All of us remember our first puppy when we were kids. Bringing them home as they are
crawling all over your lap. Licking your face with their cute little pink tongues. Of course
what we remember as kids with our first dog is a lot different from what our parents remember about that time. As a lot of us have found out since we grew up and brought a puppy home for our family.
We soon realize there is much work that goes along with the cute little guy. Its not long
before he is chewing everything in site. You find yourself moving everything in your house as if you had a toddler around. Then there is the house training, lots of fun there.
With some dogs it could take weeks before your dog has mastered going to the door.
Which is why some people give up and just spend their time cleaning up after him.
But thankfully here are some great products out there to aid in house training your dog.
The biggest thing I have found though, is you need to be consistent with your puppy. Just like a child, puppies can easily learn to have a routine. The first thing every morning you take him outside, just before bed you take him out. You need to keep the puppy around you, if you spend most of your day on the lower level of your house, then thats where the puppy should be too. You need to keep an eye on him. If he has a drink, you give him about 10 minutes than take him out and see if he will go. An hour after he eats, do the same thing. Not only will he eventually learn to do his business outside, but also it will happen quicker because you are being consistent.
The same with the chewing, you must catch him in the act and change his mind. Whether you do this by giving him a chew toy and luring him away from whatever it is he is chewing. Just tell him NO, and then give him something else to do.
The biggest problem today with people training their pets is that they dont have time. You both work all day and are tired when you get home, the last thing you want to do is work on training your puppy. This is a terrible situation for the puppy though, because they are in a new environment. They were removed from their mother and siblings. Then people bring them home and leave them by themselves for 8 to 10 hours a day.
If there can be no one home for the first few months you have your pet then you should probably wait until the situation changes. This kind of set up will never work for you or the puppy. Therefore if this is your household, dont get a pet at this time.
To everyone with a dog or cat, just take care of them and love them and you will get much love back.
Tags:
Bringing Them Home,
Chew Toy,
Dogs,
House Training,
Lot,
Lots Of Fun,
Love,
Parents,
Pets,
Puppies,
Puppy,
Tongues,
Training Dog,
Training Your Dog,
Work All Day
Related posts
Aug 31, 2010 | | Dogs
Dog training is not rocket science and is not as difficult as you think. It is certainly possible for ANY dog owners to train their dogs themselves provided they put in adequate amount of effort. The principles listed here are universal to dog training of any dog breeds, be it sporting, working, toy or terrier, any dogs – big or small, pup or old, any Owners – competitive or leisure.
In short, if you are serious about training your dog and demand Only success, You MUST apply these principles. No If No But. Get the basic right first before you start to train your dog!
Consistency
Consistency is very important during training and correcting unwanted behavior. Always use the same “command” for a specific task you require of your dog. Dont confuse him by using different command for the same task.
Once youve establish some house rules such as – keeping the cooking area out of bound to your dog, enforce them constantly. If the dog learns that he can get away with it now and then, your previous efforts will go down the drain. Lastly, make sure everyone in the family accept and enforce your rules consistently.
Timing
Timing is critical to successful training. Praise your dog whenever he is doing something right. As expected, reprimand him on the spot and to the point whenever he misbehave or fails to response to your command. Praise and reprimand that happen later will have no effect on your dog.
* There are 2 main schools of thoughts concerning the timing of correction when your dog misbehaves. I called the first school of thoughts the Direct Approach. It simply requires you to reprimand your dog on the spot if he misbehaves. This is more of a tangible and straight forward approach to training your dog and is easy to understand for most trainers.
I called the second school of thoughts the Endurance Approach as itll require you to ignore your dog when he misbehaves. Using the cause and effect to your advantage, this approach requires you to ignore the dog, especially when he misbehaves to seek attention and encourage you to pay attention to your dog only when hes a good boy.
Attention Factor (Endurance Approach)
Dogs love attention and are hugely motivated by it. Unlike man, dogs do not know how to differentiate between positive and negative attention. They see things in a simple way. If a certain action gets reaction and attention, youll bet they repeat it over and over again. (Cause and Effect)
Unfortunately, for most dog owners, we more often than not give our dogs negative attention. For example, “Do you let him out of his crate when he groans?” or “Do you give chase when he runs off with your socks?” These are negative attentions given to the dog and is certainly motivating his bad behavior.
