Saturday, June 26, 2010

You Can Teach An Old Dog New Tricks

To quote the rock band Chicago, they say it's a hard habit to break. Perpetually stereotyping employment, marriage, and singularity: Age is but a hindrance but not for long. With approximately 15 minutes of training daily for 2 weeks straight, according to The Animal Planet, even the most stubborn dogs will give in. These enduring canines will sit, roll over, and do whatever your heart desires. All you need is a strong sense of consistency, and a mouthful of patience under your sleeve.

In order to make this a quick fix, the trainers (or owners) should develop a positive attitude. To feel frustrated and angry will not help at all. As a matter of fact, pets somehow feel how their owners experience; and that would not speed up the progress for even a bit. As for the owner's side, unreasonable expectations should not be made for their pets. Unlike children sent to school for a 12-year formal education to get the basics, it is quite irrational to invest an uptight 12-week course for your dog to acquire the desired behavior, and earn the respect and discipline needed. Remember: all relationships require a bit of work.

It also involves recognizing the dog's previous training, then deciding on what certain applicable and viable changes are needed for a greater effect. You highlight the dog after a day's work with plenty of rewards such as treats, and verbal praises such as patting him on the head for doing a good job. Take it nice and easy, as not to shock and confuse the pet. It is necessary to change the behavior in small steps rather than a complete change all at one time.

However, there is a difference. One has to put in mind that training an older dog is remembering that this dog has, most expected, to having been trained once. This means that it has an established thinking as to what acceptable behaviors are, and what behaviors are most not welcomed. It takes a great deal of endurance to train an older dog, and should be at the very least regular to receive the best outcome.

But do keep in mind that although the owner is the master, the dog still is an individual, as in it has its own personality; so a little give-and-take affiliation will not hurt. The key is to enjoy the whole teaching-an-old-dog-new-tricks activity, as you build a better relationship with him. That is the sole purpose of dog obedience training.

What you give is what you get; therefore being the educator, you are responsible for the way your pet responds. Dogs are social creatures, and are among of the most loyal. If you have a senior dog around who needs a bit of a push, do not fret; all you need is give your little furry friend some feisty motivation. Who ever said you can't teach old dogs new tricks?

That saying is meant to be taken more literally to humans, for we've got a lot of habits that are harder to break.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Tips On Selecting A Dog Obedience Trainer

You should know how integral the steps are in choosing a dog obedience trainer. Your dog is like a child who will be going to school and spend the day with his teacher. Thus, you must ensure that the institution will be convenient for your pet and that he will be comfortable with the trainer.

You see, obedience training classes must not be educational alone but also fun for most of the part. If your pet enjoys the classes, then, he is more likely to learn the commands easily. When looking around for a trainer, it matters that you know who to trust and what to look for. After all, anybody can call themselves dog trainers and present their business cards to you.

Know what You are Looking for

To ensure that your dog is going to get the best training that will correct his unpleasant behavior, the dog obedience trainer must have the necessary knowledge on how to do things. First, look into his certification and how he was able to get it. He has to be certified through some specialized organizations which actually train dogs in line with services work.

Beware though because there are too many online courses these days which promote a short-term course for a certain fee and then provides the certification to individuals. Always ask the dog obedience trainer himself about the certifications that he has and how he obtained him.

Verify the number of years that the trainer has been doing it professionally. There is a difference between trainers that train dogs as a matter of a hobby and those that do it as a profession. Although the years will not actually determine the capacity of a trainer to educate a dog, it will still reflect something about his passion in his chosen profession.

Check out the license of the trainer. Is he a licensed individual? Does his business meet all of the requirements of the city, the country, and the state? Does he adhere to the federal regulations? All of these should be met before you can completely put your trust on him.

Determining the Dog Trainer's Teaching Methods

For you to be able to be familiar with the teaching methods, it is important that you attend the trainer's class. Observe how the clients and their dogs react to the methods used. The trainer should not only be accommodating, kind, and polite to the human students but to the dogs as well. Learning must be fun for all human and animal clients. The trainer should also give out clear instructions and provide assistance whenever necessary.

An honest trainer will tell you the advantages and disadvantages of the methods used. Check out the facilities and equipment used. Bullying the dogs is a big NO and the training methods should not cause the dogs to get stressed and become agitated.

The dog obedience trainer should make sure that the environment where the sessions are to be held is safe for the dog's health. Some vaccines may also be required so the dog will be in the best physical condition.

These are just some of the essential guidelines that you must apply when choosing the dog obedience trainer. Keep them in mind and have the best behavioral training for your pet.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Using Games in Dog Obedience Training

While many dog owners rely on dog trainers and dog obedience schools to help turn their dogs into well-trained pets, there are a few who found simpler means to make their dogs obey what they want them to do. One of which is by using dog obedience games. These are actually very effective in fixing some dog behavior problems, unlike when an owner uses punishment just to make his/her pet behave.

Now, you might think, "How can it be possible that a game can be used to keep a dog in line?" If you are a parent now, for sure you've already seen how games can help your kids learn a lot of things. So, don't you think it's just wise to also use games to train your pet? Still not convinced? Here are two very important reasons why you should use dog obedience games in dog training.

The first reason is that dog obedience games make great activities for your pet, keeping it occupied. Think about this: if there is nothing for your pet to do, what can you expect? Of course, in just a minute or so, you might find it inside or outside your home, creating a complete mess or doing something really naughty like peeing or chewing on your shoes and slippers. But if you spend the time playing dog obedience games with your pet, the less likely these things will happen. Not only that, you should also keep in mind that tired dogs cannot create any trouble. So, how to tire them? Let them play games. Try this step and you'll see that when your dog is tired, it is not able to get into things to tear up and create a mess.

Now for the second reason, well this one is quite obvious: playing dog obedience games with your pet is fun, actually even more fun than any kind of serious dog training. Try to compare enrolling your dog in a dog training that is solely geared towards making it obey commands like "sit", "stay", and "down" with a dog training using dog obedience games. You will notice that your pet is more interested and that its attention span becomes longer. Why? Because the dog games allow it to play, learn, and have fun, all at the same time. But actually, it's not only your dog that will have fun doing this. Allot some time to spend playing these games with your pet and you will see yourself having fun too.

These are the two main reasons why dog obedience games are important components of your dog training. Isn't it amazing how games, just like in kids, can make your pet behave and learn a lot of things? So, why have second thoughts about integrating these in your dog training?

Now, if you want to know what kinds of games are appropriate for your pet, you can always do your search online. Or better read more articles about dog obedience training and games via the Internet.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Insights Into Dog Obedience Training

A dog is said to be man's best friend. Most people like to keep them as pets because they are capable of guarding their possessions as well as keeping them safe at all times. However, what most pet owners fail to understand is that their dogs need to go through the so-called dog obedience training. It is very important because the training itself will educate your pet as to the proper behavior. Chances are, you will be taking your dog for a stroll or to some trips and it will never be helpful if he is wild and unruly. To ensure that he is not going to cause troubles, obedience training is definitely a wise choice!

