No matter how smart a dog is, there are some things it will never learn unless taught. If you wind up with a disobedient dog that doesn't know where it is meant to pee or when it is meant to bark, chances are - you are a bad trainer who failed to teach his dog how to live with humans. Here is a list of things you MUST include in your puppy's training.
Potty Training
The initial 'aaawe' wears off when folks wake up to the fact that they've just brought home a mess machine. One of the first things you need to do show your puppy is toilet training. If you fail, you're stuck with the poop scooper and a smelly house. While some dog owners swear by the paper-training method, others claim crate training works better. Whichever option you go for - remember the basic potty rules -
a. Watch your dog for signs that it needs to go and help him go IMMEDIATELY b. Gently correct your dog for going in the wrong place and take him outside to show him the right place but ONLY if you catch him in the act c. Praise your dog for going in the right place
Teach Your Puppy His Name
To have any amount of control over your puppy, you have to learn to communicate with each other. Start by teaching him his name and move on to other commands once he becomes familiar with the concept of learning from you. To begin, offer the puppy a treat by in the palm of your hand while calling him by his name to catch his attention. If your puppy approaches you and sniffs around the treat, raise the snack to make puppy look at your face, say his name and praise him lovingly as he gobbles up the treat. This will help pup form an association between the sound of your voice and the treat in your palm. Continue to repeat this exercise. Your puppy will begin to approach at the sound of his name whether or not you have anything to offer it.
Teach Basic Commands
You can begin to teach him his second command here - by cheerfully saying 'Yes!' or giving him a much loved toy when he responds instead of giving him an edible treat. Whenever he responds to you - use the word 'Yes' or 'Ok' so he associates them with treats and affection. By offering your puppy a reward for his behavior, also known as positive reinforcement technique - you can teach him a a range of other tricks. The most useful ones include - sit, stop, sleep, stay, out, yes and no.
Appreciating Silence
Remember, while most countries have no rules about noisy dogs, American dogs aren't allowed to bark for longer than 8 minutes at a stretch. It is a punishable offense! Train your dog early in life that it is not okay to bark for long periods of time. Once your dog understands the word 'No', use the word to shut him up. If your puppy shows barking tendencies, use disciplinary tactics. Check and see if he has a legit reason to yowl, if not scold him and send him to his kennel or basket. If there is a legit reason like a stranger in your yard or stray dogs outside, calm you pooch, give him a treat and distract him by playing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barnita_Biswas
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Leash Training Your Dog - 3 Simple Steps to Teach Your Dog to Walk on a Loose Leash
Does your dog pull when out on a walk? Are you embarrassed walking through your neighborhood? Do your arms and shoulders hurt after a walk? Training a dog to walk on a loose leash can be frustrating, especially if you have adopted an adult dog who has never been trained. It is not, however, impossible.
Before starting to train your dog you will need a collar and leash. The collar should be flat, rolled leather, a martingale or a head collar, and the leash leather or webbing. Avoid retractable leashes, chain and rolled nylon leashes as they will hurt your hands when your dog pulls.
For most dogs the following method works well.
1. Attach your leash to your dog's collar, have them sit on your left hand side, and wait until they are relaxed and the leash is slack. Hold the leash in both hands with some slack between your hands.
2. Have a command to tell your dog that you are going to start walking (lets go, come on). Say it once and then begin walking.
3. When your dog starts to pull, let go of the slack in the leash, stop, turn, and walk in a different direction. When your dog turns and walks in the same direction as you praise them and give a treat, but ONLY when the leash is slack. If your dog keeps pulling, modify this technique. When they pull, stop walking and wait until they come towards you and the leash slackens. When this happens, praise, give a treat, and again start walking in a different direction.
Repeat as necessary. Remember that training a dog to walk on a loose leash takes time and your first few walks will likely be a very short distance only, although you will cover a significant distance as you turn numerous times. Remember to keep the leash loose whenever you are moving.
