Dog Training

2009-03-04T08:12:00.000-08:00

Dog Training: What Is Dog Training?
Submitted By: David McFarlane

The term “dog training” can mean many different things – this is an important fact to remember when deciding what exactly you need to do with your dog.
First, there is "behavior training”.
This is the kind of dog training in which a dog is taught to be good. Usually this would include house training, good behavior around other people and dogs, and other small things that make a dog a much more pleasant companion. A well-behaved dog attracts no special notice from members of the public (apart from occasional comments about their good manners).
Next, there is "obedience training," which is teaching the dog how to perform specific activities.
This can include traditional obedience exercises such as heeling. The emphasis here is on prompt and precise performance. While there can be many overall benefits to this kind of dog training, the training is not necessarily used in order to improve the dog's behavior.
Dogs that have been obedience trained will perform tasks when their owners ask them to do so. (Although, some obedience trained dogs may well behave poorly!)
"Activity training" refers to dog training for specific activities – this could include hunting, herding, search and rescue or any of a number of activities designed to show off the abilities of the dog and his handler. These days, such activity also includes sports such as frisbee, flyball and agility.
At times, these dog training methods can cross over somewhat.
A certain amount of obedience training will help with behaviors, for example. A dog that is heeling will not pull on the leash.
You will still want to keep this in mind when selecting a training class, however, so that it best matches your needs. For many pet owners, the behavior-oriented classes are the best way to learn how to understand and control your dog. For those of you who want to enjoy a sport or compete in an activity with your dog, you will need to move along to more complex dog training.
You need to be fully aware of whether or not your dog needs behavior modification (where you will have to find out the underlying reason why your dog digs holes) or obedience training (to understand commands).
The two may be related: a dog that digs because it is bored may become less bored with obedience training and stop digging. It is important, however, to understand that the dog stopped digging because it was no longer bored not that it now knows how to heel. You will need to modify your approach, or select a trainer to help you, with behavior vs. training in mind.
Please also remember not to punish the dog whilst training.Punishment is not a training aid. It does little to foster willingness to learn and achieve. Limit yourself to a firm “no” and to using your hands to block the dog’s negative actions. Refrain from hitting or physically abusing the dog.
Display extreme levels of patience and persistence, and never give up; if you do, you are relinquishing your status as the dominant one. The dog is bound by nature and genetics to test how far he can push you or get away with disobeying you. You must display a stern and stoic attitude and do not pat, praise, or reward the dog if he does not pay attention or refuses to do as you have asked. Only yield once your commands are followed. If you “heel” instead of your dog then he will soon know who is the boss.
Use rewards and praise as often as required. Praise should immediately be forthcoming when a dog responds to any command. The pet will associate responding to commands with praise/rewards (treats) and will try and respond quicker to reap his rewards. Once a command/trick has been mastered then the treats can be withdrawn. You will find that obeying a command becomes second nature to your dog.
Keep the lessons simple. To begin with, the lessons should be fairly easy and such that the dog can complete it within two-three actions. As his level of learning increases the lessons could be more complex. Just as our children go, at first to play school, then to kindergarten, and then to the first grade so also in the case of our pets.
Whether you are a first time dog owner or a seasoned veteran, your learning never stops as far as it comes to training your dog. Each and every dog presents different training challenges, and the more equipped you are to handle these training issues the more likely you are to prevent any permanent and long term future behavioral problems

2009-01-30T08:31:00.000-08:00

Training Your Dog To Use His Dog Carrier Comfortably
Submitted By: Ruby Fayed

The time for travel has come. Have you packed your toothbrush, your swimsuit, your wallet? Have you taken out the kitchen trash, watered the plants today, fed the dog…wait…the dog. The dog is going with you. That means you have to put Peanut in his dog carrier. Have you prepared yourself for this task? Peanut hates to be locked up and there is no knowing how ballistic he will go in his dog carrier. He will bark, cry and probably bite any unsuspecting fingers that come his way. Is this Peanuts fault or your own?
Training your dog to behave in a dog carrier will help to avoid any last minute disasters if you have to spontaneously take him on a trip. A well-trained dog will allow you to feel more confident in his social interactions and ultimately result in a higher mutual respect. Existing problems only worsen without proper training, but it is important to know that it is never too late to begin teaching Peanut how to act appropriately in his dog carrier. It is important to remember throughout this process the more calm and in control you are the more calm and receptive Peanut will be.
If you practiced crate training for your dog at an early age, then he is much more equipped to adapt to dog carriers. Many people crate train their puppies with the motive of teaching them not to defecate or urinate in the house. The idea is to keep them in their crate for several hours at a time while they are still being potty-trained and then to allow them to go straight outside once the crate is open. That way the owner will always be available to positively reward the puppy every time he releases himself outside. A Dog carrier will remind your dog of his crate and it will take minimal training for him to become accustomed to it.
Even if you have not crate trained Peanut when he was a pup, there is still hope. The most important aspect of training your dog to be comfortable and feel secure in using a dog carrier is to always emphasize it as a positive place to go to. Never scold Peanut and send him to his dog carrier. This will make him connect negative emotions to his dog carrier and he will get nervous and confused when you later try to get him prepared for travel. Use the dog carrier in more situations then just going to the vet. This way he does not associate his dog carrier with solely that experience. There are many daily opportunities to do this. Utilizing the dog carrier to take Peanut to the dog park, beach, and nature trails are just a few of those.
Getting Peanut to enjoy his dog carrier is only half the battle in ensuring smooth traveling. Next, you need to rid him of his excessive barking and aggressive behavior toward strange noises and people. The whole airport experience is filled with mystery voices and sharp clatter. The best way to desensitize him to alarming noises is to always play with him by rewarding him for his tricks when loud noises are going on in the background. If you play with Peanut during a thunderstorm or give him treats for sitting while someone vacuums, then he will be less inclined to connect fear with loud disruptions. If new faces commonly surround him then he will be less impressed with strangers and thus less likely to react negatively. Try carrying Peanut through crowded areas in his dog carrier before letting him frolic in the park. Take him on walks in areas with a lot of social activity. Give positive reinforcement to him every time he lets a stranger pet him.
Next time you are confronted with the last minute need to put Peanut in his dog carrier you will be prepared and there will be no reason for fear of his ballistic behavior again. You will both be grateful knowing that Peanut will be capable of acting appropriately in his dog carrier anytime the situation for use should arise. Training your dog will benefit you as much as it does him

2009-01-29T08:20:00.000-08:00

Dog Training Online: How To Socialize Your Dog?
Submitted By: Paul Buckley

Basic Social MannersBasic dog training also emphasizes socialization skills(especially for puppies). Good socialization skills teach your dog to get along with other dogs and people. For those of you who need help with house breaking your dog help has arrived. A calm firm and authoritative voice is most effective while training a dog.
Most dog training course instructors will tell you that positive dog training is the best technique to utilize. And before spending any money ensure that the dog trainer uses methods you are comfortable with. Use his name and explain what you want him to do. See http://www.dogtraining-online.us/dog-training-school/index.html
In this case most people have the inclination to yell and tell their dogs to shut up. This particular reaction of dog owners will confuse their dogs and will only make them understand that the reason why their owners are yelling is because they are also enjoying the shouting scene and that they are "barking" along with their dogs. Giving the dog a job can be crucial to his well-being. Dogs were originally bred by humans complete important tasks with them and for them. Socializing your dog helps boost it's confidence and reduces your dog's fear and nervousness in normal circumstances. When you are introducing new things to your dog make sure that you have him firmly under control. Praise him for any movement that gets him toward the sitting position. Be careful not to hold the treat or toy too high or your dog will lift his feet off the ground.
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at times but it's well worth it. Bringing a dog into your family is basically like bringing a wolf into a pack. Crate training: This is important especially to build up a tolerance to stay in a kennel environment for several hours.

2009-01-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

Dog Training: Would Your Dog Listen If You Punish Him?
Submitted By: David Willis

Always use praise instead of punishment with dog training. Dogs respond best to positive dog training rather than negative. With all of this in mind you should be able to teach your dog the 3 basis commands such as sit - stay - fetch. There are many different dog training techniques that are out there today. Many people often don't realize that dog training courses often utilize different dog training techniques. Unfortunately one part of dog training that is not gone over very well in dog training classes is chewing.
Reprimanding your dog should not happen often as dogs respond better to positive reinforcement used in dog training. A dog that has been properly trained won't take a nip at other dogs or pedestrians when you are out for walks. Your frustration can cause you to want to force the issue and end up taking two steps backward with your progress. See http://www.dogtraining-online.us/know-your-dog/opting-for-a-purebred-dog.html
The dog may run back and forth and bark. The owner may think this is annoying or anxious behavior on the part of the dog and that training is the answer. There are several things to keep in mind before starting any dog obedience training. You need to understand that dogs have an attention span of no more than ten to fifteen minutes. A well socialized bred and adjusted puppy or dog will feel no need to act aggressively. A dog that acts this way demonstrates that there is a problem with the dog's relationship to humans. " To let your dog up from sitting give him a release command such as "free" or "break.
When these feelings are all mixed up their only known protection for themselves is to bite because they cannot understand the situation logically. Therefore people should know that in order to avoid such circumstances. So-- How do you work with a "high functioning" abused dog? And how do you teach your dog to relax and enjoy life? Dogs bark because we humans want our dogs to bark. For years our domestication process and selective breeding has allowed our dogs to develop their barking abilities. The sit command: This is usually the first command new owners teach their dog.

2008-12-22T20:48:00.000-08:00

Why It's Important For New Dog Owners To Take Dog Training Seriously
Submitted By: Suzie Springer

Are searching for answerers to your dog training problems? Well then you've come to the right place. Most new dog owners think that training their dog is going to be a difficult, daunting task, and for most new dog owners it is, but it doesn't have to be that way. The choice is up to you! The early stages of your dogs life should be a happy time for the two of you. You shouldn't to deal with dog training problems, especially since dog training mistakes are easy to avoid if you are armed with the right information.
A dogs first year is very critical because it is going to set the stage for the rest of his life, and it will ultimately determine what kind of companion a dog is going to become. Most new dog owners unknowingly making mistakes when they begin the training process. These mistakes lead to problems that make the first year of their dogs life a confusing and trying time for both the owner and the dog. However, learning what you need to avoid doing in order to prevent these behavior problems from occurring is a lot easier than you might think!
Training mistakes that go unnoticed, and never get corrected are often the most crucial mistakes. If your puppy doesn't seem to be "getting it" when you start potty training him, then subtle mistakes that you might be making could be the culprit. Don't worry though it is not uncommon for new puppy owners to experience these kinds of setbacks. Just don't forget to remember that certain training mistakes will affect your puppy's ability to learn, his behavior later on in life, and they can cause accidents in the house to go on for what might seem like forever.
The experiences that a puppy goes through during the early stages of his life, define who him. Believe it or not the potty training stage is an extremely crucial period in your puppy's life! Training mistakes that are made during this period can result in behavior problems taking place later on in your dog life. More often than not these behavioral problems that some dogs experience later on in life, are often traced back to the puppy training stage. Here are some typical problems that are the result of puppy potty training mistakes:
* Going to the bathroom in a remote location of the house.* Waiting to use the bathroom until he is inside of the house.* Reliving himself inside of his crate.* Excessive barking or whining when he is in the crate.* He is overly submissive with you.* He acts scared, or he exhibits fearful behavior.* He seems to ignore your commands.* He turns around and heads the other way when you call him.* He is constantly displaying obsessive or compulsive behaviors.* He displays some forms of aggression towards you or other dogs.
Most of the dogs that develop these problems, do so, because of training mistakes that went undetected, and were subsequently reinforced because they were repeated on a consistent basis. In the end it all boils down to the training, along with the dynamics of the dog owners relationship with their dog that cause a puppy to end up as an adult dog with these behavior problems. however with the appropriate training, and a good upbringing these problems won't be part of your dogs life.