Dogs Need Social Skills

Generally, dogs are held to be social animals. Thus, their behavior should be shaped. They often get too excited when they see people and other objects so the tendency is for them to get wild when they are able to get out of their homes. The dog obedience is therefore a must for them. Dog training is not only composed of physical exercises but also some mental activities that will sharpen their minds.

When to do Obedience Training

Most owners ask when the right time is to employ obedience training. Ideally, a new pet needs to be trained. The younger the dog is, the higher chance of shaping his behavior.

Hence, for those pet owners who have not taken the right move as early as possible, you should identify the high time when to have your dog undergo the training. Well, dogs are very playful and they often associate it with ripping or destroying things. What if your valuables fall as the victims? You will surely go berserk!

Obedience training is the solution to turn to because it is known to solve almost all behavioral problems that your pet may have.

Necessary Skills in Obedience Training

One of the most essential skills that obedience training calls for is no other than effective communication. The commands such as stay, stop, come, and so on are among the basics to learn. Ensure that the training sessions will not be boring for the dog to take or else there will be very minimal learning on his part.

Type of Training to Get Your Dog

Professionals suggest the use of two of the most essential training styles. The first one is called the reward training and the second one is known as the leash or collar training. The reward training is somewhat less forceful compared to the leash or collar technique. It therefore makes use of praises and rewards for any good behavior displayed by the dog.

Even if you intend to do it on your own, you can still get the help of the professionals by reading a couple of dog obedience guides online or taking the advice from the published books sold by your local bookstores.

Dog obedience training doesn't actually cure all types of misbehaviors but it is able to resolve most of the problems. The most important secret is that of directing his attention towards other things and activities so he will forget about his tantrums. After all, a busy and happy dog is never a source of trouble!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Useful Tips for Dog Obedience Training

Okay, so you just bought that cute female puppy that you've been eyeing on for months. Now, what are you planning to do with her? Are you thinking about teaching her new tricks? If you are, then as early as now, you must accustom her to being handled for grooming and veterinary care so she'll respond nicely. Whenever you have free time, take her in your lap and gently brush her.

Speak to her softly and say words like, "That feels good, doggie, right?" Then, stroke her paws and simply run your fingers through her. That way she will learn that touch is pleasant and not something that is frightening. Once you are able to handle her well, it will not be that difficult to start teaching her new tricks like making her obey your "sit", "wait or stay", and "do not jump" commands. Anyway, here are some useful dog obedience training tips for you.

For the "Sit" Command

This is actually one of the easiest tricks to teach and often the most useful. Since your pet is still a puppy, as early as now, you must teach her how to obey the sit command because it is a great way to reinforce your status as her leader. How to do it? First, you have to get her attention. Start by showing her a treat and then slowly move it upward in a way that she has to raise her head for her to see it further. You'll notice that in order to do this, she will move into a sitting position, just like most dogs do. If she doesn't do this, slowly push down on her rump while you move your hand back over the head to give her the idea. And once she's on that sitting position, give her the treat.

For the "Stay or Wait" Command

This one can be more difficult than the sit command as dogs tend to move a lot. To teach your dog to wait or stay, simply place her in a sitting position. Then, hold up your hand, on which the flat of your palm is towards her face, and tell her to wait or stay. Now, move a few steps backward. If she stays where she is, give her words of praise, like "Good girl or good doggie!" But if she moves towards you or away, do not shout at her or punish her. Just put her back in position and start all over again.

For the "Do not jump" Command

A jumping puppy is very cute to look at, but when her size has doubled and she still does a lot of jumping, it will not be too fun at all. So, you must replace that jumping behavior with the sit command. Instead of pushing her away, simply pivot so that she misses you and then tell her to sit. When she obeys, give her praise or a simple treat.

These are just some useful dog obedience training tips that you can keep in mind. Take note, your puppy will be more lovable if she learns how to obey your simple commands.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Guide to Dog Obedience Training

If you keep a dog either for sporting, competing, or simply for leisure, you probably know how significant it is to have him go through dog obedience training. A pet dog that is well behaved is always pleasurable to take along because he is less likely to go wild and cause troubles to other people. You surely don't want to tag along a dog that barks at everyone and run around therefore scaring away the crowd. If good manners are very important in your home, the same things should also be taught to your pet.

Sure enough, keeping dogs at home should provide your loved ones with enough security and not that they will cause harm on anyone. You will not also like it when your neighbors complain that your pet has ransacked their properties or worse, have bitten someone in the area. Therefore, the more that you should pay attention to having your dog trained properly.

Are you planning to train your dog by yourself? Here are the steps that you need to take note of in dog obedience training. But remember; don't ever move to the next step when your pet has not yet mastered the previous one!

The difficulty of the commands start from the basics to the most advanced. For starters, teach your pet the easiest instructions first. These are "sit", "stand", "stop", "come", and the likes. Be sure that he is able to learn all of these before starting with a new set. Always use these commands so he will be able to remember them.

Keep in mind your dog's genetic makeup. Some breeds have their specializations so you must concentrate on harnessing their skills and capabilities.

Take note of the duration of time when teaching a new command. Don't bombard your dog with several commands all at the same time. Also make sure that you use the praise or reward and punishment method. Your voice should likewise sound positive when giving praises and be unyielding when there is a need to reprimand him.

Ensure that your dog is physically comfortable as the training exercises are performed. Dogs get tired easily so don't strain him that much.

Execute the dog obedience training sessions in a distraction-free area. As the response turns positive, gradually add more distractions like bouncing balls, doing the jumping jack, running around, throwing treats to him, and many others. But don't overdo the use of distractions as it may frighten your pet.

Practice giving commands in a variety of surfaces. Some of these include the cement sidewalks, on sand, on dirt, on the grass-covered lawns, on a chair or table, low wall, logs, and many others.

Give commands while you are walking down the street, while you are in the pet supply outlet, or wherever you may be with your dog.

There is actually no best time of the day to administer the dog obedience training sessions. What matters is that both you and your dog should be up to it, in the mood, and in good physical condition.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Registering For Dog Obedience Classes: Things To Remember

Thinking about getting a new puppy or dog? If you are, then you might want to consider signing up for dog obedience classes, especially if you are a first-time dog owner at that. It's fun to have a dog or puppy around, but that is if the one you got has good manners. Because if not, you might regret getting one in the first place.

So, when you bring home your new pet, make sure that you put enrolling in dog obedience classes on top of your priority to-do list. However, since there are lots of dog obedience schools offering this kind of classes, you must be keen in choosing the one that meets your requirements. So, when signing up for dog obedience classes, here are some things to remember.

First, look into the reputation of the dog obedience school offering dog training classes. Of course, the more popular the school is, the more reliable it could be. Try to ask from your neighbors for suggestions. Also, you can talk to friends, colleagues, and relatives who have already tried dog obedience classes for their pets. But the most reliable recommendation that you can get is from your local veterinarian. He/she knows where dogs can be trained well in your area, so check out the name he/she recommends.

