitude Is Important When Dog Training

2006-05-09T02:35:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more critical to the success of dog training than the owner’s attitude. The mindset of the trainer is more important than the equipment purchased, the exact system used, or the breed of dog involved. Nothing can destroy the likelihood of effective training more quickly than an owner with the wrong outlook on the training process.

Dogs naturally crave and enjoy human companionship. When their human companions approach them in the right way, they are particularly receptive to learning and develop a strong desire to act in a manner that will please their master. This is why a proper attitude is exceedingly important with respect to training dogs. When the owner is pleasant, the dog will be pleasant. When the owner is excited about teaching, the dog will most likely be excited about learning. Dogs can often reflect the attitudes and dispositions of their owners, a fact that must be kept in mind while undertaking dog training.

Additionally, the proper outlook on dog training can make the experience infinitely more enjoyable for the owner. A pleasant training experience will naturally produce better instruction on the part of the trainer. Again, proper attitude will pay training dividends.

So, what is the right attitude to bring to dog training? Owners should strive to maintain a positive perspective at all times and should strive for a mood that makes the process fun for both the dog and the trainer. Failure to approach training with such an attitude risks disaster. The proper attitude and perspective truly is the prerequisite to training success.

The owner should be positive. A positive perspective, of course, works in conjunction with any quality training method. Effective training requires positive reinforcement, and that kind of praise and affection is best administered by someone who generally presents a positive attitude. Training will be filled with compliments, encouragement and praise. Those rewards, which are the key component to training, are more likely to be appropriately and effectively administered by a trainer with a positive disposition.

Trainers should recognize that they can manage to be both firm and friendly at the same time. It is not necessary to affect an angry or severe tone during the training process. These caricatures of displeasure do not offer any more training value than utilization of a simple serious tone. A lower tone with a serious “bite” is more than enough. When praising and instructing, the owner must remember to use a very friendly and happy voice. The dog will thrive knowing his owner enjoys their interaction so much and will be very motivated to learn as a result.

Most importantly the trainer must always remember that dog training is supposed to be fun. It should be fun for the trainer and just as fun for the pet. The idea is to make the training process exciting and enjoyable for the pet as is possible. By making the process a treat, the dog is especially motivated to perform.

Too often training becomes nothing more than a mandatory task. The owner does not relish the opportunity to spend time with his or her dog. The dog understands this and does not get excited at the prospect, either. In worse cases, training becomes an undesirable chore. The negative disposition and attitude of the owner is sensed clearly by the dog and mirrored. Training progress stalls, frustration sets in, and the whole process becomes further crippled.

The cliché that “attitude is everything” really does describe dog training. A negative or harsh attitude will crush hopes of success. A positive perspective coupled with friendliness and a sense of fun will make training a treat.

A fun disposition also makes training more enjoyable for the dog owner. The trainer’s positive attitude creates a more positive disposition for the pet, which in turn improves the trainer’s outlook even more. By starting the training process with a solid positive attitude, the owner gets the ball rolling, so to speak. The end result can be a training experience that is enjoyed by both pet and owner, which is sure to create amazing results. By approaching training with a positive disposition, a dog owner can produce surprising and positive outcomes.

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Why Effective Dog Training Is Essential

2006-05-09T02:34:00.000-07:00

Effective dog training is essential for both a pet’s safety and the quality of life for both dog and master.

After struggling with training a dog, you may feel tempted to give up. Giving up on training an outdoor dog, for instance, can be a real temptation. You may believe you’ll still manage to have reasonably enjoyable interactions without going through the hassles and challenges of real training. Perhaps you believe the dog will learn on his or her own, over time, how to behave. Training is difficult and can seem like such an effort that surrender may feel sensible.

It is not. Effective dog training is not a mere option. When one considers its immeasurable benefits, it becomes nothing short of mandatory. Allowing a dog to live untrained can pose significant risks. The costs associated with these risks are so severe that rational decision making requires one to opt for training, regardless of the costs in time and effort it may require.

