Dogs can be very sociable. In fact, they sometimes get too sociable and get aggressive. That is why it is important to train the dogs to control their behavior.
Moreover, dog trainings are important to avoid dog biting incidents. Statistics show that 77% of dog biting cases are mostly those that are within the family.
Hence, with dog training, bad habits are removed and dogs have better control with their feelings and behavior towards environmental and social variables.
However, implementing dog training is not that easy. Certain things must be employed to have positive results. The thing needed in dog training is what most experts define as positive reinforcement. This refers to the way people reward their dogs with treats, praises, or both whenever their dogs show positive behavior.
Through positive reinforcements, dogs will be able to comprehend that treats and praises will come whenever he shows good behavior. For example, when the owner gives his dog some treats for obediently obeying his commands, the dog will think that obeying commands when told equals treats.
But this does not necessarily mean that when the dog did not obey the owners commands, punishment is needed as counter-reinforcement. This should not be the case because punishments will only make the matter worst.
What will happen is that the dog will be confused and it will begin to doubt your feelings.
The next thing that humans must remember when training their dogs is that people should avoid training their dogs into bad habit. Actually, many people are not aware they are doing this but there are instances wherein the peoples reaction towards some behavior of the dogs will inadvertently train the dog in a bad way.
For example, when dogs bark, it is common especially when they do that because they see something strange or unfamiliar things. But, when dogs continue to bark, even if it includes a familiar person, that becomes a problem.
In this case, most people have the inclination to yell and tell their dogs to shut up. This particular reaction of dog owners will confuse their dogs and will only make them understand that the reason why their owners are yelling is because they are also enjoying the shouting scene and that they are barking along with their dogs.
The key point here is to avoid paying attention to the dog. In time, he will stop. Its when the owners should reward their dogs.
Boiled down, dog training is all about positive reinforcements. And, as they say, positive reinforcements reap positive results.
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Sep 06, 2010 | | Dogs
Do you ever feel like you know just enough about dog adoption to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from dog adoption experts.
When considering the birth rates among animals, its not hard to understand why animal shelters are always filled with animals waiting to be adopted. Shockingly, it has been calculated that over a seven year period, one female cat and her offspring will produce approximately 420,000 kittens. Likewise, one female dog and her offspring will produce 67,000 puppies during a six year period. Since there are more animals looking for homes than there are people who want to adopt them, some 6.5 million animals are euthanized each year.
Given the statistics cited above, adopting an animal can be a kind and loving thing to do. However, before making the final decision to adopt, there are a number of things to consider.
Many of the animals awaiting adoption in shelters have had very rough beginnings. Some were abused, some abandoned and some were turned in because the owners didnt have time for them. Many were left alone for long periods and some were never properly potty trained. In short, when adopting an animal you must be prepared to work with them. They may come to you cowed or with feelings of trepidation and may be overly sensitive to your tone of voice or to any commands you might give them. You will need to be patient and by all means, loving. When they finally realize that they can trust you they will reward you with more affection and loyalty than you can imagine.
Adopting a dog as a means of entertaining a small child is not recommended. A dog is not a toy and should not be treated as one. Small children should be trained to understand animal etiquette. In other words, animals are not to be hit, dragged, ridden or teased. They should understand that being overly aggressive with a new dog, especially one recently adopted, could cause the dog to react by biting or running away. If feeding and exercising the dog is to be the responsibility of a child, an adult should follow up to be sure these things are getting done. It isnt the dogs fault if a child fails to meet his or her obligations and the dog shouldnt have to suffer for the childs failure.
If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole dog adoption story from informed sources.
Many adopted dogs will come to the new surroundings filled with fears based upon earlier mistreatment or the harsh rules of their previous owners. Some dogs will be reluctant to go from one room to another, will shy away when corrected and hide upon hearing a loud noise. New owners must be patient with them and speak to them softly and affectionately. Dogs are not stupid and they will gradually come to understand their new environment and show their appreciation for your loving care.
When contemplating adoption, prospective new owners should be prepared to deal with the fact that their new adoptee may not be completely housebroken. Previous owners may have been irresponsible in their approach to this training; furthermore, when the dog was placed in the shelter it continued to do its business right in its pen. Housebreaking is not a complex chore and should not deter someone from adopting a pet. Some owners will use a cage to assist in this training, while others will just take the dog out for a walk several times a day. Fenced yards and doggie doors are minimal expenses that pay extra dividends on cold or rainy days.
Adopted dogs are subject to all of the behavioral problems commonly associated to dogs in general. These would include digging, jumping up on people, jumping fences, barking and nipping. There are proven solutions to all of these offenses. If your dog is prone to digging, and always digs in one area, there are a number of effective repellent sprays that work well. If he digs under your fence, a little buried chicken wire works wonders in breaking that habit. Spray bottles filled with water should be kept at hand to break a dog from jumping up and to combat incessant barking. A quick spritz in the face immediately following, or during, the offensive behavior will usually bring about a quick behavior modification.
Visiting an animal shelter can be an emotional experience for an animal lover. Its difficult to see all the animals in their pens and not want to take them all home. Such feelings are understandable and commendable; however, just be sure that prior to adoption you consider all of the ramifications. And remember, your best friend is waiting for you at your local animal shelter.
Is there really any information about dog adoption that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.
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Sep 06, 2010 | | Dogs
According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs in shelters ever find their way home again. Thankfully, these loved pooches had identification, enabling shelter personnel to contact and return them to their owners. With such discouraging statistics, it becomes clear how important it is to tag or identify your new puppy.
Even if your dog doesnt go outside much or is always in your company, you must identify him or her. Windows and doors can be left open, offering your pup a too-tempting escape to the outside world. What should you do to keep your pup safe at home?
There are several ways to ID your pet to prevent against loss or theft. Ideally, implement at least two methods to ensure a safe return should your dog go missing.
Tattoos and microchips provide permanent ways to identify your dog. Shelters, veterinarians, and research laboratories know to look for these keys when animals are brought to their facilities.
Tattoos: this permanent identification system involves tattooing a code onto the dogs skin, often inside the outer ear or on the inside of its leg. Veterinarians or trained specialists will ink the code for you. You will need to list your dog with one of the many tattoo registry programs around the country.
Microchips: these minuscule electronic chips are embedded under your dogs skin. Because special scanners are needed to read the information located on the chip, most veterinarians, shelters, and research laboratories have these on hand to scan all strays for identification. Several registries offer membership for dogs with microchips.
While tattoos and microchips offer excellent safety measurements at a reasonable cost, the fact is most people dont know to look for a tattoo or have the means available to scan for microchips. As a result, its essential you provide your pup with an ID tag worn on its collar. ID tags are often the first thing searched for when a stray is found by someone.
At a minimum, the tag should list a current phone number. Because people move and phone numbers change often, a second phone number of a trusted friend or family member is also recommended. If space is available, additional information to include is: your puppys name, your address, and any medical conditions.
Luckily, dog ID tags are not expensive to purchase, so it should be one of the first things you get your dog, once youve chosen a name. You can usually find just the right tag, too, that fits your lifestyle and your pets personality. Tags come in different materials, such as aluminum, brass, stainless steel or plastic, and in a variety of shapes and colors. Todays glamour pooch can even have his or her own tag made of Swarovski crystals! When it comes to choosing a fun dog ID tag, the choices are limitless.
Whatever methods you use when protecting your pet against loss or theft, please remember to keep the contact information current. Just a few minutes of your time to update registry information or purchase a new dog tag can make all the difference in the world in your beloved dogs life.
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Jan 31, 2010 | | Dogs