Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Help For Making A Purchase Of A Dog Training Collar

When you are making a purchase of a dog training collar, the myriad differences in the specific brands and the choices of collars inside each brand can be overwhelming.  Sometime manufacturers tout their differences from the competitors and its difficult to tell how much is real and how much is advertising.  One of the ways to determine the real differences is to find and a read dog training collar review.  There are several such dog training collar reviews on the internet.

There are other resources to tap to help in making this choice. One of the resources is a local vet, could help you with their opinion.  They can give you a view of which choices you should most definitely not make, as not all collars are right for all dogs.  Also, many obedience class instructors have and use many of the dog training collars and could give you their opinion or allow you to try the different choices during a training class.  Each of these individuals could give you an opinion on the dog training collar review information that you obtained.

All dog training collar review information is not equal, as some are sponsored by the manufactures of the different collars.  Once you have your dog training collar reviews, read through consumer reports and customer’s comments on the products you are considering.  Amazon.com provides sales of an amazing amount of items, and they keep customer review and many of them, trying visiting their site to check.

Discount any collars which are clearly out of your price range.  Do not feel bad about this, there is absolutely no sense in spending more than you can afford when the simple collars can provide what you need.  Unless you have a disability that requires you to choice a very high-end choice, you can consider the dog training collar reviews inexpensive choices that may require a little more work on your part.

Check with a local vet or a local obedience trainer and see if they agree with the choice you made.  The most likely have experience with the products.

Don’t Do’s In Purchasing

Don’t buy the first dog training collar you see in a store, no matter what the store expert tells you.  Always do research in the information they provide, and don’t assume that you got all the salient facts.  Even if a dog training collar review agrees with the store expert, spend just a little more time.  Store experts may get a commission for certain manufacturers and a dog training collar review may be sponsored by a company.

A last note, if you have a smaller dog make sure what you are looking at is a small dog training collar.  You need it positioned correctly on a small dog.

 

Gasen Redeye is the webmaster of My Dog Collars where you will get more Dog Training Collar information.

 

Monday, October 27, 2008

Starting a Home Business With Dog Training Products

Working in the comfort of your home is something a lot of people would like to do. There are times in your life for example if you are a stay at home parent, or when you are taking care of elderly family members that you are bound to your home but you would like to make some money by working at home. A few years a go I would advise you to start a (micro) business in dog training products but is this still advisable?

There are a lot of people who try to make a living and start a small business online and in theory it sounds perfect. But there are a lot of mountains to climb before you earn anything and it is easy to get discouraged. Especially when you want to sell dog training products there is an enormous amount of competition in this niche. There are a lot of dog lovers out there who would like to have a career dog in training but did not have the time and had the same idea about an online business. Some have indeed made a good amount of money by selling for example dog training products. But almost all of the successful sites have started early and the ones who have just started and are successful often sell dog training products they have developed them self. If you want to sell dog training products from other manufacturers for example by setting up a amazon or yahoo shop we would advise you to do some research to your competition.

It is true that dog training products are very salable items but consumers also look for sellers that are trustworthy and reliable. Often consumers buy from the large and well known web shops and not from small shops that all look the same. If you do want to start your own web shop and sell dog training products or something else dog related you need to do some proper research and try to find products that are new, salable, are what they claim to be, and you need to find a good supplier. You also need a website that is eye catching and worth to remember, a site that people trust and where they will return if they want to buy some other dog training products.

Competition


The next and the most hard thing is that people need to be able to find your website. Because there is such a enormous amount of competition and the competition is trained to build high traffic websites, and they know exactly how to attract traffic to their website this is your biggest challenge. Your site and products need to be found in search engines by the people who are looking for dog training products. But because there is so much competition that will be very hard. The key to your success as a online dog training products shop will depend on the amount of research and time you put in internet marketing not in your knowledge about dog training products.

The last but certainly not least tip we want to give you, if you still want to start a internet business in dog training products is that you should not invest large amounts of money into your shop if you can not spear it. Paying a lot of money for building a website or for internet marketing does not guarantee that you will earn your investment back with dog training products in a reasonable amount of time.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Here's A Quick Way To Potty Train Your Puppy

You may have just recently purchased a new puppy. He is so adorable! Beside enjoying your little pal, you also want to protect your home so your furnishings and carpets aren't ruined. Now what are you going to do?

One of your first jobs is to teach your puppy where to relieve himself so your home won't be damaged. How can that be accomplished?

Grab your free dog training course and learn more about how to house puppy train.

Dogs act mainly from habits that have been developed over a period of time and that fact can help you as a dog owner. As the dog owner, you need to install the habits of your choice. Don't let your pet create his own habits that you might not appreciate. Puppies have limitations and you need to be aware of them. Since your puppy's bladder is so small, he can't hold his urine in very long. Understanding and patience will help you deal with your puppy's limitations.

Don't scream at your puppy when he has an accident. You'll need to exercise patience with your new pal. If your puppy has an accident on the living room carpet, be gentle with him. Tell him "no" in a gentle way. Then pick him up and place him where you do want him to go potty. Then tell him to go potty in that place in your own words.

Using a crate for puppy training purposes is a good idea. That's because dogs don't like to urinate or defecate where they spend a lot of time. Playpens can also be used for training purposes.

Be aware that there are certain times when your new pal is more likely to want to relieve himself. First thing in the morning is one of the times when your puppy will need to relieve himself. Right after eating is one of the main times your new puppy will want to relieve himself. Be sure to take your puppy to his designated toilet area before he goes to bed at night. Right after romping around for a while, your pal will probably want to go potty.

Your new pet needs close supervision. If he goes potty on his own outside, be sure to praise him immediately. If he should go potty inside the house, you need to gently but sternly let him know that isn't the right place to go. Be sure to praise your puppy when he does go in the correct place. He really needs your approval.