For puppies, or dogs that are shy, nervous or have never had a leash on, you need to go more slowly and be low key. Attach the leash to their collar, and use treats, a favorite toy and your voice to encourage them to walk with you. Give lots of praise, keeping everything upbeat and positive. You want walking on a leash to be an enjoyable experience for your puppy, not something to be feared.
Leash training your dog will take time, especially if they are used to pulling. The key is to be consistent and persistent, eventually they will learn and you will be able to go on long walks together that you both will enjoy.
Want to learn more about leash training your dog?
Visit http://www.trainyournewdog.info for more tips and advice on effectively training your dog.
Katie Mills enjoys sharing resources about dog training. In doing so she has created relationships with certain experts and in recommending their products may receive compensation for doing so.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katie_Mills
Before starting to train your dog you will need a collar and leash. The collar should be flat, rolled leather, a martingale or a head collar, and the leash leather or webbing. Avoid retractable leashes, chain and rolled nylon leashes as they will hurt your hands when your dog pulls.
For most dogs the following method works well.
1. Attach your leash to your dog's collar, have them sit on your left hand side, and wait until they are relaxed and the leash is slack. Hold the leash in both hands with some slack between your hands.
2. Have a command to tell your dog that you are going to start walking (lets go, come on). Say it once and then begin walking.
3. When your dog starts to pull, let go of the slack in the leash, stop, turn, and walk in a different direction. When your dog turns and walks in the same direction as you praise them and give a treat, but ONLY when the leash is slack. If your dog keeps pulling, modify this technique. When they pull, stop walking and wait until they come towards you and the leash slackens. When this happens, praise, give a treat, and again start walking in a different direction.
Repeat as necessary. Remember that training a dog to walk on a loose leash takes time and your first few walks will likely be a very short distance only, although you will cover a significant distance as you turn numerous times. Remember to keep the leash loose whenever you are moving.
For puppies, or dogs that are shy, nervous or have never had a leash on, you need to go more slowly and be low key. Attach the leash to their collar, and use treats, a favorite toy and your voice to encourage them to walk with you. Give lots of praise, keeping everything upbeat and positive. You want walking on a leash to be an enjoyable experience for your puppy, not something to be feared.
Leash training your dog will take time, especially if they are used to pulling. The key is to be consistent and persistent, eventually they will learn and you will be able to go on long walks together that you both will enjoy.
Want to learn more about leash training your dog?
Visit http://www.trainyournewdog.info for more tips and advice on effectively training your dog.
Katie Mills enjoys sharing resources about dog training. In doing so she has created relationships with certain experts and in recommending their products may receive compensation for doing so.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katie_Mills
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Ten Important Things Your Dog Wants You To Know
If your dog could talk, these are some of most important things she would like to tell you...
1 - My life will probably only last 7 to 14 years. It will hurt me more than you know if I have to be away from you for longer than a day or two.
2 - If you have patience with me and give me time to learn what you would like from me, I can promise you, you will never be disappointed.
3 - Trust me with your life and have faith in our future together. If I don't feel that you honestly believe in me, I will suffer great emotional stress. My sense of self-worth is totally dependent upon your confidence in me.
4 - Don’t stay mad at me for long or confine me to a cage to punish me. You have your friends, your job, and your recreation. I HAVE ONLY YOU!
5 - Talk to me about anything you want as frequently as possible. Even if I can’t comprehend your precise words, I can understand the meaning of what you’re telling me by the tone of your voice.
6 - Remember no matter how you treat me, I will NEVER forget it.
7 - When you consider raising your hand to hit me, remember I have teeth that could break the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8 - Before you scream at me for failing to respond to your commands as I usually do, take time to think about what might be wrong with me that would cause me to treat you differently. Maybe I haven’t been eating right or drinking enough water. Or maybe my age is catching up with me and I just can’t do what I used to do.
9 - Take good care of me when I get old. Someday you will be as old as me and you will see how it feels.