Now, if you don't anyone who can recommend you a reputable dog school, you can always rely on the Internet for information. Some dog obedience schools have already conquered the web to reach more potential clients. So, start doing your research online and check on the school's feedbacks to know whether their services are good or not.

Next, see whether the trainers comprising the school have sincere love and attachment to dogs. This is a little difficult to determine because anybody can claim that he loves dogs and enjoys training them. So, how to know this? Try to observe the classes first. For example, if you have a friend who has a dog enrolled in one, you can always join them during sessions and note your observations. If the qualities of the trainer meet your requirements, then consider that school on top of your list.

And lastly, of course, you have to consider the cost of signing up in a dog obedience class. If your dog is a high-breed, the cost of getting one may already be high enough, much more if you start buying dog foods and bringing it to a veterinarian for some check-ups. So, ask yourself, can you still afford the cost that goes with training your dog or puppy? Before signing up, make sure that you inquire about this first because you might end up quitting the course just because you run out of budget.

So there you go. Now that you know all these, you're off to getting the right dog obedience classes for you and your pet. Take note that a dog obedience class can very much help you teach your new dog some basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Once your pet learns all these, you will have more control over it during social events.

So, never underestimate the significance of these classes for you and your dog.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Mastering Dog Obedience Training

Dogs are no doubt man's best friends. They are definitely fun to be with and make great companions. Sometimes, they are even considered as part of the family. It certainly feels great to be walking with a dog around either just within the neighborhood or along the beach. But if you happen to have a dog as worse as Marley, the dog in the movie "Marley and Me", perhaps you're more stressed than the usual because of your dog's naughtiness. But why live up with a dog like Marley if you can turn your pet into a well-trained dog? The solution –master dog obedience. Here are some steps on how to do it:

First, be considerate. You have to remember that a dog is an animal, so unlike humans, it has shorter attention span. You may be able to get its attention now, but a couple of minutes or so it will go back to what it finds interesting. So, try to put yourself into its situation and imagine how frustrating it could be to undergo a dog obedience class instead of doing more fun activities. Take note that most animals are trained easily when given treats before the training. So, before you enroll your pet in a dog obedience class, prepare some really good treats as rewards.

Next, be consistent. It is not good to give your pet so many instructions at the same time or worse, give up on teaching it a trick just because it is not able to get it at first. Try to be very consistent in such a way that you will start with the easiest command first like the "sit" command before going for more difficult ones. Once it learned the "sit" command, proceed to others like the "stay" or "come" command.

When giving instructions, make sure that you repeat them from time to time until your dog realizes and understands what you are trying to communicate. Again, do not give too many instructions at once for this will confuse your pet more. Take your time. Now, once your pet learned the trick that you've been teaching, give a reward or treat and make sure that you review the trick before jumping into another.

And lastly, of course, be the boss. It is important that your pet recognizes you as its leader; otherwise you'll end up having a dog that is as hardheaded as Marley. Once your pet recognizes you as the boss, it will be easier for you to make it follow your commands. However, you have to remember that being the boss does not necessarily mean that you have to be harsh to your dog whenever it fails to follow your instructions. Be gentle as possible because this is the most effective way to gain dog obedience.

Mastering dog obedience is not as difficult as you think, right? With all these steps in mind, you are off to a successful dog obedience training. Remember: be considerate, be consistent, and be the boss.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Dog Obedience Training: Be the Boss

Dogs are naturally pack animals. This means they need an alpha to lead them in their everyday lives, and this also means the owner must act alpha; that the dog should consider you as the boss for the obedience training to proceed smoothly. Individual dogs vary in submissiveness, and to establish and maintain dominance over your dog, there are a number of exercises you can establish. Do not worry; most dogs are happy to be submissive. Just be sure to show approval at the occasional signs of submission, and assert dominance if it tries to test you.

There are two components of training, one that solves behavioral problems, and there is that one that creates a command-response pattern. The latter type is called "Obedience Training". However, both need one factor: A good Alpha.

In most cases, people misinterpret adolescent behavior as "dominance" when they are not. Comparing it to a human child testing her parents; she is trying to find out what the limits are rather than actually putting her parents in the little game called "Challenge Me" for leadership, a playful act. Young dogs and puppies do exactly the same. Which is, the trainer must correct them firmly, however don't go into an all out dominating battle.

It would be very inappropriate for the dog to distrust you, which, in this case can result some sort of "rebellion". For the toddler analogy, the most one can do is a sharp word, or a small spank on the rear end. You would not pick the child up, and hold her against the wall, then scream at her for the misdeed. Most dogs are still young until they are 2 or 3 years old (in human terms, they are still in the angst, teenage years). In Layman's terms, do not confuse physical maturity with mental maturity.

As for punishments are concerned, never mistake it with being alpha. An alpha is fair, according to Cindy Moore, author of Behavior: Modifying and Understanding. An alpha leader is fair, and deserves its position. He/She does not use fear, punishment or brute force to achieve, and maintain its position. Instead, it makes it clear what behavior approves of and which it does not. An alpha leader expects its subordinates to follow its lead; it does not force them to do whatever it is. Meaning, the owner or trainer, in order for it to be a good leader, should be calm, focused, and rational.

Just like any other training, praising your pet boosts a lot of good egos. Always show approval at signs of submission. This helps strengthen your place as the ultimate alpha. Praise your dog when it drops its eyes first. Praise it when he licks your chin. Give it an enthusiastic tummy rub, when it rolls over in its back --as how Cindy placed it. It might sound corny, but it is corny because it works. Life is simple; you just need a bit of loving.

But to be an alpha at your best is to be consistent, and fair in your corrections. One must demonstrate to your pet that it can trust your orders. Do not correct your dog after the fact; such corrections to be arbitrary and unfair to the dog, since it has no associative memory the way people do.

Socializing with your puppy is a good way to gain its trust.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Dog Obedience & Socialization

It is fun to keep a pet at home but it also calls for a couple of obligations to fulfill. Take note that what your dog does is always out of habit. Thus, if you tolerate his bad habits, he will not be able to outgrow them. It will be you who will suffer in the end. So, it is best to start early with the dog obedience lessons.

Puppies are but young and don't have a mind of their own. They are simply dependent on you so it is your task to assist them let go of their bad habits and develop the good ones. You and your leadership skills will therefore guide your dog towards the right path in terms of honing his behavior, habits, and temperament. This is the main reason why dog obedience and socialization trainings are very much necessary.

Training Your Dog at Home

Separation anxiety often attacks young dogs. So, they normally cry, bark, chew, and do a lot of annoying things. You have to understand that it is also hard for him to adjust to his new environment. Thus, you should start with the house training activities by setting boundaries, introducing new areas, and letting him know those activities that you can tolerate and not.

