It is so very important for anyone that is considering getting themselves a dog or already has one, to really understand the severity and absolute necessity that it is that you train your dog appropriately and that you do it quickly. There is an enormous amount of information available over the internet and you will really be so surprised to see just how much information on there is available and for free. Dog training schools tend to be pretty expensive so if your budget will absolutely not allow for such as expense then you should not panic because by doing a good amount of research, you yourself can actually gain the knowledge that it will take in order to properly train your dog. It will be a very exciting experience for you both and the dog will respond fairly quickly as well. You will be so shocked to see just how happy it makes your dog when he actually does something that you have asked of him. You yourself will be amazed at how quickly they pick up and start doing all of these new and exciting things that they have been appropriately taught by either you or a professional trainer. You can finally have that perfect dog for your family, that you have really always wanted.

One thing that owners of dogs find out is that when they attempt some type of crate training, the results are just astonishing. Crate training will give your little dog that space that they need to feel as if they have somewhere that they can go to get away. This is an awesome way of training your dog and if you have never given this a try you should really give it some consideration, I believe that you will end up being very pleased in the end. Please keep in mind that a dog training crate that an individual would purchase is by far much different than just any old cage that some people put their pets in. There is a difference and you should be aware of this fact, so that when you do make the choice to train your dog yourself, you will know just what works. This is the place where they can escape to, when they are needing themselves a little bit of a nap. They will become accustomed to it very quickly and will soon realize when it is time for them to go into their crate for some rest. It will just blow your mind when they do pick up on this.

This type of dog training is really one of the least expensive ways that you can train your little friend. Ask one of your friends or co-workers, I just bet you that one of them will know a little something about dog training, by using a dog training crate. Their advise could really get you more prepared for doing this and for doing this the correct way.

By: Chris Simpson

Whit W asked:


He is a sweet little dachshund that thinks he’s a guard dog, when he someone comes over to visit he barks and barks at them. Any advice to get him to stop?

MyDogRules asked:

I was bored one day and filled out the online application, after one of the stores trainers recommended I do while I was toy shopping one day. Two days later I’ve got an interview. I have a good job now, some would say really good, I know I was lucky to get it. Railroad job..its union w/ full benefits & a pension & I make about 25$/hr with lots over over & even double time. But I HATE…HHHAAATTTEE my job. The only thing that gets me through the days is I look forward to coming home and playing w/ my pup & I’ve become the local ‘dog’ guy. Every weekend I help 1-2 people with training their dogs & I have a backyard agility course me and a few people (I’ve trained) run our dogs through…and it seems like working with dogs for a living would be the best thing ever. Heck, I do it for fun & free on my weekends.

Now I realize Petco isn’t the gold standard of dog training, but I figured its a good place to get my feet wet and get some experience on a professional level. I’d taken my pup there for puppy classes because it was cheap and I just wanted to practice w/ distractions … I’ve taught dogs agility and dealt with behavioral problems…I didn’t need someone to show me ’sit’, but it was good socialization in a learning setting I thought. Anywho, I befriended the girl teaching & am all but guaranteed the job if I want it.

Does anyone know what they make? Is it based on commission in anyway for selling training lessons? Someone said you might have to work on the floor or register too, is that true? The girl I know also works in the grooming department washing dogs (she’s not trained to cut dogs hair), & that seems the ultimate to me, but is that normal? Does anyone know a better way to break into the dog training world? People who I’ve helped for free tell me I should have charged (…though they weren’t offering $$) & some have suggested I just make a web page or hang fliers…but I don’t know if I’d feel right acting like I knew it all…I figured a year or two at Petco and at least I’d have someone to fall back on (the other trainers there) for the beginning of this…its easy to tell someone you can’t help when they aren’t paying you anyways.

Anyone worked there….taken classes there from a new trainer…quit a good job because you thought you’d be happier at another one??

No matter where I go, when people see my well-mannered dogs, they want to know my dog training secrets. I’m always happy to share with anyone who wants to know and I hope these tips on communicating with your dog are helpful to you.

As you must know by now, communicating with your dog is the foundational element of all training. Your dog has to be able to understand exactly what you’re saying so he’ll know which behaviors are acceptable and which are not. To help your dog get there, you’re going to have to learn what motivates your dog and what de-motivates him. Also, you must learn your dogs visual cues so that you understand him as well. Back and forth communication between you and your pet is the bedrock of all the training you’ll ever do. Your do can let you know when he’s ready to train and when he’s ready to stop. You have to learn his cues so you aren’t wasting your time and getting you and your pet frustrated.