2008-11-04T00:20:00.000-08:00

Dog Training - Reinforcing The Dog/Owner Relationship
Submitted By: Brigitte Smith

Finding the style of that works best for you is important for establishing the boundaries between dog and owner, and for training your dog to be an obedient, loyal and faithful member of your family. All dog training methods work to reinforce the relationship between you and your dog, and the foundation of any successful training program is getting the respect of your dog. Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders, and to follow the direction of those leaders. You are your dog’s leader!
One of the most popular methods of dog training is the so called leash/collar style of training. Both leash/collar training and reward training have been used for many years, and both have established their effectiveness over time. While it is important to remember that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced by hundreds of years of selective breeding, the style of training that works best often varies from dog to dog, and from breed to breed.
This is because personalities of individual dogs vary considerably, even within established breeds. You, as the owner of the dog, know better than anyone which style of dog training will work best, so it is important to work with the trainer you choose to achieve your goal of a willing, obedient and friendly dog.
Leash and collar style training usually works well with larger, heavier types of dogs, particularly where the dog needs to develop a high level of reliability. Dogs who have an important job to do, such as rescue dogs, police dogs and guard dogs, generally benefit from leash and collar training.
In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can be used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harsh corrections. The amount of correction used should be appropriate to the situation, since using too much correction, or too little, will be ineffective.
So how does it work?
In a collar and leash based dog training program, you will teach your dog a particular behavior, generally with the leash. After your dog has demonstrated that it understands the command, the leash is then used to correct the dog if it disobeys, or when it makes a mistake. The leash is the main form of controlling and communicating with the dog in leash and collar training.
If you send your dog to a specialized dog handler for training, the leash and collar method is probably the dog training style which will be used.
When using leash and collar training, the dog must be trained to trust the handler and accept his or her directions without question. In order for the dog to be fully trained, the handler must demonstrate the ability to place the dog into a posture or position he or she does not want to take. This does not mean using force, but it does generally require some level of physical manipulation. This manipulation is most easily and safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training – the leash.
It is important for every would be dog trainer to understand that the leash is simply a tool. While the leash is an important tool in this form of training, it is important for the dog trainer to be able to eventually achieve the same results using whatever tools are at hand.
Even when the only tools at hand are the owner’s body and skill, the dog should be willing to obey. Creating a leader/follower relationship between handler and dog is still very important, and it is important to use the leash as a tool and not a crutch. A properly trained dog should be willing to obey whether the leash is present or not.
Therefore, the end result that you’ll be wanting to achieve, whether you train your dog yourself at home, in an obedience training group, or by having your dog trained by a dog trainer, is for your dog to continue to obey your commands even after you take the leash and collar away.
Happy dog training!

2008-10-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

Dog Training - House Training Your New Puppy
Submitted By: Cathy Perkins

House training is the first thing your new puppy must learn. The toileting process a puppy learns in the first few months as a member of your household will last a lifetime so it’s important to do it right the first time. House training issues are the number one reason why dogs are taken to animal shelters so let’s begin.
It’s important to understand that your puppy probably won’t be completely trained until he’s about 6 months old. That’s because young puppies lack the bladder and bowel control that they need to be reliably left alone for long periods of time.
It is also important for you to be available to supervise your new puppy but we all know that life happens. If you can’t be available for a period of time, confine your puppy to a small puppy-proof room. The entire floor should be covered with newspaper or some absorbent, disposable material. At first, your puppy will go everywhere in the room. As he gets older he will favor one area. Slowly reduce the area covered in papers until the puppy eventually goes only on the toilet papers. The floor in the puppy-proof room should not resemble other floor areas in the house like carpet or hardwood. Once your puppy is used to eliminating on a particular surface, he will want to eliminate on that type of surface.
If you want to train your puppy to use only papers, your task is complete. Most owners prefer for their dogs to eliminate outside so the puppy-proof room should only be used when you aren’t home to supervise. If your puppy spends time in a crate, which he should at first, you can place papers in one area in the crate for your puppy to use. Dogs are naturally very clean animals and they will do their best no to soil their bed area. This really helps your puppy develop self control.
For puppies who are to be outdoor trained, take the puppy to his designated toilet area every 45 minutes. When your puppy does his business in his designated area, lavish praise on him. Don’t be afraid to look like a fool when providing this praise. He is learning the most important lesson in living in your household so go overboard with praise.
Put your puppy on a consistent feeding schedule so you can anticipate his needs. While he does need free access to clean, fresh drinking water, don’t give him unrestricted access to food. Likewise, until he is fully trained, do not give him the run of the house. One thing that will greatly aid in this process is putting a collar and long lead on your puppy and tying the other end of the lead around your waist. Your puppy will like being close to you and he won’t have the opportunity to make many mistakes.
That doesn’t mean that mistakes won’t happen. When they do, don’t punish or reprimand him. He won’t understand the reason for the punishment and he might become nervous or agitated. He might even think he is being punished for eliminating at all. This could set your training back rather than moving it forward.
The main thing you need for house training your puppy is patience and a good sense of humor. Be calm and relaxed while being consistent in your schedule and your puppy will be relaxed and calm while learning what he needs to learn to become a well adjusted member of the family.
While you and your puppy are bonding during this training time, you can start to introduce other commands like sit, come, stay, down.

2008-10-13T00:44:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Using The Reward Training Method
Submitted By: Ken Snowie

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While reward training is commonly viewed as the most current style of dog training, it is actually a lot older than most other methods of dog training. It is likely that the reward training method has been in use since dogs were domesticated thousands of years ago. Early humans likely used some unofficial type of reward training when refining the wolf pups that ultimately became domesticated dogs.
A lot of the ideas about current methods of reward training go back several decades. But what we know as reward training today has only enjoyed its recognition for the past 10 or so years.
Most reward training proponents are not so eager about other methods of dog training, like the leash and collar style. It is likely, though, that the best approach to training your dog will be a mixture of leash and collar training with reward training.
Additionally, a certain training style might work great for one particular dog, but not for another. Some dogs who are not motivated by reward training but do well with the leash/collar method, and other dogs respond well to reward training while leash/collar training does not work at all. Fortunately, the majority of dogs fall somewhere in between.
One of the more popular methods of reward training currently is clicker training. While clicker training does not work for every dog, it can still be a highly useful method of training dogs. The way clicker training works is by teaching to associate a clicking sound with a positive reinforcement, such as a treat. When the dog does something well, the trainer reacts by clicking the clicker, then immediately offering the dog a treat. In time, the dog learns to react to the clicker only.
In reward training the most common type of treat is a food reward. Almost always, complex tricks or behaviors can only be taught using this type of reinforcement. In fact, trainers who train dogs for movies and television use food-based reward training almost totally.
Reward training is used for all types of dog training, including for police and military work. The majority of training in scent detection and tracking utilize a kind of reward training. You can also use reward training in teaching the basic dog training commands.
In reward training a lure is frequently employed to entice the dog into a desired position or stance. The lure helps to convince the dog to perform the sought after behavior of his own volition.
Getting the dog to carry out a behavior without being handled is important. The point of the training, in fact, is to get the dog to execute a behavior without any handling by the trainer.
Once the dog has carried out the commanded behavior, he is rewarded with a positive reinforcement, such as a food treat. Treats are often used in order to reinforce good behaviors, but other positive reinforcements, such as verbal praise, can also be used for reinforcement.
It is important that a reward-trained dog also be a reliable dog. If a dog is trained to do a job, such as police work or drug detection, outside distractions are to be expected. Therefore it is important to train the dog to work and be focused around diversions, as well as to socialize him with other animals and people.
Sometimes dog trainers only train the dog inside the house or back yard, only when the owner is there, free of distractions. It is important to take the dog outside of his comfort zone and introduced to new people and situations.
It is also important that the dog be trained to pay attention to the handler always. When the owner has the complete attention of the dog, he has complete control of the dog. When executed correctly, reward training is a very effective training method that helps to earn the respect and the attention of the dog.
About the Author
If you would like to learn more about dog training visit http://www.dog-training-info.info

2008-10-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Basics Of Dog Training, Teach Them To Your Dog Before It's Too Late
Submitted By: Dr. Mayra Alfonso

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Quite a few people think that dog training is high jumps, through tunnels, up and down a tilting board, but in reality there's so much more to it than that.
All dog training must begin with the basic fundamentals, before a dog can go on to bigger and better things, he must be taught the basic dog training techniques, like sit, lie down and stay. Naturally the first thing any house puppy should be taught is to be housebroken, whether to paper or to the out doors is your option.
The fancy tricks should be kept until afterwards, much later, down the road. To teach your dog these dog training tips and basic techniques are a lot more crucial than jumping through blazing hoops or walking on the hind legs carrying a parasol!
Remember that when you are training your dog is like going to school all over again. Training your dog is all about communicating with your pet, therefore to be effective when training him you need to learn how to best communicate with your dog. There are many so called, dog trainers out there and many different dog training methods, but you need to be careful when choosing the method you are going to use. You want a method that focus on positive reinforcement for your dog and not on punishment or negative reinforcement.
Training a dog is not only directed toward puppies, it also has a role on adult dog training, and a very important one. When adopting an adult dog, new owners have not idea of the dog behavioral history, and when they realized that their dog has more than one behavioral problem, they need to consider training their dog. Many dog owners think that because their dog is older than he won’t learn, but reality is that he probably will, it might just take a little longer.
Dogs and humans were made to share with each other, humans and dogs alike eat meat, hunt, play and live in social groups, (remember that dogs were primitively wolves, which have a very strong pack mindset).
Both not only desire but have a great call for leadership in their structured societies. Wolves never had to deal with (until recently) the terrors that our dogs deal with on a day-after-day basis, like cars, motor cycles, etc. This is when the basic training of stay could very well save your dog's life if he is across the road in the park and a car is barreling toward him.
Wild dogs appear to be really savage while teaching their young, while in fact they're extremely diligent, rarely loosing their tempers as they teach their young to make it in the wild.
Each thing they're instructed, whether through play or teaching, leads to their ability to hunt and uprise in their surroundings. We want to train our dogs in the same manner; it's never acceptable to be violent while training your dog, violence and anger from your part will only teaches violence and anger to your dog.
In retrospect, love and patience teaches love and patience, these are both things we desire our dogs to learn. Training is the foundation for a dog that everyone enjoys being close to, and it helps you develop a happy and healthy dog.

2008-10-11T00:36:00.000-07:00

Find Out How To Choose The Best Dog Training Program For Your Dog
Submitted By: Chris Simpson

There are so many different types of dog training schools that are out there, available to all of you that are proud owners of a dog. It is very important for everyone to remember that taking the time out to find the best dog training school for your dog, is so very important and can make all of the difference in the world when it comes to how successfully your dog ends up being trained. Every single dog is totally different, some of them might start to catch on very, very quickly while others could probably take quite a bit longer. It does not matter as to which speed your dog successfully gets trained, what matters the most is, did you get your moneys worth from the dog training school that you paid good money for, in hopes of receiving a well behaved dog. Just because a dog training school is not the most expensive one out there, it truly does not by any means, mean that it is not a reputable, good quality and most efficient dog training school.

