Dec 31 2011

Facts About Dog Training And Obedience

Teach your pup to sit as his first lesson. You should start with this command and there are reasons why it’s a good idea. To dogs, sitting comes naturally due to the fact that they sit to rest. It is also relatively easy to teach the pup to sit and this is a lesson that he will learn very quickly. Three, you will find the sit position an excellent base or jump-off spot from which to launch the other commands. When the pup is sitting, then he is under control and quiet. The sit position is akin to the five basic foot positions of the ballet dancer. The ballet dancer can execute any number of steps or combinations from the five positions such as the enter chat or a capriole.

From an entre chat to a capriole, the ballet dancer can execute any number of steps or combinations from the five positions.

This is not just a trick as the sit position has practical applications. When you are walking the pup, you will find the sit to be useful in various other situations where you want the dog to be quiet and under control, at intersections, and when meeting a friend.

Use your left hand to push down on his rear end. Repeat these movements until the pup sits down without your having to lean on him. Then unsnap the leash and give the command. Put him back on the leash and start over if he balks or sits down only halfway. He’ll soon learn that when he doesn’t obey, he’ll be restrained with the leash. Make sure to praise him when he gets the lesson right.

Introducing him to the appropriate hand signal is the next thing you should do. Move a pace or two in front of the dog, give the command “Sit!” and hold up your forefinger in an admonishing gesture. You should let him see it. The lesson should be repeated and use both the command as well as the hand signal. While the hand signal has its best use when working at a distance, such as in the field, there are many situations in which you will find it useful. One of these is when there is too much noise for your dog to hear your voice.

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Nov 11 2011

Would You Like To Know What The Dog Whisperers Know?

We should try to understand our dog’s psyche in order to help us understand what they think while we are trying to train them. So, in this article we are going to try and find out where he’s coming from.

The Basics of Dog Psychology

Dog psychology is learning to understand why a dog behaves and acts in the way that he does. It is truly fascinating to think about how the dog-a descendant of the wolf-has adapted itself to the human social organization.

It is necessary that the dogs of today learn to live and understand that it is us, not them who are the superior breed. Dogs must learn, through training, a sense of trust and bonding with us. In this way they will realize that the two of you have a strong bond and that when he pleases you, he will be rewarded. This doesn’t always have to involve food!

A Wolf Descendant

To understand dogs, you should first understand wolves. They live in the wild in packs and the hierarchy is strictly defined.

The largest and most dominant male in a pack of wolves is called the Alpha Leader. It is expected that the other wolves will dutifully follow and obey the alpha dog and pay him respect.

Dogs have been able to adapt to human society over the years simply because we have many social values that are the same. We have similar social organization and instinctive psychological structures with dogs which make us perfect companions for each other. Wolves share chores within the pack especially when it comes to food. For example, one wolf may scout out good hunting grounds, another may do the actual killing and another may be the one to keep guard. And, just like us humans, the alpha dog gets the high end cuts while the rest make do with leftovers! (Sound familiar?)

Part of the Pack – The Hierarchy System

Think of your family as a wolf pack, this is how your dog will first see you. He will be watching your pack carefully to find out who is the “alpha dog” and try to figure out just where he fits in to this new pack.

He will be watching for clues such as the physical size of each family member as well as the tone of voice that each person speaks with. He will also notice how everyone interacts with one another throughout the day.

You’ll Want To Make Sure That You Are The Leader Of The Pack

When you decide who is going to be the alpha leader, you’ll want to enforce this in front of your dog. The alpha leader will be the one responsible for the majority of your dog’s needs. Like eating, walking, training and exercise. The soon your dog knows who is boss, the less problems you’ll have with training.

But, not only do you have to teach who the alpha dog is, you also have to show him the rest of the hierarchy of the family, including children. He must have no confusion as to where he stands in his new pack, which is at the bottom!

If your dog sees that no hierarchy system is in place, he will create one and put himself in charge. This is when a lot of dogs can become overly dominant and destructive. It needs to be very obvious to your dog that he is subordinate to everyone-including children.