Once you’ve learned some of your dog’s cues, you’ll also need to teach him to understand your cues as well. For the most part, four cues are all you need to properly train any dog.

The Reward Cue – This dog training secret is the key to everything else. When your dog understands that he’s going to get a reward for his behavior, more often than not, he’ll get in line really quickly.

The Keep Going Cue – Sometimes your dog is on the right track in his behavior but not completing the task you’re teaching. This cue lets him know that he’s headed in the right direction and just needs to finish out to get a reward at the end.

The Stop Cue – Your dog needs to know when he’s on the wrong path and needs to stop immediately for new instructions.

The Negative Cue – Generally, we don’t use this often, but your dog needs to know when he’s being unruly that if he continues, he’ll receive a negative consequence. Again, you won’t use this often, but it’s good to have in your bag of tricks.

Overall, if you’re consistent in your communication with your dog, he will quickly learn exactly what you want him to do in any situation and adjust correctly to new situations.

Paul Tucker has trained and worked with dogs for years. It’s his joy to pass on tips and tricks he’s learned to everyone who meets him and his wonderful canine friends. For more thorough training, he suggests that you check out his site online , which can found in my Bio data , for the “Secret to Dog Training ” , No.1 Dog Training and Behavior site for 4 years

 

By: ksc111

There are a number of reasons to pursue professional dog training for your dog from the very beginning. Learning proper commands and behaviors is easier than trying to unlearn bad habits later, and will likely save you a lot of frustration in the long run. There are many websites and books in which professional dog training reveals his secrets, to help you get the advice you need, when you need it.

Behaviors that can become problematic if allowed to develop unimpeded include: - digging - barking - jumping up on people - biting - chewing - fence jumping

Keep in mind that while some behaviors may be cute when your dog is still a puppy, as he gets bigger they could lead to serious problems. It is therefore important to address unwanted behaviors as early as possible in order to prevent unnecessary inconveniences, or worse, later on.

It is also important to note that many of these “problem” behaviors are very normal for a dog, and therefore require redirecting rather than trying to eliminate them completely. This can take a certain amount of patience, persistence, understanding and finesse, as you and your puppy develop methods of communicating that are effective and consistent. Rather than a trial and error approach which can be costly in terms of time and damage to your personal belongings, why not consult with a professional and benefit from tried and true approaches to the same issues you are encountering?

In order to train your dog effectively, a certain amount of knowledge is required to understand the reasons for the behavior issues, before you can adequately resolve them. Unless you are a professional dog trainer yourself, or have an extensive amount of experience raising dogs, there may be much you do not realize about what environmental factors are contributing to your dogs behavior. Dogs are highly intelligent and sensitive animals, and require a significant amount of social contact and stimulation in addition to play time and exercise, in order to keep them happy and fulfilled.

Very often there are things you can control around your home and yard that will naturally lead to better behavior in your dog. Simple things like making sure they always have access to water and shelter, toys that are okay for chewing, and regular walks will prevent a number of destructive habits from developing. A dog that feels loved will not feel the need to seek attention in inappropriate ways, or go looking for ways to entertain or comfort itself outside of the established rules. If your dog is developing bad habits, you may need to look at how you are contributing to the behavior, and work together to improve the situation. Do not hesitate to consult with the professional training resources available to create a harmonious environment for you, your family, and your dog.



By: Terence Young

If you’re fortunate enough to have a Dog Park in your hometown, take advantage of it. Exercise your dog and you’ll both benefit.

Even if you walk your dog regularly, there’s no substitute-from the dog’s point of view-of being able to run free through a grassy field and romp with canine companions. At your first visit to the park, you may be surprised how fast your dog can run, and how happy he looks doing it. Dogs need vigorous exercise to stay in good cardiovascular shape, and maintain muscle tone, just like people do.

If you live in an apartment or condo, or have a small back yard, your dog may seem perfectly content to stay within those confines, but the reality is, exercise your dog should be at the top of your to do list. In the U.S., we feed our dogs so well that canine obesity is an increasing problem. Overweight dogs are prone to many different kinds of diseases and ailment, from heart trouble to damage to joints. Reducing food intake is of course one way to cope with this problem, but your dog will have a much better chance to lose weight if you step up the amount of exercise he is getting.