Finding the best dog training school in your area would probably be easiest by just getting online, right from your home computer system, and doing the research on all of the many different dog training schools in your surrounding area, that you might be interested in paying for them to properly and most efficiently train your dog. It is up to you to find the very best dog training school in your area, for your special dog, which is why taking some time out to do a little research is of great importance and will help you to successfully find the best dog training school for your little friend, of which you will be so very proud of once this is all said and done. Dogs can be fabulous animals, however, there are unfortunately so many other dogs out there that have not received any type of dog training by anyone and they are about as misbehaved as misbehaved comes, which is what no owner wants to ever have to deal with.

Getting your dog properly trained at a very reputable but affordable dog training school will totally change how your dog and you and your family all get along. Things will be much more peaceful with a fun loving, well trained dog on your hands. This dog could really be around for a very long time too, so keep that in mind when you are putting off getting them efficiently trained at a professional dog training school. Talk to your local vet and see if they can provide you with any helpful information regarding a dog training school for your dog, in or close to the town that you live in. It will totally impress you and when you have seen it all you will then have the chance to show off your dog to everyone else that you know, they will so be very impressed by the dedication that you put forth in order to have a well trained dog for your home.

2008-10-10T00:25:00.000-07:00

Dog Grooming And Dog Training Made Simple
Submitted By: Wade Robins

We may have made our pets dependent of a comfortable life, in which the master takes them out for casual walks and feeds them on command, after having cuddled them behind their giddy ears, but a natural instinct for self-grooming will never be gone, and the proud owner should sustain this instinct. This process is a daily and a weekly one, so dog grooming training is necessary in order to make it easier for the pet and for you too. As funny as a bubble bath may seem to our kids, your furry friend may find it strangely irritating, unless you follow some simple training guidelines to make him go through the ordeal of grooming: from clipping his toenails, brushing his fangs, to smoothing that cute rich fur of his, or sleek glossy hide with a welcomed bath. That is the reason why dog grooming training sessions are required, and the good news is you don’t have to have a PhD or a BD for this; you do need some special tools, rewards to motivate the pet and the persistence of your school teacher when telling you about logarithms. The result will be a satisfying one, though, and your dog will be fit to walk on a cat walk!

A Dawdling Process

There are these few main activities that are compulsory when speaking of a dog grooming training session: the brushing of his teeth, the clipping of his nails so as not to scratch that beautiful leather arm chair you just bought or to gather germs that make him prone to diseases and taking care in every possible way of his fur, less or more existent, depending on the breed: the coat of a groomed dog must be glossy, healthy and resistant. In order to do this, you will imminently annoy the dog by touching him in forbidden places: his aggressiveness might be aroused and he may act strangely every time the process recurs. The most important thing is not to hurry up, dawdle here and there, with smooth caresses and sprinkle the dog grooming sessions with several rewards, so that he develop a conditional instinct of pleasure specifically in these times. The first activity is the brushing of his mean “fangs”, to maintain their health and that of the gums too. The muzzle of the dog is another sensitive area so pat him gently and caress the nose and when he pulls up his lip, you will be able to position the toothbrush. Make him feel good during this by enhancing his self-esteem, speaking to him slowly and soothingly and offering him a reward: you shouldn’t be surprised if this training hint will enable you to brush his teeth often and even turn it into a spa for your pet, an enjoyable one.

If you desire to clip the nails, the identical gentle behavior and treats are required, except that you have to touch his paws and to press them to see clearly the nails: it is not a particular pleasant thing for your furry friend so be patient and persistent: the time you are investing in the dog grooming training will be recovered soon, when he will sit calmly every time you want to perform the task a bit faster. The brushing of the pet’s coat of fur is definitely not that difficult or disagreeable, like brushing his teeth or clipping his toenails, to some extent. However, when delicate areas such as his back end or tail are involved, things have to be taken slow: make him comfortable first, when touching these parts of his body, give him rewards, speak soothingly to him, pat him carefully and in the end he will lighten up and allow you to act there as well: operate with slow strokes of the brush in the back side and at the tail to obtain an ideal grooming where it is genuinely needed.

As it has been said, rewards and persistence are the main ingredients to performing a proper dog grooming training, achieving both a better relationship between you and the dog, and make it a more enjoyable task with the permission of your pet.

2008-09-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

Dog Training: How To Stop Your Dog From Pulling On Their Leash
Submitted By: Cindy Heck

I am pretty sure that your dog pulls his leash every time you take a walk with him. And I am certain that you get annoyed especially when he takes you for walk instead of you taking him for a walk. Though this is a common misbehavior among dogs, this could be dangerous in case he is able to escape because the collar or leash breaks. That is because dogs that are out of control or off-leash can be destructive.
There are many reasons why dogs do the leash pulling. Sometimes they get excited over the things they see ahead that they cannot control their selves. Or not a good idea, the dog thinks he is the pack leader so he takes the lead during your walks.
To any problem there is always a solution. Therefore, correcting this common dog misbehavior is possible. If your dog gets excited on your walks and this excitement tends him to pull his leash, the best thing to do is let the excitement pass. Give sometime, say few minutes, for your dog to calm down and when he is relax already, you may continue your escapade. However if the problem is your dog feeling like his the pack leader, this could be serious and probably going back to obedience training is the best solution. A formal obedience training school can be of great help, just remember that it's good if you are present during the whole training course of your dog.
An effective way for the dog to accept the collar and walk with you calmly is to let him relax while putting on the leash. Let him sit down while you put on the collar. If he insists to stand up, make him sit down immediately. If he is able to manage to be calm with the collar and leash on, then you may take him for a walk. Just keep in mind that putting on the collar while the dog is not calm will result to your dog not walking properly.
Before taking out the dog, let him understand first the rules he needs to learn. Let him understand that he is not allowed to rush out of the door by pulling the leash and make him sit for a while. Repeat the process until he is able to walk out of the door calmly. Being able to control your dog while on walk is a good sign of a well-trained dog.
Keeping your dog's attention focus on you is important especially when you are walking. Good ways to keep his attention focused is by stopping from time to time and keep him sitted while on stop. Before you continue the walk, make sure that your dog is looking at you. If he begins to ahead of you again, pull him and make him sit. Do these things repeatedly until he can be trusted to stay by your side while walking. Just do not forget to praise him for his good behavior.
Your dog does not know what is right or wrong unless you tell him. If you ignore his misbehavior, it is just the same like saying that he is doing the right thing. Therefore, it is important to correct every misbehavior of your dog as soon as you see it before it is too hard to correct it.

2008-09-24T01:27:00.000-07:00

Dog Training - Important Reasons To Train Your Dog
Submitted By: Susan Richards

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On the surface, dog training may look like a waste of time. Why train your dog to learn tricks? What good are they? Your dog already knows the basics, so why should you do more than that? Oh, sure, Joe's dog can play dead and roll over. So, obviously Joe has far too much time on his hands. Why bother? Well, primarily training beyond the basics has three very good advantages; socialization, safety, and bonding.
Socializing your dog is simply the act of making him a pleasure to be around for people and other dogs alike. Who wants to be around a dog - especially a large one - who jumps on everyone with whom he comes in contact? If you have a dog that jumps, you may feel forced to resign him to the backyard when company visits, which may in turn make an annoying barker out of him as he feels left out of social gatherings. But if you treat the problem by training him not to jump, you will enable him to enjoy the company of others when they come for a visit. You will be able to do things with him like go to the park and walk in areas where there are other people and dogs.
A trained dog is a safer dog. One of a pet owner's biggest fears is that their beloved animal will one day get away from during a walk and be hit by a car. Some very basic training can give you a safety net in just such a situation. For instance, imagine that your dog runs out the front door one morning and you lose track of him. When you find him, he is on the other side of a busy street, and his first impulse may be to bound happily toward you at first sight. But if he is well-trained, you can signal for him to sit and wait for you to come and leash him. Disaster averted.
Aside from those two very practical reasons to train your dog, however, there is a third benefit that busy people sometimes overlook. Time spent training your dog is time the two of you will spend together. If you've ever built a model with your kid or fixed a computer or baked a cake with a friend, you know that accomplishing a goal with a loved one can be a valuable bonding experience. Dogs are not immune to this. If you spend just a few minutes each day training your dog, it will give both of you a sense of accomplishment and bring you closer together.
Certainly, a few nifty party tricks aren't out of the question. Go ahead - see how far you can take the training once you have the basics covered. Let your dog show you and everyone else exactly how smart he is. Remember to use plenty of praise and reward, as well as having lots of patience.

2008-09-20T08:04:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Equipment For A Happy Obedient Dog
Submitted By: Jeremy Wong

Training a dog is fun and also necessary. It is important to create a good relationship between you and your dog. Training should be enjoyable for both of you. There are several reasons to train your pet.
Firstly, your dog needs to know that you are the boss and he has to do what you say. A dog will always try to get away with bad behaviour, but if you are firm, he will learn.
Secondly, it is important to teach your dog proper social skills such as, not jumping up on strangers, chasing cats or marking their territory indoors.
It is much easier to train a young puppy but and very possible to train an older dog too. One handy item is a whistle. You can get normal whistles and ones only audible to dogs. Noise-sensitive breeds, such as Border Collies, will find these useful.
You can get a normal whistle for about five dollars. A two tone whistle for teaching other skills and tricks may cost about ten to twenty dollars.
You can get balls and dumbbells for a couple of dollars each to teach your dog how to retrieve on land or in the water. Another good piece of dog training equipment is a retractable leash. This is useful for keeping your dog close or allowing him to have more freedom. It is also useful to show controlled socialization between puppies and young dogs.
You can buy something called a ‘pet corrector’ from a pet store, which is a pressurized canister filled with air. When your dog is misbehaving, simply press the button to blow out air with a hissing sound. Animals hate that sound because it suggests that a dangerous snake, insect or bird is nearby. This is a great method of controlling excessive barking or bad behavior. Note, you have to be careful not to overuse a pet corrector as it might upset your dog. Dogs tend to associate bad sounds and noises with doing something that displeases a owner.
You can easily find and purchase Dog training equipment from pet stores, a veterinarian or a dog store online. If you browse the internet, there are a number of websites offering various dog training products, most of which are under ten dollars.
All dog training equipment should be kept clean at all times. Leashes can usually be washed in soapy water to get rid of accumulated mud and dirt. A whistle must be kept clean because it goes in your mouth. Balls and rubber dumbbells must also be washed and rinsed off afterwards.
You might want to put your dog in a show at some point. Then a decent set of dog training equipment is a must. To win a show, a dog must be well groomed and demonstrate perfect obedience at all times.
Although investing in a decent set of dog training equipment has its advantages, still, the most important thing when it comes to training your dog is the way in which you teach them.
Be firm and clear. Confusing instructions will never yield great results. Praise him or reward him after doing something right. Dogs are highly intelligent creatures and can learn very quickly if taught in the proper manner.
A well trained dog will ultimately yield you many wonderful moments of joy, love and stronger relationships.

