Aug 21 2010

Vizsla Clicker Training

Do you want to know how to clicker train your Vizsla fast?

I get it… there’s nothing worse than an ‘out of control’ dog. It took me 12 months to find relief.

Whatever kind of dog you have, clicker dog training is one of the most effective and impressive methods for controlling and dictating a dog’s behaviour when trying to teach them basic commands. It takes very little time to master clicker training and with a well operated clicker, you can teach your dog nearly anything.

Clicker Training - The Theory Behind It

The concept behind clicker training is that you are training the dog to link the sound of the clicker - a strong, pointed sound that they can hear from 20+ yards away - with a particular command you give. The point of the training is to mark particular desirable behavior and then reward it with the sound of the clicker.

Training doesn’t start with the clicker. You’ve got to first teach your Vizsla that the clicker is a reward for good behavior. This can be achieved with a bag of treats and a simple 2 dollar clicker from your local pet store.

Should you follow this method?

* Your Vizsla will associate the clicker with ‘doing a good job’ and ‘receiving a treat’ only

* Verbal commands are given in a myriad of situations - this can cause confusion in your dog’s mind and therefore verbal commands are often not as strong as a clicker response

Clicker Training - The Method

There are 3 very easy steps to train your dog to respond to a clicker.

Step 1. Entice the behavior - ask your Vizsla to do something you desire. It can be sitting, heeling, lying down, or whatever other behaviours you are attempting to teach.

Step 2. After you’ve gotten them to perform their behaviour, mark it with a click.

Step 3. Give them a reward.

It generally takes only 2 or 3 markings before your dog learns the connection between the behavior and the click.

Once the dog has done the behaviour and received their reward, continue doing it to reinforce the behaviour as much as possible. You do not have to use treats every time. Praise and petting work just as well and can eventually replace the behaviour.

Clicker dog training works well because they will immediately respond, allowing you to reward them and immediately instill it in their minds. A verbal command will take time to get through.

Transitioning to a Command

Once your Vizsla has associated the new behaviour with the click - it is time to transition to a command.

Step 1. Say the command Step 2. Click Step 3. Give a Reward

Your dog will quickly learn to associate all 3 steps.

Ultimately, with good clicker training, your Vizsla will respond to oral cues and praise for behaviour without the need for treats.

As you might imagine, clicker canine training has a considerable number of applications. It can make coaching your dog far easier in some ways. With an easy, pointed command, you can mark and fortify almost any behavior.

The question is, can you change your Vizsla’s troublesome behaviours for good? Yes you can! Download my FREE e-book on How To STOP Your Vizsla’s Obedience Issues For Good!, and become the alpha dog. Check here for free reprint licence: Vizsla Clicker Training.

categories: vizsla,hungarian vizsla,Vizsla Clicker Training,hungarian Vizsla Clicker Training,obedience training,clicker training,dogs,dog training,dog health,clicker obedience tarining,canine clicker training

Jun 28 2010

How To Get Started With Clicker Training, The Four Concepts

Clicker training is among the most gratifying and simplest approaches for training your puppy. Considering that clicker training uses positive reinforcement, your canine, or pet will rapidly discover the behavior you are training. Here are a handful of points you need to comprehend about clicker training.

Clicker training consist of several basics including positive reinforcement, clicker conditioning, often called charging the clicker, accurate timing and marking and repeating. It’s by means of these principles that one could rapidly start teaching your dog with a clicker with excellent results.

Positive reinforcement signifies that you’re treating your puppy once they perform a routine or motion you want them to execute. This really is dissimilar compared to luring or bribing your puppy to perform a particular activity. Using positive reinforcement with clicker training, we are really making it possible for the dog to execute the action by themselves, and then click and treating them when they do it the right way. Positive reinforcement is faster and easier than correction based teaching where we are trying to cease the dog from carrying out something, like jumping or nipping. An example of positive reinforcement may be when a canine sits down automatically when we are teaching a “sit” order and we encourage them for that action.

