Sunday, October 26, 2008

Proven Advice To Potty Train Your Puppy

When you bring a new puppy home, you can't help but notice that he is just so adorable in his new surroundings! Beside enjoying your little pal, you also want to protect your home so your furnishings and carpets aren't ruined. Now what are you going to do?

By teaching your puppy where to relieve himself, you'll also be protecting your home. How can that be accomplished?

Grab your free dog training course and learn more about how to house puppy train.

Dogs act mainly from habits that have been developed over a period of time and that fact can help you as a dog owner. Don't let your puppy create his own habits. Teach him the ones you want him to learn. Puppies have limitations it would be well to keep in mind. Your puppy's bladder is very small, so he can't wait very long before having to urinate. You'll need the character traits of patience and understanding to deal with your new pal's limitations.

Yelling at your puppy if he has an accident isn't a good idea. You need to keep in mind that patience is critical while training your new pal. If your puppy has an accident on the living room carpet, be gentle with him. Tell him "no" in a gentle way. Then pick him up and place him where you do want him to go potty. Then tell him to go potty in that place in your own words.

You would be wise to purchase a crate for your puppy to sleep in since he won't want to soil his bed. Your dog may enjoy owning his own dog playpen as you train him.

Be aware that there are certain times when your new pal is more likely to want to relieve himself. First thing in the morning is one of the times when your puppy will need to relieve himself. Your little pal will need to go potty after eating -- such as right after breakfast or after any other meal. Be sure to take your puppy to his designated toilet area before he goes to bed at night. Play time will probably activate your puppy's urge to relieve himself.

Your new pet needs close supervision. If he goes potty on his own outside, be sure to praise him immediately. If he should go potty inside the house, you need to gently but sternly let him know that isn't the right place to go. Be sure to praise your puppy when he does go in the correct place. He really needs your approval.

Your puppy will often let you know when he's about to relieve himself. Wandering off, sniffing and circling are signs that your puppy is ready to relieve himself. Maybe he'll go and stand at the door.

Patience and kindness goes a long way in dog training. Be sure to spend time training your new pal to urinate or deficate where you have chosen for him to go. The time and effort you put into training your new pal will be worth it when he knows the right time and place to relieve himself.

Watch free dog training video plus learn how to potty train puppy to go potty where you want your pal to go.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Leash Aggression Basics And The All Important Stay Command

Many dogs have an aggressive side, and you often see this when they are on leashes. Dogs that are normally well-behaved can lunge and snarl at other dogs and people as you walk down the street. While he needs exercise, you do not want to put others at risk. What can you do about leash aggression? Exercise is essential for all dogs, and there are ways you can correct your dog's behavior so you can both get out and enjoy the fresh air. Walks don't need to be dreaded, just handled in a careful and consistent manner.

Learn to anticipate your dog's behavior before he acts aggressively. If you see something that will trigger him, divert his attention. Tell him to sit or lie down. This will keep his mind off the trigger until it has passed. Dogs often become very aggressive when they meet other dogs. If your dog does this, it is important that you not physically react when you see a dog on your route. Your dog can pick up on your body signals and will be much more apt to act up. Stay calm and keep the leash firmly in hand without pulling or tensing.

Muzzles and gentle leader harnesses can be useful training tools for dogs who lunge. Gentle leaders are designed to keep a dog from lunging, and muzzles will prevent biting. If you use them, make sure to train your dog at the same time. Don't plan on relying on these tools indefinitely. At this point, if the leash aggression isn’t being eliminated, you might consider a trainer. It can become very dangerous to other people and dogs in your neighborhood. Many dogs pull and lunge when on a leash. If your dog displays this very natural reaction to being on a leash, it is vital that you take action as soon as possible so it doesn't become either an irritating habit or a dangerous one.

The stay command is one of the most useful for your dog. While indicative of a well-trained dog, the stay command can also keep your dog safe in different settings. To help facilitate teaching this command, use treats and praise liberally. SitStayFetch can help you gain even better control over your dog. To learn to stay, your dog first needs to know how to sit and/or lie down. When he masters this, staying is the next step. Begin by telling him to sit or lie down. As he does this, put your hand out and say, "Stay." Make sure you use a firm yet calm voice.

