Simple Principles in 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. Obedience training requires the use of some principles which differentiate effective training, from training without results. They are the following:

First Principle: CONSISTANCY

The first rule in obedience training is to be consistent. You need to be consistent in the words you use, the tone they are spoken in and the actions that accompany them. During the beginning of the training, the trainer or the dog owner must decide what should be the parameters of training, such as what and how you are going to teach the dog.

At first the word commands, such as “come”, does not make 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. So to make the training understandable, you should use the command in a very consistent manner so that the dog will learn to associate the word with the meaning you attach with it.

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. When using the word command, “Come”, you should work with the dog to understand this means to approach the giver of the command. So if you are using this command make it a point not to do actions that would make the command confusing for 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. Otherwise, this would make him attribute the command with the punishment. The dog will not want to follow the same command because in his mind it leads to punishment.

Being consistent in your dog commands is to be followed by anyone who works with the dog. For example, if you are using the command “come”, other people in the household should not replace it with words like “here” or, “come here boy”.

Principle Two: KEEP IT SHORT

Both the amount of time you spend training and the words you use as commands should be kept short. Keep in mind that the attention span of dogs is very short and that getting them engrossed with a specific activity can be very hard, if not impossible. For example, puppies love to explore and play with something for awhile, then soon they are off again to explore the next new thing that may catch their attention.

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.

Third Principle: No Punishment or Force Allowed

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.

Don’t push the animal too hard while dog training. 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. All he knows is that you are mad.

So do not use force as this does not communicate your meaning properly, instead gives a negative reinforcement. By praising a dog for good behavior and obeying commands he will learn exactly what pleases you and what is expected from him.

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Training your dog to stop jumping can be taught to all ages of dogs, although puppyhood would be the best time to start training. Start in on by training your dog not to jump on people, also consider buying instructional books, enrolling them in a dog obedience class, or get aid from a professional. The most significant factor is to be patient when it comes to controlling the jumping manners amongst dogs. Just like people, dogs too become skilled at at their own speed.

With no a professional help, the best thing to do is to look for Dog Training books or instructional videos if you are considering training your dog to stop from jumping on people, which has expert chapters for obedience or a specific topic. You can even check online websites for the said things.

Need more help? Then hire a professional dog trainer. Although more expensive than doing it on-your-own, for sure, you can get valuable advices about your concerns, along with any other behavioral issues.

But consider that your dog is only trying to get close to you and is agitated for your arrival, and exasperating would be the perfect word to depict training your dog to stop jumping. Thus, dog behavior like this would need to be discouraged as it can be risky for kids or elderly people. But always check first the status of your dog’s behavior just before you enroll your dog in an obedience class.

Sit. Stay. Without a doubt, these commands will work just fine for training dogs to stop jumping. Once accomplished, the idea of initially seeing them jump excitedly will be eliminated. Order “stay” when you first enter the room, and gesture them it’s okay for them to approach you. After that, their excitement will have mellowed down a little. But you also need to have patience and acknowledge that every dog responses differently to training.

Try grabbing their paws and let go of them gently on the ground when your dog jumps up on you. While doing this, command “No” or “No jump,” any of the two would work perfectly with your dog training strategy. Keep in mind to constantly reiterate the same phrase when it comes to curbing the jumping so that your pet will acknowledge and recognize its importance.

Reward is important in dog training, so compensate your beloved dog if they don’t jump on you when you arrive home and give kind praise on them. Not only they will feel good but they will be more apt to learn by heart the deeds you taught them.

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Crate Training For Dogs

First you will need to help them get used to the crate, before you begin locking them in. You can watch your dog from a distance to see how long it takes them to calm down and get used to the crate. Remember this is for training so if he begins to act up you should not let him out. Be patient and let him calm down and then you can let him out. Do this exercise for a couple of days until he has learned to enter the crate and leave it on his own.

Some people oppose the idea of crate training dogs, because they think is a cruel form of isolation. However, with the benefits mentioned below and other benefits not listed in this article, may help you to conclude that crate training could benefit both owner and his 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.

This type of training is based on the idea of a den or nesting place where dogs can go in order to feel safe and secluded. For dogs, a den can serve as their home. Through proper introduction and selection of the right techniques, the dog will not be threatened by this approach to training.

Benefits of Using a Crate

a) For occasions when the dog cannot run around freely, placing them in a crate will be a good choice for controlling their movements.

b) Dogs will begin to feel secure inside the crate and appreciate the safety zone it provides when they are in an unfamiliar place.

c) The crate quickly becomes a familiar place to rest and retreat too from things that make them uncomfortable.

d) A crate could also be used to limit dogs with problem behaviors.

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) Dogs feel safe and secure inside their own familiar crate.

i) Crates can enhance training by giving your dog a sense of consistency and guidance for routine activities.

Size Does Matter

The crate should be large enough to accommodate the dog on all fours, to let him lie down comfortably and to give him enough space to turn around without hitting the walls. It is also important to know that if you plan on traveling you will want to consider purchasing a slightly larger crate.

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.

Introducing Your Dog to Their Crate

Once you feel your dog is ready for the crate, that is the best time to introduce them to it. After you purchase the right crate for your dog you will need to put it someplace in the home where they will see it often. Let him explore his crate first for the first week with the door removed.

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 special treat is a signal to your dog that this a special place just for him, and that will create a sense of safety and security all dogs enjoy.

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

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

It is important to know you will devote a lot of time and need to spend some money to successfully train your dog.

Of course you can purchase the more expensive dog collars if you want to. 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. Most owners do not like to spend the extra money on dog training collars and therefore choose to use one that will be more practical and meet the basic requirements.