Clicker charging is the method of teaching your dog or puppy the sound of clicker and that a reward will be given at the sound of the click. The first few training sessions may require you to charge the clicker, but after the third or fourth session it may not be necessory. To charge the clicker you simply click the clicker and then give a treat to the dog. Do this 10-15 times until the clicking sounds triggers your dog to look for the treat. Once the dog understands that the sound of the clicker “marks” when they will receive a treat the training can begin.

Proper timing is vital with clicker training. In order to connect in positive reinforcement while using clicker, we’d like to time the click, or “mark” the behavior. For instance, when teaching the “sit” command we may click the minute the canine is seated. This implies the minute their butt touches the floor, you click. This “marks” the behavior and you would then instantly treat. If you ever click a moment or two later the canine might not know what they did. Should you treat and then click, you will be reinforcing the inappropriate behavior. So, the right time is every thing. Again, in this instance, we’re allowing the puppy to sit automatically, then we’re marking the actions with a click and then treating.

Repetition and ongoing training will help you clicker train your dog with more accomplishment. This permits your puppy to easily understand and start learning on their own precisely what conduct you want them to execute. You can then begin combining behaviors. For instance, you might start teaching a sit behavior. After understanding the sit order, you would move on to the “lay down” command going from the sit. You can then command the puppy to sit, then lay down and click.

Once you grasp these 4 main ideas of clicker training it is easier to start to show other types of behaviors . More complicated behaviors could be bundled together and the use of target training can be introduced to permit your puppy to concentrate on certain items or positioning to develop a behavior. These four concepts in addition to 4 secrets that every owner should know can be located at the http://ClickerTrainingSystem.com website.

Want to find out more about Clicker training, then visit Jeff’s site and get instant access to two Clicker training videos and get started training your dog today.

categories: dog training, pet training, obedience training, clicker training

Aug 28 2009

German Shepherd Training That Works

by Les Micheal

Training a German Shepherd can be a most rewarding and incredibly powerful bonding experience. Working with your dog will not only be fun but it will create a bond that will last forever. You really can’t ask for a more loyal companion. This breed is world renowned for its intelligence, protective nature and ability to learn many different commands. Start training early. The best time for your dog to be trained is the puppy phase.

To get the most out of your German Shepherd training you need to find a plan that will work for both you and your pup. First remember the temperament of the breed. These are extremely active dogs who need plenty of exercise.

With a highly intelligent and naturally dominant dog training needs to establish your dominance and control.Your new dog will have to learn the rules. In homes with children it is very important they are also involved in the training so the dog will also recognize their authority.

When it comes to training your dog you can either hire a professional or do it at home. Formal training is easier but cost money. Check with local breeders most of them offer great training programs. You can also conduct training on your own with your German Shepherd in your home. If you are going to take on training by yourself be sure to do some studying first and be consistent.

Consistency is the major factor for successful training. Hold training session at regular times. Even when your dog seems to ignore the lessons and is misbehaving. Do not let such times discourage you from holding a class. Your role is to establish a natural hierarchy that makes you the leader and your German Shepherd as a follower.

Training should start as soon as the puppy first arrives at the home. Your children need to be taught how to maintain the same level of firmness you hold as the leader of the pack. This does not mean you cant be affectionate, it means to need to take charge and make sure that your German Shepherd understands at all times that you are the boss.

Proper dog training reinforces the necessary roles the dog should learn and maintain. You hard work will pay off and you will have a loving pet who protects your home and family while respecting all of the members and the house rules. Once your pup is demonstrating the proper behavior with out being prompted continue to reward them to reinforce the right behavior.

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Aug 11 2009

Obedience Classes for Dogs

by Martin Davis

There are many types of techniques when teaching your dog obedience training. Many people will tell you different things but all dogs will react differently to different commands.

Getting your dog to learn new things can be challenging, there are lots of things to take into consideration. As we go on you will start to understand how to get your dog to be obedient.