Become aware of the signals that show your puppy is about to go potty. Wandering off, sniffing and circling are signs that your puppy is ready to relieve himself. Maybe he'll go and stand at the door.

Patience and kindness goes a long way in dog training. Be sure to spend time training your new pal to urinate or deficate where you have chosen for him to go. The time and effort you put into training your new pal will be worth it when he knows the right time and place to relieve himself.

Watch free dog training video plus learn how to potty train puppy to go potty where you want your pal to go.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Dog Obedience Training and Three Basic Rules

There are dog obedience training schools where dogs are trained to follow simple commands using three basic principles as the trainer's guide.. Most dog training and dog behavior schools use these rules. They are the following:

Principle One:Consistency. You must be consistent in the use of words, the tone of your voice and your actions, that go with your command. At the beginning of training you as the dog owner or trainer must make the decision as to what guidelines you will use to teach the dog. Words do not make sense to a dog. He does not understand things the way we understand, and he does not understand the language we use.

For the training to be understandable, the command must be used in a consistent manner so he can recognize the meaning to the word and tone. If you are using the word 'come' make sure everyone is. The command 'Come' specifically means that the dog should approach the giver of the command and use it in that sense. If he does not come to you, do not force the dog to come to you and punish him for doing so. Your dog would attribute the command with the punishment.

What could you expect next?He would not follow the same command since this leads to punishment. The same command used, by all people, must be consistent. For example, if you use the words 'come' make sure everyone in your family uses that word also, not 'come here'.

Principle Two:The hours devoted to training and the words used as command should be kept short. Keep in mind that the attention span of dogs is very short that making them engrossed with a specific activity would be very hard, if not impossible. Combining children with your puppy obedience training is an example of keeping your training sessions short as they would lose interest very quickly, so it is best to move on to the next thing.

Your dog simply does not posses the same amount of interest they had when they started the activity, they become easily bored. Training should be kept to ten to fifteen minutes and set at regular times.

Principle Three: Do not use force and punishment to hurt your dog when training. Also, never force the dog to follow the command if he is not prepared for it or punish a dog for something he did. Don’t push the animal too hard while training.

Your dog has no understanding of your impatience for his lack of learning speed. He only knows you are angry. Using force does not convey your meaning correctly whereas negative reinforcement does. Do not send him mixed signals, by making him feel praised for doing something wrong, only when he obeys the command, should he feel praised.

You have to be understanding and patient, especially during your dog obedience training sessions. The outcome will be a very responsive and well trained dog.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

A Guide To Dog Training

A Guide To Dog Training

Before starting dog training, it is best that you know your options well. These days you can find many types of dog training, in many different places. These trainings vary in price and each one them has something different to offer.

The first type of dog training is known as puppy preschool. This is a dog training course meant for puppies that are about 6 weeks to 5 months old. These puppy preschool classes generally last for no more than 6 to 8 weeks. In these training sessions, your puppy is essentially taught how to socialize with people and as well as other puppies. Here your puppy also begins to learn how to sit down, stay at a place, and how to come.

The second type of dog training course is meant for the dogs that are at least 5 months old. This type of dog training is known as the basic dog training. The duration of these classes is usually about 8 to 10 weeks. This is the basic course, where your dog is taught the art of walking properly on a leash, sitting, staying, coming and heeling.

The third type of dog training course is known as the intermediate dog training. This dog training aims at teaching the dog mostly the same things that are taught in the basic training course, in a more detailed form. Here the dog is trained to stay for a longer span of time, and is also taught to follow the orders given by other people.

The intermediate dog training generally lasts for about 8 to 10 weeks, and is meant for those that are no less than 5 months old. It is essential for the dog to have completed its basic dog training course, or to be accustomed to the basic commands that could have been taught by the owner.

The next type of training course is known as the advanced dog training course. Here, once again, the course is quite similar to its previous one, i.e., the intermediate dog training course, except for the fact that this time it is more detailed. Here, the dog is taught how to sit even without you in the view.

This training course is about 8 to 10 weeks long, and is meant for those that have completed their intermediate training. Here, they are also trained to walk beside their owners without a leash. Moreover, it gradually prepares the dog to take the Canine Good Citizen training course. The Canine Good Citizen training for dogs is the last course. To pass this course, your dog will be taught the 10 necessary aspects.

This course is strictly meant for those dogs that have completed all the previous courses. The test is quite tough and can only be passed if the dog is really well behaved. Depending on whether your dog can pass, the course can last for several weeks.

Keeping this information in mind, you should be able to decide the dog training course best suited for your dog. However, you may seek the opinion of your local dog trainers to know more. Many trainers consult for free. So now you should be at least a step closer to introducing your dog into a training course!


Monday, October 20, 2008

'Sit Up' Buddy: Training Your Dog To Sit Like You

'Sit Up' Buddy: Training Your Dog To Sit Like You




The trick of “sitting up” is easily taught to small dogs, but should try not be included in a big dog’s education, as it is difficult for them to preserve their balance.

The training of sitting up is one of the first tricks to teach and forms the groundwork for many other dog tricks. To train a dog to sit up, prepare some treats as a reward, and set your dog on his haunches in a corner, so that he cannot fall either backward or sideways and has very little or no space to lose balance.

Keep him from pitching forward by holding one hand under his chin and with the other hand hold the treat above his nose and keep repeating distinctly and deliberately say, “sit up.” Do not make him sit up too long at any one time, but repeat the lesson frequently and reward him often with plentiful of praise and treats.

During his first lesson he will require considerable assistance from your hand to prevent him from pitching forward, but as he gets control of the balancing muscles and understands what you want, he will depend less and less upon your hand to keep him in position and you can gradually render him less assistance until you will only have to keep one hand in position two or three inches from his neck or chin, so as to be ready to prevent him pitching forward; later on you can withdraw this hand entirely and simply hold the treat just above the level of his head.

