Nov 19 2011

Does Your Dog Pass Obedience Class 101?

If you already own a dog, you know it takes a lot of work to train them. If you’re a brand new dog owner, then prepare yourself to work with your puppy to make sure they don’t pick up any bad habits

What are some of the pitfalls of not training your dog? Well, people who come to visit can be trampled on, climbed on, and maybe even knocked off their feet if your dog is very large. They are unable to carry on a conversation because the dog is licking them, barking at them, maybe even trying to nip at them, and, generally, causing a nuisance of themselves. A well behaved dog will become useful and rewarding portion of the situation rather than a time-consuming and disturbing distraction.

Consistency is essential: If you’re working with your dog on a specific skill or trick then try to train them at the same time every day. This helps your dog know what to expect. Most dogs thrive on structure and will perform and learn much faster when they know what’s expected. If you’re training using food rewards, try to train your dog before mealtime so they’re a little bit hungry and motivated.

Use hand cues in addition to verbal cues: Some dogs have an easier time understanding and remembering hand signals than they do with verbal cues. Assign a hand signal to each trick or behavior you are training.

Potty Training Issues: It depends on the breed of your dog plus your dog’s personality, but potty training can be a long training period and can certainly train you to learn patience. Some people believe that a dog should be crated when the owner is not at home. While this can work to train a dog, it should become unnecessary as the dog learns more how and when to expect the owner home to attend to his needs. A dog that is kept confined in a very small area tends to become depressed and aggressive and very rowdy when removed from the crate. It is very hard to train an animal that does not listen due to his excitement in being let out of confinement and has definite ideas about making sure he does not get put back into that crate!

Walking/Leash Issues: Can you picture this? A 75 pound Labrador retriever pulling it’s owner along at a fast clip while zigzagging from tree to tree. The poor owner, with a now dislocated arm, vows never to walk the dog again. This is sad because dogs can be trained to walk nicely and they LOVE to go on walks.

If you have taught your dog the basic things, you may want to graduate to teaching tricks to your dog. In order to get your dog to start doing tricks, you need to find a trick that you know he could easily adapt to. That is to say, if your dog likes to fetch things you could teach him to fetch the morning newspaper.

Seeing a dog dance is also another amazing trick that you can teach. Since many dogs tend to jump on people that visit the house, by teaching your dog to dance you can bypass that unwanted behavior. When your dog excitedly jumps up on you to play, gently hold his front legs. Then you can command him to “dance” a few times after which you should give him his treats. Then when guests come over, have your dog dance rather than jump on them. Teaching a dog to dance is usually easier for owners of smaller sized dogs, and in fact, many small dogs can dance on their own without needing their owner to hold their front paws.

Many people complain about their new dog chewing up everything in sight and tearing up their gardens, and admit that they don’t know how to stop the dog from doing this. There are some solutions, though they may take time to implement, which will help to stop this problem. There are a large variety of toys available which should keep the dog amused. Some are capable of hiding treats inside them, making the dog work for its reward by rolling the toy around until a treat falls out. Others can be placed into the freezer overnight and given to the dog on a hot day, letting the dog lick the cool treat over a period of time as the toy defrosts.

Many other variations of dog toys can be found or can even be made out of existing household items, just be sure to make them safe for the dog.

It may seem an impossible task now, but if you’re consistent with the above exercise, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly your puppy gets the message that learning his lessons and obeying your commands is what will get attention.

To make sure your dog is healthy and happy you should check out our dog care tips guides and make sure he has plenty of dog toys to stop boredom.

Feb 28 2011

Dog Training With Positive Reinforcement

Positive Reinforcement is vital to good dog training. Giving a command and then knowing when and how to reward your dog makes a huge difference in his willingness to comply. Positive reinforcement is effective for any kind of training and dogs have the capacity to respond well to this system. A dog quickly realizes there is a connection between “good” behavior and tasty results. This form of positive reinforcement, especially when it is a tasty treat, contributes highly to getting the results you want in dog training.

This is the way to do it: Give your dog a command, either spoken or signaled or both at the same time. When your dog does what you ask, you praise/reward at the same time and you create a link in the dog’s brain between the command and the action. You Command + He Acts = Delicious Treat. Your dog will be eager to carry out the command, knowing that the results are in his favor. Timing is crucial. A well executed reward for a spoken or signaled command results in willingness to get the treat, pet or verbalized praise. For what it’s worth, I have found a liver treat gets a much faster response – at least in the beginning phases of training – than a mere “good boy.”

