Showing posts with label dog training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog training. Show all posts

Sunday, February 5, 2012

A Dog To Take To Competitions - Afghan Hound

With the looks of a glamor mannequin, and the physique of an athlete, the Afghan Hound Dog Breed is an instantly recognizable canine breed. These tall, smooth sight hounds can stand as excessive as 29 inches at the shoulder, and might weigh between 44 to fifty nine pounds. Their trademark long, silky coat can be any coloration, although white markings aren't permitted. Another frequent, attribute is a black facemask, whereas some canine even have an extended Manchu-like moustache, called a 'mandarin'. As the name suggests, the breed originated in Afghanistan the place they have been used for searching small game. They have been originally introduced to the west in the nineteenth century, however by the tip of the First World Struggle had all however disappeared. The canine we all know at the moment just about all descend from a bunch imported to Scotland in the 1920's. These canines shortly became star performers at many dog shows, and soon gained recognition from the kennel clubs in all major English-speaking countries.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Dog Training Explained easily

On the subject of pets, canines are actually in a league of their own. Not like the aloof cat or placid goldfish, having a pet canine encourages its proprietor to interact with it, play with it, talk to it, run around with it, and so on. No different pets kind as sturdy a bond with its proprietor as canines do. Inherently sociable animals, dogs love being the focal point, meeting new folks and seeing new places. The issue many canine homeowners face, nevertheless, is the way to include or control their canine's natural excitement so they do not jump on company, chase cars or chew all the pieces in the home ragged.

Small Dog Training is clearly the answer - however what precisely is it? Most new dog house owners should not aware of the ins and outs of dog obedience training, and are not sure of how precisely to tame little Fido so it doesn't pee in every single place and chew on the curtains. The good news is that dog coaching courses are pretty widespread in most cities, and are inexpensive sufficient for many pet owners. Even better information is that with a little research, you your self can prepare your canine using the identical techniques and ways used by the experts. Don't anticipate to grow to be a canine whisperer after reading just one book, nonetheless - canine training is a ability many knowledgeable trainers hone over years working with hundreds of dogs. However any god owner can definitely decide up many helpful coaching abilities from reading just one guide or attending just a few classes on canine training.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Do Dogs Understand People?

The difference between dogs and people is that dogs speak another language. To start with a little joke, here is what you should understand. Just click the picture to read the joke. The only problem between us and them is that we don’t understand them and don’t know how to communicate. Dogs only understand gesture and the energy around gestures. Most of the time people make mistakes when they choose their dog because they have a different state of mind.

One example is that busy people choose dogs that are young and need to consume the energy that they have and don’t have enough time to stay with them and train them to be receptive. For that, people need to be calm and assertive and to bring their dogs to the same energy (that is calmness) that they have. In order to do this, you have to walk them every day, run to consume their energy and they will follow.

Most people take their dogs to training because they do not know how to calm a dog. That is only because the owner of the dog doesn’t know how to be an assertive leader. I said leader because dogs are followers and they always need to know from you what they should be doing. That is why dogs always stare at you all day. It’s because they need do to something. The simple fact that you need to know about training dogs all by yourself is that dogs need to be trained just like children who don’t speak.

Dogs are very intelligent and reliable because, no matter what you do, they do not know the meaning of the word hate. For example, if you walk down the street and you see a dog that is showing you his teeth, of course you will get scared and say that he is mad. The only problem is that the example dog is not mad. He is just protecting himself because he is scared of humans and was maybe mistreated by a lot of people until he met you. Just like with a person, to gain his trust you have to work for it. The only way to do that is to be a calm person, with a low level of energy.

As far as you can see, the only problem between us and them is that we don’t know how to speak or understand what they are saying in their own language. Dogs can be trained to help people in a lot of ways but that it takes time.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Dog Training: Preventing Bad Habits and Inspiring Great Ones

Dogs have a lot of loveable natural qualities, but they also have some not-so-cute behaviors. Digging is one of the latter, but it can persist as they bury bones, create impromptu shelters, and just feel the dirt between their paws.