By constant practice he will sit up well after you set him up; then he should be set up against the wall, so as to afford him a support for his back only, and after he has been well schooled at this and can keep his position easily, practice him against chair legs, cushions or other objects that afford him less and less assistance, until finally he learns to preserve his balance and sits up without anything to lean against.

During all these lessons the words “sit up” have been impressed upon his mind by frequent repetition, and now comes the final lesson to teach him to sit up as soon as he hears the words, and the chances are, if he has been diligently drilled, it will be necessary only to call him out in the room, show him a treat, hold it up a suitable distance from the floor, say “sit up” and he will do so, when he should be given the treat while still in position.

The only necessity to perfection is to practice him several times a day until he will sit up at the word and without being shown a reward; that can be given him after he has obeyed.

You have now a foundation for many other tricks. He can be taught to beg by moving your hand up and down just in front of his paws, which he will move in unison with yours. He can also be taught to salute by bringing one paw up to the side of his head, or to hold a wooden pipe in his mouth, or to wear a cap on his head or other articles of wearing apparel.

In teaching a dog to submit to being dressed up, do not attempt to get him to wear too many things at once; try him at first with a cap and after he becomes accustomed to that you can put on a coat and gradually accustom him to the other clothing articles.

Enjoy teaching your dog the “sit up” trick and most importantly have fun along the way!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Walking on a Leash and Staying: Two Crucial Commands

How to Train a Puppy




What makes good dogs turn aggressive the second you put a leash on them? Having a dog that pulls and lunges at dogs and people presents a danger to others and a roadblock to your training efforts.

Skipping walks is not an option and may exacerbate the problem. Can you curb leash aggression so your daily walks aren't nightmares?

If your dog seems like he is about to become aggressive, divert him with a command like sit or down. This will keep him occupied and should reroute his attention.

If you are about to pass another dog, don’t tense up or pull the least taut. Your pet will be able to tell and he will think that you are scared, so aggression is much more likely. Animals pick up on our signals – just remain calm and relaxed.

Muzzles and gentle leader harnesses can be useful training tools for dogs who lunge. Gentle leaders are designed to keep a dog from lunging, and muzzles will prevent biting. If you use them, make sure to train your dog at the same time. Don't plan on relying on these tools indefinately.

If you have tried to curb leash aggression and your dog still misbehaves during walks, it is time to find a good trainer. You need professional help to stop this at once: not only is it disruptive to your own walks, it is dangerous to everyone and every animal you pass on the sidewalk.

Many dogs pull and lunge when on a leash. If your dog displays this very natural reaction to being on a leash, it is vital that you take action as soon as possible so it doesn't become either an irritating habit or a dangerous one.

Teaching your dog to stay can be an immensely useful command, and it will definitely impress other dog owners. As always, use treats and praise to help you instruct your dog. You can use SitStayFetch to enhance your results.

To learn to stay, your dog first needs to know how to sit and/or lie down. When he masters this, staying is the next step. Begin by telling him to sit or lie down. As he does this, put your hand out and say, "Stay." Make sure you use a firm yet calm voice.

Your dog may only be able to stay for a second or two at first. No matter how long he stays, remember to praise him and give him a treat. He will be able to stay longer as he practices.

Give the release command – say "Ok," or "Come" - so your dog knows he doesn’t have to lie down any longer. Give him a treat and lots of praise. Giving rewards is a key element of the formula when it comes to things like puppy training tips.

As you work on the stay command, demand that your dog stay for longer periods of time. Don't give him his treat until he performs to your satisfcation. Have him do a little more each time.

At the same time, make sure you’re not extending your training sessions too long. Five minutes is enough to get great results.

Any longer and your dog will feel like he’s in a marathon – he’ll get tired, cranky, and won’t want to listen. At first, you may have to repeat, "Stay," often to remind your dog, especially if they’re excited about their treat.

As you continue training, your dog will be able to stay longer, even when you are not in the room. You will not always have to provide a treat, but do always praise your dog and his accomplishments.

Discover more about Dog Obedience Training Tips.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

American Pit Bull Terrier Training: How To Train An Aggressive Dog

American Pit Bull Terrier Training: How To Train An Aggressive Dog




Aggressive Pit Bulls can become a very serious problem if not dealt with in a proper manner. New laws exist that state if a dog bites or attacks someone, the dog’s owner will be held responsible and the dog put down. This is just another reason that Pit Bull owners should invest the time and energy to properly train their dogs.

There are many different reasons why a Pit Bull terrier may become aggressive. Here are a couple of the most common that I see:

- Your dog may feel that his territory is being invaded
- Your dog may feel threatened

When a dog exhibits signs of aggression, they usually come from a lack of confidence and feelings of insecurity. Basic obedience training won't solve your Pit Bull’s problem with aggressive behavior, the only solution is serious dog training. Keep in mind that an aggressive dog doesn't just bite, he barks and lunges at people as well and he could also attack another pet.

I would strongly recommend seeking the services of a professional dog trainer if you're having a real problem with aggression. Training an aggressive dog is a challenge and can prove to be expensive, but it is a small price to pay when you consider you'll be saving your Pit's life and possibly the life of some other animal or individual. To find a professional trainer who handles cases of aggression, contact your local veterinarian and ask for referrals.

Be sure that you do your homework and thoroughly investigate the schools which are recommended. Look at their facilities and learn what methods they use when training dogs. The last thing you want is for your Pit Bull to exhibit worse behavior after going through training school than when he first entered.

