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Do You Know How Not To Train Your Dog?

By
10
Mar 2010
Training Stubborn Dogs
It might seem strange to ask how not to train your dog, but if you know what to avoid, you’ll be better placed to learn more effective methods for training your dog.

If you’re reading this then you’ve already passed one hurdle on your journey to owning a well-trained dog: you care about your dog and want to develop a better relationship with it. Sadly there are some dog-owners out there who either don’t feel they have anything to learn, or don’t want to spend any extra time, money or effort on their pet.

To even the most motivated and caring dog-owner, our beloved family pets can at times be frustrating. Having to repeat the same training again and again can be discouraging, especially if our dog does not appear to be responding. While sometimes an individual dog may have a stubborn nature, the problem more often lies with us, or to be more precise, the way that we are communicating (or not) with our dog.

It is important for us to understand how our dogs learn so that we can adapt our training methods to them, rather than to us. This can be more difficult to do than it sounds as we are used to ‘humanising’ our pets. They do after all become an important member of our family – it’s therefore natural for us to interpret their behaviour through our view of the world. I’m not suggesting that we shouldn’t love our dogs – the bond that we enjoy with them is after all very special, but failing to see them as what they are can hamper our attempts to train them.

A critical factor that can explain a lot of dog training problems is the way that dogs understand the relationship between cause and effect. Humans have the ability to understand a complicated series of causes and effects which can be separated by large differences in time or place. Dogs however normally associate cause and effect in a much more directly related way – this is why it is crucial that you apply any training methods to correct bad behaviour in your dog at the time it happens. When you reward your dog for good behaviour the same applies – if you delay the reward your dog will not associate it with the behaviour that you are trying to encourage.

This also means that patience is an essential quality that we will have to show towards our dogs. If we start building up resentment and punish our dog through frustration when he has just shown good behaviour, we could easily undo hours of previous training. A simple example of this might be where our dog fails to come to us when called. It may be that we’re in a hurry or it’s just started raining, and it’s natural for us to get annoyed. Admonishing your dog while putting him on his leash after he’s finally decided to return to us will only however confuse your dog. Unfortunately he won’t link the ten minutes he spent wandering about sniffing for rabbits with your negative response when he ran back to you.

A crucial part of this patience is to resist the temptation to use physical punishment on your dog. In a wild pack situation the majority of problems will be solved through body language and through each dog understanding his place within the pack hierarchy. While many people look for solutions to specific dog behaviour problems, the overall object of dog training is to develop a better relationship with your dog. This improved relationship will allow you to correct any behaviour issues more effectively. The use of physical punishment will only make your dog fear you and will strip away any trust that they have built for you. It also effectively weakens your position as pack leader as the top dog in a pack would not normally have to resort to violence to get his own way.

So to summarize how NOT to train your dog:

Resist the temptation to humanise your dog too much -remember their differences.

Understand that your dog will not interpret time and action in the same way as you.

Although it’s not always easy, try not to lose your patience when your dog misbehaves.

Do not resort to physical punishment no matter how frustrated you are.

By: Bob James

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Crate Training your Dog – Frequently Asked Questions

By
27
Feb 2010
training lazy dogs
Why should I crate train my dog?

There are several reasons why crate training your dog is important. For starters, I believe that it is only fair to properly crate train your dog. Dogs have a natural den instinct. They desire a place that is comfortable and secure. A crate provides this location. It is also fair to you as a dog owner. Crate training is the best way to house train and teach your canine friend house manners.

Is crate training cruel?

This is somewhat of a trick question. Done improperly crate training dogs is cruel. Some dog owners use the crate as a method of punishment, definitely a no-no. Others use the crate as a means of ‘doggy babysitting’ when they are too lazy or annoyed to deal with their dog. This is not what the crate is for.

Crate training your dog properly is not cruel. Proper crate training is humane and enjoyable for your dog. Your dog learns that he has a safe zone, or area that he can always feel comfortable and secure. As I mentioned above, dogs have a natural instinct to den. Sometimes this instinct is so overt that crate training your dog is easy, and other times you must bring that instinct out through good training. Either way, all dogs can be properly crate trained and learn to enjoy their crate.