Initially, training can be the difference between life and death for a dog. An untrained dog, for instance, cannot be recalled effectively if he should wander away. He may encounter any number of dangers in his wanderings—many of which could result in serious injury or death. In critical pressure situations, a well-trained dog can be controlled and protected. The untrained dog is left only with his instincts and lessons learned through the proverbial school of hard knocks. In a world populated by an infinite number of potential dangers, this is often not enough.

Training, then, is less of an option for a responsible pet owner than it is an obligation. Any pet owner should consider training the animal a basic responsibility that cannot be overlooked. The dog’s very life, after all, could hang in the balance. It is unthinkable that any responsible pet owner would look past that consideration and still decide that training was simply not worth the effort it requires.

Second, a dog’s quality of life is improved significantly by training. He will understand how to please his human companions, giving him a sense of purpose and enabling him to access the social interactions dogs naturally possess. He will be able to go through life as a friend and companion, instead of being treated as a mere nuisance or ignored. By learning to behave to his owner’s satisfaction, the dog is able to increase his own satisfaction. Leaving a dog untrained makes it difficult for him to understand how to get the positive human attention and reactions he craves and may curse him with a life filled with unpleasant exchanges with people as he unknowingly misbehaves.

Third, the dog owner’s quality of life is improved dramatically by dog training. This occurs on multiple levels. Initially, the owner and dog are able to develop a close relationship, which brings with it numerous rewards. The owner is also able to avoid the frustrating experience of having to care for a pet that doesn’t know how to care back or who is unfriendly and prone to errant behavior. Additionally, the owner is able to avoid the liabilities created by an untrained dog. The owner can avoid the destruction, inconvenience and even dangers posed by an untrained pet. Instead of being a constant source of irritation and guilt, the well-trained dog becomes a source of pleasure and pride.

It is easy, under some circumstances, to believe that extensive and effective dog training is not worth the significant effort it may require. However, this perspective, if acted upon, will actually create a situation necessitating more effort than training would have ever required. By committing to effectively training a dog, the owner makes an investment of time and effort that will pay out in a variety of ways.

Settling for anything less is highly inappropriate and cannot be adequately discouraged.

Good training will protect a dog from danger and will enable him to live a pleasant and fulfilling life. It will also make the owner’s life more pleasant and can result in a greatly rewarding relationship with the pet. Effective dog training is truly essential.

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Training A Working Dog

2006-04-30T04:37:00.000-07:00

In today’s world, working dogs are a fact of life. These dogs selflessly provide a service to their masters and their communities and are rewarded with adoration and praise. Police dogs provide such an important service that, in some areas, the killing of a police animal is just as serious an offense as murdering an officer of the law. That in itself is quite a tribute to the work these animals perform.

But what goes into the training of one of these fine animals? Have you ever taken the time to think about how many hours are put into sorting the working animals from the common pets? How much effort is placed on teaching these animals how to do their job in protecting and serving their masters either in official police form or as an assistance dog, such as Seeing Eye or Hearing Ear dogs?

The training of Police dogs alone accounts for many hundreds of man-hours spent for just one animal. Trainers spend many hours researching, locating and acquiring suitable breeds for service dogs and then the dogs must fall within the correct age bracket being neither too young nor too old for service with most dogs ranging between ten months on the young side and two and a half years on the older side. The dogs are then given complete physicals including blood work and X-ray pictures to be certain that they can withstand the stresses and situations the job throws at them.

The dogs are required to do pre-tests to determine eligibility for the program as well as aptitude and the pre-tests include such things as whether the dog is approachable by strangers without extreme shifts in behavior, retrieval behavior and foreign object acceptance, such as horses, umbrellas and objects not encountered daily. These tests are used to match the dog to its specific line of work as in patrol, cadaver, narcotics or explosive training.