I applaud your decision to be a responsible Pit Bull terrier owner and have your dog trained. An aggressive Pit can halter the relationship that you have with him, hurt other people, hurt other animals, and give this fabulous breed a bad reputation. After it is all said and done, I'm certain you'll agree that having your Pit Bull trained was a fantastic decision!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

6 Easy Ways To Find a Good Dog Training Professional




6 easy ways to find a good dog training professional

Finding a good dog training professional
With so many people advertising in the field of professional dog training today, trying to determine who's truly qualified to look after your dog can be overwhelming. What to look for when choosing a professional to help you with dog training :

1) A good reputation, ask around and get recommendations from your vet, other dog owners, or local kennel clubs.
2) Experience. - Inquire about their background, i.e. number of years experience.
3)A genuine love of and devotion to dogs.
4) Extensive and up to date knowledge. Dedicated trainers keep themselves updated by attending dog training and animal behaviour courses, conferences, seminars and workshops.
5) Their training methodology and handling skills. A good trainers first concern should be the dogs well being.
6) Memberships with reputable associations, organizations and training clubs.

General dog obedience tips

Training should be a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. If you are not in the right mood for training, don’t even begin. Always reward your dog for obeying your commands promptly! A reward is anything that your dog wants and is willing to work for. Treats are an obvious reward but other rewards could be verbal praise and toys. Several shorter sessions are usually better than one long one. Training should not involve any negative components or punishment . There should be no shouting, no hitting or smacking, no chain jerking on choke chains or collars, and absolutely no electric shocking! Each training session should be enjoyable and positive with rewards for jobs well done.

Training with head collars
Pulling on the lead is one of the few unpleasant experiences of bringing up a new puppy or dog. Using a head collar for dog training has become very popular over the last few years. Training with a head collar does have some advantages over the traditional training collar. Although very simple to use, it is important that head collars are fitted correctly and your dog properly introduced to the collar. Head collars are generally more intuitive to use than a traditional training collar. Head collars are very effective when controlling dogs in difficult situations.

Monday, October 13, 2008

SitStayFetch Review – How To Stop Bad Dog Behaviour




Dogs particularly from young should be trained to stop bad dog behaviour. I recommend SitStayfetch by Daniel Stevens if you want to learn how to train your dog fast and effectively.

Dogs are loyal companions though sometimes they can misbehave especially young puppies. This may be in the form of barking non-stop, biting things around the house, or digging holes in the back yard. No pet owner wants to have to deal with bad dog behaviors like this. It´s not only frustrating, but it´s time consuming as well, if you don´t know how to effectively correct the problem.

Adopting an animal when it is very young usually helps to initiate a lasting bond. Once a small puppy is taken from its mother, it relies on its owner for direction. It is at this stage that you want to start reinforcing certain things.

One of the most troublesome bad dog behaviors is playing with items the animal shouldn´t be. Typically this is slippers, or small kids´ toys, it can even be expensive purses or shoes. The dog has no idea what is and isn´t a toy, so it just assumes everything is.

The owner should be mindful of what it left within the dog´s reach and if he or she notices the dog picking up something it shouldn´t be, a firm "no" always helps. Repetition is often necessary to ensure the dog understands the rule and to correct this type of dog behavior problems.

Accidents in the home sometimes occur and if they aren´t dealt with swiftly, the problem can be a persistent one. Many puppies relieve themselves wherever and whenever the mood strikes them. This is one of the bad dog behaviors that can really impact your life. It´s important for the owner to take the dog outside at regular intervals when it is young so it becomes accustomed to not going inside the house. If that´s not possible, you can paper train the dog, which is also very helpful.

Biting is another issue that some dog owners find themselves facing. Typically it´s not that the dog is meaning to bite anyone. It´s more that the dog is playing and nips at the person. This is especially troubling if you have young children in the home. Correcting bad dog behaviors like this is really important. You don´t want to end up having a dog that bites people who are at your home visiting. This could have very serious results so you need to work with the dog, by scolding it when it does attempt to play in this fashion.

It´s so nice to have a pet for the entire family to enjoy. With a little work and commitment you can train your dog to be a wonderful and loving companion for years to come. Dog behavior problems can always be corrected if you take the right approach.

I highly recommend SitStayFetch by Daniel Stevens if you want to put a stop to your dog bad behavior. It is one of the best dog training course I have brought.

6 Great Tips For Getting Your Dog Toilet Trained




6 Great Tips For Getting Your Dog Toilet Trained

One of the toughest jobs that a family faces when a new puppy comes home is getting the dog housebroken. This means that the dog will eliminate outdoors and not use your home and furnishings as a toilet. Lots of people think that getting doggy toilet trained is a tough task, but it doesn’t need to be. If you arm yourself with plenty of information for the best ways to get your dog house trained, you are on the right path to having a dog that goes to the bathroom where you want him to go.

When to House Train

A dog can be toilet trained at any age, but the best age to begin is between eight and twelve weeks old. If you set up a housebreaking routine as soon as you bring your puppy home, before long he will get the right idea of where to do his business. A crate is a great tool for toilet training a puppy. It keeps him confined when there is no supervision and most dogs learn quickly that if they make in their crate they will have to sit in it. Most dogs are fairly hygienic and won’t enjoy having to sit in dog doody or urine.


The Advantages of Using a Crate

Be sure there is enough room in the crate for your pup to turn around, but don't leave so much room that he will be able to eliminate and lie down far away from it. Many dog owners view a crate as a jail cell or to use as punishment, but your dog will love having his own space where he can escape from the hustle and bustle of the household for some quiet time. Make your dogs crate a happy place and don’t use it for punishment. You can feed your dog in the crate, or while he is in there, offer him some treats. Place a favorite chewy or toy in there with him, add blankets and he will have a cozy den to escape to whenever he feels the need. Utilizing a crate for your dog can keep him out of trouble and not only in housebreaking.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Keeping a close eye on your puppy is a key factor in getting him properly housetrained. Whenever you see that he is sniffing, circling or beginning to squat, immediately take him outside to the place where you want him to go and see if he eliminates. If he does, praise him lavishly. A good idea is to have a cue, such as “hurry up” so that your puppy knows what you want him to do. When he is going to the bathroom repeat the cue and then give your dog lots of praise for a job well done. It is better to take the dog out and nothing happens then take a chance of an accident happening.