Don't be violent when your dog doesn't seem to understand at once. Potty training, leash training, and the likes are never achieved overnight. You have to use lots of praises, rewards, and encouragement. It is always best to start as soon as possible so his old ways will be corrected. Incorporate fun sessions during the training. Use commands frequently. Whenever necessary, impose a punishment but not something that will agitate him and cause him to fight back. Say for example you didn't like his behavior, simply ignore him. He will surely try getting your attention but be stern not until he does what he is told.

Leaning the Socialization Skills

The dog's socialization period is said to fall in his first 16 weeks of puppyhood. It is the time when he develops into an adult dog. Therefore, you must expect that it is also the time frame when he changes his temperament, behavior, habits, and character. The socialization period is also the time that he gets adjusted to his family and the people in the household.

It is best to let him become familiar with the house and the people around. It helps to expose him to some animals too. This conditions him that it is not only him that exists in that area. Take him out for a walk so he will see what lies beyond the gates of your home. In this way, he will not go wild whenever he sees other objects, animals, and people apart from the members of his family.

During the dog obedience and socialization training, you should arm yourself with a doze of patience. Your pet lacks maturity so it is your own responsibility to handle the matter really well. He imitates what he sees so you better act accordingly.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Training a Sniffing Dog

Do you ever wonder how dogs find criminals in a passenger ship? It's simple: by sniffing. They are called detection or sniffer dogs. Trained to detect people and substances, through their senses, such as explosives, illegal drugs and blood; almost always the sense of smell, which is two thousand times much stronger, and fifty times more sensitive than that of a human's. In addition to sensitivity, a dog's sense of smell is pricky.

It can discern a specific scent; meaning it can recognize cheese in a fish and vegetable market thousand miles away from where it is standing. Hunting dogs that search for game and search dog that search for missing humans are generally not considered dogs. However, there is some confusion with cadaver dogs, only trained to detect human remains.

As to not make a fuss, they are taught to learn two kinds of alerting: the passive and the aggressive. Drug dogs use an aggressive alert, where they dig and paw at the spot where the smell the dugs. On the other hand, there are some cases where this kind of alert would be bad news. Placed in a situation where bombs are included, scratching can be very disastrous. In these cases, a passive alert is used.

A good example for this type are the beagles used by the Department of Agriculture where the dogs are trained to sniff out produces that are not allowed to enter the country. The Beagle Brigade, as how they are called, sniffs people's luggage while they wait in lines at airports and border crossings. In other countries, some also are used in emergency search actions. Because no one wants a dog digging in their belongings, the USDA beagles have been trained to simply sit down when they are able to smell it.

Trainers have come up with a strategy for dogs employed to sniff out drugs. On odd cases, they seem to eat them when they have found the illegal substance. Is it because they are addicted to those drugs themselves? In fact, the dogs have absolutely no interest in drugs. What they are actually looking for is their favorite toy. In an article found in discovery.com, the "toys" that are mostly often used are white towels. Since dogs love to play this vigorous game of tug-of-war, they have generated the "White Towel Game" idea.

To begin the training, the handler simply plays with the dog using a towel, which has been washed carefully to appear null and without scent for the trainee. Later, a bag of marijuana, for instance, is rolled up inside the towel.

After playing for a while, the dogs starts to recognize the smell of the drug as the smell of his favorite toy. The handler then hides the towel, with the drug, in various places. Whenever the dog sniffs out the drugs, he digs and scratches, trying to get his toy. He soon comes to learn that if he sniffs out the smell of drugs, as soon as he finds them, he'll be rewarded with a game of tug-of-war.

As training progresses, different drugs are placed in the towel, until the dog is able to sniff out a host of illegal substances. The same method is used for bomb-detection dogs, except various chemicals used to manufacture explosives are placed in the towel instead of drugs.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Things You Need to Know About Dog Obedience Training

As pets, dogs are not only meant to be confined at home. There are chances when you have to take them out for a walk or bring them to any destination. Even more, the dog needs to learn the proper behavior despite being kept at home. Socializing is one skill that he has to be trained with. Thus, let him undergo dog obedience training.

You see, all of your family members should feel safe and at ease with your pet. There are dogs that seem to be agitated and such behavior can definitely threaten your family's safety. While training him may be quite a daunting task, you will realize that it will be all worth it. Sooner or later, you will appreciate your efforts.

The Real Scope of Dog Training

Obedience training is composed of several areas. It ranges from the simplest one up to the most advance instructions for your dog. The basics often include the simple commands that should make your dog respond. Included are come, sit, stand, roll over, stay, down, and the likes. The advance training includes giving directions for fetching something and many others. There are techniques used as well like positive reinforcement, clicker training, collar and leash, and the rewards given for any positive and likeable behavior.

Dog obedience is a training that is often recommended for the wild and unruly animals. But in your case, a new pet will be more in his best foot if given the proper training.

The Importance of Obedience Training

As a dog owner, you should understand the significance of training your pet to obey. A trained dog is very suitable to bring around friends and other people without fear of attacking anyone. It is then like tagging along a well-behaved human being. You don't like your dog to be misbehaving and causing nuisance, right? Therefore, allow him to absorb a kind of mentality that emphasizes the need to act accordingly in different situations.

Dog Obedience Training by Yourself

Although professionals are more into this thing, it will be a rewarding experience for you and your dog if the training is conducted personally. The training sessions will not only serve as educational but also suffice for your bonding moments. Doing so will establish a closer bond between the two of you.

Training your dog calls for more patience on your part. It will be hard on your dog's part to process your commands and will take time to execute them. There will be moments when you feel like giving up and snapping but don't punish your dog without any reason. This may agitate him. Keep in mind that your dog needs to adjust and learning doesn't happen overnight.

Positive reinforcements are likewise very essential. They will boost your dog to do better. It will speed up his learning process too.

Dog obedience training is therefore a very important thing to attend to. So, enjoy the moments with your pet the way he will enjoy his time with you.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Critical Information on Dog Obedience Training

A dog is one of the most amazing pets to have. Actually, it's even considered as man's best friend. Owning one has a lot of benefits. It does not only help guard one's house but also makes a great companion. Even those couples that don't have a child yet consider having a dog as their companion for the time being. A dog is just like a human being, and sometimes even better. It offers affection, enjoyment, and so much fun.

But since a dog is still an animal, most of the time it will still act like an animal, unless the owner allows it to have a dog obedience training of some sort. Now, if you happen to have a dog, are you also considering about getting it trained? If you are, this article will give you significant information about dog obedience training.

First off, you might wonder what dog obedience training is and what it is all about. Well, it is a technique on which a dog trainer helps you train your dog by imposing yourself as its boss. Actually sometimes, you can even do the training yourself, as long as you have the knowledge about the basic dog commands. But to be certain about getting effective results, you can always rely on a dog trainer to assist you on this.

Moving on, there are several dog obedience training techniques that can be used to make your pet a well-behaved one. These include the collar or leash training and the reward training. Although the approaches of these two are different, both are bound to set a common language on which you and your pet will understand.