10 - Be there for me through good times and bad. Never say you can’t handle taking me to the vets for stitches or surgery. Nothing could make me feel worse. Everything in my life is easier for me to deal with when I have you standing by my side. Remember my love for you is unconditional and it will last for your entire life.
Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) Danielle Hollister is the Quotations Editor at BellaOnline and Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Hollister
1 - My life will probably only last 7 to 14 years. It will hurt me more than you know if I have to be away from you for longer than a day or two.
2 - If you have patience with me and give me time to learn what you would like from me, I can promise you, you will never be disappointed.
3 - Trust me with your life and have faith in our future together. If I don't feel that you honestly believe in me, I will suffer great emotional stress. My sense of self-worth is totally dependent upon your confidence in me.
4 - Don’t stay mad at me for long or confine me to a cage to punish me. You have your friends, your job, and your recreation. I HAVE ONLY YOU!
5 - Talk to me about anything you want as frequently as possible. Even if I can’t comprehend your precise words, I can understand the meaning of what you’re telling me by the tone of your voice.
6 - Remember no matter how you treat me, I will NEVER forget it.
7 - When you consider raising your hand to hit me, remember I have teeth that could break the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8 - Before you scream at me for failing to respond to your commands as I usually do, take time to think about what might be wrong with me that would cause me to treat you differently. Maybe I haven’t been eating right or drinking enough water. Or maybe my age is catching up with me and I just can’t do what I used to do.
9 - Take good care of me when I get old. Someday you will be as old as me and you will see how it feels.
10 - Be there for me through good times and bad. Never say you can’t handle taking me to the vets for stitches or surgery. Nothing could make me feel worse. Everything in my life is easier for me to deal with when I have you standing by my side. Remember my love for you is unconditional and it will last for your entire life.
Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) Danielle Hollister is the Quotations Editor at BellaOnline and Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Hollister
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Training Your Puppy - The First Steps
Dog training can be both very enjoyable or very aggravating. What I try to focus on is the enjoyable part of training. If you know the basics and follow them, training your puppy will be an enjoyable experience for you and your puppy.
The first step in training should be to crate train your puppy. I have found that crate training has many benefits. The first benefit is that because of a puppy's natural instinct not to soil his living area, there shouldn't be any accidents in their crate. This will help tremendously in housebreaking. Just remember a puppy can only hold his bladder for so long, so don't keep him in there for more than a few hours at a time unless it is bedtime. It might take a little time for your puppy to get used to his crate.
Let him know it is a nice place to be not a punishment spot. Feed him a few meals in his crate with the door open. After about 1 week close the door while he eats, this should make the crate seem like a reward place for him. After a week with the door closed put his food bowl wherever you planned on feeding him. We have a boxer puppy that we did this with and now any time we grab a treat she runs right to her crate. Just make sure you get the right size crate for your puppy.
The next step should be house training. Always take your puppy out after eating, drinking or sleeping. Praise him and give him a treat when he does go outside. Watch for the signs that he's getting ready to go. One key sign is when he is sniffing and walking around in circles. This is telling you that he's trying to find his scent on where to go potty. If you see him doing this just grab him and take him outside to the spot you want him to go. Accidents are bound to happen, have patience but never punish your puppy for going inside. He won't understand why he's being punished, he'll just think going potty is what your punishing him for. Find a cleaner that gets rid of scents, you can find these at most pet supply stores. With patience your puppy will be trained in no time.
To me, crate training and house breaking are the two most important steps in training your puppy. After these you can work on sit, stay, heel and all the other commands. One other important factor in early training is finding a training class. I like a class that has 6-8 dogs in it. I have found that a smaller class has less distractions and because of that it will be easier to train your puppy. See if your trainer offers play groups. This is a great way for your puppy to learn valuable social skills with other dogs. Just remember to have patience but more importantly have fun.