Have a Schedule

Feeding, watering and walking your dog on a regular schedule will make housebreaking that much easier. Puppies are like children and they thrive on a routine. Try and take the dog out around the same time everyday so they will be able to adjust their bodily functions. The first thing you should do in the morning is take the puppy from the crate and don’t let his feet touch the ground. Bring him to the place where you want him to go, give the cue, and praise upon a successful completion. Take your puppy out at least every two hours, after eating or drinking and especially after play. Before you know it, your puppy will be letting you know it is time to go out and do his business.

Don't Let the Puppy Roam

Letting your puppy roam around the house is a sure fire way to have accidents. If you have decided you don't want to use a crate, and even if you do use one, confining the dog to certain areas of the house can make housetraining easier for everyone. It is difficult to keep track of a puppy when he has the run of the house, but if you gate him in the kitchen, he will still be able to be part of the action and can be better supervised in case of an accident.

Don’t Get Discouraged

There will be times when you first begin housetraining that you feel your pup is just not getting it. He may have accidents in the house as well on occasion. There is no need to be discouraged. If you stick to your routine, keep a good eye on the dog and make frequent outings to his outdoor bathroom, in no time your puppy will be housebroken. Another good idea is to use the same door all the time when you are taking him out so that when he has to go, he will scratch on the door to be let out. Once this happens, you can say hurray and know that your puppy truly is beginning to understand that going to the bathroom in the house is a no-no.



Sunday, October 12, 2008

3 Important Things To Remember When Training Your Puppy




3 Important Things To Remember When Training Your Puppy

There are as many ways to raise a puppy as there are to raising a child. In fact, one way per family in general! But most of us agree that when it comes to children, certain things are universal and undisputed. Here are three things that a lot of people just do not think of when it comes to raising their dogs, however. How many times have we heard, "My dog just won't listen to me", or "He just won't behave!"

1. Dogs do not understand English until we teach them.

The thing we all love about puppies the most is the way they live for us, the way they focus all they have on us, the way our lives become theirs. in the beginning, they study us to learn our body language, our facial expressions and our language. Until we teach them the English language, it's all they have. If we say, "Wanna go out?" one day, "Have to go potty?" the next day, and, "Hafta pee?" the third day, if they DO figure out what we want, it is because we have picked up the leash and moved toward the door with a happy face! If you want to speed up his training by three-fold, teach him YOUR language. Pick a command for EACH behavior and stick with it. Tell all in your family to use the same words and commands, and your puppy will amaze you at how much faster he learns.

2. A young puppy's metabolism is racing along faster than we think.

The younger your puppy is, the faster he is growing, the more food and water he needs to fuel his metabolism, and the more often he has to go potty. Do not punish your puppy when he makes a house-breaking mistake. These are YOUR fault. Your puppy's age in weeks and his breed size determine how often he must go out. Once an hour is not too often for a large 6-week old puppy, especially if it is summertime. Dogs love the exciting smells outdoors, so there is no excuse to not have him housebroken by 7-8 weeks of age. Right after a nap, after he eats and after grooming are the key times, and he will signal you. If he is happily chewing a toy and gets up suddenly with his nose to the floor, move quickly! And every time he goes potty outside, praise him to high heaven! "What a good BOYY!", "GOOD go potty!" and the like. Dogs love our happy faces, and they will do anything to get it.

3. Dogs live for our facial expressions and body language.

Because of this, the worst punishment you ever need to give your dog is a scowl and to turn away from him. You can see his tail fall down and his face get so sad. He will learn the lesson, I guarantee it. But his attention span is only 3-5 minutes, so do not scorn him any longer. Love him up and give him your happy face again. Physical punishment is never necessary. Use consistent commands and loving praise and he will know what you want of him before you know. He will become a master of your body language and facial expressions in no time at all.

Naturally there are many aspects of training your puppy well. Loving kindness works just as well for puppies as it does with children, creating a happy, well-adjusted and obedient dog for life. These three important tips, used consistently with confidence, will start him well on his way.

Friday, October 10, 2008

4 to 8 Dog Agility Jumps Makes Ideal Training




4 to 8 Dog Agility Jumps Makes Ideal Training

We are often asked, "How many jumps should I start with?" You can never have too many single jumps to practice agility. A good starting place is four jumps. This is the absolute minimum number of jumps that we recommend.

You can teach a variety of skills, drills, and exercises with four jumps. Four jumps will allow you to work on a short jump chute or jump grid. You can setup a "box" with your jumps and practice handling, collection, and 270 degree jumps. You can teach your dog jumping left and right. You can be outside the box and send your dog or you can handle from the inside of the box. Your jumps can be setup in a horizontal line, so that you can practice serpentines and threadles.

Go the next step and get eight jumps. Now you can setup two boxes with one introductory jump. You've now multiplied your drills that you can practice with your dog. Your jump grids can be of recommended size and quantity of jumps. You can also setup your jumps in a circle with the jump bars perpendicular to the circle or on the circumference of the circle. This pattern also enables you to train a variety of skills.

Your next consideration is a double jump and a triple jump. You could set two or three single jumps together to make your expanded jump, but having double and triple jump in your course work is really valuable to practice. We've seen many dogs run a clean course and the last obstacle is a triple and the dog is not prepared for it, and bang, down comes the bar.

You can really be ahead of the pack and have two sets of eight jumps. This is the ultimate in training because you can keep a jump grip up at all times that is separate from your course work, and have eight single jumps to have for course work. And when you include your double and triple, you can really practice all the jumping skills and drills necessary to get you those "Qs".


Tuesday, October 7, 2008

A Dog Trainers Rules Of Basic Dog Training




Before you start any dog or puppy training program, think only of what you're hoping to gain, rather than what you don't want. So when you're going through your training routines, create a picture in your minds eye of the goal you're aiming for, and picture it having already happened. Never give a second thought to what it is that you don't want to happen.