The collar or leash dog obedience training is said to be the harder technique. Because of this, it is less popular to dog owners these days. However, for some breeds of dogs, this is found to be more effective than the rewarding type of training. As its name implies, a collar or leash serves as the way to communicate to a dog in the collar or leash dog obedience training. To have control over your pet, the collar or leash technique have multiple degrees, which can be from soft pulls of the leash or collar to stronger ones. This way, you are able to show your pet that you are the one handling the situation and that you are the leader.

Meanwhile, on the reward dog obedience training, instead of using leash or collar, reward is used to teach a few common commands to your dog. Once your pet is able to follow what you are trying to command it to do, you give reward such as a treat. However, a reward does not necessarily consist of treats alone. You can also use verbal praises like "Good boy, or good dog!" if it follows your command and behaves accordingly.

Now, upon learning about this dog obedience training information, are you all set to sign up for a dog obedience class? Remember, you will not be doing this for your pet alone, but also for you as its owner. So make sure that you choose the right dog obedience training technique for you and your pet.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Speaking & Singing: An Approach to Stop a Nuisance Barker

How do you stop a nuisance barker? Easy: Teach them how to "speak" and "sing". This might be more interesting for bothersome humans, but just way cuter for canines. All types of dogs, may it be size or breed, can be easily taught to speak. The way for it to go is to call your dog, show him a treat (which never disappoints), and say "Speak".

The dog might probably not understand what you are trying to make him do, and probably would dart on the treat, jumps, and will eye it intently at first. Finally, he will sit down, gets impatient, and then utters a sharp bark which is what you have been waiting for, and for that instant when he does so, reward him with a treat.

Not all dogs love to bark. Just like humans, some are aggressive, and some are just plainly shy. For these types of dogs, they can be encouraged to do so by imitating a bark. Chances are, he will reply to it. Reward him, a never-disappointing deed of all time, then he will learn to bark as soon as he hears the word "speak". Now, after the dogs have been taught to bark once, you can teach him a series of barks. This way, you can make him expect to be rewarded, which encourages him to bark more until you give him a stop signal, which can lead to a full phrase, or whichever you want him to do.

Other than being social beings, dogs are very observant. By the time you signal your pet to stop at the slightest point, your friends won't detect the magic trick, such as subtle movements of hands and feet; a wink or a shift of your gaze, and if you keep up with these tricks, you might be firing up an interesting series of barks that can sound as if your pet is having a conversation. You can address him as if he was a human being to keep his performance appealing, impressive, and very perplexing.

Demonstrating the latter, if you are exhibiting your dog to an audience, and might want him to "speak", you would like to be a bit more creative like asking him a question. That way, you can probably be in a very good business as to have a "talking dog". Either way, that is much better than pestering barks in the neighborhood.

Now that your dog can now "speak", you can now teach him how to "sing". Try making him imitate a series of whines and howls to a certain degree, reaching the pitch, and the style of noise you desire. As your pet learns how to follow you, say "sing" automatically to associate the desired action. With constant practice, a dog can and will learn to follow your turn quite accurately. Do not forget to praise and treat him plentifully for encouragement. Exercise the activity on a regular basis.

By this type of training, not only have you got rid of a nuisance dog, you have disciplined your pet vigorously, making him understand that barking and whining is only allowed in command. And now, for the humans.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Training Dog: Using Hand Signals

Are you doing some dog obedience training to fix your dog's behavior problems? If you are, then you must use hand signals in addition to verbal commands that you want your pet to follow. The hand signals work most of the time, especially when your pet cannot hear you. Actually, these are more effective ways to ensure your dog pays close attention to you even from a couple of meters away, as long as it can see you.

And these are what trainers of agility dogs and hunting dogs use to control the actions of these dogs while in the field. By using the right hand signals during dog training, they can make the dogs turn left or right, go fast, stop, or stay put. Now, you can also do these to your pet without using verbal commands. Learn these first three hand signals and teach them to your dog while doing dog obedience training.

1. For the "sit" command, here's the hand signal: bend your arm upwards at the elbow and then raise your hand with fist closed up to your head's side while you command your dog to sit simultaneously. Keep on doing these hand movements while commanding your dog to sit. Later on, your pet will soon learn how to associate the hand signal with your vocal command. Now, if you are not able to get your dog's attention the first time you try the hand signal, don't punish it. Instead, keep trying or better yet, make sure you have a leash in your left hand.

2. For the "down" command, the hand signal is just like when you are asking someone to sit down at the same time saying, "Have a seat." To teach your dog the hand signal for down, you need to hold your arm out towards your pet and then lower your hand, on which your palm faces down towards the floor. While doing this, give the "down" command, and your dog will follow your hand signal into the down position. Just like in the sit hand signal, keep repeating this until your dog learns to associate the lowering of your hand towards the floor as part of the "down" command.

3. For the "stay" command, first, put your dog into the sit or down position. Afterwards, hold out your arm towards your pet, with your palm's position similar to that of a policeman who's using hand signal to stop traffic. And just like in the previous two commands, do this at the same time command your dog to "stay", with your firm tone of voice. If at first, your dog does not follow, try it again until he recognizes that hand signal means "down".

Using hand signals can really do a lot when training your dog. Although you may find it difficult to make your dog obey at first, don't give up, but instead keep repeating the signals until it understands what you are trying to communicate. Take note that if you are consistent and thorough in showing your pet those hand signals, the faster it will respond.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Key To Dog Obedience

For most people, dog obedience training is a difficult process. Well, it could be if you don't know the proper way to do it. Take note that it can also be stressful on the part of your dog and therefore the speed of his learning process will totally depend on how you execute the training.

Dog Obedience Training Defined

The human-dog relationship is something that needs to be enhanced. You should have a healthy relationship in the household so that both of you will feel secured. This training covers a lot of techniques and among them are positive reinforcement, clicker training, dog whispering, collar and leash, marker training, reward training, and a lot others. Whether you plan to do it yourself or hire a professional, the main goals should be achieved.

The main goals that have to be attained during the training include a clear line of communication between you and your pet, strengthen your ties, and spend more quality time with each other. Most behavioral problems such as digging, chewing, excessive barking, jumping up, and many others are likewise resolved through proper training.

The training itself is composed of boundaries or rules which aim to educate your dog to become a responsible member of your household and be in control of his behavior. Basically, he will not be solely confined at home. There will be times when he will be taken out for a walk and it will not help if he will be unruly. Like human beings, dogs should be taught good manners. He should know how to properly behave in certain situations, at any given place, and at any given time.

The Benefits of Obedience Training

Training the dog to be obedient is one prime way to enjoy the company of your dog and one that will surely benefit you in the years to come. Here are a couple of advantages that you will definitely be happy about.

The training will make life simple for your dog. It means his confusions will be eliminated and he will be more aware of his good and bad behavior.

It is a rewarding experience. During the training, your dog will have fun learning. If you will do it by yourself, it is likewise your best chance to spend quality time with him.