The first step in training should be to crate train your puppy. I have found that crate training has many benefits. The first benefit is that because of a puppy's natural instinct not to soil his living area, there shouldn't be any accidents in their crate. This will help tremendously in housebreaking. Just remember a puppy can only hold his bladder for so long, so don't keep him in there for more than a few hours at a time unless it is bedtime. It might take a little time for your puppy to get used to his crate.
Let him know it is a nice place to be not a punishment spot. Feed him a few meals in his crate with the door open. After about 1 week close the door while he eats, this should make the crate seem like a reward place for him. After a week with the door closed put his food bowl wherever you planned on feeding him. We have a boxer puppy that we did this with and now any time we grab a treat she runs right to her crate. Just make sure you get the right size crate for your puppy.
The next step should be house training. Always take your puppy out after eating, drinking or sleeping. Praise him and give him a treat when he does go outside. Watch for the signs that he's getting ready to go. One key sign is when he is sniffing and walking around in circles. This is telling you that he's trying to find his scent on where to go potty. If you see him doing this just grab him and take him outside to the spot you want him to go. Accidents are bound to happen, have patience but never punish your puppy for going inside. He won't understand why he's being punished, he'll just think going potty is what your punishing him for. Find a cleaner that gets rid of scents, you can find these at most pet supply stores. With patience your puppy will be trained in no time.
To me, crate training and house breaking are the two most important steps in training your puppy. After these you can work on sit, stay, heel and all the other commands. One other important factor in early training is finding a training class. I like a class that has 6-8 dogs in it. I have found that a smaller class has less distractions and because of that it will be easier to train your puppy. See if your trainer offers play groups. This is a great way for your puppy to learn valuable social skills with other dogs. Just remember to have patience but more importantly have fun.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Dog training schools- what to consider when choosing yours
As a dog owner, you love your pet and may even consider them to be a member of the family. What you might not love is their behavior. Whether your dog is just displaying reckless behavior or has shown signs having violent tendencies, you may want to seek professional help. That professional help can come from a dog training school.
To find such a school, you can perform a standard internet search with the phrase "dog training," and your zip code. You will likely get many results. In fact, you may be surprised how many dog training schools are located nearby. Should you choose the first business that you come across? No. See, training your dog is an art. It is rarely something that you can do alone. You need a professional and experienced teacher to provide guidance, as well as a safe and comfortable place to implement that training. That is why it is important to make your choice wisely.
So, what should you consider when reviewing dog training schools?
How training is implemented. Most schools give you many options. These options include the ability to receive private training or group training. You can also opt for a combination of both. Most group training sessions contain around ten dogs and their pet owners. The rates are cheaper, but you and your dog will not receive one-on-one attention that is beneficial when first starting out. Regardless of your preference, it is best to have a choice. If you originally opt for group dog training and it doesn't work out, will the school in question allow you to switch to private sessions? They should.
The types of training available. Dog training schools tend to classify training into three different categories. They include puppy training, dog obedience training, and advanced training. As you can gather from the name, puppy training involves working with puppies. Dog obedience training is for older dogs who have behavior problems, even just temporary ones. Advanced classes are designed for those who are happy with their pet's overall behavior, but want more. Choose a school that offers the type of training your dog needs. If your dog is already obedient, an obedience class for beginners will not be enough.
The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many that you should take into consideration. Consider cost too, but don't let it be the deciding factor. Your money is spent wisely when you choose a school that has a reputation of being the best. Dog training should always be looked at as an investment that will pay off. To find dog training schools to review and compare, start with a standard internet search or contact nearby vet offices and kennels.
For more complete information on dog training, visit: Dog Hospital which is a comprehensive resource for dog-owners. Straight talking, accurate information aimed at enhancing the quality of life for dogs and their owners.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maximillian_Headroom
To find such a school, you can perform a standard internet search with the phrase "dog training," and your zip code. You will likely get many results. In fact, you may be surprised how many dog training schools are located nearby. Should you choose the first business that you come across? No. See, training your dog is an art. It is rarely something that you can do alone. You need a professional and experienced teacher to provide guidance, as well as a safe and comfortable place to implement that training. That is why it is important to make your choice wisely.