Fortunately, the opposite is true if you pay enough attention to your dog when he behaves himself. When the dog understands that hell get attention only when hes behaving, hell learn that only good behavior attract attention and hell repeat his good behavior always.
Focus your attention on your dog only when he is behaving; praise him or give him a treat, let him know that hes getting the attention. If this technique is used correctly, hell be a well-behaved dog for a long time to come. Nevertheless, this approach is probably not for the short temper and requires you to go through an endurance ordeal. Imagine your dog chewing up your sock in your presence. Endure Dude!
Training Mood
You need to be in the correct frame of mind before you train your dog. Never train your dog when you are under the influence of alcohol or drug. Also try not to train him if youve a bad day or not in the best of your mood.
If youve just argued with your sweetie or got a telling off from your boss earlier on. You would most probably take out your frustration on him and threaten your relationship with him in future.
Do remember to apply these dog training principles constantly & you’ll be half-way through to successful dog training.
Tags:
Bound,
Cause And Effect,
Consistency,
Dog Breeds,
Dog Owners,
Dogs,
Endurance,
Pup,
Rocket Science,
Straight Forward Approach,
Successful Dog Training,
Successful Training,
Train Dog,
Training Dog,
Training Your Dog,
Universal Principles,
Unwanted Behavior
Related posts
Aug 27, 2010 | | Dogs
In this article I am going to discuss clicker training and its use in training dogs. Most people have heard of clicker training but have no clue what it actually is, in this article I will discuss what clicker training is, how to start using it as well as just how powerful clicker training can be. Most dogs take to clicker training very easily and enjoy learning through the use of a clicker.
What Clicker Training Is
Clicker Training is a positive method of training a dog new behaviors. This means there is no correction for the dog getting anything wrong just reward for when it gets the new behavior right. Unlike some other dog training clicker training does not rely on baiting where the dog is simply bribed into performing a certain behavior. The problem with baiting is that its a very dependent on the owner and takes a lot time to become an independent behavior without many cues. As well as allowing you to teach your dog an independent behavior much quicker than with baiting or other conventional dog training it also allows your dog to learn at a fast rate because its being given much clearer instruction.
How Clicker Training Works
The principle behind clicker training is that the click noise given off by the clicker means correct. So the soon learns that the exact position its in or behavior its performing when the clicker goes off means thats the correct position/behavior. When a dog is use to clicker training and is clear when its doing the correct behavior new behaviors are formed very quickly.
The main things to consider when clicker training are rate of reinforcement, timing and motivation. Rate of reinforcement is all about how often your reward and how much of a reward you give. When first starting you should reward often and always remember quickly. You need to reward as soon as the dog has performed the correct behavior this way the message thats right is crystal clear. As your dogs understanding increases the rate of reinforcement can be decreased and your dog should be holding the correct behavior longer. Timing is extremely important in any dog training you must use the clicker the millisecond your dog performs the correct behavior. Clicker training is all about timing the quicker you click and reward the faster the dog will learn the new behavior. The next major thing to consider is motivation without motivation you have nothing a dog must love to work. Unmotivated dogs have no go about them and they simply do not want to work. If a dog does not want to work then you have a serious problem its one hundred percent the training responsibility to make the dog love working. There are many ways to motivate a dog these include treats, toys, fuss and just play in general. Always keep your training short and fun ten to fifteen minutes at a time is perfect any more than this and the dog will get fed up. Remember that you should always finish training when your dog is keen and enjoying the training, never finish when your dog is bored and unmotivated as this produces nothing except a dog who does not enjoy working.
How To Get Started Clicker Training
To get started clicker training all you need is a clicker, a reward and a willing dog. If you have these three things then you have everything you need to start clicker training. Experiment and have fun its the best way to learn about clicker training and training dogs in general. Theres no substitute to a good working relationship with your dog. When you have that great relationship you will find training so much easier because you already know exactly how your dog is going to react to everything you do.
