Dog Buyers Guide

Having a dog at home waiting for you to get back from work is a great thing that a lot of people cherish. But things are not as easy as they seem to be. Once you have a dog you also become a dog problem owner. Crazy barking, biting people, chewing on shoes or slippers are just a few problems that you will have to bare if having a dog in the house. Until you get your dog to learn some discipline and manners you might not enjoy 100% the time spent with your beloved pet.

Dogs can cause all sorts of problems from biting, barking and whining when there is no need for these doggy manifestations. A lot of people have complained that they have been embarrassed by their dogs behavior and they need to do something about their dogs lack of manners. Trying to solve these problems on your own is not a good idea and will not lead to a satisfactory result for sure. Another solution would be hiring a personal dog trainer, but this can be quite expensive and not all of the dog owners agree with the rough methods trainers apply on the dogs.

A solution is now offered by the people working at DogBuyersGuide. After years of studying dog behaviors and dog needs they have come up with a book that helps dog owners understand why their dogs act in certain ways. This book also gives reasonable solutions for teaching the dog on how to behave and stop embarrassing the owner in the society.

DogBuyersGuide will help the dog owners improve their teaching techniques, learn a lot of tricks on how to discipline their dogs and still remain friends with their pets after completing a set of dog behavior lessons. After reading the book DogBuyersGuyde wants to share with all the dog owners, you can forget about chewed slippers, the damage in your neighbors garden, the stress caused by midnight barking, bites on the leg of your boss and many other troubles that a dog can bring in one mans life.

Saving a lot of money by choosing to teach your dog on your own on how to behave and not hiring an expensive dog trainer, spending more time with your pet and getting rid of all the embarrassment your dog could bring you are only a few advantages that come by just reading the book DogBuyersGuide has brought for you!

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Jan 18, 2010 | 0 | Dogs

Dog Adoption Tips I Learned From My 2 Dogs

Theres a hole in your life that only a dog can fill. You want a special dog, perhaps just a full-grown adult. Maybe your code of ethics calls for saving a dogs life not buying an expensive purebred.

Im not a veterinarian or a dog trainer, but Ive enjoyed two successful adoptions. Here are some tips Ive picked up along the way.

(1) Clarify your requirements ahead of time.

Once youre standing in front of a cage, its easy to say, Well, hes a lot bigger than I expected, and I really wanted a female, but oh hes SO cute! No amount of love or training will help if your dog needs more exercise than you can provide.

(2) Know the difference between shelter and rescue groups.

Most cities have humane societies where you can view dogs and make a choice. Rescue groups typically hold animals in foster care which is good, because you can ask the foster mom all sorts of questions. For example, they can say, This dog lived with two cats so you know you can trust her.

(3) Be prepared to pay.

Shelter animals are not free, but you do get value for money. Expect to pay a fee that may include spay/neuter costs, licensing, and/or veterinarian visits.

(4) Consider an older dog.

By the time a dog has turned three or four, shes as big as shes going to get. No surprises! Youll also have clues regarding his temperament.

(5) Plan to confine the dog during a period of transition.

Your new dog doesnt get it. She was in a loving home (or left alone in a yard all day or even abused). Then she spent a few weeks in a cage, feeling lonely and isolated. Maybe shes been passed around to multiple homes.

Bottom line, shes stressed. She may chew, dig, bark, or even lose her house training at first.

Crating the dog prevents destructive behavior. My dogs both looked visibly relieved as they retreated to their crates every day. Time to relax, they seemed to say.

(6) Invest in training.

Most dogs are turned over to the shelter because of behavior problems. If youre new to the world of dog behavior, take a class or hire a professional. Most behavior can be corrected, even among older dogs. But if youre not sure, ask a professional. Some behaviors cant be fixed.

(7) Incorporate large doses of exercise and walks into your day.

Walking together builds your bond and a tired dog is a good dog. Begin the exercise program immediately so you can gain a sense of how much exercise the dog needs an important factor in the dogs adjustment and start training for the basics on the way home from the shelter.

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Jan 12, 2010 | 0 | Dogs

Do You Need a Dog Trainer?