It is often difficult for dogs to understand that they are below the rank of children. It’s no wonder with their small size, dependency on adults and lack of cohesive thought. This can sometimes lead them to be quite aggressive towards children to the point of the occasional nip or bite.

It will only be through consistent, disciplined dog training that you will help your dog realize his lowly position in life. This, despite the fact that he is spoiled rotten!

Alex is a freelance graphic designer with a passion for writing and dogs. She has a long and personal history with dogs and knows what works and what doesn’t when teaching them. If you enjoyed this article, you might enjoy some of her others; Are You Making Your Dog Overweight? or Does Your Dog Have Separation Anxiety?.

Oct 26 2011

Benefits Of Grooming Your Dog

Even though dogs are able to keep themselves relatively clean, they need our help to do anything more than the basics.

Grooming your dog has benefits for both the dog and for yourself and your family. Here are some of the top reasons why you should groom on a regular basis.

Brushing is great for the health of their coats. Just like us, brushing increases the blood circulation underneath the fur which helps the cells get what the nutrition they need. And again, like us, they need to be washed in order to rid their coats of toxins that build up over time just from being outside.

Brushing your pup will improve his overall health by stimulating his blood circulation which in turn will boost his immune system, promote muscle mass and help fight off infections. It also makes them feel happy, loved and comfortable, which will turn them into even better dogs.

As I mentioned, dogs can do the basics, but really, they don’t seem to care if they smell! The longer or thicker your dog’s coat is, the more grooming they are going to require because their fur is going to capture and hold all the smelly places that they get into. Grooming them will help eliminate smells, and you could add natural oil scents when brushing or bathing them to make them smell even better.

Grooming gives you a chance to check out your dog’s body on a regular basis. Often our pet can hurt himself, or have a lump or swelling that we knew nothing about. The sooner you know these things, the better, and the quicker you can have them looked at it need be.

Regular grooming can save you money on professional dog grooming. Even if you go to a professional for cuts and styling, if their fur is in good shape to begin with, the job will be made much easier and therefore cheaper. Your dog will probably love you even more, since often professional dog groomers are not their favorite people!

One of the best reasons for groom your dog is that it provides you both with a sense of bonding. Your pet will love all the extra attention you give him and the two of you will grower even closer.

Any one of these reasons alone should be enough to get you into regular grooming. It is an essential part of the responsibility of having a dog and should be integrated into your routine as soon as possible.

Alex is a freelance graphic artist & marketing pro with a love of writing and dogs. She has a long and personal history with dogs and has studied what works and what doesn’t when training them. If you enjoyed this article, check out a couple of her others, like Are Table Scraps OK For Your Dog? or Does Your Dog Have Separation Anxiety?.

May 22 2011

Canine Early Education – Sending Your Young Pup Off To School (Part 6)

The typical training class for young dogs is one hour per week for four, six or eight weeks. Are you and your puppy done with training upon graduation? No way! Think of it like that was your dog’s elementary school graduation and he still needs his middle school and high school graduations, bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, PhD and post-doc work- whoops, I meant post-dog.

It’s really just the beginning. Dogs learn all their life. You don’t necessarily have to attend group classes continuously, there are other ways. A dog owner with experience in training previous dogs may be able to train his puppy by himself. Although, since dogs encounter problems too, it might be helpful to hire a trainer or still attend group class. It is always more convenient to have an expert ready to assist you.

Puppy training determines how what your dog’s attitude in live would be. The training will provide the basics needed for the dog to survive and socialize. follow through with training and be consistent. Your dog’s training program will depend on what the two of you need.

How To Find A Trainer

A lot of dog trainers belong to organizations for dog obedience instructors. These organizations help them by providing information on the latest techniques and tools for their profession. They basically undergo training too. Belonging to an organization also means that they adhere to certain organization guidelines.

Aside from being able to communicate effectively with the puppies, the instructor should also be appealing to the owners because it is not just the puppies that are attending class. Also, a dog trainer’s dog should be well-trained and able to perform according to the lesson. A dog trainer not owning a well-trained dog just won’t make any sense! The class should inspire students and make them want to come to class to learn more tricks for their pup.