The dog park is a useful tool for socializing your dog, right from the time he has had all his vaccinations and it is safe for him to play with other dogs. Watching how your dog interacts with the other dogs there can give you important indications of whether there are any behavioral problems you need to correct. For example, if your dog displays aggression towards certain other dogs. Aggressive tendencies need to be corrected immediately, before you start to have these same problems at home, directed at children or visitors. If your dog acts submissive or does not want to play with the other dogs, or just stays huddled by you, that can be a problem as well. You may need to take him to the park several times over a period of weeks so he gets acclimated to this new and exciting environment and can take full advantage of the experience.

The car trip to the dog park itself can also be useful for your dog’s development and socialization. Most dogs need to experience a car trip several times before they get used to it, and so you can control unwanted behaviors such as standing up and blocking your view of the rear view mirror, excessive barking, or jumping from the back seat to the front. Frequent short trips to the dog park are ideal for working on this kind of training, so that when summer vacation comes, your dog is ready to go on longer car trips.

Many dog parks have luxury features such as shaded sitting areas with chairs for dog owners to relax, or even amenities such as shallow pools so dogs can wade through and keep their paws cool. Don’t forget that the park offers an exercise opportunity for you as well. Try a brisk walk around the perimeter of the park, or bring a ball and play an active game of fetch with your dog. Exercise your dog and you at the same time.

A dog park can also be a great “research facility” for you to use in choosing your next dog. You get the chance to observe different breeds in action and see which ones have the temperament and activity level that fit your lifestyle. If you are thinking of adding a second dog to your household, you may find that your current canine companion plays with certain breeds more than others, and he may help you make a decision about what breed would be ideal.

Exercise your dog at the dog park has lots of great benefits.

By: Brian Hill

Dogs gain practical information about the social and physical environment through the consequences of their behavior so they can control and manipulate significant events vital to their interests. Animal behaviorism defines reinforcements ans punishments as follows:

Reinforcement (R) increases the relative probability of the behavior it follows.

Punishment (P) decreases the relative probability of the behavior it follows.

So dog decides what is reinforcement or punishment, and what is not. We can only observe the dog and its gesture and behavior. It is also good to decide and know what kind of behavior you want before you start training, because reinforcement will affect to dog´s behavior. Example food is calming reinforcement to the most of the dogs, but playing with toys is exciting.

Reinforcers and punishers can be divided to positive (+) and negative (-):

Positive reinforcement (R+) occurs when dogs behavior is strengthened by producing or prolonging some desirable consequence.

Negative reinforcement (R-) occurs when dogs behavior is strengthened by reducing or avoiding some undesirable consequence.

Negative punishment (P-) occurs when dogs behavior is weakened by omitting the presentation of the reinforcing consequence.

Positive punishment (P+) occurs when animals behavior is weakened by presenting the previosly escaped or avoided consequence.

Positive punishment involves lots of risks and disadvantages. It is associated with the elicitation of various concomitant emotional states, especially frustration, anxiety and fear. Punishment usually makes dog to fear something that is present in the training session. Its very likely that dog´s fear is directed to the owner, because she/he is always present. Classical conditioning occurs.

In dog training, using both positive reinforcement and positive punishment has lots of disadvantages. First of all, the power of rewards weakens. Secondly, withdrawal of reward (negative punishment) isn´t so good tool in dog training anymore. It is very powerfull to “tell” to the dog when it is doing something wrong by withdrawing reward. Punishment doesnt also tell dog what to do. Its important to remember that severe punishment causes severe risks and disadvantages. Altough we wouldnt think the ethical side of punishment, there´s still lots of good reasons not use positive punishments. When we reinforce dog´s behavior, it becomes entrepreneurial. But using positive punishments in dog training could lead to dog´s passivity, it starts to avoid the things that could lead to punishment. And if punishment has been unpredictable and uncontrollable in dog´s perspective – dog is never quite sure when punishment is going to come, and never quite sure why it is administered – it can start to avoid all activity. In that case dog´s training is nearly impossible or at least very slow, because we have to use lot of time to get some action in dog. Positive reinforcement satisfy some psychological and physiological need. For example, when dog is hungry and it learns that sitting leads to food, after several positive experiences (sitting–>food) the probability that the dog will sit on cue is increased. Trough this simple lesson, the dog not only learns how to sit, but, more importantly, the dog learns that its action can control the environment. And that is a outcome that makes learning itself intrinsically rewarding. Reinforcement also exhibits many irregular and, perhaps, unanticipated characteristics. For example, while the opportunity to eat represents a very strong reinforcer for a hungry dog, the dog may also find just smelling the food reinforcing.