Is your dog not behaving? Does your loving pooch have a tendency to jump up on visitors as his way of welcoming them? Are bathroom accidents becoming more frequent from your beloved dog? If you answer yes to any of these questions, a dog trainer may be just what you and your dog need. By all means, do not get rid of your loving dog, hire a trainer and get rid of the bad habits.

Dog trainers specialize in removing the bad habits from dogs. Whether you have an inside or an outside pooch, a trainer will be able to help you. When you speak to your trainer about training your dog, be sure and let him know just exactly what the bad habits are your dog has, that need breaking. Tell your trainer your dog is uncontrollable when you take him for a walk, and that he is overbearing in a welcoming sort of way, to guest that visit your home. Do not forget to tell them about the bathroom accidents either. Do not worry, your trainer will not think of you as a bad pet owner, but rather as one that needs help. That is what trainers are for, to help.

Having your dog trained will make you and him happier. As well as your guest that are frequently jumped on and greeted with an innocent sloppy wet tongue. Once your dog has had a training session with the dog trainer, the trainer will tell you about the new commands and things your dog has learned. Be sure to ask any questions you might have, and take notes on what the trainer tells you, so that you do not have a confused pooch later. Hopefully you can find a trainer that works with you and your dog once he is trained. Ensuring that you know what commands are for what, and when he deserves a doggie treat.

Where are you going to find a dog trainer? Ask around at the veterinarians office when you take your dog in for check up. Notice the well behaved dogs, and be sure to ask their owners if they used a trainer and how you can contact them. Your veterinarian may even have a recommendation himself.

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Jan 09, 2010 | 0 | Dogs

Clicks Instead Of ‘Good Boy’ For Dog Training

The first major improvement in dog training since choke chains and spiked collars, click and treat has quickly establishing itself in becoming a big hit in the world of dog training. Currently, there are over 10,000 trainers who are using this training method everyday.

One advantage to using this form of training at home is its easy to learn for both the dog and his trainer!

Originally used to train marine mammals, click and treat breaks down the process into two separate steps, information and motivation. The click is the information, the treat is the motivation. While other trainers still work on these two steps, they try to teach them all at once, which can confuse the animal and slow down results.

Most trainers will verbally praise a dog for good behavior, while at the same time motivating the dog to repeat his actions. This can be a good method, however it takes longer for the dog to understand which behaviors and actions caused the praise from the trainer.

With the click and treat method, the processes are easily taught. In normal training, a person would say good boy when a welcomed action occurs and proceed with giving a treat. The clicker becomes a substitute for verbal praise and can actually catch the good boy behavior quicker than saying it, letting the dog know exactly which behavior he is being rewarded for.

Another way to look at click and treat training is viewing it as a secondary reinforcement, while food, water, physical affection and play (things the dog wants) become primary reinforcement. When you take a dog for a walk, the leash works as a secondary reinforcement. It is obvious to the dog that the leash is not taking him for a walk; the owner is, however, it triggers a reaction in the dog, telling him that the leash will let him know where he will go and where he will not. And if he reacts to the leash with good behavior, his reward will be a nice leisurely walk.

Click and treat works the same way. When a dog hears the clicker, he will know that he performed a good behavior and as long as he keeps hearing a click, there is a treat coming his way. So, the clicker works as a secondary reinforcement, teaching him boundaries and appropriate behavior.

A couple advantages of the click and treat method include;

1) Faster response than verbal praise. The clicker can identify the exact behavior at the time it happens.

2) It takes the place of treats. While motivating the dog to hear clicks, it will also teach him to work without the expectations of having treats given to him each time he does something good.

3) If the trainer is working at a distance from the dog, the clicker will still work, without having to be right next him.

Are you ready to try clicker training?

The first thing youll need to do is go to your favorite pet supply store and invest in a clicker. The clicker is nothing fancy and should just cost you under five dollars. While youre there grab some pocket treats, little bits of dried liver work well.

A good method to use when getting started with click and treat is to stand in front of the animal. Click the clicker and give a treat. Continue doing this for 20-30 minutes, or until the dog becomes startled by the sound of the click. This will familiarize him to the clicking sound, while teaching him that every time he hears it, he has done something good. After he gets the hang of it, begin by adding commands, such as sit and stay.