2008-09-19T01:47:00.000-07:00

6 Tips For Dog Training - How To House Train A Dog
Submitted By: Tim Lee

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The dog is said to be man's best friend. However, there are certain moments that dog owners get a little frustrated, and yes, sometimes angered by their pet dogs because of their innate rage to pee in every corner of the house.
How convenient would it be for dog owners if their dogs were a little bit more obedient? Getting one's dog trained is a very good idea since it relieves the owners of the hassles of cleaning every corner of the house.
However, getting professional trainers to do the job can really a hole in one's pockets, this is why more and more people are doing house training for their dogs. Here are some tips on how to house train a dog:
1. Observation is the key
From the start, one should observe his dog or puppy during times when he is excreting. This will tell a lot about the warning signals and the different signs that dogs are making when they are about to unload it. Perhaps, one can take down notes on what specific time of the day the dog wants to do "his thing" and what behavioral signs does he give when he is about to do it.
2. Go outside
Make it a point to make the dog feel comfortable outside the house. Let him explore your garden (but don't let him destroy the plants) for him to find a comfortable spot to relieve himself. Do this everyday and the dog will eventually be more comfortable in doing this outside the house.
3. Stay with him
When house training your dog, always make sure that you stay with him until he finishes. If you leave him by himself, he will have the tendency to do other things such as explore the garden or chase other animals.
4. Be patient
This tip is especially effective for puppy owners. When puppies arrive in a new home, he will feel very uncomfortable at first and will usually cry during the night. Owners should be observant to be able to identify the signals that the puppy gives to communicate that he would want to relieve himself. Owners should carry him to the designated place every time he does these signals so as to give him a message that excretion is to be done outside.
5. Never use ammonia-based cleaners
During house training, dog owners should never use ammonia-based cleaners to clean their houses. These substances' smell is a lot like that of urine's. Dogs will have the tendency of peeing on corners which smell like urine, so avoid using these substances.
6. Don't be harsh on the dog
There will be times that the dog or puppy will make a mess inside the house and there are cruel dog owners who would punish their dogs too much. Some slap their dogs with newspapers or other things (God knows what) or stick the dog's nose into his mess. This should be avoided since the owner has the sole responsibility of making sure that the dog does not make a mess inside the house.
These are just some few tips on house training a dog. Remember that a dog is like a family member who should be taken cared of and loved.

2008-09-14T22:36:00.000-07:00

Advanced Dog Training Points For Conditioning Your Dog
Submitted By: Adam Katz

Akeisha wrote to me with some very good questions. I've included her letter (and my responses) below:
Hi,
It's Akeisha again.
I do see what you mean if it is on all the time the dog will soon forget it is on and then will behave regardless. Ok, so the dog never wears a buckle collar again? This is what irks me. I want to be able to control the dog regardless of what collar is on not just the pinch or it could be no collar at all and the dog still behaves. What if the owner for some reason takes off the collar then they put the buckle collar on for ID but then forget the pinch collar? Then there is no control.
[Adam Replies] WRONG! The dog gets conditioned. Take off the collar for awhile. Doesn't matter.
Do you ever in the training go back to the buckle collar after months of what you recommend with a dog that is happy with doing the commands?
[Adam Replies] Yes, the dog does the command because he is happy and he likes it. But eventually, there will be something that tempts him. This is where conditioning comes in.
Think of it like this: You've lived in the same house for 10 years, right? You get up in the middle of the night and you reach for the light switch that is to the LEFT of the door. Pretty soon, you get conditioned to reach out to the LEFT of the door.
One day you travel and stay in a hotel. You wake up in the middle of the night and reach out to the LEFT of the door for the switch... even though you cognitively saw that the switch is on the RIGHT.
In fact, you may wake up for several nights-- perhaps even weeks or months-- and still reach out to the LEFT, even though the switch is now on the right. Some people will continue reaching to the LEFT for the rest of their lives. Some will begin reaching to the right.
Those people need to be reinforced. Get it?
Motivational corrections if on the right dog won't frighten them or make them hate you I know but aren't there other ways except using the collar that will eventually be established thought training that will allow you to take the collar off and have control?
[Adam Replies] Yeah, this way you can take the collar off and have control, ONCE THE DOG IS CONDITIONED. But eventually you'll have to go back and reinforce, for most dogs. And definitely if you start expecting to work the dog around new distractions that it's never been proofed around, such as chickens if the dog has never seen chickens.
Look, I don't make the rules. The dog is not a robot that you can suddenly say, "He's done" and expect him to act consistently for the rest of his life. Like any relationship you have with another person, boundaries need to be established and maintained. The dog is like your wife or husband... they will eventually test you. :)
Last question, how can the dog not realize the don't have it on since it feels a lot different than the buckle? Its like my id around my neck at school I have gotten used to it but I do realize when it is off? Just for the record I have no problem with pinches, many members in my 4-H club use them and they work great on the right dog.
[Adam Replies] Because the way you should be using the pinch collar is that the dog (since he has limited reason and logic) does not KNOW that it is the pinch collar that allows you to give him good corrections. But it's more than the pinch collar. If I put the dog in a number of small yards, with no collar on ... and I'm able to chase him down and make him come back to me, if he doesn't come when I call... then the dog will learn THE UNDERLYING PREMISE that I can make him do it, if he doesn't. So, the pinch collar and the long line make my job easier, but ultimately, the dog knows (or he thinks at least) that I am a man of my word and when I tell him to do something: If he doesn't do it, I'm going to make him do it. And his life will be a lot more fun if he does it willingly. So the dog starts to extrapolate this principle to other commands, too.
Hope I am not being irritating I just like to know why certain trainers value certain methods over others since I love competing in obedience with my dog.
[Adam Replies] Keep training.
That's all for now, folks!Adam

2008-09-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

Dog Behavior Training - Dog Aggression Toward Its Owners
Submitted By: Heather Colman

A dog that growls at and/or bites its owner does so for some reason, even if the behavior appears to be "unreasonable" to the owner. If your dog displays aggressive behavior towards you, for the safety and welfare of you, your family and your dog, it's important to find out why as quickly as possible.
Call your vet right away and schedule an appointment for a complete medical examination. Talk with your vet about testing your dogs hormonal balance, neurophysiologic functions and allergies. The test results may reveal the underlying cause. This has been especially helpful in dogs that have mood swings.
When growling or biting has erupted as a consequence of scolding or punishment for behavior such as chewing, jumping, general unruliness, or overprotection of food, these problems must be dealt with swiftly and firmly to correct the aggression it is initiating.
As the dogs owner, you must understand that your dog growls or bites at you as a result of defensive feelings. Even the dog that growls when ordered off the couch is reacting defensively, as it feels its dominance status has been threatened.
If scolding and punishment provoke aggression, your dog is reacting to a perceived threat to its physical safety. In either of these situations, your own threatening behavior may be producing negative results.
If the results of a medical examination show no signs of a medical condition that would be causing this behavior, you will have to examine your own behavior closely to determine what you are doing to make your dog feel threatened.
If you can't hire the services of a professional, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Secrets Of A Professional Dog Trainer by Adam Katz for indepth instructions on dog behavior training. http://customdesigngraphics.com/dogbehaviortraining.html

2008-09-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Help - Why Does My Dog Whine And Bark Excessively?
Submitted By: Paul Schmitt

Proactive owners are great at seeking out dog training help. When a problem arises, you should immediately respond. Just like with children, poor behavior is a sign of a more serious problem. Helping your dog through the training process requires you to be aware of the differences between bad and acceptable behavior.
Dogs that suffer from emotional disorders tend to whine and bark more. Veterinarians say, “Leaving your dog alone longer than 10-hours a day, will result in a poorly behaved animal”. The dog actually suffers from a ‘separation disorder’.
A dog that whines excessively, even when you are home, is suffering. He wants attention or he is afraid of something. In older dogs, this is often a sign that their hearing is going. The dog is whines for no apparent reason and is always at your heals.
Excessive barking on the other hand is the owner’s fault. For instance, if you have a sliding glass patio door and your dog continuously barks because of what he thinks is going on outside and you react by letting him out every time, you are reinforcing bad behavior. Instead, ignore him and say nothing. In a few days, he will learn that his barking has no immediate reaction and the barking will lesson.
It takes time to train your dog and it takes even more time to stop a bad habit. Keep in mind, a bad habit may be a signal of something more serious going on. With older dogs, this is especially true.
Seeking dog training help early on is the best thing you can do. Once you understand that some of your dog’s behavior problems are do to how you reward him or how you react to him, the two of you can move toward a better master and dog relationship.

2008-09-10T00:34:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Help - How Do I Stop My Dog From Chewing Things?
Submitted By: Paul Schmitt

Need dog training help? You have come to the right place. Chewing is perfectly normal behavior; however, when it gets out of control it can be devastating. With just a few helpful dog-training hints, you can break your dog of this poor behavior.
Dog training help is available at your local Human Society as well. Just one phone call and an associate will walk you through the steps in correcting this frustrating problem. On the other hand, you can try the following hints:
1. Don’t hit your dog when you catch him in the act.2. Provide your dog with several chewable toys.3. Confine your dog in a crate when you leave or sleep at night.4. Give your dog more attention.5. Don’t sculled you dog after the fact, it does not good.
In most cases, providing your dog with several chewable toys helps the minimize the chewing problem. Unfortunately, chewing is perfectly normal. Your dog needs to chew to clean his teeth and build strength in his jaw. A young dog will chew out of necessity, while a mature dog will chew because of disorder.
Yes, dogs get depressed, frustrated, and emotional. Treating them poorly will result in a bad chewing behavior. If your dog is jealous of a newborn baby or another dog, he is apt to chew up your shoes or chew furniture. Therefore, giving your dog the right amount of attention and affection is a key to keeping the dog from poor behavior.
Getting dog training help early on is just as important. Do not allow your dog to chew up the house before you look for help. Even your local Pet Store carriers’ sprays to use on furniture that will deter your dog from coming near it. But be careful of toxins.

2008-08-24T02:44:00.000-07:00

Dog Training - When To Give Your Dog The Freedom Off The Leash
Submitted By: Keith

Many dog owners are anxious to give their four legged companions the freedom of going off leash, but it is important not to rush that important step. Dogs should only be allowed off their leash after they have become masters of all the basic obedience commands, such as walking at your heel, sitting and staying on command.
Another skill that must be completely mastered before the dog can be taken off the leash is the come when called command. Even if the dog can heel, sit and stay perfectly, if he cannot be relied upon to come when called, he is not ready to be taken off the leash.
Taking any dog off the leash, especially in a busy, crowded area, or one with a lot of traffic, is a big step and not one to be taken lightly. It is vital to adequately test your dog in a safe environment before taking him off his leash. After all, the leash is the main instrument of control. You must be absolutely certain you can rely on your voice commands for control before removing the leash.
After the dog has been trained to understand the sit, stay and come when called commands, it is important to challenge the dog with various distractions. It is a good idea to start by introducing other people, other animals, or both, while the dog is in a safe environment like a fenced in yard.
Have a friend or neighbor stand just outside the fence while you hold you dog on the leash. As the friend or family member walks around the outside of the fence, watch your dog's reactions closely. If he starts to pull at the leash, quickly tug him back.
Repeat this exercise until the dog will reliably remain at your side. After this, you can try dropping the leash, and eventually removing the leash and repeating the distraction. It is important to vary the distractions, such as introducing other animals, other people, traffic, rolling balls, etc.
After your dog is able to remain still in the face of distraction, start introducing the come when called lessons with distractions in place. Try inviting some of the neighbors, and their dogs, over to play. As the dogs are playing in the fenced in yard, try calling your dog.
When the dog comes to you, immediately give him lots of praise, and perhaps a food reward. After the dog has been rewarded, immediately allow him to go back to playing. Repeat this several times throughout the day, making sure each time to reward the dog and immediately allow him to go back to his fun.
After the dog has seemingly mastered coming when called in his own yard, try finding a local dog park or similar area where you can practice with your dog. It is important to make the area small, or to choose a fenced in area, in case you lose control of the dog. If you cannot find a fenced in area, choose an area well away from people and cars.
Practice with your dog by allowing him to play with other dogs, or just to sniff around, then calling your dog. When he comes to you, immediately reward and praise him, then let him resume his previous activities. Doing this will teach the dog that coming to you is the best option and the one most likely to bring both rewards and continued good times.
Only after the dog has consistently demonstrated the ability to come when called, even when there are many distractions around, is it safe to allow him time off leash. Off leash time should never be unsupervised time. It is important, both for your well being and your dog's, that you know where he is and what he is doing at all times.
It is easy for a dog to get into trouble quickly, so you should always keep an eye on him, whether he is chasing squirrels in the park, playing with other dogs