Your dog may only be able to stay for a second or two at first. No matter how long he stays, remember to praise him and give him a treat. He will be able to stay longer as he practices. As he progressses, teach him when it is time to move. Many people say "Come" or "Ok" to release their dogs. Again, make sure to praise him and give him a reward - this makes the training process much easier and quicker.puppy potty training works especially well when accompanied by kudos and treats. Gradually work on the length of time that your dog sits and stays before you give the release command. Make him work for that treat! Optimal training should last about five to ten minutes at a time. Any more than that will strain your dog's attention span and counteract your efforts.

Another way that dogs are like children is that they have short attention spans! If you require him to train for longer than ten minutes, he is likely to become obstinate and disobedient. Also keep in mind that he'll have to have a lot of practice in order to perfect the command. Repeat "Stay" several times and be prepared to reteach him the command a few times. Soon, your dog will be able to stay even if you leave the room. Even if you phase out the treats, remember to praise your dog for this accomplishment.

Obtain more information on dog training collars.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

A Dog Trainers Secrets To Puppy Toilet Training

Before you start any dog or puppy training program, concentrate on the end result you're after, rather than what you don't want. So as you start each exercise with your dog, imagine the end result and create a clear image of what you're planning to create, and focus on it throughout the session. Don't waste any time pondering over what it is that you don't want to happen.

If you don't have a destination in mind, how are you ever going to arrive there? That's true of most things in life, particularly when it comes to dog training tips too

It's a natural emotion to concentrate on the things we don't want in our lives. And it seems to be a wide spread phenomenon with dog training too. Not wanting our dog to pee anywhere inside our house is right up there, or to chew the sofa, or disobey our commands, or start barking incessantly when our sweet old aunt comes to visit.

But think about it. Especially if you're thinking of getting a new puppy in the home. Are you actually considering spending the next eight to fourteen years of your life chasing your dog around saying, "No no no"? Wouldn't it be better to guide your dog into behaviors that you want?

A perfect example is when you think, "The dog had better not chew my shoes, or furniture," try, "My dog will chew and play with his own squeezy toys." Instead of, "I hate it when the dog harasses and jumps up on people who visit the house," try instead, "It would be nice for the dog to sit nicely and welcome visitors."

By focusing on the positive aspects of your training goals, you will have a much clearer path to successfully training your dog. Wouldn't you agree that's a much better way to approach your new dog training course.

Should You Use Rewards?

The most important aspect people have realized in house breaking puppy over the last few years is the trend away from concentrating on correcting bad behavior, or punishment, to rewarding obedience and favorable actions.

Most trainer now favor the practice of rewarding a well behaved dog especially for puppy toilet training. A fundamental reason for using rewards is that if you make a mistake using punishment, the outcome can be pretty sad. It's not overly common, but your dog could become frightened or even aggressive in response to the punishment. Other dogs shut down. They simply lose their bounce and energy. Some may even appear completely broken spirited.

Using rewards training methods also makes you feel good. Heaping praise and treats on your dog gives a powerful sense of achievement.

And best of all, reward-based training really works. The main reason being that rewards of this nature help to stimulate and build acceptable behavior. As soon as she discovers that rewards come for a particular action of behavior, your pet will want to repeat he behavior as often as possible. By figuring out how to apply that simple rule, using rewards will make your training days a lot easier and more productive.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

A Guide To Dog Training

Before starting dog training, it is best that you know your options well. These days you can find many types of dog training, in many different places. These trainings vary in price and each one them has something different to offer.

The first type of dog training is known as puppy preschool. This is a dog training course meant for puppies that are about 6 weeks to 5 months old. These puppy preschool classes generally last for no more than 6 to 8 weeks. In these training sessions, your puppy is essentially taught how to socialize with people and as well as other puppies. Here your puppy also begins to learn how to sit down, stay at a place, and how to come.

The second type of dog training course is meant for the dogs that are at least 5 months old. This type of dog training is known as the basic dog training. The duration of these classes is usually about 8 to 10 weeks. This is the basic course, where your dog is taught the art of walking properly on a leash, sitting, staying, coming and heeling.

The third type of dog training course is known as the intermediate dog training. This dog training aims at teaching the dog mostly the same things that are taught in the basic training course, in a more detailed form. Here the dog is trained to stay for a longer span of time, and is also taught to follow the orders given by other people.

The intermediate dog training generally lasts for about 8 to 10 weeks, and is meant for those that are no less than 5 months old. It is essential for the dog to have completed its basic dog training course, or to be accustomed to the basic commands that could have been taught by the owner.