Click and treat has proven to be a simple, yet consistent training method with quick results. So for the trainers out there who are looking for a new and innovative way to motivate and praise their animals, get out there, buy a clicker and… click!

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Dec 25, 2009 | 0 | Dogs

Click And Treat Training For Dogs

The first major improvement in dog training since choke chains and spiked collars, click and treat has quickly establishing itself in becoming a big hit in the world of dog training. Currently, there are over 10,000 trainers who are using this training method everyday.

One advantage to using this form of training at home is its easy to learn for both the dog and his trainer!

Originally used to train marine mammals, click and treat breaks down the process into two separate steps, information and motivation. The click is the information, the treat is the motivation. While other trainers still work on these two steps, they try to teach them all at once, which can confuse the animal and slow down results.

Most trainers will verbally praise a dog for good behavior, while at the same time motivating the dog to repeat his actions. This can be a good method, however it takes longer for the dog to understand which behaviors and actions caused the praise from the trainer.

With the click and treat method, the processes are easily taught. In normal training, a person would say good boy when a welcomed action occurs and proceed with giving a treat. The clicker becomes a substitute for verbal praise and can actually catch the good boy behavior quicker than saying it, letting the dog know exactly which behavior he is being rewarded for.

Another way to look at click and treat training is viewing it as a secondary reinforcement, while food, water, physical affection and play (things the dog wants) become primary reinforcement. When you take a dog for a walk, the leash works as a secondary reinforcement. It is obvious to the dog that the leash is not taking him for a walk; the owner is, however, it triggers a reaction in the dog, telling him that the leash will let him know where he will go and where he will not. And if he reacts to the leash with good behavior, his reward will be a nice leisurely walk.

Click and treat works the same way. When a dog hears the clicker, he will know that he performed a good behavior and as long as he keeps hearing a click, there is a treat coming his way. So, the clicker works as a secondary reinforcement, teaching him boundaries and appropriate behavior.

A couple advantages of the click and treat method include;

1) Faster response than verbal praise. The clicker can identify the exact behavior at the time it happens.

2) It takes the place of treats. While motivating the dog to hear clicks, it will also teach him to work without the expectations of having treats given to him each time he does something good.

3) If the trainer is working at a distance from the dog, the clicker will still work, without having to be right next him.

Are you ready to try clicker training?

The first thing youll need to do is go to your favorite pet supply store and invest in a clicker. The clicker is nothing fancy and should just cost you under five dollars. While youre there grab some pocket treats, little bits of dried liver work well.

A good method to use when getting started with click and treat is to stand in front of the animal. Click the clicker and give a treat. Continue doing this for 20-30 minutes, or until the dog becomes startled by the sound of the click. This will familiarize him to the clicking sound, while teaching him that every time he hears it, he has done something good. After he gets the hang of it, begin by adding commands, such as sit and stay.

Click and treat has proven to be a simple, yet consistent training method with quick results. So for the trainers out there who are looking for a new and innovative way to motivate and praise their animals, get out there, buy a clicker and..click!

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Dec 25, 2009 | 0 | Dogs

Click And Treat Is For The Dogs

Becoming the first major improvement in dog training since choke chains and spiked collars, click and treat has quickly revolutionized itself in becoming a big hit on the training circuit. Currently, there are over 10,000 trainers who are using this method regularly.

Used in the beginning to train marine mammals, click and treat breaks down the process into two separate steps, information and motivation. While other trainers still emphasize on these two steps, they try to teach them all at once, which can confuse the animal and prolong results.

Most trainers will verbally praise a dog for good behavior, while at the same time motivating the dog to repeat his actions. This can be a good method, however it takes longer for the dog to understand which behaviors and actions caused the praise from the trainer. With the click and treat method, the processes are easily taught. In normal training, a person would say good boy when a welcomed action occurs and proceed with giving a treat. The clicker becomes a substitute for verbal praise and can actually catch the good boy behavior quicker than saying it, letting the dog know exactly which behavior he is being rewarded for.