Why does crate training your dog work?

Crate training your dog works because it provides a system for supervising your dog when you are not around. If you are house training your dog you can leave him in a crate and know that he won’t go to the bathroom. He won’t go to the bathroom because he views the crate as his den, and dogs avoid using such locations to relieve themselves. Crates can be means to supervise your dog when you are absent to prevent other behavior problems such as chewing, separation anxiety, and getting on the furniture. Crate training combined with vigilant supervision conditions your dog to have the behaviors that you desire.

Is crate training just for puppies?

No. Even an adult dog who has never been inside a crate can quickly be crate trained.

What type of crate should I use?

There are two main varieties, the all wire crate and the plastic crate. I recommend the plastic crate because it is enclosed and better mimics a den.

How long do I have to use the crate?

Crate training your dog can span many different lenghts of time. A crate is a dog training tool that can either be used for the life of the dog or phased out gradually. Depending on your dog and your diligence in training you could crate train your dog and then phase out the need for crate in as little as a month. Some dog owners like to keep the crate for some maintenance training. I like to keep a crate around because my dog will often go there when he feels stressed or just wants to take a nap.

By: Ty Brown

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Dog Training with a Halti or General Leader Collar

By
18
Feb 2010
dog training methods
Head collars have become an increasingly popular dog training tool in the past few years. Two of the most well known brands of head collar on the market are the Gentle Leader and the Halti, but there are many other brands that incorporate the basic head collar concept.

Although a very helpful tool, a head collar should not be used as a replacement for effective dog training. A head collar is most effective when it is used in combination with strong and sensible dog training methods, such as reward training and other forms of positive reinforcement.

What type of head collar is best?

Many dog owners favor the Gentle Leader design, finding it easier to fit that the Halti. The Gentle Leader is also designed to fasten around the dog’s neck, which means that even if the dog is somehow able to wriggle out of the muzzle, it is still wearing a collar. This safety feature is very important, especially during training outside or in novel situations. The Halti, on the other hand, offers better control of the dog, and for this reason it is often favored when working with larger breeds. It is also useful when training an older dog who has developed any aggressive traits.

Training a dog with a head collar has a number of advantages over training with a traditional or training collar. Head collars are often easier to use for beginning dog trainers than are conventional training collars. Head collars are also quite effective at preventing dogs from pulling, or controlling and retraining dogs that tend to pull.

Head collars can also be quite effective at controlling dogs in difficult situations, such as controlling a dog that wants to be with other dogs. Most owners know of some situations in which their dogs are difficult to control, and head collars can be very useful in volatile situations.

Head collars are excellent for gaining control of dogs that are very strong, or for working with a dog in an area that contains a great many distractions. Head collars are great for when your dog is on an outing, or in an area where there will be other dogs and other distractions.

Are there any disadvantages in using head collars?

Well, yes, head collars do have some distinct disadvantages as well. Head collars tend to encourage a dog’s behavior to be dependent on the equipment being used at the time. Dogs quickly learn the difference between their regular collar and the head collar, and adjust their behavior accordingly, so you may find yourself having to use the head collar as a matter of course.

If a dog is not accustomed to wearing a head collar, there may be such a dislike of wearing it that your dog may paw at it, try to rub it off or pull excessively. If your dog exhibits this behavior, the best strategy is to keep your dog moving until it learns to accept the collar.

When you’re walking your dog with a head collar, you may find that many people think that a head collar is a muzzle, and react to the dog with some trepidation. While this is not necessarily a disadvantage of the head collar, many dog owners do find it troublesome.

So training with a head collar is much like training with a training collar or any other equipment. While the head collar can be an important and useful tool, it is important to fit it properly, use it appropriately, and to combine its use with solid training methods. The eventual goal of dog training with a head collar should be to have the dog behave as well with a regular collar as it does with the specialized head collar. And because some dogs behave differently when in the head collar and a regular collar, this goal may take considerable work to achieve!



By: Brigitte Smith
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Dog Training Collar Supplements Voice Commands

By
14
Feb 2010
dog training collars
All dogs will need some training as without training, a dog will be a dog and do what dogs typically do. A dog training collar can help reinforce commands and signals and help the dog not only alter its natural behavior but also learn what the owner wants it to do.