Tags:
Clicker Training,
Clue,
Correct Behavior,
Correct Position,
Cues,
Dog Behavior,
Dog Behaviors,
Dog Training,
Dogs Training,
Exact Position,
Independent Behavior,
Lot,
Motivation,
People,
Principle,
Reinforcement,
Training A Dog,
Training Dog,
Training Dogs,
Training Your Dog
Related posts
Aug 17, 2010 | | Dogs
Training Your Dog To Jump The Rope Trick: Simple and Fun Dog Trick
To teach a dog to jump, with your right hand hold a cane just high enough above the ground so that your dog can easily step over it, and in your left hand hold a piece of treat just in front of him, so that he will have to step over the stick to get it. As the dog grows older and understands what you want him to do, you can raise the stick a few inches at a time, so that he will be obliged eventually to jump over it to obtain the reward. Occasionally refrain from rewarding him, and thus accustom him to jumping without a reward.
After a dog will jump over a stick he can be taught to jump over your extended foot or through a hoop or your arms; in fact, a small dog can be taught to jump through your arms much more easily than over a stick, as all you, have to do is to throw a treat on the ground and hold your arms in front of him so that he will have to walk through them to gain the reward, gradually elevating your arms so that he will be obliged to jump before you allow him to pass. Always encourage your dog by saying Hip whenever he jumps.
Rope Jumping
After a dog has learned to leap he can be taught to jump the rope, but this will require considerable practice. In the beginning tie one end of the rope to some stationary object a few inches from the ground and hold the other end with your hand, drawing the rope taut close to the ground; accustom your dog to jumping over it while it is at rest, and dont forget to use the word Hip or Hoop-la each time he jumps.
When he does this satisfactorily you can give the rope a slight swaying motion and at the proper moment give him the word Hip, and if the rope is not swinging too fast or far he will in all probability jumps over it.
After he will do this all that remains to be done is to gradually swing the rope farther and faster until he learns to jump the rope satisfactorily. A dog which will jump the rope standing on four legs is doing well, but it is possible to teach him to do so while standing on his hind legs; this is, however a very difficult feat and puts considerable strain on the dogs muscles, and it is not always advisable to force a dog to do it.
Retrieving is not the only game which you can engage with your dog, try the rope jumping game when you have got the chance, it can be good exercise and great fun for both of you too!
Tags:
Close To The Ground,
End Of The Rope,
Fun,
Jump Rope,
Left Hand,
Legs,
Probability,
Proper Moment,
Rope Jumping,
Rope Trick,
Stationary Object,
Swing,
Swinging,
Training Dog,
Training Your Dog
Related posts
Aug 16, 2010 | | Dogs
Your puppy needs to learn proper table manners if he is to become a good house-dog. He must learn to give up his food to you without a struggle. He must also learn not to take food that does not belong to him. Training your puppy both aspects of table manner early on will prevent biting over his meal or over a stolen food later on. Since both aspects go against the dog’s natural instinct, they are necessary lessons to learn for him when he lives with humans. It is often necessary for dogs to be trained against their natural instincts or they can become threats to their families.
Every time you feed your puppy, tell him Ok as you place his dish in front of him. Nothing conscious will get through for the first few weeks, but something is definitely getting absorbed. Your puppy is beginning to learn that you will give permission when he is to eat.
After a few weeks of this automatic training, put the bowl down and do not say ok. In fact, do not say anything. If he waits for you, in about 2 seconds say Ok followed by Good dog and let him enjoy his meal. If, on the other hand, he goes for his food, gently pull him back with your hands on his collar and say No. You may have to repeat this if necessary. When he looks up at you or waits for about two seconds, say Ok followed by Good dog.
Continue with the Ok every time you feed your puppy. Twice a week, have him wait for the Ok until he knows to wait for the command before he starts with his meal. You can then continue to say Ok when you feed him without testing him every week. This is not and should not be a contest of wills. Never use this exercise as a trick to show off to your friends and other people that you have this control over your dog that he would not touch a piece of meat unless you told him he could. It is not supposed to be a trick, but proper etiquette to teach him not to take food that does not belong to him.
In about a month or so, your puppy should have no problem waiting for the Ok signal. While you are teaching him restraint, occasionally add food to his bowl while he is eating using your bare hand. If he growls when your hand comes near his bowl, say NO! and take away the food. Feed him again at his next scheduled mealtime.