Dog owners can also contact these organizations for referrals to members of their community. The predominant organizations include:

Association of Pet Dog Trainers
150 Executive Center Dr.
Box 35
Greenville, SC 29615
(800) 738-3647
Website: apdt.com

International Association of Canine Professionals
P.O. Box 560156
Montverde, FL 34756
(407) 469-2008
Website: dogpro.org

National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors
729 Grapevine Hwy.
PMB 369
Hurst, TX 76054
Website: nadoi.org

Looking to find the best advice on how to train your dog, then visit www.e-zdogtraining.com to find the best dog training tips for you.

Nov 17 2010

Dog Training Methods And Their Differences

Throughout the years, humans and dogs have learned to develop a unique bond and commitment. Dogs have chosen to follow human masters, acknowledging their superior intellect and ability to guide. Humans, on the other hand, have chosen dogs as their constant companion because of their loyalty and ability to obey commands.

Today, dogs are mostly kept as no more than pets or companions. This poses a problem because dogs have an ingrained instinct to work for their human master.

Leaving them alone within an enclosed space all day therefore brings about separation anxiety, which in turn results in destructive behaviour such as chewing on furniture or clothes.

It is therefore important for today’s dog owners to learn how to discipline their dogs such that they are able to adapt to this new environment and living circumstances.

Now, you have to understand that there is a big difference between discipline and punishment. Discipline involves the use of positive dog training methods, whereas punishment involves reprimands in correcting a dog’s bad behaviour. While both dog training methods work towards the same goal, which is to make the dog obey you, there can be huge differences in the end result.

Dogs that are trained via punishment often become fearful of their masters, and they usually obey commands only because they feel that they have to. On the other hand, dogs trained using positive dog training methods often develop a lifelong bond with their master and perform tasks primarily because they want to please their owners.

Now, which dog would you like to own? One who does things because he has to, or one that does things because he wants to? Here is a concrete example of how punishment and discipline differ when used as dog training methods.

You are taking your beagle out for a walk when a squirrel suddenly darts past you. A beagle is a hunting breed, so your dog’s instincts naturally push him to give chase. And because you have taken your dog out on a leash, you find yourself being dragged along. What do you do?

An owner who takes the punishment approach would automatically pull hard on the leash, yell at the dog to stop and then give the dog a hard slap on his rump.

On the other hand, one who employs positive dog training methods would take a firm hold on the leash and turn in a different direction so as to force the dog to follow him. When the dog follows, the owner will then praise him for exhibiting this good behaviour and give him a treat. How do the methods differ in terms of result?

The dog who was harshly reprimanded will immediately become submissive, scared and confused. He will not understand why he is being punished for simply following his instincts. After all, beagles have been hunting dogs seen their breed was first developed. On the other hand, the dog trained with positive dog training methods would have understood that pulling on the leash will get him nowhere and keeping his excitement under control will earn him your approval and a treat.

Positive dog training methods are almost always the better approach.

WAIT – Theres More! Learn about Home Dog Training and learn how to have a happy, well behaved Dog in no time. Plus:Housebreaking A Puppy and all manner of other Articles and Info.

Sep 30 2010

Jack Russell Terrier Training Tips You Need To Know

Keeping a Jack Russell terrier as a family pet might be a really enjoyable experience, but these natural hunters are often very challenging to keep domestically without the need of the proper Jack Russell terrier training.

This canine needs to begin its training when it’s younger in order for it to be of any use, plus the training begins by showing the canine who’s dominant. If the owner doesn’t assert themself as the head of the family, the dog will probably do so and that’s the most unfortunate thing that can happen when training. This unique breed is quite used to praise, and praise is what the puppy must get any time it does exactly what it’s supposed to. Don’t scold the dog when it does not comply with what it is getting told, just ignore it.

Even though almost all puppies employ their mouths like a hand in order to explore the world close to them, they generally will have to be instructed exactly where their mouths do not belong. If a canine has a problem with biting, then a beneficial strategy to show them not to should be to put your own hand around the dog’s muzzle and push its lips directly into the teeth.

Canines who want to display their dominance will frequently put their mouth over another pet’s muzzle. This not only indicates the dog who’s dominant, but may also at some point show them that biting is not fun. If the puppy continues biting, a bit of a pinch on the lip may be provided to additionally show the puppy that biting is not pleasant. Add this dominance training with a, “No bite!” command, and at some point that will probably be all that may be needed to say.