There is much rigorous testing of the animals before any true training ever begins and matching the animal’s temperament and personality to the correct trainer is one of the biggest criteria to effective training. If the two personalities clash then the whole training process can be disrupted or, worse, destroyed beyond repair. Dogs are matched to trainers and allowed to bond with their trainers before the earnest training ever begins, thus establishing a trust relationship between the man and the animal that will be crucial in the field later.

Now the difficult task of training begins, with each trainer customizing the lessons to their own style in addition to the age and abilities of the dog. There are classes in different tracking methods, aggression behaviors, environmental dangers, gun conditioning and protecting the handler. The dogs must learn and qualify on these procedures before moving on to the next lesson. Each of these lessons requires many hours of skilled and consistent training just as does any other form of specialized work.

Besides these basic lessons, there are also the specialized lessons such as small item retrieval, explosive and drug location, obstacle avoidance and circumvention, along with how to handle a combative subject and escalated force routine. These animals must also learn to deal with distractions, large crowds, tracking in rural, urban and suburban environments and unusual objects, such as umbrellas and weapons.

Remember that there are many hours spent on each of these lessons and that the average dog/handler team is in the field for a year before they become effective and you have a huge amount of training going on. What happens to the dogs that just can’t learn all the behaviors? While some are qualified enough to be accepted for other programs such as the Seeing Eye or Hearing Ear programs to assist the physically challenged, most become ordinary but very well trained house pets. For those accepted into the other assistance dog programs, a whole new line of training begins which utilizes their previous training while involving such things as leading the blind thru obstacles using a specially made halter or learning to recognize environmental threats such as smoke, fire, vehicles and tripping hazards and alerting their handlers to the presence of these things. These lessons alone count for many more hours of training.

What does the dog get from all of this? A reward you could never imagine… The love of a trainer and handler that is served well. The affectionate hug of a child whose daddy came home tonight because a well-trained dog put its life on the line. The caress and praise of a blind child who has new freedom because of an animal that leads them where they want to go and protects them from danger. These dogs are rewarded for what they do and rewarded well because they serve well. Think about that the next time you see one of these dogs on the street and remember all the training that goes in to making sure they protect and serve with pride.

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Training Dog Owners In Patience

2006-04-30T04:36:00.000-07:00

Extensive research and experience has established the incontrovertible fact that successful dog training is premised upon utilization of positive reinforcement. Once-used training techniques that were premised on physical punishment have been abandoned—and in many cases outlawed.

The difficulty inherent in non-violent training steeped in positive reinforcement is that it requires a greater commitment from the owner. The old methods relied on intimidation as a shortcut to results. Although far less effective than today’s techniques, they were simple to administer. In order to use positive techniques, the owner must not only possess a good knowledge base, he or she must also have patience.

Over and over again, the necessity of patience is emphasized in dog training literature. “Be patient with your dog.” “Do not expect overnight results when dealing with a difficult dog.” “Maintain your cool when dealing with your dog.” The presence of patience is preached as the ultimate virtue for anyone training a dog. No one providing dog training guidance overlooks the value of patience.

However, patience is not necessarily an attribute possessed by all dog owners. As a result, the impatient owner may often delve into his bag of intimidating dirty tricks when things do not go according to plan, and we all know the negative impact such a deviation from the positive-reinforcement route can have.

What needs to occur is that the owner must be trained before the dog can be trained. Owners must be trained to be patient when dealing with their dog when that personality trait is not already in place. All of the time spent teaching techniques premised on the idea that an owner can be patient are doomed to fail if that the owner cannot remain calm. As such, dog owners must teach themselves to be patient during the training process.

Training an owner to be patient is no easier than training a dog to behave in line with one’s expectations. In fact, adult humans, with their personalities formed by years of experience and socialization can be even more different to train than dogs!

It is advisable, however, for anyone planning to train a dog to take steps to train themselves to be patient. There are a few helpful recommendations that can allow a trainer/owner to improve their patience skills.