2008-08-16T15:44:00.003-07:00

What You Should Know About Using Food As Reward Training For Your Dog And Calling Your Dog To Come
Submitted By: Jonathan Cheong

Training with treats and other food based rewards is a great way to motivate your dog and speed the training process along. Most dogs are highly motivated by food rewards, and treat training using this kind of positive reinforcement is used to train all sorts of animals, including tigers, lions, elephants and even house cats.
Before you begin a treat based training session, however, it is a good idea to test the dog to make sure that food will motivate him through the session. Begin around the dog’s regular meal time by taking a piece of its food and waving it in front of the dog’s nose.
If the dog shows an enthusiasm for the food, now is a great time to start the training. If the dog shows little interest, or none at all, it may be best to put off the training until another time. Don’t be afraid to delay the start of meal time in order to pique the dog’s interest in training. The advantages of proper training will far outweigh any delay in feeding.
It is generally best to get the dog used to regular feedings, instead of leaving food out all the time. Not only does free feeding encourage the dog to overeat and increase the chances of obesity, but a free fed dog may never be fully motivated in reward based training.
The come when called command
Once your dog has shown interest in the food offered to it, it is time to begin the training. Since you already got your dog’s undivided attention by showing it food, now is a great time to start. Give the dog a few pieces of food right away, then back up a few steps. While holding the food in your hand, so “come here”. When the dog comes to you, praise him effusively and give him a few pieces of food.
After the dog is coming to you easily, add a sit command and hold the collar before you give the food. After the sit command is mastered, other commands, and even some tricks, can be added. Food based positive reinforcement training is the best way to teach a variety of important behaviors.
One good exercise is the sit, stay, come when called exercise. This exercise can begin with the owner walking the dog, then stopping and asking the dog to sit. After the dog is sitting quietly, the owner backs away and asks the dog to stay. Ideally the dog should continue to stay until called by the owner, even if the leash is dropped.
At the end of the exercise, the owner calls the dog. When the dog comes to the owner, it receives food and praise from the owner. This exercise should be repeated several times, until the dog is reliably coming when called.
It is important to keep the training sessions short, especially in the beginning, to keep the dog from becoming bored, and from consuming its entire meal in the form of treats. After the dog has been responding regularly, the treats and food rewards can be slowly reduced. It is important to still provide these food rewards, but it may no longer be necessary to provide as many.
After awhile, as well, it will not be necessary to give the dog treats every single time he responds as requested. In general, it should only be necessary for the dog to receive a food treat one out of every five times he comes on demand. The other four successes can be rewarded with praise and scratches.
Once the dog understand the basics of the “come here” exercise, the basic exercise can be expanded, and many games can be created. These type of games can be great fun for owner and dog alike, as well as a great learning experience. Some off leash work can be introduced as well, but it is always best to start with the dog in a safe environment, such as a fenced back yard.
For variety, you can try taking the dog to other safe environments, such as a friend’s house, a neighbor’s fenced yard or a local dog park. Try turning the dog loose in these safe places, and practice the come when called exercise. Always praise the dog extensively, scratch him behind the ears and tell him what a good dog he is. The goal should be to make coming to the owner a more pleasant experience than whatever the dog was doing before he was called.

2008-08-16T15:44:00.001-07:00

2008-08-15T08:18:00.001-07:00

2008-08-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

2008-08-05T00:41:00.000-07:00

Dog Training - House Training Your Dog
Submitted By: Cindy Heck

Dogs by nature are clean animals. They usually keep their sleeping and eating area clean. Moreover, they have also the tendency to do habitual activities. Meaning, if they are taught to eliminate in a certain place they will always be eliminating in that certain place for all their lives. These natural instincts of dogs can be an advantages if to be use in house training. Dog house training is a tough task, however if right approach and proper management is applied, it can be effective and successful.
The first step in house training is to find the right training area and set it up. For puppies or small dog, portable crate or puppy-proofed room will do. However, for larger dog it will not work out since they will not be able to move around comfortably in it. A small room with easy to clean floor will do for them. Put some bed, water and food bowl as well as some toys for the dog not to get bored. Keep in mind that the place will be your dog's house where he will play, sleep and eat. Therefore, make it safe and comfortable for your dog. Do not worry if your dog eliminate in this area. You will soon train them of the proper toilet area and besides, when they realize that it will be their den they will stop eliminating in it.
The next thing you do is to find a toilet area that is accessible to your dog. it will definitely outside the house, but wherever you choose make sure that you as well as your dog have an easy access on it. You will need to accompany your dog to the toilet area to give him rewards and praises whenever he does well. Take note of the elimination pattern of your dog, you will need this in order to know the proper time when your dog will go to the toilet. If your dog has feeding schedule, it would be greater. Soon his process of elimination will occur in regular basis. That would mean an easy way of establishing the proper time for your dog's toilet schedule.
When your dog has control of its bowel and bladder. You may start to extend the training area of your dog. However, keep in mind to take things one-step at a time. Do it gradually and from one room to the other. Do this only if you are around. If you are going to leave the house, take him back to its original training area.
If you want to speed up the process, you may do so. However, it should be done with caution. It is better to do things slowly than to repeat again the same process. To speed up the pace it needs more of your presence and attention. You need to be always present to reward your dog for good behavior. More importantly, never punish your dog for accidental elimination. It will just add confusion to him and would make the training process slower.

2008-07-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

Advance Dog Training – When To Give Your Dog The Freedom Off The Leash
Submitted By: Jonathan Cheong

Many dog owners are anxious to give their four legged companions the freedom of going off leash, but it is important not to rush that important step. Dogs should only be allowed off their leash after they have become masters of all the basic obedience commands, such as walking at your heel, sitting and staying on command.
Another skill that must be completely mastered before the dog can be taken off the leash is the come when called command. Even if the dog can heel, sit and stay perfectly, if he cannot be relied upon to come when called, he is not ready to be taken off the leash.
Taking any dog off the leash, especially in a busy, crowded area, or one with a lot of traffic, is a big step and not one to be taken lightly. It is vital to adequately test your dog in a safe environment before taking him off his leash. After all, the leash is the main instrument of control. You must be absolutely certain you can rely on your voice commands for control before removing the leash.
After the dog has been trained to understand the sit, stay and come when called commands, it is important to challenge the dog with various distractions. It is a good idea to start by introducing other people, other animals, or both, while the dog is in a safe environment like a fenced in yard.
Have a friend or neighbor stand just outside the fence while you hold you dog on the leash. As the friend or family member walks around the outside of the fence, watch your dog’s reactions closely. If he starts to pull at the leash, quickly tug him back.
Repeat this exercise until the dog will reliably remain at your side. After this, you can try dropping the leash, and eventually removing the leash and repeating the distraction. It is important to vary the distractions, such as introducing other animals, other people, traffic, rolling balls, etc.
After your dog is able to remain still in the face of distraction, start introducing the come when called lessons with distractions in place. Try inviting some of the neighbors, and their dogs, over to play. As the dogs are playing in the fenced in yard, try calling your dog.
When the dog comes to you, immediately give him lots of praise, and perhaps a food reward. After the dog has been rewarded, immediately allow him to go back to playing. Repeat this several times throughout the day, making sure each time to reward the dog and immediately allow him to go back to his fun.
After the dog has seemingly mastered coming when called in his own yard, try finding a local dog park or similar area where you can practice with your dog. It is important to make the area small, or to choose a fenced in area, in case you lose control of the dog. If you cannot find a fenced in area, choose an area well away from people and cars.
Practice with your dog by allowing him to play with other dogs, or just to sniff around, then calling your dog. When he comes to you, immediately reward and praise him, then let him resume his previous activities. Doing this will teach the dog that coming to you is the best option and the one most likely to bring both rewards and continued good times.
Only after the dog has consistently demonstrated the ability to come when called, even when there are many distractions around, is it safe to allow him time off leash. Off leash time should never be unsupervised time. It is important, both for your well being and your dog’s, that you know where he is and what he is doing at all times.
It is easy for a dog to get into trouble quickly, so you should always keep an eye on him, whether he is chasing squirrels in the park, playing with other dogs, or just chasing a ball with the neighbor’s kids.

2008-07-12T01:27:00.000-07:00

Training Your Dog To Dealing With Separation Anxiety – The Misbehavior Of Your Dog While You’re Away
Submitted By: Jonathan Cheong

Separation anxiety, also known in the dog training world as owner absent misbehavior, is one of the most frequently encountered problems in the world of dog training. Separation anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, including chewing, destroying the owner’s property, excessive barking, self destructive behavior and inappropriate urination and defecation.
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often whine, bark, cry, howl, dig, chew and scratch at the door the entire time their family members are away. Well meaning owners often unwittingly encourage this misbehavior by rushing home to reassure the dog, but it is important for the well being of both dog and owner that the dog learn to deal with extended periods of separation.
How the owner leaves the house can often contribute to separation anxiety issues. A long and drawn out period of farewell can make matters worse by making the dog feel even more isolated when the owner finally leaves.
These long types of farewells can get the dog excited, and then leave him with lots of excess energy and no way to work it off. These excited, isolated dogs often work off their excess energy in the most destructive of ways, such as chewing up a favorite rug or piece of furniture.
Excess energy is often mistaken for separation anxiety, since results are often the same. If you think that excess amounts of energy may be the problem, try giving your dog more exercise to see if that eliminates the problem.
If separation anxiety is truly the problem, it is important to address the root causes of that anxiety. In order to prevent separation anxiety from occurring, it is important for the dog to feel happy, safe, secure and comfortable while the owner is away for the day. It is important, for instance, to give the dog plenty of things to keep it busy while you are away.
This means providing it with lots of toys, such as balls or chew toys. A pet companion is often effective at relieving separation anxiety as well. Giving the dog a playmate, such as another dog or a cat, is a great way for busy pet parents and pets alike to cope with the stress of being left alone.
Setting aside scheduled play times, during which the pet is given your undivided attention, is another great way to alleviate boredom and separation anxiety. Playing with the dog, and providing it with sufficient attention and exercise, is a proven way to avoid a stressed and anxious dog.
A happy dog that has been well exercised and well conditioned will generally sleep the day away happily and patiently wait for the return of its owner. It is important to schedule one of these daily play sessions before you leave the house each day. It is important to give the dog a few minutes to settle down after playtime before you leave.
For dogs that are already experiencing separation anxiety and associated misbehaviors, it is important to get him accustomed to your leaving gradually. Be sure to practice leaving and returning at irregular intervals, several times during the day. Doing so will get your dog accustomed to your departures and help him realize that you are not leaving him forever.
Dogs that have been previously lost, or those that have been surrendered to shelters and readopted, often have the worst problems with separation anxiety. Part of treating this problem is teaching the dog that your leaving is not permanent.