The next type of training course is known as the advanced dog training course. Here, once again, the course is quite similar to its previous one, i.e., the intermediate dog training course, except for the fact that this time it is more detailed. Here, the dog is taught how to sit even without you in the view.

This training course is about 8 to 10 weeks long, and is meant for those that have completed their intermediate training. Here, they are also trained to walk beside their owners without a leash. Moreover, it gradually prepares the dog to take the Canine Good Citizen training course. The Canine Good Citizen training for dogs is the last course. To pass this course, your dog will be taught the 10 necessary aspects.

This course is strictly meant for those dogs that have completed all the previous courses. The test is quite tough and can only be passed if the dog is really well behaved. Depending on whether your dog can pass, the course can last for several weeks.

Keeping this information in mind, you should be able to decide the dog training course best suited for your dog. However, you may seek the opinion of your local dog trainers to know more. Many trainers consult for free. So now you should be at least a step closer to introducing your dog into a training course!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

A Golden Retriever Might be the Right Addition to Your Family

Selecting the right dog breed for you and your family is an important decision. There are several hundred breeds of dogs from around the world so your choices are virtually limitless. The American Kennel Club categorized the different breeds by groups with each group having distinguishing characteristics that are shared by all the breeds in it. The Golden Retriever is in the Sporting Group.

The Sporting Group is made up of some of the oldest and most popular dog breeds. Many of the dogs in this category were bred for hunting although most people who own sporting dogs only keep them as family pets, rather than hunters. The hunting traits, however, create some of the most enjoyable aspects of owning a sporting dog. Goldens are natural retrievers, so you can enjoy them fetching a tennis ball for what seems like forever. Another trait is their outgoing personality, making sporting dogs enthusiastic and responsive partners. The Golden Retriever was bred to be tough and strong. Don’t let the happy, silly face fool you. While any Golden will delight in lazing around the house or wrestling on the floor with your family, the dog breed is particularly adept in the field.

As puppies, Goldens are full of energy and can be especially mouthy. Make sure you direct your puppy's need to chew to appropriate chew toys. Remember, puppies aren't fussy and don't discriminate. A chair leg works as well for them as a sterilized bone. Goldens are very trainable, athletic, and good-natured. They have a keen desire to please. You can find them performing with tails wagging and eyes shining in the obedience, agility, and fly ball arenas. They are also excellent with children.

The Golden Retriever is generally light yellow to deep golden honey in color. The coat tends to get a little deeper in color after the first year. They tend to be about twenty-four inches tall at the withers (shoulders), with females being slightly shorter. Their coat should be long and either flat or wavy. They'll need to be brushed properly or their coat will form thick mats .So, if you are looking for a loyal companion that will be great with kids or adults, you should definitely find a local breeder and spend some time getting to know a Golden.

Monday, October 13, 2008

6 easy ways to find a good dog training professional

Finding a good dog training professional. With so many people advertising in the field of professional dog training today, trying to determine who's truly qualified to look after your dog can be overwhelming. What to look for when choosing a professional to help you with dog training :

1) A good reputation, ask around and get recommendations from your vet, other dog owners, or local kennel clubs.
2) Experience. - Inquire about their background, i.e. number of years experience.
3)A genuine love of and devotion to dogs.
4) Extensive and up to date knowledge. Dedicated trainers keep themselves updated by attending dog training and animal behaviour courses, conferences, seminars and workshops.
5) Their training methodology and handling skills. A good trainers first concern should be the dogs well being.
6) Memberships with reputable associations, organizations and training clubs.

General dog obedience tips

Training should be a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. If you are not in the right mood for training, don’t even begin. Always reward your dog for obeying your commands promptly! A reward is anything that your dog wants and is willing to work for. Treats are an obvious reward but other rewards could be verbal praise and toys. Several shorter sessions are usually better than one long one. Training should not involve any negative components or punishment . There should be no shouting, no hitting or smacking, no chain jerking on choke chains or collars, and absolutely no electric shocking! Each training session should be enjoyable and positive with rewards for jobs well done.

Training with head collars
Pulling on the lead is one of the few unpleasant experiences of bringing up a new puppy or dog. Using a head collar for dog training has become very popular over the last few years. Training with a head collar does have some advantages over the traditional training collar. Although very simple to use, it is important that head collars are fitted correctly and your dog properly introduced to the collar. Head collars are generally more intuitive to use than a traditional training collar. Head collars are very effective when controlling dogs in difficult situations.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Do you Know How to Find a Good Priced Dog Training Collar?