Initially, owners can be taught to walk away before losing their temper. When one feels their patience is at an end, instead of losing their temper or acting in a manner inconsistent with the chosen training methodology, the owner can simply call an end to the training session. This insures that training does not degenerate into an angry battle of wills. The sessions can be resumed at some point when the owner feels he has regained his sense of calm. By following this approach, owners will soon find they are able to focus on the training project for longer durations before they are at wit’s end. Frustration is the enemy of patience, and avoiding overly frustrating training sessions reminds the owner there is no need for intense frustration—they recognize they are not trapped in the situation.

Additionally, owners must consistently remind themselves of the fact they are dealing with a dog. This sounds remarkably obvious on its face, but too often owners look at the pet as a soulless project when training becomes difficult. By reminding themselves they are dealing with an animal who does not share our understanding of the world or our communicative powers, they are less likely to lose their patience. It is when the animal is seen as an object upon which one can force their will that patience dwindles most quickly.

Finally, an owner should have a realistic understanding of the time commitment required to train a dog. Impatience results when one’s goals are not met within anticipated time frames. Too often, unfortunately, dog owners are not really aware of the length of time they should expect successful training to take. By outfitting the owner with a clear understanding of dog training techniques and a commensurate understanding of the time required to implement those methods, realistic expectations can be created. With a realistic outlook regarding what is ahead, an owner is less likely to find himself or herself feeling agitated or impatient.

The idea of retraining an owner before he or she trains a dog may seem unusual. However, modern dog training techniques require a level of patience and calmness not always possessed by dog owners. By increasing the dog owner’s ability to remain patient, the likelihood of successful training is increased significantly.

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You Need A Successful Dog Training Strategy

2006-04-30T04:29:00.000-07:00

Man and dog have been seemingly inseparable for centuries. The unique relationship between the two animals has been studied extensively as people have sought to better train their dogs as work partners and companions.

There are virtually as many training strategies as there are dog owners. Almost everyone approaches the process of training his or her dog or dogs differently. There is no single method that works perfectly for all dogs and any variety of systems can produce the kinds of results an owner wants.

However, there are some common traits that seem to be apparent in all successful dog training strategies. Any approach that ignores these commonalities is likely to fall far short of expectations and will not produce desired outcomes. When contemplating a plan for training your dog, make sure the system you will use is consistent with these four critical underpinnings of all successful programs.

Training Should be Based on Positive Reinforcement

Any successful strategy must rely upon positive reinforcement for optimal results. Operant conditioning of this sort, whether done via clicker training or any other means has been consistently demonstrated to be more successful techniques relying on punishment and negative reinforcement. Dogs perform better when their behavior is rewarded. Some dogs may avoid inappropriate behavior out of fear, but making gains through such negative techniques brings with it a host of other problems and is widely understood to be less efficient than relying on positive reinforcement.

Exercise is a Critical Element of Successful Training

Any program is likely to be far less successful unless attention is paid to a dog’s need for extensive physical activity. Not only is exercise good for a pet’s health in a general sense. It also creates a mindset for the pet which leaves him more open and receptive to learning. With regular outlets to expend physical energy available, a dog will be more satisfied and comfortable, effectively positioning them for learning. Make sure any training regimen you adopt includes regular significant exercise for your dog. Failure to do so will limit the effectiveness of any strategies chosen.

Enjoyable Interaction is Essential to the Training Process

One reason why the relationship between man and dog has flourished over time is the social nature of both creatures. Dogs enjoy the company of their owners and training systems should be devised with this in mind. The training process should not become a “doggy boot camp,” but instead should be offered as an enjoyable opportunity for interaction. This does not mean that training should be unorganized or undisciplined. It does mean that it should be approached with love and smile instead of with a rigid and wholly serious attitude. Effective training techniques recognize that dogs will respond better to lessons taught in a social, enjoyable context. Training is an important part of a dog’s life. That does not, however, mean it must be a cold or otherwise un-enjoyable experience.