Digging can not only ruin your yard, but it can ruin your relationship with your pet. Can you stop this behavior before it gets out of control?

As with children, dogs do things for a reason. Why is your dog digging? If you can figure this out, you are halfway to a solution. Does he just love to fling dirt?

There are reasons why your dog may dig in your yard: he may need more exercise and stimulation. He may be hoarding food or trying to cool off or stay warm in the ground. He may be trying to investigate the smell of fertilizer or fresh dirt.

If you have determined that your dog needs more stimulation and is digging as a way of getting attention, you can attack the problem by offering him more opportunities for exercise and interaction. Dog training collars can be a effective technique for solving the problem.

If that doesn't help, your dog may have developed a digging habit! The following suggestions can help:

1. Dogs can often be deterred from undesirable behavior if there is an unpleasant consequence. Try burying a balloon in your dog's frequent digging spots. Once he pops one balloon, he may be over his habit.

2. Fill some of the holes your dog has made with his own feces. When he revisits the holes, he will be disgusted by this. It is enough to deter him from digging.

3. Chicken wire is another thing you can bury in your yard to deter your dog from digging. He'll hate the feeling of his claws against the wire and will be prompted to stop.

4. When you catch your dog digging, give him a spray from a water bottle or hose. They hate this (but it is not harmful). They will learn to associate the punishment with the crime. Only do this when you catch him digging or he will not connect the behavior with the consequence.

You love your pet; you don't have to love his bad habits too. If digging is a problem, take immediate steps to correct your dog's behavior. He'll be happy, and your yard will thank you. As with click here, coaching will take hold eventually and your dog will be able to correct bad behaviour.

Another Great Way to Modify Your Dogs Behaviour - Training With Clickers

The use of clickers in dog training has increased in recent years. It is a gentle way to condition your dog to repeat good behavior.

Clicker training works on the principle of operant conditioning. This is when a behavior is repeated because a reward is associated with it. Here is some more on how clicker training works:

You will need a clicker. This is simply a handheld plastic box. A metal strip is attached. Depressing the strip causes a sharp click.

The key to clicker training is to teach your dog to associate the click with the reward, such as a biscuit. After your dog successfully performs a command, you click. Offer the treat at the same time.

Your dog will connect the clicking sound with the behavior he just performed. Since that behavior earned him a treat, he'll want to repeat it. As the training progresses, you can stop using the treat. The click will be sufficient reward. Soon, you don't even need the clicker either.

You can often train dogs with clickers faster and more effectively than with other means. Clicking is immediate, so your dog quickly learns that his behavior is producing the treat. This encourages repetition of the desired behaviors.

Your dog really wants to make you proud. Using the clicker method is a great way to teach your dog in an effective and humane manner.

Get the information you need to take effective care of your pet with potty training a puppy.

Maltese Dog Breed Trained Video

Here is a very nice video I found on YouTube. It shows an adorable Maltese dog doing a lot of tricks and simply looking so cute. Enjoy!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Career Dog Training

Things to Know Before Considering a Career in Dog Training

People who are really passionate about dogs will sometime choose a life’s career in this field so they can use their love for dogs everyday to help them, making it their goal to become a professional dog trainer. Do you fall in the category of people who pursue their career in dog training just because someone said it is a good thing to do, or, because you have fallen so in love with dogs and want to fall even deeper?

Back to Basic Principles

Before choosing a career in dog training you should know it not only requires a love for dogs, you also need knowledge about their basic behaviors, and you will need the skills on how to handle and discipline them properly. Experienced dog trainers have a good working relationship with many dog owners, dog handlers and of course their pets.

What is your "Dog Division"?

There are two types of careers in the dog world: the pet service training and the dog training. Both have relatively high demands in the market but there are a lot more opportunities in pet dog training than in service training. Pet dog training involves teaching the dog how to live as a companion with his master and learning the basics such as obedience, being potty trained and learning acceptable behaviors which may include eliminating bad behaviors such as biting and barking.

