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

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

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