A trained dog is a confident and happy dog. He is then a pleasurable creature to have around.

The dog will have more freedom. A trained dog can be left alone unsupervised because you are confident he will not be causing nuisance in your place.

A dog that has gone through obedience training is safer. He will not threaten other people and animals around him.

You will be able to respect your dog just like a true family member and companion.

Overall, the dog obedience training process may take time and it requires you to be really patient at all times. So always be consistent and don't fall short of rewards and praises as well as punishments whenever necessary.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Send Your Dog to Obedience School Training

Do you own a pet dog? If you do, are you able to make it obey the basic dog commands like sit, stay, come, or heel up? Good if you say yes, but if no, then it's time you let your dog attend dog obedience school training. Although some dog owners attempt to train their pets themselves, it is always better to go for professional handling like the ones provided in dog obedience classes to ensure dog training.

However, you might be hesitant to enroll in one because you don't know exactly what are being done in dog training classes and how to choose the right one for you and your pet. So, to give you an overview, better read on this article before you let your dog attend any dog training.

What will be taught in dog obedience school?

First and foremost, you are concerned as to what will be taught to your dog in a dog obedience school, right? Of course, if you think the lessons or training will be that easy and you can handle them yourself, you will have second thoughts about enrolling. But you have to note that it's an entirely different thing if you go with a reliable dog obedience school. Here, your dog will learn many things such as how to respond to commands, how to stay, sit, come, and heel up, and how to obey you in general. Of course, it's not only your dog that will learn from this training, but also you.

Here you will learn how to make your dog respond to your commands, how to properly treat and care for your pet, how you will establish dominance, and how to become the alpha of the pack. Things like these will sure help a lot to make your dog behave. Remember, there are no bad dogs; they will just tend to act like animals until somebody shows them other ways to act.

How to choose a dog obedience school?

Now that you know what will be taught in a dog obedience school, perhaps you become more interested than ever to enroll in one. However, since there are lots of schools offering dog training, you have to choose the most reliable one. First, you can check your community college if they offer one. Second, you can ask your veterinarian if he can recommend a dog training school near you. And lastly, you can inquire from pet shops or stores. Nothing is better than a recommendation from those you trust, especially when it involves the pet that you love dearly.

Afterwards, list down all the schools suggested to you. If you want to be certain that it's the right school for you and your pet, better observe its classes to see if they meet your requirements.

Letting your dog attend dog obedience school training is the best thing that you can do for your pet. Actually, it's not only your dog that will benefit, but also you. So, better enroll now and see the difference it will make to you and your pet.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Finding The Right Dog Obedience School Made Easy

Fact: Dog is man's best friend. But, will you still consider your dog your best friend if it keeps on peeing everywhere, chewing on every furniture you have, eating more dog foods than the usual, and making a complete mess out of your room, garden, and home in general? It's fun to have a dog to walk around, there's no doubt about that.

But if your dog is not a well-trained one, chances are you'll end up getting a new and friendlier pet. So, prior to getting a pet dog, be sure that you have idea about animal trainer and dog obedience school. And to make the task of finding the right animal trainer or dog training school for your pet, here are some tips to guide you.

First, you have to be keen when choosing a dog trainer or dog obedience school. With so many people promoting themselves as experts in the area of animal training nowadays, you could be easily deceived by one who claims to be the most reliable in this field. That is why, before you take on an animal trainer or dog school to help you turn your pet from naughty to well-trained, here are some factors that you should look out for:

1. The person or school's reputation. To know this, you can ask around your neighbors or from your friends and colleagues who have already tried this kind of training for their pets. Or better yet, get recommendations from your veterinarian or from your local pet store because they know very well whom you can turn to when it comes to dog training.

2. Years of service/experience. Choosing between a new trainer or school and an experienced one, of course, any dog owner will always go for the latter. Why? Because longer years of service and experience mean that more people are satisfied with how they train dogs, thus they are there to stay. So before you hire a trainer or enroll in a school, make sure that you know how long the trainer or the school has been doing dog training.

3. Sincere love and attachment to dogs. Of course, you want your pet to be handled by someone who is not only into training dogs but also shows compassion to these animals, right? That's why, be sure to look out for this quality when looking for the right dog trainer.

4. Training tactics and handling skills. Many people can easily claim that they love dogs and that they know how to train them. But do they really know the tactics and have the skills to really train one? So, when hiring a dog trainer, make sure that he really has the skills in the area of dog training. Ask if he keeps himself up to date by attending dog training seminars, workshops, and classes.

If you find a dog trainer or a dog obedience school that satisfies the four things mentioned above, then you are on the right track of having a well-trained dog. See, finding the right one does not have to be that mind-boggling, right?

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Dog Obedience House Training—How To Go about It

House training is a very important phase in a dog's life. It secures the tight bond and good relationship between the master and the dog. Experts advice that house training must start while the dog is young. In this sense, your pet's misbehavior will be corrected at such an early time. Therefore, the sooner that you start with dog obedience house training, the better.

Here are the guidelines on how you should go about dog obedience house training.

Let him have his own space.

The untrained puppies or dogs should not be allowed wandering around the house without any supervision. You may not know it but your pet might already be chewing on things and worse, may get themselves injured or electrocuted. If you are at home, be sure to keep him in a place where you can see him easily. If there will be a time that he will be left alone, better place him in his den or crate. Put a bed of his own that can be made out of a box or towel, some toys, his water and food. Be sure to let him have his own playtime too so he can have enough exercise.

Introduce him to new areas
.

After you have taught him how to behave in his own place, it is now time to introduce him to the other areas of your home. Be sure to spend time with him in that area. If you want to show him the new place where he can eat, do it under your supervision. Introduce the places and what he is allowed and disallowed to do in these areas. Do this by leashing him so as to control his reactions. Unleash him when you think he already has gotten himself familiar with the new areas. But, remember to keep watch or else he might get into trouble and cause further damages.

Potty train him.

Show him the area where he can do his thing. Make sure not to confuse him. Never allow him to play in that area or he might get the idea that he can use the same place for all his activities.

Let him understand the "No Chew" command.

By nature, dogs like to chew on things since it aids in the strengthening of their teeth and gums. It is also kind of a healthy exercise for their jaws. Part of your dog obedience house training is providing him with toys that he may chew on and let him understand that not all things can be used to strengthen his teeth and gums. Be stern as you give him the "no chew" command. Praise him when he has done the right thing and give him a reward.

Set off limits areas.

It is always important to keep your dog away from the rooms that contain pieces of furniture and where the electric lines are. Give him the "off" command and when he does follow it, pat him and praise him.

By and large, dog obedience house training will benefit you in the future. So, start early!

Friday, April 30, 2010

Picking The Best Dog Obedience School

Who doesn't want a well behaved dog? This can be achieved by no other than dog obedience training. However, having your pet trained the right way may not be that easy for you. You may have a very busy schedule or you simply don't have the patience to pull things over. Thus, your ordeal is solved because there are numerous schools that can handle your pet very well.