First things first, in order to try click and treat, the trainer must invest in a clicker, which can be found at most pet supply stores. The training itself is quick and rather easy for the dog and his trainer.

Another way to look at click and treat training is viewing it as a secondary reinforcement, while food, water, physical affection and play (things the dog wants) become primary reinforcement. When you take a dog for a walk, the leash works as a secondary reinforcement. It is obvious to the dog that the leash is not taking him for a walk; the owner is, however, it triggers a reaction in the dog, telling him that the leash will let him know where he will go and where he will not. And if he reacts to the leash with good behavior, his reward will be a nice leisurely walk. Click and treat works the same way. When a dog hears the clicker, he will know that he performed a good behavior and as long as he keeps hearing a click, there are rewards coming to him. So, the clicker works as a secondary reinforcement, teaching him boundaries and appropriate behavior.

A couple advantages of the click and treat method include, 1) faster response than verbal praise. The clicker can identify the exact behavior at the time it happens, 2) it takes the place of treats. While motivating the dog to hear clicks, it will also teach him to work without the expectations of having treats given to him each time he does something good, and 3) if the trainer is working at a distance from the dog, the clicker will still work, without having to be right next him.

A good method to use when getting started with click and treat is to stand in front of the animal. Click the clicker and give a treat. Continue doing this for 20-30 minutes, or until the dog becomes startled by the sound of the click. This will familiarize him to the clicking sound, while teaching him that every time he hears it, he has done something good. After he gets the hang of it, begin by adding commands, such as sit and stay.

Click and treat has proven to be a simple, yet consistent training method with quick results. So for the trainers out there who are looking for a new and innovative way to motivate and praise their animals, get out there, buy a clicker and..click!

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Dec 24, 2009 | 0 | Dogs

Choosing The Right Dog Obedience Trainer For Your Pit Bull

Choosing The Right Dog Obedience Trainer For Your Pit Bull Terrier

Many pet owners enjoy the challenge of training their dogs. If the dog is the type that seems to enjoy being trained, it can be a very rewarding experience for both owner and pet. Pit Bulls have the reputation for being stubborn, and few will say its not true. To say that the stubborn streak makes the dog untrainable however is completely false.

Take a Pit Bull and owner who have a good trusting relationship with one another and youll see a dog who is not only willing to learn, but also learns quickly. If a person who has never trained a dog wants to have his Pit Bull trained, he has two choices. The owner can either train their Pit Bull themselves, or hire a dog trainer to do it for them.

If you have no practical experience training dogs, but still want to try it yourself, then you will need to study up on the various training methods used by top trainers. Heading off to the local library is one way to do this at no cost, as well as researching the subject on the internet. If you have a dog that you feel may be a problem to train, skip the do it yourself and go straight for the trainer.

It will do you well to remember that a person does not need a license to be a dog trainer. Anyone who wishes can set up shop when they want and start accepting clients. Its for this reason youll want to check out any individual who provides dog training before you leave your Pit Bull in their care.

Choosing the right trainer may seem like a daunting task, but it is necessary to have a trainer who has enough experience and knowledge so that the trainer doesnt create more problems than he fixes. Find out how many years the trainer has been in business of trainer other peoples dogs. Get at least three references that you can call to ask what type of experiences they have had with their trainer.

Certain dogs, such as Pit Bulls, may have an independent streak when it comes to training. Ask the trainer how they handle dogs which may be harder to train. This is important even if your dog does well with you, he may do otherwise with a stranger. If your dog exhibits stubborn behavior, youll want to know how the trainer will handle it. You certainly dont want your Pit Bull mistreated by a short tempered trainer.

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Dec 23, 2009 | 0 | Dogs

Best Selling Dog Books

1. HOW TO RAISE A PUPPY YOU CAN LIVE WITH, 4TH EDITION by Clarice Rutherford & David Neil

This puppy book starts way back with your breeder and steps you through all the processes to make sure you can raise a puppy the right way. It touches on the subjects of selecting breeders, bonding with puppies, discipline, house training, tricks and simple commands.