Dog Service Training is geared towards helping people with certain disabilities or working with people undergoing therapy. Another division of service dogs may include the following: chasing criminals, drug and bomb sniffing, search and rescue dogs and hunting dogs. These are highly intensive trainings and require the handler to get sufficient preparation to lead the dog in employing its specialized functions.

Canine Psychology - What is It?

Learn all about dog behavior - their thinking, their behaviors and their reaction to stimulus. Trainers will need to constantly work with a dog to teach them to react in a desired way to any given command. Trainer should understand the basics of associative conditioning.

What about Dog Training Education?

A dog training career requires that you have basic skills in dog training and handling. Currently today, there are no colleges or universities that offer the ability for people to get degrees in dog training. The good news is that there are dog ’academies’ or ’schools’ that provide the basic training you will need. Often, the best dog trainers are often self taught and have natural inclination to dog handling. Some have apprenticed with excellent dog trainers while others simply have a natural talent for training dogs. There are also a number of dog training organizations that could provide the latest information on dog training.
A good dog trainer works with both the attitudes of people and dogs

Dog training involves training the handlers of the dog as well Therefore if you are pursuing a career in this field, it is very important that you have good people skills and that you can tolerate all types of people.

Some owners are impatient and want their dogs to learn everything fast, so they may disregard advice from the trainer, however, there are others that are more patient and open to the suggestions given by the trainer. You need to work with both types of dog handlers and everyone in between. So as you can see, a good dog trainer will not only be working with dogs but with their owners and handlers too. Dog training is not limited to "training" alone; there are also certain aspects that you should be knowledgeable of, like the maintenance of proper dog hygiene, nutrition and grooming.

Having a vast knowledge of what accessories to use and training aids that are available will help during dog competitions. You will also need the ability to distinguish different types of dog breeds and know what the fundamental differences are. You don’t have to be a master in dog training to be an excellent trainer; you only have to develop certain skills necessary in working with dogs and their handlers, by using sufficient knowledge on theories, then have the capacity to use them in a practical way.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Bird Dog Training

Dog Training Commands A good command to teach first is to "Come". Next you can teach them to "Heel".

We are often awed at watching fine bird dogs in movies and in action. These finely trained bird dogs never fail to heed their owners’ commands. When you see them perform you may begin to ask yourself, how did they do that? You may wonder if bird dog training will help bring out the best in your dog.

The simple answer is yes, but you have to invest hard.

There are several dog breeds that could be trained into being excellent bird dogs. Training them in obeying commands could be a good starting ground. Dog training professionals acknowledge the fact that dogs need to understand what command is being used in order to make them respond. In this type of training, there are main commands that should be mastered by both the owner and the dog.

The "Stay" Command

Teaching your dog to respond to your ’Stay’ command, is very important for them to learn early during training.

Dogs that follow their masters command without hesitation will demonstrate obedience and respect to his owner. Complete obedience is shown by obeying the command no matter how far the distance is between the giver of the command and the dog.

Using the command ’Whoa’ or ’Easy’ is very useful for dogs that get excited about flushing out birds, because they may begin to get out of control, and start mouthing or playing with the birds. When this happens it is easier for the owner to come to the dog and reward him for a job well done.

Commanding them to ’Come’

This is a simple command used to train your dog to come to you every time you give it. This command is one of the easiest to use. Say for example, retrieving would be a lot easier if the dog would come to you the instant you tell him to do so. Some dogs can be stubborn and may want to play or even begin to go off in another direction. Giving this command will help cut down on the distance between you and your dog in case he decides to do things his way.

Teaching them to ’Heel’

If you want your dog to walk by your side, the right command to teach your dog is, ’Heel’.

It is normally matched with another one-word command such as "okay", or "go" to signal his release. By using this command your dog will know they did a good job during the hunt and you are pleased with them.

Each and every time your dog performs correctly for you as he was instructed, always reward or praise him generously. Dogs are born with the desire to make their owners happy. If you can let your dog see that he is pleasing you with his performance and you want him to repeat it, the best thing you can do is to reward him. Over a period of time, he will learn to do the same actions for which he was rewarded and praised.