When you take a walk at the park or just within your neighborhood, you surely have seen those pet owners who are problematic with their unruly dogs. Sometimes, you experience losing your patience because your pet just would not budge despite the commands you have given him. Or it could be that your dog goes wild and feels agitated whenever he sees people or other dogs. Such is a major problem that you have to face.

Well, don't feel flustered and resigned. There is an immediate solution which you may turn to. That is by enrolling him in a dog obedience schoolLeadership Lessons Learned in Dog Obedience School (Volume 1). You can always hire a professional trainer who has the ample expertise to communicate with your pet and have him all focused to listen. The basic commands can be learned and of course be responded to. Proper training will therefore make things easier for you and your dog.

So, how do you choose the school for your dog? Here are some noteworthy steps to take into account.

Choosing an obedience school for dogs is like that of picking the right school where to send your kids to. Of course, there are several dog schools that make up the list and what you must do is to narrow down your choices. It is important that you select the best one and researching will help you cast your decision.

The first step to take is to make a research. What are the best dog schools in your area? List them down.

Then, find out the feedbacks that clients have for those dog schools.

Ask around for referrals. Your friends or relatives may have already sent their pets to any of these dog obedience schools.

Call up the administrators. Find out the programs offered and inquire about some facts.

Of course, you need to visit the "campus" itself. See for yourself if there are proper sets of equipment and the likes. It is also the best chance to get to see if the trainers look reliable in handling your pet.

Talk to the trainers and ask around the methods that they use. Be sure to bring along your dog so it can have an immediate feel of the place. You may also see if he is comfortable with the trainer.

Your dog is not merely a guard but should be treated more like a companion. Thus, he needs the proper dog training so you will be more comfortable having him around you. Plus, you don't have to worry about him hurting other people or animals. A well trained dog is a pleasant pet. So, choose the right dog obedience schoolHelp! I'm Trapped in Obedience School Again for him now!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Dog Obedience Training: Developing A Well-Trained Dog

Have you seen the movie "Marley and Me"? If you have, then you've seen how annoying Marley can be. He's the type of dog that any dog trainer will not be too happy to meet. He pees everywhere, chews on the living room set, and jumps on people. Actually, his owner, portrayed by Owen Wilson, even brought him to a dog training class to turn him into a well-trained dog. Unfortunately, the dog trainer easily gave up on him because he was the worst dog she had ever seen. He made a total chaos in the class, so he was not allowed to finish the course. That was kind of frustrating on the part of his owners. Now, if you have a dog like Marley, what will you do? Why not try these dog obedience training exercises to develop a well-trained dog?

Sit

You have to note that your dog must always sit at your left side with his shoulder at your left knee. To make him obey the sit command, you have to first fold the leash in your right hand. Then, call your dog's name and command sit. Push down on his hindquarters using your left hand and jerk up on the leash with your hand. When he does the sitting position right, praise him and give him a treat.

Heeling on Leash

When walking your dog, his right shoulder should be about even with your left knee. Once the leash turns loose, simply call out your dog's name and give the heel command. Walk forward as soon as you can and then give a hard jerk on the leash. Do not drag your dog when you do this. Once you jerked him into position, praise him with words like "Good boy!"

About Turn

When you turn away from your dog, do it to your right to reverse your direction. And as you do it, make sure that you keep your eyes on your dog and then give several short and quick jerks.

Stay

To make your dog stay where he is, command him to be in a sitting position. Afterwards, hold up your hand with the flat of your palm facing him, then tell him to stay. If he does, again give him praise but if not, put him back in position and start again.

Down

Just like in the stay command, you can make your dog obey the down command by putting him in a sitting position first. With him sitting, give the down command, then slowly push on his shoulders and wobble him off balance at the same time. But there's another way to do this. You can also place the leash between your sole and shoe heel. Then, give the down command and pull up on the leash.

So these are just some of the dog obedience training exercises that you can do to develop a well-trained dog. At first, they may seem difficult. But once you tried them and see effective results, you will realize how rewarding these dog obedience exercises could be not only for your dog but also for you.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Dog Obedience: Come Or Recall Command

The arrival of a young dog is always an exciting moment for everyone in the family. Kids and adults alike take turns in playing and adoring him. The puppy is always fun to touch and play with and has the tendency to be the center of attention in the household. You have to realize though that his arrival means you have a lot of things to attend to.

At the same time, he has a lot of new things to learn in line with his behavior and following orders. Do you want your dog to be responsive when you call on him? Well, unfortunately, some dogs fall short on this. To make a change, be sure to have your pet properly trained on this. Dog obedience training educates your dog to respond to the come or recall command given to him.

The Significance of the Come or Recall Command


Among the dog obedience commands, the come or recall order is said to be the most basic yet most important. This has to be done while the dog is still young. When your pet is able to respond well when you execute this command, you can be sure that he can use it to steer himself away from danger or any kind of trouble.

The come or recall command is greatly associated with the safety reasons. First and foremost, you may be able to grant your dog more freedom without fear that he will get himself into troubles. Even if you lose sight of him you are confident that he will come back as you call on him.

The Training Itself

The main goal that you should achieve for this dog obedience come or recall command is to easily get your dog's response. He should come around during your first two calls. His listening skills should therefore be sharpened so he will respond wherever he may be and whatever it is that he is busy with.

Undoubtedly, the process is a bit hard. A responsive dog is not that easy to achieve. Dogs are not as mature as other human beings so the training will include a lot of work on your part. There are even dog breeds that love to be chased after. Thus, you should be familiar with the right technique that you should apply depending on how your dog's natural instincts work.

The real secret to this is to start the obedience training as early as possible and reinforce your command all the time.

The General Rules to Observe

To make things a lot manageable, here are some quick tips for you.

Your dog may not respond at once but never punish him when he comes. It will give him the impression that the same thing will always happen and it will be twice the challenge to call on him.

Don't unleash him in public especially if he has not perfected responding to your command.

Exude a positive voice when saying the command. Your dog has to associate his coming to you with a positive thing.

The environment where you are in must reflect safety because your dog will not definitely come to you when he feels threatened.

Don't confuse him with other commands when he has not yet mastered the first one.

So, there you go with the important insights that will keep things manageable as you do the dog obedience training on come or recall command.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Dog Obedience: What You Need to Know

The dog is said to be man's best friend. And so, being a best friend at that, the best thing that anyone can do for his/her pet is to take dog obedience classes. That's right! If you happen to have a dog around, it is not enough that you feed it or give it a shelter at that. It is important that you have a direct communication with your dog so that you can make it follow whatever it is that you want it to do. However, making a dog obey is not as easy as you think. So the solution to that is to take dog obedience classes. Now, here are some important things that you should know before you enroll in one.

How much does dog obedience class cost?