Without knowing where you're going, it's unlikely you'll ever get there. That's true of most things in life, and it's true of dog house training too

Sometimes we fall into the habit of thinking mostly about what we don't want. This is particularly relevant with regards to training dogs as well. We don't want our dog to pee in the house, or to chew the sofa, or run away when we call, or start barking incessantly when we have friends come into the house.

Contemplate this for a minute. Lets imagine you're about to pick up a new puppy. Do you really want to spend the next ten, twelve, or fourteen years reprimanding your dog for things you didn't want him to do? Wouldn't it be better to guide your dog into behaviors that you want?

A perfect example is when you think, "I don't want my dog to chew the corners of my carpet," try, "My dog will chew and play with his own squeezy toys." Better than, "I don't want my dog to jump up on my guests," try instead, "My dog should greet and welcome my guests controlled and quietly."

By concentrating on what it is you want to achieve, you will have a much clearer path to successfully training your dog. I can't think of a better way to get started with training your new dog.

Let Him Know When He's Been Good

The most important aspect people have realized in house train puppy over the last few years is the shift from emphasizing correction, or penalizing mistakes, and moving towards rewarding good behavior.

Rewarding a dog is a very effective training technique especially for potty training tricks. Perhaps the most important reason is that whenever you scald you dog for making a mistake, the upshot can be pretty sad. If your dog is of a particular temperament, he may react to being punished by becoming aggressive or fearful. Some dogs, especially timid breeds, may close off completely. They simply lose their bounce and energy. Some may even appear completely broken spirited.

Many people also find that reward-based training feels better. It's a great feeling to be the bearer of rewards and praise for a well behaved pet.

But the icing on the cake is that rewards based dog behavior training works a treat. It's due to the fact that this approach to behavior training builds confidence and reassurance. As soon as she discovers that rewards come for a particular action of behavior, your dog is more likely to exhibit that behavior again in the future. With regular practice of how to apply that simple rule, you will be able to use this method for pretty much any training goal you want to achieve.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Top Ideas For Dog Behavior Training




An early relationship strain will be caused by your dog's propensity to chew

Dogs carry out destructive chewing for three main reasons, they are simply bored, they find it pleasurable to do so, or they find it helps get them through emotional times. The nearest human equivalent for which might be to consume a bar of chocolate!

Anything that gets in the way of this chewing normally ends up in poor state. If you think about it there are lots of sharp, pointed teeth in your dog's mouth and they generally get the better of anything put in their way.

Whatever you do never let your dog chew anything of yours, just being allowed one item can be interpreted by your dog as there being everything up for grabs.

How To Avoid Your Possessions Being Destroyed

The first tip for dog behavior training is to not place valuable objects in the way of temptation. Preparing your house for a new dog is much the same as proofing it for a baby. Why let providence intervene.

In addition, when hiding things be aware of just how agile your dog is. The distance she can reach when on her hind legs?

Consider that common targets in the home include books, eyewear, clothing, shoes, garbage, and small appliances like cameras, cell phones, and remote controls.

Of course food is the one thing that needs to be stored securely. Loose food needs to be put away safely from the nose and paws of your pet, high cupboards and strong containers are called for here.

The phrase prevention is better than cure applies to dog behaviour training too, if your dog is not given the opportunity to discover the delights of chewing a forbidden item then it is a lot easier for her to learn your house rules.

Letting your dog go back some some old bad habits only undermines your training efforts. Once she has the taste do not be surprised to find shoes you care about being treated to the same destructive chewing.

Get some toys for your dog that you make sure she knows are hers to play with. Take a look around your local pet store for tough items such as rubber bones and balls etc. Buy a few and rotate their use as a way to keep your dog behaviour training interesting.

Some final advice on dog behaviour, when you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate be sure to interrupt her immediately and provide a suitable alternative and give lavish praise when this is accepted as a way of reinforcing good behaviour.

Dog Crate Training




Dog Crate Training

To begin crate training your dog you need to let them get used to it before locking them inside. You can watch your dog from a distance to see how long it takes them to calm down and get used to the crate. If he shows any signs of protest, you should not let him outside. Be patient and let him calm down and then you can let him out. You will need to do this process several time until they learn to enter and leave the crate by themselves.

Some people oppose the idea of crate training dogs, because they think is a cruel form of isolation. Still, the benefits to crate training your dog mentioned in this article, and several other benefits that we will not take the time to explore, show this to be a good method for both the owner and their dog.

People who take the right approach to crate training puppies will help their dog or puppy realize it to be a safe place for them to rest and not something to fear.

Crate training is based on the instinct of the dog to find some security with den nesting places that are isolated from all distractions. Dens are what dogs naturally seek for in a home. Your dog will respond well to your patience and use of correct techniques when training them to use the crate.

Benefits of Using a Crate

a) There are times when you can not let your dog run around freely and a crate is a great way to keep them with you, while controlling them at the same time.

b) The dog will feel relatively safe inside the crate especially when located in places where they are most vulnerable.

c) They would have a place for solace when they wanted to rest or when feeling under stressed where no one could bother them.

d) Some dogs may have some behavior problems that can be helped with proper crate training.

e) Puppies respond well to crate training as a way to teach them potty training skills and what not to chew on or to not bite people.

f) If your dog has separation anxieties, once they become familiar with their crate they will be able to calm down better.

g) It could secure the dog whenever the owner has to bring him outside.

h) It increases his confidence due to the security it provides.

i) Crates could enhance training by giving the dog a better sense of direction for routine activities.

Size Does Matter

You will need to choose a crate that allows the dog enough room to stand up and lie down comfortably, without him hitting his head or body against the walls or door all the time. However, if you also intend to use the crate for travel, the crate should be larger than the regular above mentioned size.

However, when a crate is used for just training purposes, they do not need to be so large that the dog can move around in it and maybe do something undesirable inside it.