It takes time to make this connection stick. Some dogs are less agreeable to training than others. Food doesn’t motivate some dogs but a toy given when the command is obeyed may be the perfect reward for a lively dog.

Do the training in three phases. Step one – show the dog what you want. This is done by moving your dog into the position you want. As an example, if you want your dog to ‘sit,’ move the motivator (treat, for instance) above his nose and lift it a little bit. When you do this, the dog’s head lifts, nose first. This causes the weight to shift from the dog’s front legs to his rear and this moves his rear end toward the ground.

Step two – teach the dog what you want. This means repeating the command with and without the motivator but still rewarding every time your dog does what you ask. If you are always facing your dog when you show him to sit, during the teaching phase you change the circumstances of the command; give the command from beside him, behind him or at a distance.

Three is to proof the action. When you proof you add in distractions when you give the command. If you normally train where it is quiet with no other dogs or people, then when proofing, you might have another dog in the area. Or, as someone walks close to you, tell your dog to sit. When he does, praise him but if he doesn’t, go back to the teaching phase.

This style of dog training will result in amazing benefits. Remember to be patient, persistent, and consistent; and strive for great timing!

Want to find out more about Dog Training, then visit Paulette Bethel’s site on how to choose the best Dog Training With Positive Reinforcement for your needs.

categories: Positive Reinforcement Dog Training, dog training, obedience training

Oct 31 2010

Dog Obedience Training- A Guide To Obedience Training Your Dog

Dog Obedience Training You Dog Needs to Learn

Dog obedience training is one of the most vital aspects that will play a part in a dog’s relationship with its master. This training will teach the dog how to conduct itself in certain situations that it will likely encounter in the days ahead. Using a professional trainer to train dogs about obedience involves costs. Some owners cannot afford to spend for the cost of such training. As an alternative, they will opt to do the training themselves.

The Benefits of Dog Obedience Training

Obedience training develops quickness and attentiveness in your dog, especially if the commands are delivered clearly. In order for the dog to give a good execution, its trainer must learn to give the right commands; the commands that the dog has been trained to perform. It is your primary duty to understand your dog if you want to train it to be obedient. It is not the dog’s responsibility to understand you because it does not know how to analyze. However, it is important to establish a connection with your dog so that you can communicate better.

Assuming Alpha leadership is the most important factor that makes every dog training task a success. If you want your dog to obey you, you must be its alpha leader in the first place. It is easier for your dog to obey if it has acknowledged that you are the one in control.

Basic Dog Commands

Dog training has been made very accessible with dog training handbooks, DVDs or e-books. With these, teaching your dog to perform basic commands like sit, stay, heel, speak or quiet. These are the commands that will teach your dog to become attentive. Once your dog learns to perform these commands, it will be easier to train them for other skills.

Barking and biting are among the dog’s natural activities and responses. It is very hard for them not to do it, but certain methods have been formulated that can help you deal with these issues as your dog develops special skills.

Dogs tend to be distracted with many things while walking. Proper training can teach your dog to refrain from pulling on the leash while you’re walking down the street. Consult your training guide for steps and try to master it through constant practice.

It is important to train a dog to obey. Its skills can help it in many ways. Dogs that don’t behave well and still below 12 months old can still learn dog obedience lessons, but you need to figure out a good dog training class to equip your dog with the necessary foundations.

Carrying it Forward at Home

What you taught your dog will have a tendency to vanish in thin air if you are not consistent in making your dog perform it. Make a good follow-through of its training by constant practice at home. This is also another way of giving your dog the message that you’re its boss. Encourage members of you family to follow on with the method that you have begun.

Be consistent. Your dog gets easily confused if you keep changing rules; the more that it will forget what you taught it if you often deviate from the pattern of stimuli and responses that it has tagged overtime.

Stan Beck, after long years of doing efficient Dog Training, has come up with Easy Dog Training Methods and he is more than willing to share it with you. Visit his website now!

categories: dog training, dog behavior training, dog obedience training, obedience training, puppy obedience training, dog obedience methods

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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