When we look reinforcers and punishers in dog training, it is good to remember that the provision of anything that the dog would rather be doing at any given moment may function as a reward. And on the other hand, anything that the dog would rather not be doing at any given moment might be used as a punisher. During the training process, dogs form certain expectations and predictions about outcomes associated with their behavior. So if a dog receives a reward that is significantly smaller than expected, the outcome is perceived as punitive (and disappointing), resulting in the trial rendering the response weaker. So I repeat myself: dog decides what is reinforcement or punishment, and what is not.

Timing and repetition play very important role in dog training. For a reinforcer to be effective, it must closely follow the target behavior and optimally, the reinforcer should be presented immediately after the target behavior is emmitted. Dog only learns if the consequences of its behavior follows relatively fast. Using only unconditioned reinforcer (example food and toys), particularly teaching new things to the dog, reinforcing can be difficult. Clicker trainers use clicker as a conditioned reinforcer, but it could be any kind of stimulus. Conditioned reinforcer is needed only when we want to reinforce very precisely, in second ot two. But teaching dog long-lasting activities, example to “stay”, it is not usefull anymore.

When using reinforcement in dog training, it is important to remember chedule them right. During the early stages of training, a new behavior is reinforced every time it occurs and once a stable operant level is obtained, dog´s behavior is usually brought under the control of an intermittent schedule of reinforcement. For example when you are teaching your dog to “follow”, intermittent reinforcement makes the behavior more resistant to extinction. Dog never knows when the reward is presented to it and it maintains good performance through the hole exercise.

By: Hannele Hoffren

There are some tools that every trainer needs to do his job. There are a number of purposes that dog training equipment has, but in general it has specific functions to make the dog perform certain things, to get control over him or to train him faster.

1. Collar

Besides using normal training aids, a dog trainer will also use collars in the training process. There are a wide variety of types of collars, sorted by appeal, materials or their functions. If we’re talking about classification by functions, collars can be spoke collars, chain collars, electronic collars, martingale collars or shock collars.

Usually, dog collars are made of nylon, leather, metal or fabric materials.

2. Harness

Something that can be used as a leash alternative, a harness is a device used for training, either replacing a dog collar or using it together with one. A harness can be used so that the pulling force is distributed more equally, so that the dog doesn’t choke. A collar also brings with it the risk that the dog will slip out of it.

Dog harnesses aren’t used to train a normal dog though. They’re usually preferred when it comes to training assistant dogs or service dogs.

3. Leash or lead

The lead, or leash, is made usually out of rope or leather, which helps restrain or control the dog when it’s attached to the collar. Some leashes are made so that they loop around the dog’s neck, so the collar isn’t needed. The length can also be a way to choose a leash: it can be short, very short, extended webbing leash or webbing leash.

The length matters because different training exercises will require leashes of different sizes, keeping the dog at a distance or close to you. Use long leashes for distance training or tight leashes for the best control.

4. Muzzle

If the dog has the habit of barking or biting, and you want him to stop doing it, you can use a dog muzzle. This dog equipment is very important, especially for dangerous or aggressive dogs that you want to prevent from doing any damage.

You place the muzzle on the dog’s mouth, so he can’t open it and bite with it. You can use dog muzzle to vary how much freedom the dog has. You can also choose one depending on its shape or material. Materials used for dog muzzles can include leather, wire, nylon or plastic.

5. Bait Pouch

The bait pouch is putting a dog treat in your pocket, and it’s a method that many dog trainers use. There is a disadvantage to that though, the fact that if you take some extra time to get the reward, the purpose of giving the dog a reward is a bit lost on him.

It’s recommended to buy a special bait pouch if you want to use one for training. It’s just like a normal pouch, but made from canvas. It’s kept at the trainer’s waist, so that he can access it easily.

6. Halter

The halter is a training gear similar to a collar, and it’s used by trainers to guide or train pets, making it easier to control it. It goes over the dog’s muzzle and fitted to the back of his head. By pulling the head, the trainer signals the dog to change his direction.

There are plenty of types of dog training equipment, by name, construction or purpose. You can’t do everything with just one type of equipment. Decide what you want it to do before you buy it.