How to introduce the crate to the dog

The best time to introduce the crate to a dog is when you feel that they are ready for it. After buying the right crate, you could place it somewhere in the house where it would catch the dog’s attention. The first week you should remove the door and just let him explore it at his leisure.

If he does not show any sign of interest, try leaving some of his favorite treats inside. After a couple of days, try feeding your dog inside the crate. This will condition his mind that the crate is for him and he can safely go inside it without fearing any harm.

Why Get Cheap Dog Training Collars?




Do you Know How to Find a Good Priced Dog Training Collar?

Is it worth to invest in your dog’s training?

Some people are willing to invest a lot of money and time.

It is perfectly okay to buy very expensive dog collars if you prefer doing so. There are a lot of choices for you. Starting from stone studded collars to fashion dog collars, you can get anything but may end up spending a fortune. However, for some owners it is never practical to spend so much for an item that could be obtained at a lesser price and also have the basic functions needed.

Dog training could be stressful especially if your dog is highly independent and has a high level of curiosity which tends to cause problem behaviors.

If you find that after investing in your dogs training the results you get are not what you looking for, then you should look at ways to begin cutting down on additional costs. One good example is the dog training collar.

If the dog you are training likes to chew on things you may not want to invest in a nicer, more expensive collar at least until he begins learning to respond well to training. It is important to realize that the behavior of the dog and teaching them to respond to training is the main thing to focus on and not the collar, or any other accessories.

Even though dog collars are instrumental in getting better control and correcting unwanted dog behaviors, expensive collars can quickly effect your budget. To help stay within a manageable budget you don’t have to sacrifice quality because there are a lot of good functional collars that will work well without the high cost.

When shopping for the right collar you should also check its durability and functionality before you even begin to look at the price. It is a common mistake among buyers to use the cost as the basis for assessing the value, rather then basing it on the function and reliability.

However, cost can be a good way to determine if your looking at the right collar but it should not be the sole influence on your final decision. You can find remarkable good dog training collars marked at an exceptionally good price. However, since it is tagged with a low price the buyer might immediately conclude that it does not perform well.

Remember, we were made to believe that price equals quality. People may think that the more money they spend will automatically mean that they are getting a better quality training collar for their dog. This can indeed be the truth for certain brand names but is not always the case. So be sure to find the best bargains at their best prices.

When advanced technologies are integrated into the collar, they are often retailed at much higher prices. The popular electronic dog collar is a good example. The price of this collar runs anywhere from $100 to $999 depending on the types of features installed in the item. The more advanced technologies used within the dog training collar, will determine how expensive they are.

Dog collars can cost a few hundred dollars and many people find it very impractical to buy items with such outrageous price tags. With a little research you can find the type of collar you want and in the price range your willing to spend.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Things to Know Before Considering a Career in Dog Training




Things to Consider When Choosing a Career in Dog Training

People who are really passionate about dogs will sometime choose a life’s career in this field so they can use their love for dogs everyday to help them, making it their goal to become a professional dog trainer.

Do you fall in the category of people who pursue their career in dog training just because someone said it is a good thing to do, or, because you have fallen so in love with dogs and want to fall even deeper?

Back to Basic Principles

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

What is your "Dog Division"?

You can choose one of two careers in working with dogs, the first would be ’The Pet Service Training’ and the second, ’Dog Training’. Both have relatively high demands in the market but there are a lot more opportunities in pet dog training than in service training.

Pet dog training involves teaching the dog how to live as a companion with his master and learning the basics such as obedience, being potty trained and learning acceptable behaviors which may include eliminating bad behaviors such as biting and barking.

Service training, on the other hand, involves specified training on services required by people with disabilities and those undergoing therapy. Some service dog trainers teach dogs to be search and rescue dogs such as the ever important police dogs or even hunting dogs.

These are highly intensive trainings and require the handler to get sufficient preparation to lead the dog in employing its specialized functions.

Canine Psychology - What is It?

A good dog trainer will need to understand a dogs behavior, the way they think and why they react to certain things. Training adheres to conditioning the thinking of the dog to make specific responses. You should also know well the fundamentals of associative conditioning.

What about Dog Training Education?

Careers in dog training require you have the skills to train and handle dogs. Currently today, there are no colleges or universities that offer the ability for people to get degrees in dog training. However, there are dog "academies" or "schools" that could provide basic training. Often, the best dog trainers are often self taught and have natural inclination to dog handling.

Some have apprenticed with excellent dog trainers while others simply have a natural talent for training dogs. There are also a number of dog training organizations that could provide the latest information on dog training.

A good dog trainer works with both the attitudes of people and dogs

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

There are impatient owners who expect fast learning from their dogs, and they are reluctant to taking advice openly, however, others are relatively open to suggestions. You need to work with both types of dog handlers and everyone in between. So as you can see, a good dog trainer will not only be working with dogs but with their owners and handlers too.

Dog training is not limited to "training" alone; there are also certain aspects that you should be knowledgeable of, like the maintenance of proper dog hygiene, nutrition and grooming.

Having a vast knowledge of what accessories to use and training aids that are available will help during dog competitions. You will also need the ability to distinguish different types of dog breeds and know what the fundamental differences are.

To be a good dog trainer it is not required to have a ’know it all’ mentality’ but basically all you need to know is how to handle all types of dogs, work well with their handlers and have sufficient knowledge on the basics of dog training.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Dog Training Secrets



By Jim Nettleton

If you’re as much of a dog lover as I am, you’re well aware that a dog plays a special role in a home. He is part of the family. Just as we train and teach our kids, we should also teach and train our dog. It is a proud feeling to have a dog that is well mannered and obedient. The dog appreciates it too, knowing that he’s pleasing his human friends. It does not come naturally for them to obey. Hence, they need to be shown, through firmness and kindness, but never through physical pain. Never, ever hit or smack a dog as it will only make them more nervous or aggressive, not to mention that it’s cruel. Instead you need to have a lot of patience and perseverance as well.