Do you Know How to Find a Good Priced Dog Training Collar?

Is it worth to invest in your dog’s training? It is important to know you will devote a lot of time and need to spend some money to successfully train your dog.

It is perfectly okay to buy very expensive dog collars if you prefer doing so. However, you will find there are a great deal of choices for you to choose from that do not cost as much. Starting from stone studded collars to fashion dog collars, you can get anything but may end up spending a fortune. However, for some owners it is never practical to spend so much for an item that could be obtained at a lesser price and also have the basic functions needed. If you have a dog with a lot of energy or is highly curious you can find it stressful to train them, as you learn to deal with all his behavior patterns.

After investing for your dog’s training without satisfactory results, many owners tend to cut down from spending too much on other things that contribute nothing to improving the behavior of the dog. An option for cutting back on cost would be the type of dog training collar you use. If the dog you are training likes to chew on things you may not want to invest in a nicer, more expensive collar at least until he begins learning to respond well to training. It is important to realize that the behavior of the dog and teaching them to respond to training is the main thing to focus on and not the collar, or any other accessories.

While dog collars are instrumental in gaining better control and correcting lesser unwanted dog behaviors, the expensive ones could still put a dent in the budget of the owner. This is the reason why many owners resort to buying cheap dog training collars as good alternatives, without having to sacrifice the function of the item, or adding an unnecessary financial burden. To get a cheap collar with good value it is best to first evaluate the product before looking at how much it costs. It is a common mistake among buyers to use the cost as the basis for assessing the value, rather then basing it on the function and reliability.

However, cost can be a good way to determine if your looking at the right collar but it should not be the sole influence on your final decision. You can find remarkable good dog training collars marked at an exceptionally good price. However, since it is tagged with a low price the buyer might immediately conclude that it does not perform well. Don’t give into the mind set that pricing equals quality. People may think that the more money they spend will automatically mean that they are getting a better quality training collar for their dog. This can indeed be the truth for certain brand names but is not always the case. You should do some research to find the best bargains available.

When advanced technologies are integrated into the collar, they are often retailed at much higher prices. The popular electronic dog collar is a good example. The price of this collar runs anywhere from $100 to $999 depending on the types of features installed in the item. You can expect a lot higher prices when more advanced technologies are used in making the collar. Dog collars can cost a few hundred dollars and many people find it very impractical to buy items with such outrageous price tags. With a little research you can find the type of collar you want and in the price range your willing to spend.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Dog Training Secrets

If you’re as much of a dog lover as I am, you’re well aware that a dog plays a special role in a home. He is part of the family. Just as we train and teach our kids, we should also teach and train our dog. It is a proud feeling to have a dog that is well mannered and obedient. The dog appreciates it too, knowing that he’s pleasing his human friends. It does not come naturally for them to obey. Hence, they need to be shown, through firmness and kindness, but never through physical pain. Never, ever hit or smack a dog as it will only make them more nervous or aggressive, not to mention that it’s cruel. Instead you need to have a lot of patience and perseverance as well.

Whether you decide to train your dog yourself, with the guidance of someone else, or a handbook training course, please remember the most important thing - any type of action has to be done again and again. It is only when it is repeated that he will get the hang of it. Humans aren’t the only species that is forgetful, dogs are too. They need to be reminded often and instructions need to be repeated again and again. But once he is trained, he will hardly need any instruction again. The training will be permanently imbedded. He will be well behaved and will possess a good temperament. Everyone loves a dog that follows its master's commands and is well behaved. For in depth training information, visit my training site through the link in my resource box below.

Also when you train him, make him understand who is boss. Dogs have a tendency to take over and try to be the boss, if they realize that the owner is not taking the initiative. Training together also brings you both closer together and strengthens your relationship. There are many good schools in case you want to send him elsewhere to be trained. It is this training that could save his or yours. It is when a trained dog knows what to do, that he will salvage a situation. It is also every important to understand his speed of learning and his overall ability to learn, as many dogs possess varying levels of those qualities. And if you want him to be well trained, then understanding his feelings and taking them into consideration is a big part of the package.