If you have a dog with a lot of energy or is highly curious you can find it stressful to train them, as you learn to deal with all his behavior patterns.

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. An option for cutting back on cost would be the type of dog training collar you use.

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. This is the reason why many owners resort to buying cheap dog training collars as good alternatives, without having to sacrifice the function of the item, or adding an unnecessary financial burden.

To get a cheap collar with good value it is best to first evaluate the product before looking at how much it costs. 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. For example, an excellent collar could give the best value at its lowest possible 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. You should do some research to find the best bargains available.

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.

Since dog collars can cost hundreds of dollars many people find it impractical to spend that much money on it, because it is a training accessory. With a little research you can find the type of collar you want and in the price range your willing to spend.

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Brining home a new dog or puppy is always an exciting time. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with owning a dog especially if you want to be considered a responsible dog owner. You have to feed her, groom her, provide her with proper health care, and give her a safe place to call home.

But one of the most important things you can do for your new dog or puppy is to provide essential dog training.

Discipline and Behavior

Having a dog that is alway misbehaving is not something that you want. Your dog can embarrass you, but even worse they can be dangerous.

Training requires lots of time and patience, but in the end you will have a well behaved dog that you can be proud of. The bond between you and your pet can be strengthened through training. Taking the time to train your dog will teach what you consider to be appropriate behavior. For the best results you should start early.

Dog Obedience Training

Obedience training is also an important part of your dog’s overall training program. There are different levels of obedience training - from very basic training to advanced training.

You should at least provide basic training for your dog or puppy. Basic training includes house training, leash training, and basic commands like sit, stay, and come.

Of course, you can always progress to a more advanced level. Training should continue to make sure that you always have a well behaved dog. Destructive behaviors like barking, chewing, and digging can usually be prevented just by including the proper training. Just find a program that meets your needs and provides a results such as Sit, Stay, Fetch.

Puppy Training

Puppy training should start at an early age. Some people wait too long to start training their puppies and it makes it a little more difficult and frustrating. It is a myth that a puppy younger than six months cannot be trained.

Of course there are some skills that are beyond a puppy, teaching many of the commands and appropriate behaviors can start right away. Just do some research to make sure you follow the proper techniques.

There are many different sources of information available - dog training books, ebooks, websites, and even complete training programs. Something else you could do it enroll in group training. You may want to consider hiring an experience dog traininer if you can afford it.

Group Training Classes

Most of the larger pet stores offer training classes. They are usually cheaper since they are in a group setting. You can also ask around as your local area animal shelter or other animal groups may offer free or discounted group training classes.

One added advantage of group training, in my opinion, is that it gives your dog the added benefit of socializing with other dogs and their owners.

Experienced Trainers

The benefit of a professional trainer is the one on one training that they will provide. Just be sure to ask around for recommendations so that you can find a trainer who is know to provide results.

You should hire a professional dog trainer for major issues such as dealing with an aggressive dog. This is not something you want to try and handle on your own.

Conclusion

It is a huge responsibility when you own a dog. But is also our responsibility to make sure we have a well behaved dog that is pleasant and fun to be around. Just be sure that you go into any training program with an open mind and the right attitude and you will find that it is a rewarding experience.

And remember, you can always search for more information about dogs.

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Things to Know Before Considering a Career in Dog Training

Some people choose a career in dog training simply because it is a popular choice, however, there are those who are really passionate about canines in a way that their life’s direction has led them towards loving dogs even more.

Before you look at a career as a dog trainer ask yourself if you are someone who loves dogs and wants to love them more, or, are thinking about it, just because someone brought it to your attention as a possible option?

Respect for Fundamentals

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. Experienced dog trainers have a good working relationship with many dog owners, dog handlers and of course their pets.

Do You Know your Dogs 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 are very popular in demand however, there are more opportunities in the dog training field verses a career in pet 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. Another division of service dogs may include the following: chasing criminals, drug and bomb sniffing, search and rescue dogs and hunting dogs.

Each of these take a large amount of dedication and patience on the trainers part as they are very intense fields of specialize divisions.

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. Trainers will need to constantly work with a dog to teach them to react in a desired way to any given command. You should also know well the fundamentals of associative conditioning.

Where Can You Learn Dog Training Education?

Careers in dog training require you have the skills to train and handle dogs. There are no degrees in dog training yet, for there are no colleges and universities offering such. 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 people learn by practical experience while others just have a certain natural talent with 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

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.

Some owners are impatient and want their dogs to learn everything fast, so they may disregard advice from the trainer, however, there are others that are more patient and open to the suggestions given by the trainer. You need to work with both types of dog handlers and everyone in between. In short, a career in dog training is not only limited to dog training but also an experience of people training as well.

Dog trainers also must possess the skills to properly groom dogs and then know how to provide each breed of dog the proper nutrition and good hygiene techniques needed.

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.

You don’t have to be a master in dog training to be an excellent trainer; you only have to develop certain skills necessary in working with dogs and their handlers, by using sufficient knowledge on theories, then have the capacity to use them in a practical way.

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Dog Training Commands 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? Perhaps bird dog training can bring out the best in you dog.

Training them to be a bird dog will bring out the best in your dog if you are willing to work consistently with them.

There are several dog breeds that could be trained into being excellent bird dogs. Teaching them to obey basic commands is the best place to start. Dog training professionals acknowledge the fact that dogs need to understand what command is being used in order to make them respond. In this type of training, there are main commands that should be mastered by both the owner and the dog.

The “Stay” Command

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