Whether you decide to train your dog yourself, with the guidance of someone else, or a handbook training course, please remember the most important thing - any type of action has to be done again and again. It is only when it is repeated that he will get the hang of it. Humans aren’t the only species that is forgetful, dogs are too. They need to be reminded often and instructions need to be repeated again and again. But once he is trained, he will hardly need any instruction again. The training will be permanently imbedded. He will be well behaved and will possess a good temperament. Everyone loves a dog that follows its master's commands and is well behaved. For in depth training information, visit my training site through the link in my resource box below.

Also when you train him, make him understand who is boss. Dogs have a tendency to take over and try to be the boss, if they realize that the owner is not taking the initiative. Training together also brings you both closer together and strengthens your relationship. There are many good schools in case you want to send him elsewhere to be trained. It is this training that could save his or yours. It is when a trained dog knows what to do, that he will salvage a situation. It is also every important to understand his speed of learning and his overall ability to learn, as many dogs possess varying levels of those qualities. And if you want him to be well trained, then understanding his feelings and taking them into consideration is a big part of the package.

Many training regimens are good for the dog in many ways. Fetching, for example, gets your dog much needed exercise. The dog also enjoys it because he recognizes it as play and, therefore, fun. Truth be told, it’s fun for humans, too. And we as a group can also certainly use the exercise.

About the author:

Jim Nettleton is a radio and TV professional and a lifelong dog lover. Visit his training site at: http://www.jaynetinc.com/DogTrainingSecrets.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Dog Training Commands



Popular Commands for Dog Training One of the first commands to teach your dog is to "Come". Then you can teach your dog to "Heel" upon command.

People are amazed at watching a well trained bird dog in action. We are often in awe at how well and quickly they obey their owner’s commands. When you see them perform you may begin to ask yourself, how did they do that? You may wonder if bird dog training will help bring out the best in your dog.

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

There are several dog breeds that could be trained into being excellent bird dogs. Training them in obeying commands could be a good starting ground. Dog training professionals acknowledge the fact that dogs need to understand what command is being used in order to make them respond. For this basic voice command training, there are basic words a owner should use to train the dog.

The "Stay" Command

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

As the dog follows these commands completely, it is a clear picture on how obedient and respectful he is to his master. Complete obedience is shown by obeying the command no matter how far the distance is between the giver of the command and the dog.

The ’Whoa’ or ’Easy’ command is useful for dogs that are going too far ahead, when the dog is flushing the bird and the owner wants him to stop, or when the dog wants to play with the bird. When this happens it is easier for the owner to come to the dog and reward him for a job well done.

Teaching them to ’Come’

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

Teaching them to ’Heel’

Teaching your dog to respond to the Heel command, is used when wanting them to walk by your side.

Another command that is often used after the ’Heel’ command is the one word command ’Ok’ or to ’Go’. By using this command your dog will know they did a good job during the hunt and you are pleased with them.

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

Bird dog training is not easy. This is the reason why there are not many bird dogs around. Always be confident that your dog can become a fine hunter if you do what it takes to make him successful, by showing him patience in teaching him to obey basic commands.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Three Principles on Dog Obedience Training



Three Principles on Dog Obedience Training

Dogs, even when their breeding is maximized and well-adapted to human needs, will always need some basic obedience training as they would never figure this out on their own. To be successful in obedience training you need to understand the differences between effective and non-effective training techniques. They are the following:

Principle One: CONSISTENCY

Consistency is the first basic rule in effective dog training. You need to be consistent in the words you use, the tone they are spoken in and the actions that accompany them. Before you begin training you will need to come to an agreement with the dog owner on what it is they are wanting the dog to learn and how to accomplish it.

For example saying the word "come", does not make any sense to a dog. It is only reasonable to conclude if he does not understand the way humans are, then he does not understand our language. It is important to make the training effective, by being very consistent in attaching the same voice tone, body movement or hand jester with every command that is given to your dog.

Another example would be, if you are using the command "come", make sure that everyone in the household use it in a same type of manner. The command "Come" specifically means that the dog should approach the giver of the command. When you are using this command be sure not to use any signals or body movements that would be confusing to the dog.

Don’t be deterred in your training efforts if the dog does not come to your right away, be patient and don’t force or scold him. If you punish the dog over and over after giving the command they will begin to associate the word with the punishment. He will not follow the same command since in his mind, he remembers it will lead to punishment.

Being consistent in your dog commands is to be followed by anyone who works with the dog. For instance if you are teaching the word "come", others should not use the words, ’come here boy’ or ’here’, because this will only confuse the dog.

Principle Two: KEEP IT SHORT

Both the amount of time you spend training and the words you use as commands should be kept short. Dogs tend to have a short attention span, it is best to limit the training so they keep the interest level to it’s peak during the days lesson. Puppies usually react to a specific stimulus, but not for a very long time, they may begin to chase a moving toy, and quickly lose interest, then move on to the next thing.

They simply don’t possess the same amount of interest they had when they started the activity and they become easily bored. They also often become board during training and that is why it’s best to limit the time to 10 - 15 minutes a day.

Principle Three: DO NOT USE FORCE and PUNISHMENT

A trainer should never hurt the dog in any way, you should make it a goal to have the training be a positive experience for all involved. You should absolutely never punish a dog just because he did not do something he wasn’t prepared for, nor force a dog to do something he does not understand.

Make sure not to over do it when training your dog. The dog does not understand that he should learn things "instantly" and he does not realize that you are becoming impatient with the speed he is picking up the training. If you are angry the dogs can sense it but does not know why.

You must avoid negative experiences related to training so you should not force your dog to obey your commands. By praising a dog for good behavior and obeying commands he will learn exactly what pleases you and what is expected from him.