2008-07-08T03:33:00.000-07:00

“Dog Whisperer” Exposes His Top 3 Dog Training Secrets That Will Teach Your Troublesome Pooch That You’re The Boss!
Submitted By: Dog-Training-Central.com

Want to know the secrets of a top dog trainer who has the power to turn your disobedient, reactive, misbehaving pet into the “best-friend” you’ve always dreamed of.
Here are our top 3 tips simple tips that will make a world of difference to your relationship with your pesky pouch.
Tip # 1 Put Your Pouch on a “Leadership” Programme
Put simply, your dog needs to know that you’re in charge. Dogs are pack animals, and like all pack animals they require that someone is in charge. While your dog would prefer that you took the lead role, if they decide that you’re not up to the task, then they’ll take on the job!
If your dog currently thinks that he’s the leader of your family’s pack, then you need to implement a leadership programme in which you re-assert yourself as the Top Dog! This doesn’t mean being unkind or unloving to your dog – it simply means understanding your dog’s psyche and behaving in a way that reassures your dog of your ability to take charge.
Some simple ways to demonstrate your dominance include: eating your meals first; ensuring that your dog waits at the door for you to walk through first; don’t walk around your dog if he’s sitting in your way (give him a gentle nudge and he’ll move); and determine when your dog gets your attention (ignore your dog when he demands your attention as he’s simply demonstrating that he’s in charge of you).
For more detail on how you can show your dog that you’re the boss, visit:http://www.dog-training-central.com/articles/5-surefire-ways-to-show-your-dog-youre-the-boss.html
Tip # 2: Consistency Is the Key To Success
When it comes to training dogs, most people fail to consistently reinforce positive behaviour and punish bad behaviour. Without consistency, your dog will be confused and over time lose respect for your commands. If you fail to follow through on your expectations, the dog will determine when it suits him to respond.
If you’ve been consistent with your expectations, then in time your dog’s responses to your commands will become pre-programmed and eventually anticipated. This will ensure that your dog will behave in a predictable manner time and again. A dog who clearly understands the boundaries of his behaviour and the consequences of his mis-behaviour is a much happier dog who will be a delightful member of your family.
For more details on basic dog obedience training, visit:http://www.dog-training-central.com/articles/dog-obedience-training-basics.html
Tip #3: It’s Much Easier To Train A Puppy Than To Teach An Old Dog New Tricks
As soon as your new puppy is welcomed home you should get started on your Leadership Programme, and consistently implement it until your puppy is automatically programmed to behave in precisely the manner that is worthy of a “best friend”!
The more quality time you dedicate to your puppy up front, the fewer on-going headaches you will encounter for the life of your dog.
Reinforcing positive behaviour is the simple most effective training tool available to dog owners, however from time to time you will also need to reprimand your dog for inappropriate behaviour (a clear, firm “BAH” or “NO” will do the trick – there’s no need to resort to shouting or hitting).
For more details on getting an early start on your canine’s leadership programme, go to:http://www.dog-training-central.com/articles/dog-training-early-training-is-essential.html
If you follow these top 3 techniques used by leading dog trainers, both you and your dog will enjoy a much happier and enjoyable relationship.

2008-07-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

Dog Training: Ten Tips For Educating Your Dog Before The Arrival Of The New Baby
Submitted By: Dr. Mayra Alfonso

It is a proven thing that parents to be are too often overwhelm with the arrival of their new baby, that they forget about taking care of their dog. From the dog stand, there is a new human in the house that's making lots of new, unfamiliar noises. From the parents stand point, the dog comes last now because they have to take care of their baby, which is understandable. That's why it's extremely important that the future parents take time prior to the baby's arrival to train their dog on how to behave with and around the new baby.
Below are 10 valuable tips that every dog owner that is expecting a new child want to know. These suggestions will assist in the introduction of the dog to the brand-new baby to be smooth and trouble free, diminishing the related stress that this situation can carry.
1. Make certain that your dog is up to day with all his vaccinations and that he's in good health by taking him to the veterinarian before the arrival of the baby.
2. Ask the vet for any tips that he could give you regarding what would be the best method to introduce the dog to the baby.
3. If your dog hasn't been neutered or spayed, you could seriously consider doing so.
4. If your dog has behavioral issues, it would comprise a good idea to begin a dog training program or take the dog to a dog trainer to address those issues. It's better to attend of these behavioral issues earlier on, particularly prior to the baby's arrival.
5. If your dog is used to to climb on people it's in your most beneficial interest to stop this behavior immediately. You'll need to train your dog to stop jumping on people, this will preclude the dog to climb on the baby in the near future.
6. Clip your dogs nails.
7. If your dog has the bad habit of nipping on people you want to train your dog to break off from this behavior.
8. If you have friends or household members that have kids, ask them over and observe how they dog interacts with these children.
9. Train your dog to become acquainted the children toys by positioning a few baby toys on the floor, and train the dog to leave the toys alone. Make certain you don't use these same toys for the baby in the future.
10. Get an audio tape with baby's noise and play it for your dog therefore it will help your dog to become familiar with the sounds.
These tips might appear really simple, but if the parents to be, take them seriously and take the time to train their dog prior to the baby's arrival, they will be glad they did because having a well trained dog around the new baby will make a huge difference between been relaxed when the dog is around the baby or been stressed out.

2008-07-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

2008-06-28T23:42:00.000-07:00

Tall Indoor Dog Gates – How They Can Help With Your Dog Training & Your Families Safety
Submitted By: Sean Dominey

When you have a dog in the house it is vital that he knows who is in charge and what he is allowed to do, he must also know what the rules of the house are.
If you do not set the rules for your dog he will think that he is in charge and set the rules himself, this can result in a dog that is very hard to train and who might become aggressive. One way to avoid such problems is to set firm boundaries that the dog is not allowed to cross, you might decide that he is not allowed in the kitchen or up stairs, this will give the message to the dog that because you are in charge you have access to every area of the home but the dog as a lower (although much loved) member of the family (or pack as the dog will see it) only has access to some areas.
Obviously you are not going to be in the same room as the dog 24/7 and if you were to go from the front room to the dining room you could not reasonably be expected to shut the dog in the front room every time to stop him wondering off, If you did do this it might cause some separation anxiety, as the dog is unable to see through the door and does not understand why you have left him.
If you have a tall indoor dog gate fitted, and they can be fitted with out leaving marks on the door or wall, then all you need do is open it walk through and close it, there is now a barrier between you and the dog, so he is unable to go into the restricted areas of the house, but the dog can see through it and the anxiety is no longer a problem.
If you have a dog that jumps up and misbehaves when you have visitors, an easy way of solving this problem is to shut the dog in a room where he can see the door that your guests are coming through but because you have put up a tall indoor dog gate he is unable to get into the same room as your visitors.
He will be excited when your visitors arrive and want to be centre of attention (this is most likely why he misbehaves) the idea of the barrier is to allow him to take some time to calm down at the thought of the visitors and once he has you may open the tall indoor dog gate and let him join your guests. Once the initial excitement has worn off he can greet your visitors in a much more acceptable manor, this technique is remarkably effective and after a short time the gate becomes unnecessary as the dog recognises to be calmer when people come to your house.
If you decide to allow your dog to go upstairs then a tall indoor dog gate is essential to stop him bolting down the stairs and hurting himself. If you do not have a barrier at the top of the stairs then the dog could run down them and loose control, and a run can very easily turn in to a fall. With a tall indoor dog gate in place you can control when the dog goes down the stairs and you can be on hand to ensure the slow decent.
I hope these observations have helped you think about the need of getting some tall indoor dog gates for your home, they can help with training and with the safety of your pet and family.

2008-06-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

Secrets Of Professional Dog Trainers: Top 10 Tips To Successfully Training Your Dog Yourself
Submitted By: Nicholas Dodman

Dog obedience training is one of the best things you can do for your dog and yourself. Obedience training doesn't solve all behavior problems, but it is the foundation for solving just about any problem including soiling your house, destroying your belongings, barking excessively, digging holes in your yard, fighting other dogs and even biting you.
For most dog owners, dog obedience training is a daunting task. However, training your dog is about to get much easier, if you follow my advice below.Here Are My Top 10 Tips for Training Your Dog
1. Dog training should be an enjoyable experience for you and your dog. If you are not in the right mood for training, don't even start.
2. Keep dog obedience training sessions short (5-10 minutes) to maintain your dog's motivation. Dogs will learn much more from regular short sessions than from longer, less frequent ones. Once the dog has learned several useful commands on the continuous reward schedule, the schedule should be changed to one of intermittent rewards.
3. Always end training on a positive note. Ask your dog to respond to a command you know he or she will obey. Then reward your dog for a job well done and issue a finish command such as “free” or “release.” Avoid common words such as “okay.” Following a training session, both owner and dog should be left with feelings of accomplishment.
4. Keep in mind that your dog's motivation to respond to a command decreases as the complexity of the task increases. If your dog doesn't respond appropriately to a command after several attempts, don't reward him or her. Resume training a few seconds later using a simpler command. Return to the more complex task later.
5. Remember, the odds of success hinge not only on the degree of sophistication of the task, but also your dog's motivation to respond. From a dog's perspective the question is, which is more rewarding: chasing the squirrel or returning to the owner? Understanding this aspect will increase your patience and chances for dog training success.
6. Training should not involve any negative or punishment-based components. There should be no yelling, no hitting, no chain jerking, no hanging, and absolutely no electric shock. Remember that the opposite of reward is not punishment; it is no reward. If you ignore unacceptable responses, your dog will not be rewarded for his or her failed response. Most dogs want to please their owners or, at the very least, to obtain highly valued resources (food, attention and toys).
7. Ensure that your dog's motivation for reward is highest during a training session. If food is the reward, train before a meal, not after. If praise, petting and other aspects of your attention are to be used as a reward, schedule the training session at a time when your dog hungers for your attention (for example, after you have returned home from work).
For complex tasks, such as the off leash down-stay, your dog will be more motivated to comply if he or she has received moderate exercise before the training session. Asking a dog that is bursting with energy to remain in a prolonged reclining position is asking for failure during the early stages of training.
8. Make sure the reward you offer in training is the most powerful one for your dog. Food-motivated dogs work well for food, but the treats used should be you dog’s favorite food. If praise is used as a reward, deliver it in high singsong tones, which are most pleasing for the dog. Also, enthusiasm in your voice will be much appreciated. If petting is to be used as a reward, it should be in a way that the dog enjoys, such as stroking the dog's hair on the side of his or her face in the same direction that it grows, or scratching him or her on the chest.
9. After a correct response, reward your dog within ½ second of the command. This will ensure your dog makes the connection between the behavior and the reward.
10. Use short commands such as sit, down, leave it, quiet, out, and off. Say the word once. Do not repeat the command. Dogs will remember a command for about two minutes before the notion is lost. Shorter words are better than longer words and words that end in a hard consonant (C, K, T, X) are better than those that end in a vowel because you can “spit” them out.
A Bonus Dog Training Tip:
The “Holy Grail” of training is to have the dog reliably obeying commands off lead, even when other things are going on around him or her. This level of training can be achieved, but only after a lot of hard work and investment of time. It's something to strive toward.