Once every other week, when he is in the middle of his meal, call his name to get his attention or say No and take away his dish. If he does not growl, add a treat to his meal and return the dish immediately, followed by saying Ok, good boy. Once your puppy allows hands near his bowl, accepts the removal of his food and waits for his ok, you have successfully communicated to your dog that he does not have to protect his meal as he would have in the wild.
Tags:
Contest Of Wills,
Control,
Dish,
Dogs,
Exercise,
Friends,
House Dog,
Natural Instinct,
Natural Instincts,
Necessary Lessons,
Piece Of Meat,
Proper Etiquette,
Proper Table Etiquette,
Proper Table Manners,
Struggle,
Table Manner,
Training Dog,
Training Puppy,
Training Your Dog,
Training Your Puppy
Related posts
Aug 16, 2010 | | Dogs
Training your dog; what fun this can be. Have you ever watch a person try to train their dog? It is quite comical I assure. When I was a young child and my mom and dad were training my dog, I always loved to watch; at least in the beginning. There is something immensely amusing about a grown adult spending hours on their knees talking to a dog that is staring at them with a look of bewilderment and probably wondering why every time they are told to stand up they are again told to sit down.
Training your dog is a long process and can get to be frustrating, however it is equally fun when you can get them to so things like roll over and shake hands. I always wanted a dog that would get my slippers or bring me the paper; of course while managing to get a minimal amount of drool on either one. Then there are the super cool dogs that do things like back flips with Frisbees and all those other cool tricks you see done by animals on animal planet.
That stuff is the really cool dog training, but do you ever wonder if the dog enjoys all that training. I have been told people train for years so their dogs can compete in those contest for swimming and running and catching and the other myriad of tricks people have invented for mans best friend.
I really wonder how the dog feels about it. It isnt as if anyone asked them if they wanted to spend their lives running around lie crazy in an effort to impress a crowd of judges who arbitrarily decide what makes one dogs back flip better than another dogs.
Tags:
Adult,
Animal Planet,
Animals,
Back Flips,
Bewilderment,
Crowd,
Dog Fun,
Dog Training,
Dogs,
Drool,
Frisbees,
Knees,
Mom And Dad,
Myriad,
Sit,
Slippers,
Train Dog,
Training Dog,
Training Your Dog
Related posts
Aug 15, 2010 | | Dogs
You should start training dogs as young as you possibly can. Puppies learn quicker and far from being cruel it helps them to adapt and be happier animals. It is absolutely essential that you get dogs into a routine before you can start any formal training and this should include set meal times and walk times. If you let your dogs out in the yard then you should try to do so at a time when they need to go out.
Some people express concern that training a young puppy is cruel. However, as its parent you are responsible for ensuring your dog learns right from wrong and performs the right actions at the right time. Without a structured life and input from you, your puppy is likely to become down and depressed. Start young and start relatively lightly, there is certainly no need to start agility training immediately but you should learn a few basic commands. Training your dog can also ensure its future safety. For example an obedient dog is less likely to run away from home or run out into the street. Obedient dogs are usually exceptionally responsive to their masters call and therefore it is possible to keep them out of harms way.
You should always be prepared to praise your dogs when they do something you like. Initially you may want to include an edible treat as well, but in time you can and should revert to solely using verbal praise. By instilling these positive feelings your dog will be only too pleased to listen to your commands and aim to please you. This makes training very easy.
Puppy training classes are excellent for giving you the groundwork to continue at home, and they also provide you with the perfect opportunity to socialize your dog in an understanding environment. Your puppy will get to meet other dogs and other people and you will be able to learn how he or she copes with the situation. Dont believe that going to puppy classes once a week should be considered a fill training program for your dog though. You must continue with the training when you get home. Try to set aside some time every single day to carry on the training.
Tags:
Agility Training,
Aim,
Animals,
Environment,
Groundwork,
Harms Way,
Masters,
Opportunity,
Positive Feelings,
Puppies,
Puppy Classes,
Puppy Training Classes,
Right Time,
Train Dog,
Training Dog,
Training Dogs,
Training Your Dog,
Verbal Praise
Related posts
Aug 12, 2010 | | Dogs
The Tire Jump seems like a relatively easy agility obstacle, at least from a persons perspective, but in the Novice Agility ring you see many dogs that refuse to go through it, many go under it, while others choose to go around it. How can you prepare your beginning agility for success with the Tire Jump?