Training is an Ongoing Process

Training is not merely a collection of isolated sessions. Dog training is an ongoing process that occurs during specified training sessions and through the rest of every dog’s day. The lessons taught during training times should be reinforced at all times. Additionally, an owner should recognize that there is no particular time frame for training. It is a process that literally lasts the lifetime of the dog/owner relationship. Those who see training as a discrete step or defined moment in a dog’s life are likely not to get the results they desire from their training regimen. Training not only lasts a lifetime—it occurs over the course of a lifetime.

If a dog owner adopts a training strategy based on positive reinforcement, which includes plenty of opportunity for exercise and a commitment to enjoyable owner/dog interactions while being mindful that training will be an ongoing process, they will undoubtedly produce a well-trained dog. Losing sight of this foundation for success, however, will cripple an otherwise well-intended method of dog training.

The specifics of dog training strategies may vary greatly, but as long as the program you choose remains consistent with these critical aspects of proven training programs, it is likely to help you and your dog enjoy a very meaningful and pleasant relationship for years to come.

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Your Attitude Is Important When Dog Training

2006-04-30T04:17:00.000-07:00

The 10 Biggest Mistakes Dog Trainers Make

2006-04-09T04:43:00.000-07:00

When new trainers first get started, they tend to make a lot of mistakes in their techniques and how the approach the training process. There are a few mistakes that are fairly common among most trainers and we shall make these ten mistakes the subject of this discourse.

Mistake number one is expecting too much. The individual who makes this error is usually well meaning and a true dog lover. The problem steps in when they see all the tricks their neighbors dog can do, they watch the well trained pets of their favorite sitcom characters and they go to the park and see all of the pet owners there enjoying the company of dogs that are obedient and well trained. It is at this point that they tend to forget all the time, patience and money that has went into these animals and achieving the successes they have become.

Mistake number two is also quite common and falls to the other extreme. It is the mistake of giving up. These owners are also well meaning and usually started out as the group who expected too much. Unfortunately, they lack the patience or commitment to achieve the result they want and decide to take an all or nothing approach. These owners decide that their pet can’t learn to play Frisbee in an hour or so, this dog just isn’t going to learn at all.

Mistake number three is not being consistent. If you tell the dog not to jump on you when you are in your business suit and expect them to mind, don’t let them jump on you when you are wearing your jogging clothes either. Consistent training is important if you want a well-trained dog.

Mistake number four is not using enough positive reinforcement. Many a frustrated trainer has gone home with poor results because they forget to reward the dog for doing well. Rewards must be consistent, just like the training. An animal that only receives correction and never rewards will begin to do the wrong behavior just to get some type of attention.

Mistake number five is similar to number four. It is giving too much negative reinforcement. This is the owner that spends his day looking for the dog to make a mistake so they can be corrected. This is a mistake because when you are focused on finding the displeasing behaviors you fail to recognize and reward all the good behaviors your dog displays.

Mistake number six is also quite simple to fall into. It is trying to teach a dog something it was never meant to do. This problem is more common amongst individuals wanting a sport animal for such things as hunting. They try to make a general purpose multitasking animal and instead create a confused and agitated creature. Some dogs just were not meant for some jobs. You can’t ask a Dachshund to be a fox hound and you wouldn’t ask a Great Dane to go into a rabbit den. Get the right dog for the job at hand.

Mistake number seven is not following thru. Dogs love to learn and will learn thru repetition and consistent lessons. However, these lessons must be followed thru with. If you spend an all day session training Fido Monday and then don’t even talk to him again for two weeks, he will have most likely forgot the initial lesson.

Mistake number eight is the use of too many different techniques. While it important to glean wisdom from other trainers experiences, using everything you hear can be detrimental. Each trainer has different ideas of how things should be done and trying to incorporate all of them will frustrate you and your pet. Rather choose a method that works for you and be consistent and you will see much better results.