Certain Jack Russell terriers develop separation anxiety any time their owner will not be present. This anxiety results in destruction of household furniture and carpeting, and may also lead to additional odd behaviors such as hyperactivity. Many dogs pace around and around inside one room for several hours right up until their owners come back.

You’ll find numerous methods to address this separation anxiety, including leaving the canine with a chew toy that was provided to it prior to being left on it’s own. Yet another method of reducing this anxiousness could be to just invest about fifteen minutes doing the, “Sit, stay, and down” routine with a lot of rewards whenever the dog gets the commands right. Ultimately, reduce how many rewards are provided to the pet, or else the dog may possibly understand to wait for treats just before obeying a command.

Jack Russell Terrier training might be a satisfying experience for both the owner as well as the dog so long as the training is kept frequent when the canine is young, and also the application of exactly what the instruction taught is ongoing in the course of the dog’s life.

Are you looking for help on how to train a Jack Russell? Be sure to visit my site for lots of information on Jack Russell puppy training you need to know.

categories: jack russell terrier training,terrier training,dog training,dog behavior,dog obedience,jack russell terriers

May 31 2009

Dog Biting Problems-As Serious As It Can Get

by Brad Davenport

Of all of the dog behavior problems there are, biting is probably the most serious. If your dog pees on the rug, runs away, or goes on the couch it probably won’t be a big deal. If you dog gives someone a serious bite, however, many communities require that it be put down. Dog biting problems can literally mean the end of your dog’s life, so it is important to train your dog to never bite anyone.

However, biting problems in puppies are quite normal. When puppies start to teeth, they will have a natural tendency to bite everything that they can get hold of, including you. Though a puppy bite might break your skin, it will not cause any serious damage. But then, this is the right time for you to start training your puppy to stop biting.

You dont have to be cruel or give harsh punishments to train your puppy. They are very sensitive creatures and all you need to make them repent is a firm No! or a censorious Bad Dog, whenever they try to bite you. When your puppy bites you, pull your hand away and repeat the firm phrase again and again which will make him realize that he is hurting you.

Most often a dog bites due to some psychological reasons. A dog takes a bite not just because he wants to hurt something or someone. They also bite to hold on to something or they bite a person or another dog to warn them of something, or they bite just for the joy of it. The best way to break the biting problem of your dog is to start early, when he is still a puppy.

But then, some dogs are naturally aggressive and bite because they are inherently temperamental. To take care of such dogs you have to send them to an obedience school.

You absolutely have to take the problem completely seriously and find help even if it costs a bundle. Dog trainers can help almost any dog, but your average pet owner can’t.

If you have a pooch with biting problems in your neighborhood, the best defence is to be prepared with a bottle of pepper spray that is specially formulated to combat biting dogs. Never hesitate to use the pepper spray if any dog tries to bite you. Or, you could opt for a friendlier approach by offering a beef jerky.

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May 14 2009

7 Dog Obedience Training Tips to Properly Train Your Dog

by Ernst I. Cayemitte

Providing good obedience training to your dog may be the most important thing you need to do not just for your puppy but also for yourself. Dogs are animals, and without proper obedience training, they will indeed behave like animals. In fact, would you not teach your kid the difference between right and wrong? Similarly, if you’d like to develop desirable habits in your puppy and at the same time stop unattractive behaviors, you definitely need to provide your dog with good obedience coaching.

Here are 7 dog obedience training tips that can help you along the way:

1. First off, you must get your dog’s attention before you start training him.

2. Begin your dog training sessions as quickly as your dog arrives at your house. Whilst you can teach old dogs new behaviors or tricks, remember that what’s learned earliest is usually learned easiest and fastest. In view of that, start training your puppy near the beginning.

3. Teach your dog only one command at a time, and do not move on until he understands the trick you are trying to teach him. A few minutes of dog training on a daily basis is all that is required.

4. Instruct your dog with love, kindness and respect as this methodology will undoubtedly help you develop a good connection between you and your puppy.