Many training regimens are good for the dog in many ways. Fetching, for example, gets your dog much needed exercise. The dog also enjoys it because he recognizes it as play and, therefore, fun. Truth be told, it’s fun for humans, too. And we as a group can also certainly use the exercise.

About the author:

Jim Nettleton is a radio and TV professional and a lifelong dog lover. Visit his training site at: http://www.jaynetinc.com/DogTrainingSecrets.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Dog Training Points To Remember



A dog owner should set his mind in the right frame if he wants to train his dog. This would prevent him from violating any dog rules, an act that could really detriment the dog's interest on learning. Following the rules of training will also prevent the owner from doing the things that could harm his relationship with the dog. There are certain rules in training a dog that must be followed including the following:

Stay focused

Incompletion of a task usually leads to confusion. Make certain that when a command is given, both you and your dog will follow through. Try not to be distracted whenever you order a command. If you are commanding your dog to sit. When the command is given, make sure both of you follow through with it. Do not tug on the collar of your dog and stop halfway and be distracted. Always finish one command first then move on to the next.

The dog should sit completely and not just bend his rear legs. If you do not make this happen, the dog will think that next time you give the command it would be okay for him not to complete the task or to ignore it completely. Always stay focused, this way, you would eliminate the possibility of confusion and maximize the obedience to a command.

Rewards and punishments

Many owners are anxious to let their dogs hear a string of praises or be rewarded with several cookies instead of one whenever a command is accomplished. On the other hand, a lot of owners give too many punishments on a single wrong thing that the dog did instead of punishing him just once. Both could adversely affect the training of the dog.

Never over do the rewarding or punishing of the dog's behavior. If you are using praises as reward, do not over praise the dog. Praising your dog will make the dog realize that you are in favor of his abilities. This should be said immediately after the command is accomplished.

In the same way, a single pulling of the check cord will be enough if the dog did not follow your command. This would send him the signal that something is wrong.

Overdosing the dog with either rewards or punishments will distract him from learning. He would only remember the praises or the punishments and not the thing he did or he did not do.

End with a positive note

For every training session, make it a point that the training will end with a positive praise. The dog will welcome the next session as they will feel the need to please you. Also, ensure to it that the last command was accomplished correctly so that the dog is oriented properly to following commands.

Never lose your patience

Often when trainers don’t get the results they want, they get impatient with the dog. They then may do something that will ruin the training.

Small dog training should be an enjoyable experience for you and your pet. If it starts to make you lose your temper and your dog a lot more disobedient, you should try to assess your pitfalls.

Dog training is really a difficult business. If you are not prepared for it, you could get help from dog training classes and instructors.

Dog Training Schools: How to Choose

dog obedience training

The truth is there are so many dog training schools that offer their services to anyone willing to pay them. The problem though is not all schools will meet your standards or your expected guarantees. Here are some points of considerations when trying to choose a good school for training your dog.

Reputation

Reputable has different meanings to different people- for some it is the capacity to yield good results regardless of the means, for others it is the popularity of the school itself which makes it highly recommended. Knowing the school by reputation is a good indicator as to the popularity of the school and the training methods used. It also reflects how many people have trusted on them.

You could ask around to find a school with a good reputation or check local websites. Veterinarians usually have several names of schools and trainers to give you, your dog breeder could also provide you with some references and ASPCA or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals can provide a list of registered names that are sure to use humane methods approved by the organization.

Different Aspects of Training

Any self-respecting training school uses responsible dog training collars methods. The school must have equal concern to your dog as you do, treating your dog one of their own. Beware of schools that employ trainers who still use old training methods such as yelling or hurting the dogs for there exists many of this kind.

A good school should use humane techniques that promote positive training and limits the use of risky negative reinforcement techniques. The former covers praises and the use of dog treats in recognition of the desirable behavior while the negative reinforcement techniques include practices like alpha rolling, choking and yelling.

Sufficient knowledge

The knowledge on training of the schools must range from the oldest unreliable method to the latest training techniques for dogs. Having extensive orientation in this field would optimize the capacity of your dog to learn since it would be exposed to all possible trainings to which it could respond well.

When researching training schools, look for information on seminars with dog trainers for a good idea on what they offer. Remember that you would pay hefty amounts to get your dog trained, it is but proper that you and your dog receive proper compensation for your investment.

Another thing that you should keep in mind is that the school's exposure to widespread training. There are schools that claim of specialization while others advertise that they have sufficient knowledge on all fields of dog training. Your choice should depend largely on the scope of knowledge the training school has.