Let’s go back to foundation training. When introducing any new obstacle, you want to keep the difficulty low and emphasize the fun and ease that it can be for your dog. If your dog has a sit stay, leave him about 2 feet in front of the tire, facing it, walk to the other side and call your dog, “Come Tire”. If he won’t budge, put your hand with his treat or toy through the tire to coax him to follow your hand and jump through the tire. Practice this several times until he willing is coming to you. Keep him about 2 feet from the tire, you go to the other side and then move back about 6 feet, “Come Tire. When your dog is able to jump through the tire when you are at different distances and angles from the tire, then it is time to move him further away from the tire. Start him back 6 feet, you go to the other side about 6 feet away and call, “Come Tire”. Place your dog at different distances and angles from the tire and call him to you. When your dog can succeed 80% of the time, its time to progress to make the challenge a bit harder.
Now that your dog is coming to you, it is time to teach “Go Tire”. Start close to the tire again, 3 feet away, this time both you and your dog are facing the tire. Tell him “Go Tire”. If he jumps through, great, step to the side and reward him. If you don’t get any movement from the dog, step forward and point to the tire, “Go Jump”. For some dogs this motion on your part is enough to get them up and going through the tire. If your dog still won’t move, take your treat container or toy and throw through the tire, saying, “Go Tire”. Repeat this many times until your dog will successfully go through the tire without you having to step toward the tire or throw his toy through the tire. If you are using a toy quickly try to get your dog to go through the tire then reward with a throw of the toy or treat container. Begin to back away from the tire, 3 feet, 6 feet, 9 feet work toward sending your dog from 30 feet away.
If you’ve started with a very young dog you should still have the tire height set low 8″ or 12″ for a good bit of your training. If your dog is older and large, now begin to move the tire height up. Go back and practice you “Come Tire” and “Go Tire” when you change the heights. As you raise the height your dog may try to go under the tire. At first you may want to setup some wire mesh or angled jump bars under the tire for your dog to realize he still needs to go through and not under the tire. When you are getting ready for competition, raise the tire slightly higher than your dog would have in the agility ring. Preparation and practice are the best training tips for succeeding in the competition ring.
Tags:
3 Feet,
Agility Ring,
Angles,
Distances,
Dogs,
Foundation Training,
Novice Agility,
Obstacle,
Perspective,
Several Times,
Sit,
Step Forward,
Success,
Tire Jump,
Training Dog
Related posts
Aug 08, 2010 | | Dogs
The Commands That Every Dog Owner Should Know That Will Lead To An Obedient Dog
The Commands That Every Dog Owner Should Know And How This Will Lead To A Happy, Clean And Obedient Dog That Will Not Cause Problems
There are of course many reasons for owners to want a calm, obedient and faithful dog. For one thing, obedient and trained dogs are happier dogs, less likely to get into tussles with people or with other dogs. Another reason is that many communities require that the dogs living in their neighborhoods be well trained. This is especially true for many breeds thought to have aggression and behavior problems dog breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers for instance.
And of course, training your dog well will also make he or she a much better family companion, especially in households where there are young children. Many studies have shown that proper dog training makes a big impact when it comes to cutting down the number of dog bits and other behavior problems encountered by dog owning households.
When considering training your own dog, or having someone else help you train it, there are certain basic commands that must be mastered in order for a dog to be considered truly trained. These basic commands include:
Heel it is important that any dog learn to walk beside its owner on a loose lead, neither pulling ahead nor lagging behind
Respond to the word No the word no is one word that all dogs must learn. Training your dog to respond to this important word can save you a ton of trouble.
Sit Training your dog to sit on command is a vital part of any dog training program.
Stay A well trained dog should remain where his or her owner commands, so stay is a very important command in dog training.
Down Lying down on command is more than just a cute trick; it is a key component of any successful dog training program.
Off Forms the basis for later training, especially when training the dog not to chase people, cars, bikes, cats, etc.