2008-06-26T06:16:00.000-07:00

Dog Training: Hunting Dogs: Training Equipment That Is Essential
Submitted By: Freddy Cedano

Producing a “finished” hunting dog, one that will perform the tasks of pointing out game or retrieving game, is not a simple matter. In some cases, it can take several hunting seasons and specialized training equipment to achieve the desired results.
It would be ludicrous to begin training a dog to perform hunting skills without first teaching it basic obedience. Your dog must be able to sit, stay, remain quite and come on demand before moving into the more complex areas of the hunt. The success of the hunt, as well as the safety of the dog and its handler, is directly correlated to the dog’s performance and self control. For example, an unruly dog that barks at incoming geese will not only spoil the hunt, but will not be invited back again. Further, a dog that bolts out of a blind too quickly can jeopardize a shot and even cause a shooting accident. Control is most essential.
When the hunter is ready to begin training his dog for the hunt, there is a variety of equipment that will prove valuable. Probably the first and most essential item is a piece of 3/8-inch polypropylene rope of about 30 feet in length. The rope allows the handler to maintain control of his dog during exercises and eliminates the chance of having to chase the dog and correct him for straying.
Most dogs have a natural fear of loud noises, especially gunfire. Therefore, the trainer will have to involve a training pistol or firearm in his training program. A handgun is preferable; a shotgun is too large and difficult to handle while holding the lead line and juggling other training devices. When training the retriever, training “bumpers” or dummies are utilized to teach the dog to fetch. These aides come in various colors and sizes. White bumpers are generally used for “marking” drills where the dog is being taught to retrieve by sight and colored bumpers are used for “running blinds” where the dog is sent blindly into an area to retrieve a downed bird that fell out of sight.
The retriever should be trained to respond to the sound of a whistle. The voice of the dog’s handler will not always be loud enough or distinct enough to alert the dog to give up the search and return to the handler’s side. Some of the more elaborate whistles come with built-in megaphones that allow the sound to be heard more easily and direct the blaring sound away from the hunter(s). They are usually well worth the extra cost.
Some trainers will use a friend or “bird boys” who position themselves some distance from the trainer and toss the bumpers high into the air to simulate a falling bird. For those who train without assistance, bird launchers are a big help. These launchers come in single or multiple bird capacity; however, they are usually bulky and can be expensive.
Electric dog training collars are effective but controversial. These collars have a small electronic device attached that administers a remote controlled mild electric shock to the dog. The control is hand held by the trainer. These pieces of equipment allow an immediate correction when the dog fails to respond to the more conventional command. The level of shock involved has been compared to the static shock one receives from a carpet or from touching a car door handle in cold weather. Actually, the electric collar could be considered a humane alternative to the aggressive tactics or brute force used by some trainers.
One of the best ways to embark on training your hunting dog is learn from the experts. Training tips and guidelines are now available on tapes that show the student step by step training procedures. These instructional tapes should be on every novice trainer’s list of essential training equipment.
When you’re training your dog in the wilds you should be prepared to care for him if he is injured. Therefore, the final thing on our list of essentials is a First Aid Kit. Many of the items you’ll need for your dog are also appropriate for use on humans, so the kit can be mutually beneficial to both you and your dog. Fill the kit with such items as: sterile bandages, topical solutions, tape, scissors, tweezers, antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin, ibuprofen (safe for both humans and canines) and possibly a veterinarian prescribed anti-inflammatory such as Deramaxx or Rimadly. A well stocked First Aid Kit has prevented many a pleasant hunting trip from becoming a nightmare.

2008-06-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

Time For A Dog Bath? Dog Bathing Tips For You And Your Dog
Submitted By: Teresa James

Cleanliness and proper grooming can be very important to the continued good health of our beloved pets. But bathing our puppy or adult dog can often prove to be a challenge. There are many questions, myths and opinions floating around when discussing the best care for different dog types and temperaments. Check out these dog bathing tips to get some great ideas so you’ll be prepared for your next dog bath and grooming session.
How often should you bath your dog?
How often your pet will need a dog bath will depend on the breed and what type of activities the dog is involved in. It’s best to bathe your dog only when your dog is really dirty. Just use your nose – that tell tale doggy smell will let you know it’s time for a bath.
If a dog is bathed too often the skin will be stripped of its natural, protective oils. This will result in dry itchy skin, which will cause your dog to scratch, further irritating the already sensitive skin. If you need to bathe your dog more frequently make sure to use a pet shampoo that will also moisturize your dog’s skin. You may also want to follow up with an after bath pet coat conditioner specifically formulated for dry skin.
Where’s the best place to bath your dog?
In warm weather you can bathe your dog outside. Pick a place that will not turn to mud when it gets wet. It’s a good idea a have a washtub large enough for your dog to stand up in and fill it with a few inches of water. Water straight from a garden hose may start off warm, but usually gets cold very fast. If your dog starts to resist and shiver, as the water gets colder, you may want to consider another option.
Many pet owners have overcome this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. This convenient, back-saving dog bath is often used with a water temperature mixer valve assembly that completely solves this problem. With the proper equipment set up you’ll be able to save your back and control the water temperature of your dog’s bath. Some temperature mixer valve assemblies hook up to your existing washing machine water supply. At bath time just connect an ordinary garden hose to the valve assembly and run it outside to the bathing area. This convenient type of back-saving dog bath can even be used for bathing your dog inside.
If you choose to bathe your dog inside, regulating the water temperature shouldn’t be a problem. But deciding where to bathe your dog might be. Small dogs and puppies can usually be bathed easily in a sink or a washtub. For bigger dogs you will need something bigger like a bathtub or a large shower stall. And of course, the bigger your dog is the bigger the potential hassles.
Are you tired of chasing and wrestling with your dog at bath time?
Many dog owners solve this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. An ergonomically designed dog grooming bathing tub elevates your dog to a level that’s comfortable for you and keeps your dog securely contained, taking the hassle out of washing your dog. You’ll get the job done in half the time, save your back and stay dryer. The raised dog bath that is available in most pet shops and online stores will also save your dog stress at bath time. No more slipping and sliding. Your dog will really feel secure standing on the padded non-slip surface. This type of raised dog bath has been recommended by Dog World Magazine in their "Notable Products for the New Millennium".
Does your dog tend to get away from you during a bath?
Bathing your dog is a challenging, but essential, part of dog grooming. It’s funny how your dog will cleverly evade you when you try to get him into a dog bath, but will be just as determined to get past you when you don’t want him to jump into the water at the beach.
If you’re washing your dog in a room with a door make sure to close it so that your dog will not see an escape route or get very far if he prematurely gets out of the bath. This way you’ll have an easier time getting him back in the tub to finish the job. It can be a challenge bathing a dog that’s wiggling around but the challenge gets a little tougher when your dog is an escape artist. If your dog takes any opportunity to get away from you at bath time you may want to consider restraining your dog.
Restraints are used during bath time to avoid injury to you as well as your pet. Some pet bathing tubs come with restraints included. With these your dog will be safely and securely restrained and you will be able to give your dog a quick and hassle-free bath.
Is your dog slipping and sliding in the bath?
Slipping and sliding can be the most stressful part of bath time for a dog. Put a rubber mat down on the bottom surface of the tub to prevent your dog from sliding and getting hurt. A sure-footed dog will be less resistant and much more at ease during bath time.
Things to have on hand at bath time:
Raised Dog Bath - This is a fantastic idea for a dog bath. It’s ergonomically designed for both you and your dog’s comfort. Your local pet groomer is likely to have just such a bathing station set up in their shop. If you’re thinking about buying a tub or basin to bathe your dog in, ask them if you can check out their tub set up. If you have the room or more than one dog, you may find it worthwhile.
Pet Shower or Plastic Pitcher - A Pet Shower is great, but if that’s not possible make sure you have a large plastic pitcher for wetting and rinsing your dog.
Drain Screen - Make sure to protect your plumbing from hair clogs with a simple to use drain screen.
Cotton Balls - Can be placed in each ear to prevent water from running into your dog's ears.
Pet Shampoos - There are many different pet shampoos each formulated to work on problems such as dry itchy skin, inflamed or dry scaling skin, fleas & ticks, doggy odor, skunk odor, abnormal shedding, quick rinsing for dogs that don't like to take a bath, whiteners for white coats, color intensifiers for dark coats, and coat shine to bring out the natural luster of your dog's coat. You may want to try a hypoallergenic shampoo/conditioner that will gently clean and conditioner your pet's coat in one step.
Coat Conditioners - There are many pet coat conditioners that will help manage and or improve the appearance of your dog's coat like crème rinse, grooming spray, after bath dry skin treatment, and herbal mist conditioner that will soothe, re-moisturize and detangle your pet's coat.
Pet Drying Towels - If you want to get your dog dry faster check out a specialty pet-drying towel. Some are available that will absorb 10 times its own weight in water!
Eye Protective Gel - Are you concerned about shampoo making its way into your dog’s eyes? Just put a little protective eye gel in each eye just before bath time to prevent burning and redness.
Ear Drying Solution - If your dog is prone to ear infections make sure you have some ear-drying solution on hand. Using an ear drying solution will assure that the ear canal is nice and dry after bathing.
Brushes/Combs - There are many different styles and sizes of traditional dog grooming brushes and combs that you can choose from. If your dog has very sensitive or irritated skin you may want to consider a higher quality brush that will not scratch the skin or aggravate existing skin irritations.
Pet Dryer - If your dog has a thick, long or double coat it’s best to use a pet dryer. Unlike “people” hair dryers, pet dryers are designed to use less heat and more air volume so they quickly and safely dry a dog without damaging the coat or burning the skin. If you use a "people" blow dryer be very careful since you can easily burn your pet!
Plastic Bucket - It’s very convenient to have a waterproof container that will keep your dog grooming supplies close at hand.
Remember to get all your dog grooming supplies ready before hand and let your dog sniff everything.
Why you should brush your dog thoroughly before bathing.
Depending on the type of coat your dog has you may need an assortment of grooming brushes and combs to properly care for your dog's skin and coat. Before you bathe your dog it's always a good idea to brush your pet's coat thoroughly to remove any tangles or matted areas as well as any other foreign debris. Many dog owners know first hand that if they don't spend time removing old, established tangles and mats before bathing many times they just get worse. If your dog's coat tangles and mats easily make sure to look for shampoos and conditioners that are formulated to prevent and break up mats.
If your dog has gotten into any sticky or gooey substances like tar or gum never use commercial solvents or industrial cleaners on your dog’s coat. Many of these are toxic to your dog. Try dissolving these substances with mineral oil. If you’re unable to remove something from your dog’s coat carefully snip away the affected area. It’s always best to sacrifice some hair or fur since it will grow back rather than risk damage to the skin. Brush your dog thoroughly between baths, daily if you can, to distribute the natural oils and remove tangles, mats and foreign matter.
Choosing the best pet shampoo/coat conditioner for your dog.
Always use a pet shampoo that is specially formulated for the pH of your pet's skin. Never use “people” shampoos since our skin pH level is much more acidic than our canine friends and could irritate your dog’s skin.
Start bathing your dog at the beginning: Your Dog's Head.
A popular bathing technique is to start at your dog’s head and work your way toward the tail. This is especially the case if it’s possible that fleas are present. If you know that your dog has fleas you may want to use a flea & tick shampoo. Starting at your dog's head forces any fleas to gather away from your dog’s face, eyes, and ears. It is much easier to dunk the rear of your dog into the tub than your dog’s face. As you may imagine, your dog is likely to be much more cooperative by following this simple bathing technique.
Let your dog get used to the sound of the running water. If you’re using a tub or basin fill it with a few inches of warm water. Then get your dog into the bath. If you’re using a raised dog bath just secure your dog into the dog bath. Starting from the head thoroughly wet your dog with warm water. You can use a plastic pitcher or a spray nozzle for this task. If you’re using a spray nozzle make sure the spray is not too strong. Never spray water directly onto your dog’s face or genitals.
Apply a pet shampoo/coat conditioner. Follow the instructions on the package. Work it in from the head to the tail. Be sure to get all those nooks and crannies; like the rectum, between the toes, behind the ears and under the chin. Be careful not the get shampoo in your dog’s eyes. If this is a concern you can protect your dog’s eyes by putting some protective eye gel in each eye just before getting your dog into the bath.
Rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water. Shampoo residue can cause skin irritations so make sure you give your dog’s coat a thorough rinsing. Towel drying your pet’s coat in the dog bath will remove some of the excess water before you take your dog out of the tub. Some breeds should never be rubbed, only patted, since their coats easily tangle. Dog owners often prefer to use dedicated pet towels. There are pet drying towels available that will absorb 10 times their weight in water. These are very handy towels to use for a dog bath and can also be used any time your pet gets wet.
Although many dog owners think of bathing their dog as a challenge, with the right approach, supplies, and equipment, you can get through it relatively unscathed. And don’t forget to reward your dog’s good behavior in the bathing process with treats and plenty of loving kindness.
Copyright 2004, Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.
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2008-06-11T01:06:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Online: Best Place For Dog Training
By: David Willis