Classroom Arrangement

There are two types of classroom set-ups- group classes and private lessons. The main advantage of the group class is that it promotes socialization and good behavior in the presence of other dogs. Also, when the owner trains alongside his dog, the owner could benefit from exposure to other handlers' mistakes and techniques.

On the other hand, private trainings could not yield these advantages. There is also a good chance that the transfer of learning and obedience to command given by persons other than the trainer is poor.

It is easy to pick any dog training school but choosing the right one for your dog could prove to be a tedious process.

Selecting an Electric Shock Dog Collar

If you are interested in getting an electric shock dog collar for your dog, there are a few things that you are going to want to be aware of first. Mainly you are going to want to learn more about the argument on whether the electronic shock dog collar is cruel or humane.

What The Electric Shock Dog Collar Are


In order to make your own conclusion on whether the electric shock dog collar is cruel or not, you are first going to need to learn more about this type of dog collar in general and how they work. One thing only, you must know what you are doing. If you are a beginners, get the Swedish Silent Nylon Training Collar from trainingcollar.com and start in a dog training club to get the basic knowledge.

These dog collars make dog training easy for you, so that you can teach your dog how to stop barking. You only need to keep the collar on them for a certain period of time, after which they will have been permanently trained and you can take the collar off and should never have to put it back on them again.

They work by lightly shocking your dog when they bark, not enough to harm them but just enough to make them realize that what they are doing wrong. You should start by putting the electric shock dog collar on at times throughout the day or night when your dog may bark but should not be, for instance when you have guests over or when you are leaving to go to work in the morning.

Where to Buy Electric Shock Dog Collar


If you have decided that the dog collar is safe to try on your dog, which it is, and you would like to try one on your own dog, you can generally just head to your local pet supply store and find what you need.

These dog collars are so popular that there is almost no pet store that you can find that will not offer a electric shock dog collar selection for you to choose from.

These are really great dog training devices, well worth a try at least, if your dog has a problem with barking. Every good pet owner will make sure that their dog is trained properly and not being rude or upsetting to you and your guests.

You want your dog to be polite and welcoming, and make sure that they do not annoy or frighten you or people in your home. This is certainly not the only device out there that you can use to get your dog to stop barking, but this is definitely one of the best options out there today.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Simple Principles in Dog Obedience Training

Three Principles on Dog Obedience Training

Dogs, even when their breeding is maximized and well-adapted to human needs, will always need some basic obedience training as they would never figure this out on their own. To be successful in obedience training you need to understand the differences between effective and non-effective training techniques. Principles to Learn:

Principle One: CONSISTENCY

Consistency is the first basic rule in effective dog training. You need to be consistent in the words you use, the tone they are spoken in and the actions that accompany them. During the beginning of the training, the trainer or the dog owner must decide what should be the parameters of training, such as what and how you are going to teach the dog.

At first the word commands, such as "come", does not make sense to a dog. He does not understand things the way humans think and he does not understand the language we use. It is important to make the training effective, by being very consistent in attaching the same voice tone, body movement or hand jester with every command that is given to your dog.

An example would be if you use the word, "come", then you need to make sure everyone else in the household using the same word. The command "Come" specifically means that the dog should approach the giver of the command. When you are using this command be sure not to use any signals or body movements that would be confusing to the dog.

If he does not come to you, do not force the dog to come to you and then punish him for doing so. If you punish the dog over and over after giving the command they will begin to associate the word with the punishment. The dog will not want to follow the same command because in his mind it leads to punishment.

Being consistent in your dog commands is to be followed by anyone who works with the dog. For example, if you are using the command "come", other people in the household should not replace it with words like "here" or, "come here boy".

Principle Two: KEEP IT SHORT

The hours devoted to training and the words used as command should be kept short. Dogs tend to have a short attention span, it is best to limit the training so they keep the interest level to it’s peak during the days lesson. Puppies usually react to a specific stimulus, but not for a very long time, they may begin to chase a moving toy, and quickly lose interest, then move on to the next thing.

They can quickly loose interest in an activity sometimes within just moments after beginning, and will need something else to stimulate their senses. They also often become board during training and that is why it’s best to limit the time to 10 - 15 minutes a day.