5. Reward your dog for his good performance over and over again. This is a valuable approach that you must follow when you are providing training to your puppy.

6. Reward your dog by treating him with mouth-watering things, and by saying to him Good dog in a happy voice. Reward your dog every time he follows your command, especially when he is learning a new behavior. Afterward, you only need to reward your dogs best behavior.

7. Play with your dog often. This will certainly make it easy for you to build a very good relationship between you and your dog.

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May 08 2009

Dog Obedience Training – Who’s the Alpha Dog of Your Pack?

by Jim Navary

The companionship of a dog can truly be one of life’s under appreciated joys. However, that joy can be seriously diminished if your dog exhibits excessive behavior problems. Aggression, inappropriate barking, jumping up on you or visitors, destroying household items and other unacceptable behavior can usually be eliminated through effective obedience training.

Since dogs are, by nature, pack animals, the are most content when they are assured of their place in the social hierarchy.

If the dog’s perception is that you are not a strong leader, he will most likely assume the role of “alpha” dog. Bad behavior will worsen since, as the pack leader, he will believe that he can do as he pleases without regard to your wishes.

Unless you impress upon your dog that you are the “alpha dog”, your efforts to teach appropriate behavior will most likely fail. However, effective obedience training will teach your pooch that YOU are the leader of the pack and that he is expected to comply with your wishes.

When you begin obedience training try to make the activity fun for your dog. Be sure to reward your dog when he does well. Rewards can take the form of tasty treats, petting, giving him a favorite toy or vigorous praise.

Never punish your dog when conducting obedience training. If he associates obedience training sessions with punishment he will do everything he can to avoid it. When you need to correct a behavior problem, try to make it a penalty instead of a punishment. A penalty can be anything from a “time out” (stopping an activity that he enjoys), a quick tug on his leash, or simply ignoring him for a few moments.

When training your dog, remember that rewards are much more effective than penalties. Discover the things that he truly enjoys and make maximum use of it during training sessions. The old adage about training an animal with either a carrot or a stick is not valid. Just throw away the stick and concentrate on providing your dog with a variety of “carrots” that he enjoys.

Professional dog trainers use a wide variety of training techniques. If you are not sure about specific tactics to use, you may benefit from their advice. There are several wonderful guide books and training courses available online that you may find quite helpful in your quest for a well behaved best friend.

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May 07 2009

Obedience Training for Dogs – Are You the Alpha Dog?

by Jim Navary

One of life’s genuine joys is the companionship of a dog. However, if your dog exhibits major behavior problems, that joy may be compromised. Destroying household items, piddling on the carpet, excessive barking, aggression, and other unacceptable behaviors can usually be eliminated through effective obedience training.

Dogs are most content when they know their place in the “pecking order” of the pack.

If the dog’s perception is that you are not a strong leader, he will most likely assume the role of “alpha” dog. Bad behavior will worsen since, as the pack leader, he will believe that he can do as he pleases without regard to your wishes.

Until you establish yourself as the alpha member of the pack your efforts to teach proper behavior to your pooch are destined to fail. By providing high quality obedience training you will teach your dog that you are the leader and that he must follow comply with your wishes.

When you begin obedience training try to make the activity fun for your dog. Be sure to reward your dog when follows your commands. Rewards can take the form of yummy treats, petting, giving him a favorite toy to play with or vigorous praise.

Never punish your dog when conducting obedience training. If he associates obedience training sessions with punishment he will do everything he can to avoid it. When you need to correct a behavior problem, try to make it a penalty instead of a punishment. A penalty can be anything from a “time out” (stopping an activity that he enjoys), a quick tug on his leash, or simply ignoring him for a few moments.

Remember that rewards are usually much more effective than penalties. Try to discover what your dog really enjoys and use it as positive reinforcement when training. The old belief that you can use either a carrot or a stick to train an animal should be entirely forgotten. Instead, try of use a variety of “carrots” to convince your dog that obedience is a good thing, and just throw away the stick.

You may find it helpful to study the tactics used by professional dog trainers if you are not sure about which techniques are best. There are several very high quality guide books and training courses available online that you may want to consider using in your quest for an obedient best friend.

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