So, what should you consider when reviewing dog training schools?
How training is implemented. Most schools give you many options. These options include the ability to receive private training or group training. You can also opt for a combination of both. Most group training sessions contain around ten dogs and their pet owners. The rates are cheaper, but you and your dog will not receive one-on-one attention that is beneficial when first starting out. Regardless of your preference, it is best to have a choice. If you originally opt for group dog training and it doesn't work out, will the school in question allow you to switch to private sessions? They should.
The types of training available. Dog training schools tend to classify training into three different categories. They include puppy training, dog obedience training, and advanced training. As you can gather from the name, puppy training involves working with puppies. Dog obedience training is for older dogs who have behavior problems, even just temporary ones. Advanced classes are designed for those who are happy with their pet's overall behavior, but want more. Choose a school that offers the type of training your dog needs. If your dog is already obedient, an obedience class for beginners will not be enough.
The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many that you should take into consideration. Consider cost too, but don't let it be the deciding factor. Your money is spent wisely when you choose a school that has a reputation of being the best. Dog training should always be looked at as an investment that will pay off. To find dog training schools to review and compare, start with a standard internet search or contact nearby vet offices and kennels.
For more complete information on dog training, visit: Dog Hospital which is a comprehensive resource for dog-owners. Straight talking, accurate information aimed at enhancing the quality of life for dogs and their owners.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maximillian_Headroom
dog training is not for dogs
The reality of what actually goes on in a dog training class is the owner is trained on leadership skills. A credible trainer effectively demonstrates how willingly and spontaneously dogs follow the strongest influence in their life. They then educate the owner how to project that strength to their pet; hopefully in a positive reinforcement, punishment-free method.
Inherently, dogs follow strong leaders. They instinctively know, their survival and the survival of their pack depends on solid, stable and strong Alphas, be it male or female. It the owner is not the strongest member of their pack, their dog will run all over them, and take over.
The majority of frazzled individuals who call dog trainers are lacking the skills they need, to provide their puppy or dog with the leadership the dog must have, to know their place in their pack and yet feel safe and secure.
Without that, their dog will either instinctively become more assertive and eventually take over, or, they will do totally the opposite and withdraw, becoming untrusting and fearful.
During the first few weeks of a puppy's life, the first authority figure is their mother. She asserts that influence by teaching them litter manners. It is at this stage, a puppy learns to respect authority and leadership. Mom is their first Alpha figure.
As they grow and are weaned from mom, their own natural personality traits begin to evolve. Some show more assertiveness. They are what we consider "born leaders." The other puppies in their litter, as expected, would follow them. They are also the ones that most commonly resist, when a human take over role of the Alpha pack member.
Dogs can be "trained" at any age. However, the best time to begin is as soon as possible. Usually, at 8 weeks of age, most, unless they are extremely assertive, dominant pups, are prime for transferring that need to conform and follow to a new strong Alpha figure(s)...their humans! The most effective way to make that transition is to enroll them in Puppy Kindergarten or obedience class.
There, the owner learns to demonstrate even to the most dominant pup, they are worthy of trust and respect by being fair, firm, and consistent. To do this, they must make their pet earn everything they get. It is called 'NO FREE LUNCH!" Simply put, to get what you want, you must do what I want first.
The dog will soon associate if they want to eat, they must first follow your command. If they want to go out, they must first follow your command. The owner has asserted their authority by way of strong leadership. The dog responds eagerly and obediently. It's win-win.
Bottom line: There is a distinct difference between being mean and being firm. Always be fair, firm and consistent. You will be amazed how gladly your dog will follow you.