Mistake number nine is apathy. All too often a pet owner says I hate this or that about my pet but it’s just too difficult to change it. Changes can be made and, if your dog sees that they bring rewards, he will respond much quicker to a direct and firm approach.

The final major mistake people make is thinking the training is over. Training is a learning process and it is never complete. Your dog may learn a behavior and know it well. So why stop there? Your dog loves to learn and you are a good trainer. Why would you ever want less than the best your dog could be?

With knowledge of these mistakes, you can recognize some of the common feelings might have encountered yourself and you can stem these before they become a problem. We wish you the best and also a happy adventure in training your dog.

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The Basics Of Training Your Dog

2006-04-09T04:41:00.001-07:00

As a new dog owner and trainer, you may find yourself a bit overwhelmed at first. Do not be discouraged by this. It is quite common and shows a healthy concern for your pets well being. This being said there are a few very simple rules to remember when training your pet.

If you can remember to remain consistent, keep a level head and reward your pet appropriately then you have won a large part of the battle. What do these three basics entail? We shall discuss that in the following few paragraphs.

Dogs are creatures of habit. Every part of their daily life revolves around an internal schedule and routine. They anticipate the return of their owners at a certain time of day and know that meal times occur regularly. Once trained, they will even exhibit certain behaviors to mark these times of day, such as bringing their empty food dish to their master or waiting near the door for their owners return. To us humans, this may seem a dull existence but our canine companions thrive on consistent routines. This fact is very useful to a new trainer as it can make your job much easier if you use this knowledge. Why? Because canine obedience training revolves around repetition of certain actions.

The goal behind obedience training is the idea that a dog will respond with a certain reaction every time a certain command is given. This means that every time you tell your dog to sit, this will be exactly what will happen. To make use of the animal’s instinctive behavior in this regard, one must remember to be consistent with training. Go thru the routines exactly the same way every time with no variation until they are well in hand. If you tell your dog to sit, make certain your pet does so before moving on to the next point, even pushing their hindquarters down if necessary to accomplish this end. This rigid consistency will go a long way towards achieving a well-trained pet.

Let’s now move along to the next point of keeping a level head, which is also one of the more difficult points. At the end of a long day of work, you are tired, the dog just doesn’t seem to be responding and tempers can flare quite easily. You may decide this dog is just one of the few who can’t be trained or that you just don’t have the skills.

You might be feeling completely discouraged by a seeming lack of interest on the dogs part to learn even the simplest of behaviors. You will most likely encounter this scenario more than once in your venture at dog training. Just take this moment as a queue that the lesson is done for the time being and retire to some less strenuous amusement such as a hot cup of tea. Dogs are like children and will find the ways to irritate you for amusement it seems. Just like children, they take time and patience in teaching anything worth training them for. Rome wasn’t built in a day and your dog won’t become a well trained champion over night either.

Now let’s move on to the third major point in being a successful trainer. The reward for doing a behavior or trick correctly. This is a very important part of the training process as it builds your relationship with your pet and shows them your appreciation for their good behaviors. Again consistent treatment is important in training and a reward should be given every time a performance of a given command is executed properly.

This is not saying to give your dog a food treat every time. While an occasional tidbit of food is a great reward doing so consistently is not. This would result in an unhealthy pet and be counterproductive to your training efforts. Rather than doing this, offer other forms of reward such as rich verbal praise, play with a favorite toy or petting your dog to show affection. These rewards will enhance your relationship with your pet and make future training sessions even easier as your pet will anticipate these rewards and want to please you.

If these simple steps are kept in mind, your pets training should be an easy task with many rich rewards. Enjoy your pet and make your bond stronger while training with these three principles.

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Three Tricks to Teaching Dogs Tricks

2006-04-09T04:41:00.000-07:00

Teaching a dog a tick can be a rewarding experience for both pet and owner. It provides an opportunity for positive interaction between the dog and his trainer, which is always desirable. Additionally, it creates future opportunities for the dog to engage in approved behavior while also providing both parties a feeling of satisfaction.