Bird dog training is not easy. It is because of this, there are few well trained bird dogs today. However, if you really want to turn your dog into a really good hunter, you should be ready to invest some time and patience in perfecting the basic commands used in his training.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Eliminate Dog Aggression

Are your dog aggression problems going out of control and are now in desperate need of obedience training? Then you have visited the right place. Here are four side-by-side reviews of the four best dog aggression training sites in the net today.

Sit Stay Fetch is the most excellent dog training website and we highly recommend it as it has lots of helpful advice to end your dog problem. Daniel Stevens discussed everything there is to know about fixing a dog's aggression issues with over 100 images to make learning easier and interesting. Next, Dog Training Secrets is very educational; although the downside is that it doesn't have supporting photos to illustrate instructions. The third is Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer. There are also some great tips given.

Sit Stay Fetch - Dog Obedience Training, covers all points of dog aggression training and helps answers many dog problems, for example, your dog being usually disobedient, your dog being over-aggressive, being quirky off-leash or even on-leash, not appropriately housetrained, etc. It has over 100 step by step photos and is a very informative. It includes the most modern dog training tips (used by professional trainers themselves) not available in other books like dog whispering and advanced behavioral training among other things.

Dog Training Secrets by Charlie Lafave, shares to you the significance of training your dog and what may happen if you don’t. Includes pretty much everything you need to know about dog training, like the 7 common behavioral problems and solutions. There's also a chapter dedicated to training adult dogs.

Starting from how to choose and purchase a dog, Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer covers all possible about training dogs. It has very useful and practical tips but on the downside, it's long and boring. Just a warning there are absolutely no pictures, some people may find this hard particularly when trying to follow instructions. It incorporates frequently asked questions of people wanting to train their dogs. There isn't a table of contents.

How To Train Your Dog in One Evening, covers 10 most frequent problems. The first thing is to help you find out the reasons your dog are having these problems. It goes on with detailed instructions telling you what to do to solve each problem. It's very direct and easy to understand. Even though it's correct, obedience training your dog in one night is almost an impossibility.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Secrets The Pros Use Housebreaking A Puppy The Easy Way

Learning to train a puppy will be much more effective if you track and test your progress along the way. That may sound very simple and basic but don't let that put you off, as it will be a big help when you come to review your progress, and look to teach your puppy new tricks as he gets older. These notes show exactly what works and how your puppy responds to various techniques, along with areas that either need improvement or a completely different technique. And just like anything else in life, planning is time well spent to ensure hitting a home run more times than you get it wrong.

Making a plan is your first task when you start train a puppy, because it can only improve the process of relocating a young dog or puppy from his happy and playful home to his new and unrecognizable surroundings. Puppies can become very stressed and anxious when parted from his family, and then is suddenly moved to strange and confusing habitat with a whole range of new and unknown faces and scents.

Fully grown dogs are not immune to bouts of anxiety caused by everything new that happens to them when they get relocated. Don't forget your dog will need lots of reassurance when you take him away from his old home; he'll just notice that his friends are gone and he doesn't recognize anything.

If humanly possible, go visit your new dog at his existing home. There will be some familiar ground for him then, when he does finally move to your place. This will mean that when you start, training your puppy your training program will be more effective as he's more comfortable with you from the start. If you really can't fit in a few visits, try taking home something from the current owner that the puppy is familiar with - like a blanket or toy of some kind or just something that will remind him of home and get used to being in an alien environment without the familiar smells and faces.

The perfect time to bring your new dog home is when you will be available to set aside a block of time to spend with him. During the holidays is ideal - providing of course you're at home and not on vacation. Please don't move you dog in, then home him in kennels while you go on vacation. Spending lots of time with him when he moves in will pay dividends in building your relationship and go a long way to beating his home sickness and stress of leaving his friends.

As humans, we prepare, decorate and equip the home for a new baby by creating a checklist of things to do and equipment to buy, tips for training a puppy needs to be given the attention to detail. Having a different number of legs shouldn't mean you get less priority.