Karen A. Soukiasian, Good Dog! - Dog Training - Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida - AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN Evaluator http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Soukiasian
Inherently, dogs follow strong leaders. They instinctively know, their survival and the survival of their pack depends on solid, stable and strong Alphas, be it male or female. It the owner is not the strongest member of their pack, their dog will run all over them, and take over.
The majority of frazzled individuals who call dog trainers are lacking the skills they need, to provide their puppy or dog with the leadership the dog must have, to know their place in their pack and yet feel safe and secure.
Without that, their dog will either instinctively become more assertive and eventually take over, or, they will do totally the opposite and withdraw, becoming untrusting and fearful.
During the first few weeks of a puppy's life, the first authority figure is their mother. She asserts that influence by teaching them litter manners. It is at this stage, a puppy learns to respect authority and leadership. Mom is their first Alpha figure.
As they grow and are weaned from mom, their own natural personality traits begin to evolve. Some show more assertiveness. They are what we consider "born leaders." The other puppies in their litter, as expected, would follow them. They are also the ones that most commonly resist, when a human take over role of the Alpha pack member.
Dogs can be "trained" at any age. However, the best time to begin is as soon as possible. Usually, at 8 weeks of age, most, unless they are extremely assertive, dominant pups, are prime for transferring that need to conform and follow to a new strong Alpha figure(s)...their humans! The most effective way to make that transition is to enroll them in Puppy Kindergarten or obedience class.
There, the owner learns to demonstrate even to the most dominant pup, they are worthy of trust and respect by being fair, firm, and consistent. To do this, they must make their pet earn everything they get. It is called 'NO FREE LUNCH!" Simply put, to get what you want, you must do what I want first.
The dog will soon associate if they want to eat, they must first follow your command. If they want to go out, they must first follow your command. The owner has asserted their authority by way of strong leadership. The dog responds eagerly and obediently. It's win-win.
Bottom line: There is a distinct difference between being mean and being firm. Always be fair, firm and consistent. You will be amazed how gladly your dog will follow you.
Karen A. Soukiasian, Good Dog! - Dog Training - Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida - AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN Evaluator http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Soukiasian
Teaching your dog to potty outside
Dog potty training one of the more challenging aspects that you will have with your new puppy, but once you clear this hurdle in your puppies young life it will get much easier for you. I know that for me when I was training my dog this aspect it was fairly difficult for some period of time, but I did manage to successfully potty train my dog and I thought I would share a couple of tips that I found that helped out tremendously.
The first tip that I found that came in most handy was to take my dog out frequently. Now this might seem like it will get old and repetitive, but it does work really well and manages to get them used to the idea of going outside. Which is what you want to get in their head because once they realize that is where they are supposed to be going to do their business they will keep this up.
The second tip that came in handy for me was if I was not able to take them outside frequently to let them play for a few minutes and then put them in their crate. Not only that if they did not use the bathroom outside they would be put in their crate when we came back in to make sure that they wouldn't have an accident. Then about fifteen minutes to an hour at the most I would take them back outside to let them go potty which they would most often do so they could stay out of their crate for a longer period of time.
Getting your dog potty trained doesn't have to be difficult, but you will want to try the tips above. If you want to find even more great information click here dogbehaviorsolved.info.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Fisher
The first tip that I found that came in most handy was to take my dog out frequently. Now this might seem like it will get old and repetitive, but it does work really well and manages to get them used to the idea of going outside. Which is what you want to get in their head because once they realize that is where they are supposed to be going to do their business they will keep this up.
The second tip that came in handy for me was if I was not able to take them outside frequently to let them play for a few minutes and then put them in their crate. Not only that if they did not use the bathroom outside they would be put in their crate when we came back in to make sure that they wouldn't have an accident. Then about fifteen minutes to an hour at the most I would take them back outside to let them go potty which they would most often do so they could stay out of their crate for a longer period of time.
Getting your dog potty trained doesn't have to be difficult, but you will want to try the tips above. If you want to find even more great information click here dogbehaviorsolved.info.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Fisher
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