Thousands of tricks have been taught to dogs ranging from the common (“roll over”) to the entirely unique. Certainly thousands of new tricks are being conceived and taught to dogs with each passing day. Despite the diversity of tricks, all share some common traits. Chief among these commonalities is the framework in which successful trick training occurs.

All successful trick teachers do some things in common. They understand the necessary foundations for successful trick instruction and are mindful to the “tricks” they must know before they even begin to work with their dog. That’s right, teaching a dog a trick requires knowing a few of your own! There are three “tricks” the owner must learn before teaching a dog a trick. These three “tricks” are choosing proper tricks, choosing proper rewards, and remaining positive throughout the teaching process.

Choosing Proper Tricks

When selecting a trick to teach a dog, one is far more likely to have a successful and rewarding experience if they choose a trick for which the animal is well suited. A dog who hates to rear up on his hind legs, for instance, is a poor candidate for any “learning to walk” trick. Meanwhile, a dog who seemingly loves to bring things to people is an excellent candidate for a trick based on “fetching.”

Tricks should be chosen with the dog and his predilections in mind. Trying to teach a trick that runs contrary to a dog’s personal nature increases frustration and difficulty and makes the process less valuable for both parties. Thus it is incumbent upon the owner to choose tricks that are consistent with the dog’s personality, preferences and skills.

Choose Proper Rewards

Teaching tricks is premised on the notion of rewarding desired behavior until it becomes second nature. In order to maximize the likelihood of successful teaching, one must choose rewards that are particularly coveted by the dog.

Some dogs, for instance, thrive simply on praise and this may be enough of an enticement through the trick learning process to produce desired results. Other dogs may have a strong affinity for a particular treat. Using that treat as a reward while teaching the trick will provide the dog with a wonderfully strong motivation to perform. Too often, the unsuccessful teacher will rely on praise for a dog that is inadequately impressed by it or on a specific treat the dog may enjoy but does not truly love. By targeting the optimal reward, one increases the chances for trick learning success.

Remain Positive

Teaching a dog a trick should always be premised on positive reinforcement. Learning and teaching tricks should be a fun activity designed to bring the owner and dog closer together. Unfortunately, some frustrated trick instructors will find themselves tempted to use stern tones or other disciplinary tactics on a dog that is failing to learn a trick. These efforts generally backfire. The dog fails to learn the trick and the owner has turned a potentially valuable and fun exercise into a negative experience for all involved.

Instead of allowing the process to degenerate into a negative experience, owners should be mindful of the need to retain a positive technique. If a teaching episode is going nowhere, it is preferable to simply end it and to try again at some other time instead of using negative reinforcement as a teaching method.

Sometimes trick instruction can be difficult and frustrating. Nonetheless it is important to remember to focus on positive reinforcement. One must make the experience a fun activity, not a threatening one.

By making wise choices in the tricks to be taught, using appropriate rewards during the teaching process and retaining a focus on the positive, teaching a dog tricks can be a great and rewarding experience with lasting benefits for both the dog and his owner. By learning a few tricks of your own first, you will be far more likely to teach your dog a few, too!

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Training A Show Dog

2006-04-09T04:39:00.000-07:00

Since the beginning of time, man has always been proud of the things around him and quality was a prime concern. Even in the biblical account of Adam and Eve, it states that Eve looked at the fruit of the tree and saw that it was good and desirable to the eyes. (Genesis 3:6 NKJV- “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.”)

Thus we see that even back in the beginning of our culture, man and womankind have always been interested in things that were good, desirable, or aesthetically pleasing. The tradition continues today with contests of skill, beauty and training taking place around the world. From the small town livestock and pet shows to the huge, century old affair of the English, Crufts, which has been drawing crowds since 1891, the show dog is heeling its way down the halls of fame.