Third Principle: No Punishment or Force Allowed

A trainer should never hurt the dog in any way, you should make it a goal to have the training be a positive experience for all involved. You should absolutely never punish a dog just because he did not do something he wasn’t prepared for, nor force a dog to do something he does not understand.

Make sure not to over do it when training your dog. A good trainer realizes dogs do not learn things instantly and so they are very patient and show understanding towards the animal they are working with. All he knows is that you are mad.

So do not use force as this does not communicate your meaning properly, instead gives a negative reinforcement. If he knows that he is praised when he does something right, he should not be praised when he does not follow a command.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

High Quality Web Design - Heritage Web Solutions

A friend of mine recently told me about one firm he worked with in order to create his new web site for Dog Care Solutions. I was pretty impressed about what he told me about Heritage Web Solutions and that is why I just had to recommend this company to my readers. In fact, I was quite surprised with the success that this web design company had along the years. Heritage Web Solutions is a site that specializes in web design and you are faced with web sites that are quite affordable, aimed towards medium and small sized businesses. All started as a 2 men part time job in the beginning to what it is now: one company that is highly respected and a multi-million dollar company, all established in just 3 years.

If you decide to use their services you will get a special, one of a kind web site so you will not be handed a simple template that hundreds of other people have. This is from the start a special point that is one of the strong points of the company. To make it all even better, Heritage Web Solutions does offer site design that simply looks perfect. Make sure that you consider them for your web design services and take a look at the web sites that they created, all featured on their official web site. If you thought that this was special, think again: there are even more reasons why you should think about this seriously. I do believe in the fact that any web site out there needs to reach its goal. In this case, if you want to create one you should make sure that your web design is the best it could be. This is why you do need a company with experience like Heritage Web Solutions. You are even able to call them and discuss with a specialist so that you will get the best possible solution for your particular case!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Are Electric Collars Effective in Dog Training?

Almost all dog owners wonder if electrical collars are effective in dog training. The answer is definitely yes; this is a very useful tool for training aid. They can no only quickly get the dog to pay attention to you, but you can also easily get rid of the animal’s bad and unwanted behaviors. Of course this innovative device has its advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will present and discuss the benefits and the possible problems that could appear when using the electrical collar, also referred to as shock collar.

Firstly, let’s try to understand how this accessory works. The electrical collar, that has two probes in contact with the animal’s neck skin, is a receiver that when triggered by a remote transmitter, it remits an electrical shock to the training animal. The remote transmitter’s range differs from one model to another, but it can get to one mile. At first, in the beginning of the training, the charge is approximately low, but efficient, because the animal learns what behaviors can stop the shock stimulation.

However, as the training continues and the animal begins to learn how it should behave, what behavior is correct and what is unwanted, the electrical collar is used less and less, especially to punish incorrect behavior, to transmit a clear message: what is right and what is wrong. Now, that we analyzed how the shock collar works, we should discuss about why to use it, about its benefits and its effectiveness.

Why one should use the electrical collar in dog training? On the first hand, this accessory permits you to control your pet from a fairly long distance. Absolving you from yelling or using other noise-making methods, this method consists in a big advantage when you are in an environment that requires silence, for example hunting lands. Another reason for using this device is excluding other rather violent training methods that would put you in a threatening position. This way you can correct the animal’s behavior without to intimidate it.

But the long distance could be also a disadvantage. How can this be? Simple; there is the risk to lose your dog, if it gets too far and out of the transmitter’s range and the collar would become useless, the animal escaping from the electrical stimulus. So you would not only lose your dog, but an expensive device too.

Also, you can add the price to the list of disadvantages. One of these things costs at least 100$. Further more, you have to consider the risk to lose the dog with the expensive collar at its neck. Some dogs even manage to break it loose.

On the other hand, an important benefit of this method is that the training process takes a lot less time than using other ones; many of those who used it sustain that it takes half training time to teach the animal simple command. This only reason is enough for many dog owners to consider this training system.

Nevertheless, we can find another disadvantage; the electrical shock can cause the animal some pain. This can be a problem for some people. However, the purpose of this device is to break the animal from bad habbits.

In conclusion, the electrical collar is very effective in dog trening, but it has its advantages and disadvantages. Used properly, it can really ease a trainer’s job. But, on the contrary, used incorrectly, it can ruin a dog’s life. These being said, every trainer takes full responsability if he or she choses this traning method, and decides if it fits to his or her dog.