Where to Train Your Dog?Do this dog training in a quiet environment so your dog doesn't get distracted. Dogs will soon learn to relate to doing this when and where it should because it gets rewarded for it. Instead for effective dog training praise your dog and pet it when it chews on what it is supposed to chew on.
There are many different kinds of dog training available. There are also many different places to go for your dog training. Dog training can also protect your dog. A dog that has been properly trained won't go chasing after a bouncing ball into traffic. Despite the differences there are some basic things in common for training all dogs. No matter why you have a dog he should at least have some very elementary dog training. No one wants a dog who isn't housebroken who runs away or into the street who won't sit come or stay when you want him to. See http://www.dogtraining-online.us/kingdomofpets.html
Hence with dog training bad habits are removed and dogs have better control of their feelings and behavior towards environmental and social variables. Dogs love to be trained because they get to spend time with you and they really like the attention. It is not meant to turn your dog into some kind of robot who follows commands accurately and mindlessly. It is also not aimed to make your puppy into a show dog that can do tricks to amuse your friends. You should make a set of do's and don'ts for your dog. Follow these guidelines to the letter if a dog does something desirable always reward it if a dog does something bad punish him or her appropriately.
Therefore when a person even if it's his master touches him he may think that it's the person who causes the pain and so his tendency is to fight back by biting. Dogs are sometimes afraid just like humans. Your best bet would be to maximize training of your dog when it decides to bark. With all the companionship and love that our dogs give so freely it's hard to imagine that some owners just don't take responsibility for their dogs. But it's true.

Dog Training Tips And Tricks: Recall Training Your Dog

2008-06-10T02:32:00.000-07:00

Recall training has two basic concepts. The first is to treat your dog well each time he comes to you. Be it a kind word, a pat on the head, or a scratch behind the ears, Buddy will relish the affection you show him.

The second concept takes much more effort. Purchase a line that measures ten to twenty feet. Clip it onto Buddy’s collar and take him to the park or into the yard. Then, start training.

The line allows Buddy to put some distance between you. When Buddy has ventured almost to the end of his line, call him. A simple, “Buddy come,” will suffice. Be sure to have lots of treats in your pocket just in case he shocks you and comes immediately. If he does come, give him a treat. The worst scenario is that you will have to reel in the line to make him come. With this method, Buddy is responsible for his own behavior, but you still have control over the situation if he doesn’t obey.

If Buddy sits perfectly still when you give the “come” command, or watches birds and squirrels playing in a nearby tree, he hasn’t obeyed. Either reel him in, or go and get him and bring him to the spot where you gave the command. If this is the case, Buddy gets no reward, but no punishment either. Down play the incident and try again later.

The next time you try recall training, follow the same agenda. Never repeat the “come” command. Buddy should come the first time he’s called. If not, reel him in or go and get him and take him to where you gave the command. Down play the incident and try again later. Do this again and again and… well, you get the picture. Repetition is the name of the game. The process is long. It may take a week, a month, a year or more of constant recall training before Buddy gets it right and comes on your first command every time. But…diligence pays off and in time when you say, “come,” Buddy will obey.

In the meantime recall training will have its ups and downs. There will be times when Buddy will come. When this happens, give him a treat, rub his head, and scratch his ears and say, “good boy,” or some thing similar. Whatever else you do, reward his obedience immediately. He’ll soon get the message that obedience reaps rewards and affection.

Above all, never scream, yell, or hit Buddy if he doesn’t obey. If you do, it will set your training efforts back to day one. Buddy will fear you and instead of coming on command, he will put more distance between the two of you. When he doesn’t obey simply go to him, grasp his collar and gently take him to where you gave the command. This lets him know you are ready to enforce your commands and that he has no choice but to obey.

If you run into problems and Buddy just won’t obey, seek the services of a professional dog trainer. It may cost a bit, but a professional will be able to point out where you’re going wrong. It’s well worth the expense to know that Buddy will respond to your commands. This ensures that he will always be safe, so you can enjoy each others company for many years to come.

By: Shagnik

Dog Training Leads And How To Start Dog Training Products Business?

2008-06-10T02:30:00.000-07:00

Dogs often require to be trained in obedience and other training forms before they can serve people or be able to associate with other people and dogs.This article will provide you Dog Training Leads information also it will show you how you can make some extra money by starting a Dog training products business.

What you need to Consider When Buying Dog Training Leads?

For most dogs, there is a need for dog training leads especially younger dogs. There are two major things that need to be considered when you get dog training leads for your dogs. The very first thing to consider when buying training leads is the size of the dog that you have.

Dogs grow quickly so you might try to anticipate the actually size of your dog when it matures when you think of buying a dog training lead. If the puppy is still too small for a large sized training lead, get an ordinary leash for the puppy until it grows enough to be trained.

The best use Of Dog Training Leads

Do you know why need dog training leads? Many people ask why we need dog training leads. Actually, these training leads are a safety precaution on top of the fact that it trains our dogs to stay close to us.

It is a safety precaution for times when the dog is still not well trained enough and might lunge after people or other animals. Leads for dog training keep dogs in check and keep you away from any liabilities if you are vigilant.

How can you make money Selling Dog Training Products?

You can can you make money Selling Dog Training Products, if you run it as a business!. If you are a stay at home parent, that does not mean that you cannot earn income to contribute to the family coffers.

There is a lot of stay at home parents that are actually earning fulltime income working in the comforts of their homes. If you are a dog lover, one of the best ways for you to earn income while staying at home with the kids is to sell dog training products online.

Are Dog training products are some of the most salable items?

Sure it is.Dog training products are some of the most salable items online so you have a fair chance of earning money. Moreover, selling dog training products online does not really need a huge start-up capital on your part.

You do not really have to keep an inventory of dog training products if you are selling them online. As long as you have access to these products, you can already put these things up for sale on your website.

How to start dog training products business online?

You have to think before you start building your website. You need to find the right dog training products to sell online.

You need to do some research on the different dog training products available in the market. Study each product carefully and make sure that these products are really what they claim to be. Once you are sure which products you want to sell online, find a good supplier who can provide you with these products anytime you need them.

How to drive Traffic To You Site?

Having a good website is not really a guarantee that you will be able to sell some dog training products. Note that there are thousands of other websites out there that are selling dog training products so you need to work hard to attract customers and beat your competitors.

To drive traffic to your site, you need to advertise. Use those free advertising sites to get you started. You can also send emails to friends, relative and colleagues telling them about your business.

By: Mark Robert

Dog Training Accessories, Making Dog Training A Lot Easier

2008-06-10T02:29:00.000-07:00

Having the proper dog training accessories can make training your dog a whole lot easier. Of course your dog needs a house, a crate or a bed. Your pet needs his/her very own plate. Your dog needs attention, guidance, tender-loving care and utmost concern. And, aside from the usual needs of any canine, your lovable pup needs dog-training accessories.

For a dog training to be truly successful, the primary essential components are a good dog trainer equipped with an almost ever lasting patience and a dog that is determined, patience, and willing to learn. To be able to have a training that is reliable and productive and to be able to yield immediate and positive results, you ought to provide your dog with the right set of training accessories.

If you are on for a serious dog training, then you should first acquaint yourself with the right set of training accessories and equipment. If you enroll your dog in a training school, then the training accessories usually come with the training fees. However, if you plan to train your dog at home, then you can purchase training accessories at various pet shops or dog schools. There are also many training accessories that are sold on the net. Training materials are usually sold separately but there are some who offer items as a complete set. If you are blessed with carpentry skills and overflowing creative juices, then you can also opt to create your own set of training accessories.

In purchasing dog-training accessories, here are some points to remember that will help you make the right choices:

a. Know right tools for the right training. The right type of training accessories depends on the type of training you would like your dog to engage with. There is a specific set of equipment that is designed to hone skills needed for each specific field. Also, make up your mind about the dept of the training you would like to impose.

b. Function over fashion. Choose the training equipment that function well, not something that looks good on your dog but is difficult to use.

c. Comfort is essential. Be sure that the dog-training accessories are fit for your dog. The right choice of materials depends on the size of your dog. The correct material is one that does not compromise the comfort, safety, and the health of your dog.

d. Take the age and the characteristic as bases. The correct training materials to choose should correlate with your pet's age and behavior. Sometimes, breed is an important consideration as well.

e. Choose the items that also suites you well. Dog Training accessories should also be easy to use and manage for you. Avoid materials that may give you allergies or can cause back pains or arthritis. Go for a material that will allow you to train at ease.

Having the proper dog training accessories can make training your dog a lot easier. Spending the money on these training tools is a great investment in your dog.

By: Jim Kesel

Dog Training Online: How Good Are Home Dog Training Courses?

2008-06-10T02:27:00.000-07:00

Dog Training From Home

Dog training with an obedience instructor can vary in price and it usually takes place in a class. If you do the dog training yourself it is usually free and you can do it from your own home. You will soon see for yourself how effective a crate will make your dog training easier!. Many people find this part of dog training to be more common in puppies.

Should You Scold Your Dog?

Reprimanding is a type of dog training that should not be done unless necessary. It is possible that reward training for dogs has been around as long as there have been dogs to train. Early humans probably used some informal kind of reward training when taming the wolf pups that eventually evolved into modern dogs. Dogs are very much like small children and have short attention spans. See http://www.dogtraining-online.us/know-your-dog/opting-for-a-purebred-dog.html

Dogs are Simple Creatures..

But the dog is simply following its basic programming. Some collie owners acquire a family of ducks for their dog to "boss around;" this satisfies the dog's herding instinct and the ducks don't mind. Establishing yourself as pack leader to your dog is very important. Each dog pack only has one leader and in your case it must be you the human. Simple dog obedience training will not solve your dog's aggressive problems only some serious dog training will do the trick. Dog aggressiveness doesn't just mean biting; it means barking and lunging at people as well. Within a week your dog should sit when you tell him to.

Can Dogs Be Controlled?

Experts say that dog behaviors can be controlled through proper training. Dog behaviors are actually responses that are mostly triggered by environmental and social factors. Your best bet would be to maximize training of your dog when it decides to bark. Provide Adequate Food and Water - Provide food suited to your dog's age size and condition. Walk Your Dog - Your dog will let you know when it needs to be walked.

By: Beverley Brooke