1. Respect and loyalty is import between you and your dog, the relationship has to be built up around mutual respect. However do not let your dog take control, remember you are in charge!

2.When training your dog to be obedient make sure that you stay confident and in control.

3. When teaching your dog new techniques make sure that the dog is happy and is enjoying the learning process. Make teaching enjoyable and your dog will learn new commands much faster.

4. Of course the other thing that is important when training dogs is that you work with their natural drives and instincts. This will again make them trust and respect you more.

Below you will see some of the main rules for getting your dog to obey and understand your commands within the quickest time period.

Rule 1. When your dog does as you ask, you should praise and reward them for doing so. However, if they do not, then you need to correct them immediately as this will help them to understand where they have gone wrong. Unfortunately a dogs concentration span is not that long and if you fail to correct any problems immediately then they will simply carry on.

Rule 2. The concentration level on a dog is very much limited, they take time to put up new commands. The best thing to do when teach obedience training is repeat your commands over and over.

Rule 3. Make sure you provide feedback whatever the outcome when teaching your dog new commands, this will let the dog no whats acceptable and what is not.

Rule 4. Be realistic when teaching new obedience skills not all dogs are the same, some are going to take longer to pick up the commands. What you should never do is punish your dog if they are wrong in the initial stages.

Rule 5. Teaching your dog new commands if meant to be fun so keep it like that. If the dog seems to become bored they will start to lose attention.

Rule 6. Start off slow when teaching you dog new commands, because this is all new to them it will take time. Teach your dog new trick and techniques one at a time, this will save confusion and able the dog to learn faster.

Rule 7. Do not just train your dog at training sessions its a good idea to teach them in their everyday tasks. One example of this would be to give them their food on command, hold back and make them sit before they eat.

Rule 8. You should never attempt to correct your dog if they are not in the wrong. It is important that if your dog does wrong then correct them by grabbing their attention. If you do not correct them immediately and leave it, this may leave your dog feeling somewhat confused and will not understand why it has happened.

Rule 9. Finally, when it comes to obedience training look for those things that will help to motivate your dog during the sessions. Find out the kinds of treats that they love and use these as an incentive that they will be given when a command is done correctly!

Rule 10. After time and a lot of practice your dog will soon become very obedient and will obey your commends. If you do find it all a little difficult there are loads of training classes in your local area!

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Jun 16 2009

Choose A Purebred Puppy For Your Household

by Clyde Armstrong

Getting a new puppy for a pet is a immense decision. Since the majority of dog breeds live between 10 and 15 years so this is a commitment that should not be taken carelessly.

The first step when choosing a purebred dog as a family pet is to find a well-respected and respectable puppy breeder. The best breeders are concerned about avoiding health and behavior problems and they are dedicated to bringing out the best of their chosen breed.

Your puppy will develop up to be an mature dog so as you choose a breed make sure that you spend some time with some grown dogs from that breed. Talk to people who own that breed or are familiar with the breed such as breeders at dog shows and local dog obedience trainers. If doable spend some time with some mature dogs of the type.

The separate breeds will have distinctive character that you will need to consider. For instance some breeds shed and some breeds bark more than others. Some breeds are known to make a deep howling noise called “baying”. Just make sure that the predictable personality of the sort are things that you can live with.

Go to your neighboring pet store or visit your veterinarian and find out their opinions of the breed and if they are familiar with any regular physical condition tribulations that show up in that breed. If there are any concerns that you should be aware of it is nice to know before you visit the breeder and see the cute puppies.

Certain breeds also have inherited and precise possible ailments. They may be prone to various genetic problems such as cleft palate, hip dysplasia or heart problems.

If you want some really valuable and impartial information talk with one or more dog obedience instructors. They usually have a abundance of great information that they can give you on the different breeds and what to look for when choosing a puppy.

A puppy will be a prized and adored part of your family for many years to come and you should make the decision based on sound information. You will probably want to choose your puppy when he is about 7 to 8 weeks old and that is just the age when they are the cutest. Falling in love at first sight is easy with a cute puppy but you will be living with your grown-up dog for the many years to come.