Ideally, fence off an area of your kitchen for your new puppy. This will be his home, and will help when you start house training your puppy as well because any accidents are easier to clean off hard floors. Normally, the kitchen makes a great new home because we spend a lot of our time in these rooms, which will make a big difference in helping your puppy get acclimatized quickly.

In his previous abode, your puppy had the friendship of his littermates. Since they're not there any more he'll get lonely - so one of your new jobs is to make up for his loss of friends and keep him happy. At the same time, you shouldn't allow him free reign round the home for his first week or so and then lay down rules that prevent him doing those things when you start training him. Puppy potty training tips needs to start on day 1. The day you bring him home, start his training.

Your puppy will get mixed signals if he isn't being taught the rules right away, because it only confuses the puppy. Much of these techniques for training a puppy work well for puppies and fully grown dogs too. All dogs can experience loneliness and separation anxiety. It's up to you to help them through it. When you bring a new dog home he or she will need to learn the rules from the start. All dogs need discipline and affection in equal amounts. Having said that, your puppy will love you for it.

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!

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.

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.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

How to Start Training a Dog for Agility

A lot of dog owners want to learn how to start training a dog for agility and they should know that, although easy, it is also difficult at the same time. The dog sport of agility is a real tough competition. The pet needs to navigate through a preset obstacle course in a given pattern, without errors or with as few as possible while also obtaining the best possible time. It is not at all easy for the dog to participate in such competitions and although we recommend learning from a specialist dog trainer, here are some basic tips on how to start training a dog for agility competitions.

Some dog breeds are easier to train than others. Also, some dogs are easier to train than other dogs in the same breed. This basically means that you need patience and this is your first tip on how to start training a dog for agility: having patience while also paying attention to the well being of your dog. The truth is most dogs will need a lot of training before actually competing and a typical starting class is formed of around 6 to 7 weeks of the dog being introduced to every single obstacle that is to be faced in an individual manner. Only after this stage it is recommended to combine obstacles in series of 2 or 3.

When thinking about how to start training a dog for agility you will need to focus on the rate at which the dog advances in training. Keep in mind that group classes are not recommended, exactly due to the various speed of learning that each dog has. A dog that has natural talent might be ready for competition even after a basic agility class course.

Praises and treats are 2 of the most effective ways to start training your dog for agility competitions. Treats are useful to draw the dog through the obstacles and hanged in contact places that are to be touched during competitions in various points chosen. You must always remember that the owner and the dog must work close and together and the order and positioning of the obstacles does vary from one competition to the other. The handler needs to study the course ahead and use various visual and verbal cues during the obstacle course in order for the dog to obtain instructions on what to do. Learn how to start training a dog for agility properly by talking to specialists or purchasing books if you do not feel you are ready to do so. Also, read our other Dog Agility Training article and always stay informed when deciding to train your dog alone.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

How To Make your Dog Sleep at Night

If you own a puppy or even an older dog that does not sleep at night you are surely going through a tough time and you are more than likely quite tired yourself. It is not easy to live with dogs that are running around the house when you are supposed to sleep and that is what we are going to talk about now: learning what you can do in order to get your pet to sleep at night.

The first step is making sure that your pet gets enough exercise during the day. Any dog will require at least 40 minutes of running, walking and playing every single day. If enough exercise is not obtained during the day your dog will be restless during the night. Combine this with feeding the dog early in the day and you will do a great work towards making him sleep at night. Any dog will get an energy after around 1 hour after they eat so feeding him late at night is not a great idea. You should position the dog's bed or crate in your bedroom, right next to where you sleep. This is because dogs are pack animals and we could say that you are the leader of the pack. When the leader of the pack sleeps the rest of the pack will also sleep in most cases.

Yawning is contagious to animals as well, not only animals. Yawn when the dog sees it and then lay down to sleep. Cover the crate where your dog sleeps with a sheet or curtain in order to make it quieter and darker. These two facts will help the dog fell asleep. If the dog wakes you up in the middle of the night just go quickly towards the bathroom and back. Never pat your dog and give him treats as this will only make him want to wake you up every single night for that.