RAW DOG FOOD: MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG by Carina Beth MacDonald

This offbeat, light read received the Dog Writers of America Award for Best Book Under 100 pages for the year 2003. It is a funny, informative book on how raw diets can actually benefit dogs while being cost-efficient at the same time. This is a must-read book for those grappling with their dog’s diet.

2. CAUTIOUS CANINE, 2ND EDITION by Patricia McConnell

This book is so handy it could even benefit people. Patricia McConnell walks the reader through training techniques such as counter conditioning and desensitization to deal with behavioral problems and phobias. It works with people too.

3. RALLY-O: THE STYLE OF RALLY OBEDIENCE, 3RD EDITION by Charles ‘Bud’ Kramer

Rally obedience advocates an exciting and fun approach to dog obedience. It’s a surefire way for the dog and its owner to enjoy their training sessions. If one were to look for an effective, non-burdensome way to train to dogs, this should be in their shelves. ONE ON ONE – A DOG TRAINER’S GUIDE TO PRIVATE TRAINING by Nicole Wilde

An intimate training guide to those new to one-on-one training sessions. It is an easily understandable, yet comprehensive guide to private training and focuses on the intricacies of the training psyche and the dog’s response to such.

POSITIVE PERSPECTIVES: LOVE YOUR DOG, TRAIN YOUR DOG by Pat Miller

Almost a book about children. This groundbreaking read will change the way you view pet behavior management and pet upbringing. This comprehensive course emphasizes the emotional aspect of training and behavior modification. Also in this book: vaccination, training with treats, and housetraining.

BRINGING LIGHT TO SHADOW – A DOG TRAINER’S DIARY by Pamela Dennison

An inspirational story of how one trainer refused to give up on an ill-tempered dog with behavioral problems. It is a diary of sorts that deals with the issues, frustrations, solutions, and the patience it takes for one to deal with such difficult dogs. It is a fascinating read that should inspire every dog trainer.

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Dec 04, 2009 | 0 | Dogs

Adopting A Protection Dog

Mackie writes:

My good friend who is a dog trainer offered me his 5 year old Belgian Malinois for adoption. He is trained as a protection dog so he can guard his master, bite on command, release the bite on command, stay until released and others. He has a trophy as third placer in Level 1 protection in a protection dog competition. I have two dogs at present: A one year-old and a nine month-old Labrador… both are females, obedience trained and not neutered.

I would like to adopt him and I know I can take care of him. Will he accept me after being my friend’s favorite dog for 5 years? My friend assured me that he can transfer the loyalty of the dog to me. He is a fierce dog when in competition but a very quiet dog when outside the training ring. In fact my friend brings the dog with him all the time and I know of several occasions that the dog is off leash. He is giving him up because he wants to replace him with a younger dog.

Should I take him up on his offer?

Dear Mackie:

Yes… the dog will transfer his loyalty to you.

Here are two major issues you should consider before adopting this dog:

1. The Belgian Malinois (especially one that is bred and trained for bite work and protection dog sports) will require a lot of work ON YOUR PART to learn how to handle this dog. You’re going to need a lot of training… one-on-one style… to successfully integrate this dog into your life. It’s like driving a Ferrari or a race car. The car already runs great, but if you don’t learn the right way to drive it, you’ll end up killing yourself. And just because you already know how to drive a Subaru doesn’t cut it… we’re talking Ferrari, here. And the Belgian Malinois is a Ferrari with the tricked out Turbo engine.

2. The breed is an extremely HIGH DRIVE breed. This dog needs TONS of exercise and mental stimulation. TONS. Please take the time to recognize that adopting this dog will be a major responsibility.

If you decide to do it, and you are successful, you’ll have an amazing companion. The breed is quite healthy and you can be content in knowing that you own a KING OF KINGS as far as working dogs are concerned.

Part of me has always wanted what you’re thinking about getting. But my lifestyle and dedication to the exercise and training requirements are something I do not have at this current point in my life.

P.S. Make sure that the dog isn’t dog aggressive before you decide to take ownership.

That’s all for now, folks!
Adam

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Nov 21, 2009 | 0 | Dogs