By: Sam Nichols

Just like humans, arthritis is a dog’s worst nightmare as it almost incapacitates them. If you take proper pet health care then there is a chance that when your dog grows old, he or she might not go through the painful medical condition called arthritis. To better equip your self, you should always ask the veterinarian as many dog health questions as possible. Asking dog health questions will make you better informed and you will be able to diagnose a medical condition from the symptoms.

 

Arthritis is prevalent mostly in large dogs especially when they age. Arthritis doesn’t have a miraculous cure but regular pet health care can prevent it and even reduce the chances as he or she grows old. Prevention and high standards of pet health care can ensure that dogs have a comfortable life especially after they have grown old.

 

You can ask your vet any dog health questions you might have regarding arthritis. One of the best options is regular exercise, which will not only keep your dog fit and healthy but also keep arthritis away from him. Exercise is an integral part of pet health care along with nutritious diets. You need to also ensure that your dog doesn’t become overweight because then it will increase the chances of arthritis as well as heart diseases. Overweight dogs will also shirk exercise and this can well aggravate or worsen their existing arthritic condition.

 

Exercises For Arthritis

There are different types of exercises that your dog can do to keep his weight normal and over long-term, these exercises will protect him from the potential risk of arthritis. Most animal specialists as well as vets recommend different types of exercises for dogs so that they can be in a better condition where arthritis is concerned and of course with good pet health care they will be able to lead a good life.

 

Some of the top exercises that your dog can indulge in if he is arthritic or even otherwise include:

 

Walking: This is a dog’s favorite exercise because they don’t have to work too hard and a walk can do wonders. You can start with low to moderate intensity routes to begin with and then stretch the number of miles from 1-5 as your dog gets used to it. Try to avoid climbing up hills and rough surfaces. Swimming: Dogs can swim but not all dogs will love water. So if your dog is a Labrador or retriever then you can take him out for a nice swim. Swimming is an exercise that will be easy on his joints. Fetching games: Dogs like to fetch but some dogs just love it!  If your pet loves to fetch then you can indulge him in running and fetching but ensure that you don’t make him run too hard. Dog parks are a great place for playing fetching games. Some of the other games that involve running include:

 

a)            Soccer

b)            Catch the Frisbee/ball

c)            Jumping over small barriers

d)            Jumping small fences

 

By: Mark Stimpson

Dog kennel training is controversial in some circles. There are some people who believe that putting a dog in a kennel is type of punishment that no dog should have to endure. What many of these people may not realize is that most dogs need a safe a secure place to call their own. So instead of the closet corner, the bottom dresser drawer or a laundry basket full of clean clothes why not give them a place that is specifically theirs. As long as a dog kennel is used properly your dog will suffer little harm.

The first thing to understand is that when dog kennel training is to never use the kennel as a place you put your dog as a punishment if he has done something wrong. It may be tempting to do but you do not want your dog to become afraid of their kennel. It is also important not to leave your dog in a kennel for more then four hours at a time. Dogs, much like humans who work in a cube farm, need to get out in the fresh air, run around and take a potty break. Dogs will also begin to get anxious after about four hours cooped up in a kennel which will have the opposite affect of what you want to accomplish. The key to successfully kennel training your dog is doing it correctly.

There are many reasons to kennel train a dog. It is important to identify which behavior you are going to be kennel training your dog for. Does he need to be potty trained or is he chewing up things he shouldn’t be? Once you the problem is known you can tailor the kennel training to fit your needs.

The idea is to make the kennel as homey as possible for your four legged friend. Make sure there is a warm comfortable pad or blanket to lay on and keep food and most importantly water available. You dogs kennel should be a place that he can go and feel safe and comfortable, this will make the training go much easier.

Let’s look at two areas where dog kennel training works well; chewing and house-breaking.

You should keep chew toys available in your dogs kennel and no where else. If you catch him chewing something he shouldn’t reprimand him firmly but do not yell at him. Show him his chew toy and put him in his kennel.

House-breaking can take a little more work, but using a kennel is a good way to break your dog of his house messing habits. If he claims his kennel as his refuge he will be like most all other dogs in that he won’t go to the bathroom where he sleeps. When he is in his kennel keep an eye on him and when he starts to get restless let him out and take him outside to do his business. Praise him once he is done and repeat this process. He will soon learn that going to the bathroom is an outside activity.

Dog kennel training works well for stubborn or hard to train dogs. If used in the correct way it is a good way to train you dog to be a well behaved family friend.

By: Andrew Bicknell