Dog training does much more than just create an obedient, willing companion. Training your dog properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key to successful dog training is to set yourself up as that pack leader.
Establishing yourself as pack leader is a very important concept for any potential dog trainer to understand. There is only one leader in every pack of dogs, and the owner must establish him or herself as the dominant animal. Failure to do so leads to all manner of behavior problems.
A properly trained dog will respond properly to all the owners commands, and will not display anxiety, displeasure or confusion. A good dog training program will focus on allowing the dog to learn just what is expected of it, and will use positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors.
In addition to making the dog a good member of the community, obedience training is a great way to fulfill some of the dogs own needs, including the need for exercise, the security that comes with knowing what is expected of it, a feeling of accomplishment and a good working relationship with its handler. Dog training gives the dog an important job to do, and an important goal to reach.
Giving the dog a job is more important than you may think. Dogs were originally bred by humans to do important work, such as herding sheep, guarding property and protecting people. Many dogs today have no important job to do, and this can often lead to boredom and neurotic behavior.
Basic obedience training, and ongoing training sessions, provide the dog with an important job to do. This is especially important for high energy breeds like German shepherds and border collies. Training sessions are a great way for these high energy dogs to use up their extra energy and simply to enjoy themselves.
Incorporating playtime into your dog training sessions is a great way to prevent both yourself and your dog from becoming bored. Playing with your dog helps to strengthen the all important bond between you the pack leader and your dog.
Tags:
Aggression,
Behavior Problems,
Cars Bikes,
Cats,
Chase,
Companion,
Cutting,
Dog Breeds,
Dog Lead,
Dog Owner,
Households,
Pit Bulls,
Reason,
Rottweilers,
Sit,
Successful Dog Training,
Trained Dogs,
Training Dog,
Training Your Dog,
Tussles
Related posts
Jul 15, 2010 | | Dogs
Canine training is the same as for all animals, you communicate to your dog what you want him to do; when the dog has performed as desired, you reward him. You immediately repeat the exercise a few times and review it frequently until the dogs response to the command is practically automatic. But of course it isnt quite as simple as it sounds.
In the first place, communications with your dog are limited. Sometimes you can demonstrate the action you want him to perform. Sometimes you have to force or work with him. In certain cases, SIT or COME for example, you can give your dog the appropriate command every time you see that he is about to perform these actions anyway, then praise him. Eventually, he will connect the cause and the effect.
When giving commands, be calm, distinct, brief, patient, and perfectly clear in repeating your commands. Above all, be consistent. If your dog just sits there cocking his ears with a lost look, it is obvious you are not getting your message across and that you need to improve your communications system. Start over again trying to clarify your command, while increasing the will power behind it.
One-word commands are best at first. Later on you can use the key word in a sentence, pronouncing it gradually and not as focused. When your dog has grasped your meaning and performed correctly, and has been rewarded, repeat the performance at once in order to fix it in his memory. Three or four times are sufficient for the first lesson because you dont want to bore him with it.
You should repeat the lessons again the next day, and thereafter at the beginning of each training session until he has mastered it. You will see that your dog really enjoys showing off what he learned to do. Certain conditions are necessary for successful training. Try to schedule the lessons at the same time and in the same place, one that is a secluded as possible and free from distractions such as passing cars, playing children, and other animals.
The learning process from the dogs point of view, involves listening attentively and watching you as you give a command, realizing that each sound and gesture signifies something he is being asked to do. Once this sequence has been established in his mind, there is no limit to what he can learn.
Please do not attempt to school a tired dog, or an ailing one, or one that has just eaten. The dog will only become frustrated, irritable, and his only memory of your time together will always be an unpleasant one. Youll achieve the same results if you are nervous, irritable, or in a bad mood. Give him your time, attention, patience, and love.
Tags:
Animals,
Canine Training,
Cars,
Communications System,
Distractions,
Dog Training,
Dogs,
Ears,
Exercise,
Key Word,
Limited,
Memory,
Place Communications,
Sounds,
Successful Training,
Training Dog,
Training Session,
Training Your Dog,
Word Commands
Related posts
Jul 13, 2010 | | Dogs