Show dogs come from all breeds and the object of the sport is to find the best bloodlines, training and dispositions. The aesthetic quality of some of these animals is truly amazing as is the diversity of trainers and the breeds that are shown. In 1991, the centennial year for Crufts, there was a turnout of 22,993 canine entrants for the show which was held at The National Exhibition Center in Birmingham, United Kingdom. It should be remembered that this is an annual show that has been going strong since its inception by Charles Cruft, a British traveling salesman, in the year 1891. With an entry list of so high a number, one staggers to imagine the size of the crowd of spectators who attended the centennial show. With all this fame and glory just waiting to be taken, how do we get our dogs in the act?

Well, the first step to beginning in the show dog circuit is getting into touch with a kennel club or pet association. These groups will be able to point you in the direction of local shows and get you started on what is hopefully a long and enjoyable journey. They will be able to assist you with finding the rules and regulations for your area, common acceptable practices and any special vaccinations or veterinary testing that may be required. They also offer the mind pool of many experienced trainers who are willing to share the thoughts and training tips. They can also tell you which breeds tend to rank the highest in shows and guide you in choosing the proper pet for showing.

There are a few basic behaviors that are common amongst all dogs and these do not change with the show dog except for the fact that they are refined a bit more. Show dogs must be trained in running a circle, as well as an obstacle course, with their handler. They also must be taught correct postures for sitting, heeling, trotting and standing. Depending upon the breed and class, the dog may also be asked to jump or overcome certain obstacles or, in some shows, work livestock. Show dogs must also be very patient and relaxed as judges will be examining them very closely and the last thing you will ever get an award for is a dog that bit the judges. Your dog should be taught to be still and not fidget when being handled by the judges as well as while waiting their turn at judging.

Another very important aspect of show dog training is socializing the animal to other dogs. These animals will be in the presence of possibly thousands of others animals so it is imperative that your dog knows how to behave correctly to avoid disqualification due to aggressive behaviors.

With these little pointers under your collar, the day of the big show isn’t far away. Be prepared for it and plan well ahead of time. A professional grooming before the show is nice for your pet and will be sure to add to her sleek lines. Also don’t forget her favorite treats and toys for after the show.

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Sitemap

2006-03-09T04:19:00.000-08:00

April

Training A Working Dog
Training Dog Owners In Patience
You Need Successful Dog Training Strategy
Your Attitude Is Important When Dog Training
The 10 Biggest Mistakes Dog Trainers Make
Three Tricks to Teaching Dogs Tricks
The Basics Of Training Your Dog
Training A Show Dog

May

Pure Breed Vs. Mutts: Are Their Training Differences ?
What You Can Learn From Training Your Dog
Teach Your Dog Not To Bark
Teach An Old Dog New Tricks
Military Dog Training During World War II
Negative Reinforcement Versus Positive Reinforcement Training
Your Attitude Is Important When Dog Training
Why Effective Dog Training Is Essential

June

leash training yourdog
Being Your Dog’s Leader Is The Key to Training
Are Electrical Collars Effective In Dog Training
Agility Training For Dogs
Dog Obedience The Basics
Different Training Techniques for Companion Dogs
Differences In Dog Training For Hunting Dogs
Different Training For Different Breeds

July

5 Things To Avoid During Dog Training
5 Easy Steps To Stop Your Puppy From Chewing
3 Common Dog Training Mistakes
3 Secrets To Better Dog Training
How To Train Your Dog To Avoid Lawsuits
How To Train Using Your Dogs Personality
Halter Training Your Dog
Helpful Tools For Dog Training

August

How To Teach Your Dog To Stop Begging
How To Teach Your Dog To Sit
How To Teach Your Dog To Heel
How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch
How To Teach Children To Care For The Dog
How To Teach An Old Dog New Tricks
How To Decide What Training Collar To Use
How To Choose A Dog Trainer