No doubt, this is one big question that you want to be answered first before you proceed taking any dog obedience class. If your dog is a high breed, buying it in the first place may have already cost you a lot; and the added expenses that come with it include daily dog food and veterinarian visits. So, you ask, "How much does a dog training cost and can my budget accommodate it?" The answer actually depends mainly on where you live.

If you are residing in a smaller city, chances are you can find a dog training class that will cost you about $150, not too expensive at that considering the benefits it will give you and your pet. Where to find one? Start by checking out your local community college. Often times, they offer dog obedience classes that last for 6-8 weeks. You can also check from your local newspaper, ask your veterinarian for suggestions, or inquire from local pet stores.

What you should expect from a dog obedience class?

Of course, any dog owner wants not only value for his/her money but also the best dog training possible. So, if you are seriously considering taking a dog training class, better have knowledge on what you can expect at the end of the course. For one, a dog obedience class can teach your dog to be more sociable. This is because other dog owners with their pets will be sharing the same class with you.

It will sure be lots of fun and will teach you a lot about the basic commands for your pet. Next, useful tips and other important information will also be given to fix your dog's basic problems. Always remember that dogs that are not trained may bite others, fight with other dogs, pee everywhere inside the house, and chew on shoes, slippers, and even furniture. By attending a dog training class, you will be taught on how to help your pet behave.

Taking dog obedience classes can really benefit you and your pet a lot. And with those questions answered, for sure you have already come up with a decision whether to enroll or not. But to be certain, better observe some classes first to see if they are the right ones for you and your dog.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Dog Obedience — Guide To Behavior Training

Do you have a pet dog? Have you thought about getting him into dog obedience behavior training? You are wrong if you think it is a daunting task to get on with because contrary to what most people would say, the training itself is no rocket science and easy to administer. You can even do it by yourself. Doing so will heighten your bonding moments with your pet. All that it takes is an ample amount of time and effort on your part.

To make things easier for you, here is a quick guide to dog obedience behavior training. They apply to all breeds of dogs and whether they will be used in sporting, leisure, working, or for competitions. You need to know these principles and get them to work to ensure that your effort will pay off.

The Rule of Consistency

Consistency is one important thing to take note of during the entire training especially that you mean to correct the unwanted behaviors exhibited by your dog. To achieve consistency, be certain to employ the same commands for the tasks that you want your dog to perform. Don't create the confusion in him by using an entirely different command for the same nature of task you require of him.

Also, establish house rules that your dog will fully be aware of. Soon you will see that he will do as you say without difficulty.

The Need for Proper Timing

Timing is indeed critical. It determines whether the training will be successful or not. Always give him praises whenever he has done something right. Reprimand him for the wrong ones. This will let him understand those behaviors that you like and dislike. You have two options for reprimanding. First, correct him right on the spot. Second, ignore him when he approaches you. This will let him realize that his behavior is unacceptable.

Giving the Adequate Dose of Attention

Like humans, dogs also seek attention and they love it. The only problem is that they are somewhat incapable of discerning which the positive is and which one is the negative attention. What they only understand is that when they are able to elicit reaction and attention from people, they will do the same things repeatedly.

As the owner, you should not yield to your dog when he is exhibiting bad behavior. Don't let him out of his crate whenever he groans or run after him when he picks up your socks. When you do so, he will think that it is positive attention and is sure to repeat the same behavior.

So, what you must do is to only direct your attention to him whenever he behaves properly. Give him treats as the prize for good behavior.

Be in the Mood

It is important that you set your mind on the task. Dog obedience behavior training requires too much patience so it is best to have that frame of mind. Never ever proceed with the training sessions when you are drugged, drunk, or in a bad mood.

Dog obedience is a training that your pet must undergo. So, take note of these guidelines!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Basic Commands: Dog Obedience

Are you bored with your dog who knows only three commands? Don't fret, my friend! You could probably use a little jazz. Specific command words are not that difficult and important. The thing here should be the consistency of its usage. My friend, Wiki, here can give you a bit of a blast. Some of these certain commands are accepted as standard, while others are commonly used.

Here is a list you might find quite interesting:

Let us start off with the basic commands

1.) Sit – it is a mono-syllabic word that requires a bit of an authentic tone that would require for your dog to be in a sitting position.

2.) Down – just like #1, this also requires an abrupt tone for the dog to be typically down when its elbows (front feet) and hocks (rear legs) are touching the ground or floor.

3.) Heel – The dog's head or shoulder is parallel to the handler's leg on the left side of the handler.

4.) Come or Here – (referred to as the recall) you just really got to call your dog which equates the whole command.

5.) Stay – another command that requires another snap for the dog to remain in the sitting position (sit, down, stand), and location under which the command was given until it is released by the handler

Those were just some of the basic ones, but wait! Here is something for those who are too hungry to actually stop. The advanced commands are the following (which may need more patience and dedication):

1.) Stop – Wiki says that the dog commanded will simply stop whatever it is doing, and lie down on command no matter how far it is from its keeper is a dog that can be taken anywhere. Some handlers use the German word PLATZ (related to place, i.e. stay in position) for this action. A little bit demanding, but who knows when your dogs needs it.

2.) Back up – keepers of large dogs or dogs with reputation (a must quote!) for aggressiveness can make strangers more comfortable by teaching the dog to back up on command. This command might probably be very useful for police dogs.

3.) Growl – now this is what you guys should be talking about. In case you are bullied, this is the inverse of backing up. Some owners teach non-aggressive dogs to growl on a subtle command –not the word "growl", just usually a small hand gesture –as a way of letting strangers know that you and your dog value being left alone.

4.) Steady – to keep near by. The dog can walk free, but not dash off. This can be very valuable to sport dogs, and/or during competitions.

5.) Stand – on this command, the dog stands still. Funny how this is seems so advanced; it is very valuable for "grooming". Many dogs are groomed frequently, that they need to stand quietly during the process. You can also use this when you want your dog to wait for you at the park, while lining up for an espresso at Starbucks seven in the morning.

6.) Go to bed, kennel, or get in – this command directs the dog to go to its bed, and remain there unreleased. This is somehow useful to keep a dog out from underfoot, and safe in a busy or complicated situation.

7.) Drop or Drop it – to release something they just picked up; very useful when they're about to chew your sandals off.

8.) Leave it – an adjunction to Drop, directing the dog NOT to touch an item.

9.) Take it – the dog leaves a desired object untouched until given this command.

10.) Give – a command teaching the dog to be generous, and/or releasing something your pet has placed in his mouth on your hand.

11.) Speak – another way of saying "to bark ONLY when I say so".

12.) Roll over – can be one of the basic commands; this is when the dog lies down, roll over, and stand back up. Quite a bit of an exercise.

13.) Attack – if partnered with the command "Growl", you (the owner) will be the king of your neighborhood, though mostly used only on Police Dogs. Common commands are either "Attack" or "Sick'em".

14.) Fetch – can also be one of the basic commands where the dog retrieves a thrown object, bringing it back to the one who threw it, a nice strategy for luring guard dogs (especially when they're obsessed with balls).