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Jun 13 2009

Select A Purebred Puppy For Your Household

by Greg Olson

It is a huge decision to make when you choose to get a new puppy. Most of the dog breeds live between 10 and 15 years so your new pet will be with you for quite awhile. That is why the choice should not be taken without due consideration.

Finding a honest and well-respected puppy breeder is the first significant step to choosing a family pet. High-quality breeders are dedicated to breeding healthy and great pets from their special breed and they make an attempt to make sure that health problems and other issues are avoided.

Your puppy will mature up to be an grown-up dog so as you decide on a variety make sure that you spend some time with some grown dogs from that breed. Talk to people who have that breed or are familiar with the breed such as breeders at dog shows and local dog obedience trainers. If possible spend some time with some adult dogs of the kind.

The many breeds all have different personality that you will need to take into contemplation. Make sure that the breed that you choose has qualities that you can live with. For example, some dogs shed an enormous amount and there are some breeds that make a deep howling noise called “baying”. If you have a difficulty with a noisy dog those breeds may not be a good choice for you. Same with the hair, if you cannot withstand dog hair on your furnishings you may want to get a different type of dog. Of if your family tends to be quieter and calmer a boisterous little Terrier or a Chihuahua may not fit into your family.

Go to your neighborhood pet store or visit your veterinarian and find out their opinions of the breed and if they are familiar with any constant wellbeing troubles that show up in that breed. If there are any concerns that you should be aware of it is nice to know before you visit the breeder and see the cute puppies.

Many of the pedigree breeds have a tendency towards hereditary physical condition tribulations such as cleft palate, hip dysplasia, heart problems or blood disorders.

The dog obedience trainers from your local area often see many of the diverse breeds and they can be a good source of neutral information. They can often give you some good tips in what to look for in the breed of puppy that you want.

Your new puppy will be a much-loved member of your family for many years to come so you should make the choice of a pet based on sound information and not just “puppy love”. Your dog will soon become an adult and that is the animal that will be your pet for years to come.

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Jun 12 2009

The Pick Of A Purebred Dog For Your Family Pet

by Dean Watkins

It is a immense choice to make when you decide to get a new puppy. Most of the dog breeds live between 10 and 15 years so your new pet will be with you for quite awhile. That is why the choice should not be taken lightly.

Finding a trustworthy and well-respected puppy breeder is the primary essential step to choosing a family pet. Good quality breeders are dedicated to breeding healthy and wonderful pets from their select breed and they make an attempt to make sure that health problems and other issues are avoided.

Since your puppy will grow up you should spend time with some adult dogs from the chosen breed before even looking at the puppies. Talk to breeders, other owners and area dog obedience trainers to get more information.

Special breeds have different distinctiveness that you will need to take into consideration. Some dog’s shed and some dogs make a big noise called “baying”. Make sure that the breed you choose has qualities that you can live with. If you cannot stand dog hair on your furniture or you or a family member is allergic you will want to consider a dog that will not shed. If your family is laid back and easy going you may not want to get a energetic and rambunctious little terrier.

Go to your neighboring pet store or visit your veterinarian and find out their opinions of the breed and if they are familiar with any regular wellbeing tribulations that show up in that breed. If there are any concerns that you should be aware of it is nice to know before you visit the breeder and see the cute puppies.

You will also need to do some research into breed specific ailments. Certain breeds are prone to diverse genetic problems such as cleft palate, hip dysplasia or in the case of the lovable little Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, heart mitral valve disease.

The dog obedience trainers from your local area often see many of the different breeds and they can be a excellent source of balanced information. They can often give you some good tips in what to look for in the breed of puppy that you want.

For a lot of years to come your new puppy will with any luck be a dearly loved member of your family. You need to amass some sound information and use that to choose your puppy and not just the “puppy love” that we all are apt to encounter around sweet little puppies. Every puppy will grow out of that really cute condition and the adult dog is the one who will be your pet for years to come.

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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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