Usually a dog training collar will emit a small shock when the person offering the training presses a button on the remote control. When the dog feels the shock, applied usually to the throat, and hears the negative command, chances are they will stop the behavior that resulted in slight pain. Once the dog understands that a firm no means a shock is coming, the dog training collar may not be needed.

If your dog barks a lot a dog training collar can shock the dog everytime the dog barks. Normally the dog will learn pretty quickly that if it barks it will be shocked and will decide that barking is not worth the pain. For those who shy away from shocking their animal, a no-bark dog training collar has been developed that emits a short spray of a lemon scented mist towards the dog’s nose. Its unpleasant odor will remind the dog not to bark, without the electric shock.

Shocks Can Help Guide Your Dog

Some dog owners and professional trainers are using electric dog training collars as part of a training regimen to help the dog learn new tricks, and not just to stay off the furniture and not to jump up on people. Usually if you slap your leg and tell the dog to come, you will probably get a dumb look. If you tell him to come and he gets a slight unpleasant shock, he may listen a little better.

If you are using a radio fence containment system you must make sure it is installed correctly and there is no threat of serious injury to your pet. Keep in mind that once your dog when wearing its dog training collar knows where its boundaries are even if you shut off the power to the underground fence, the dog will be reluctant to cross that line, even at your urging.

You should also keep in mind that a dog training collar is not something the dog needs to wear its entire life. Once their behavior can be changed by the issuance of verbal commands, the collar has done its job.

By: Benjamin Brook

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How to Stop Dog Barking

By
31
Jan 2010
Stop Dog Barking
There are many reasons for dog barking. Your dog may bark as a warning that your home has been broken into by a burglar or to let you know of the approach of a stranger. Dog barking is also used to get attention or to intimidate the dog owner or others. Whatever the reason for the barking, I’m sure we are all in agreement that it is annoying and ways need to be found to stop it quickly. Owners of constantly barking dogs are sometimes charged with disturbing the peace. Luckily, there are several ways to discourage dogs from barking without good reason.

Training your dog when it is appropriate for him to bark is the probably the best way to stop unwanted barking. Although there are a number of options, the best way is the reward/reprimand method. This is an effective and humane method.

In order to avoid using this training method, some dog owners use an electronic bark collar which emits a small electric shock when the dog barks. Eventually, the dog barking ceases as the dog connects his barking with an unpleasant experience. I am of the opinion that using this method to stop dog barking is inhumane and cruel.

Electronic collars should not be used for a variety of reasons, one being that not all dogs connect their barking with the uncomfortable shock. They learn to tolerate the shock and continue to bark. In addition, if the prongs on the collar do not touch the dog’s skin, a dog with a thick coat will not feel the shock. It should be noted that only using an electronic collar for training rarely stops dog barking. For the best results, dog obedience training is also necessary.

Some people are of the opinion that electronic collars could discourage dogs, even though the collar may not really them. People who have this viewpoint often use citronella collars which work on a similar principle to electronic collars. The citronella collar emits a mist when the dog barks. As dogs tend to dislike the smell, they will begin to connect their barking with the foul aroma and will stop barking. The success rate is about the same as for electronic collars.

Although electronic collars can be useful training tools, most vets and dog trainers feel that they cannot be used as a replacement for good obedience training. Dog obedience training helps to solve more dog behavior issues than just dog barking.

Surgery is sometimes used to stop dog barking. This is the most barbaric and drastic option. The dog is prevented from barking by having a piece of tissue removed from the larynx. There have been cases where the dog’s ability to bark has returned, voiding the goal of the surgery. Thankfully, most vets are opposed to surgery to stop dog barking.

I hope we have managed to convince you that good dog obedience training is essential for dog barking and most other dog behavior problems. It is worth noting that if a dog stops barking with an electronic collar, he will not bark when a burglar enters your home. However, a dog that is given obedience training will know the appropriate times to bark and will protect you and your family.

Click on “Secret to Dog Training in my bio data box“ for more information on how to how to stop dog barking.

Training Dogs – Information ” Secret to Dog Traininig  ” ,the No.1 Dog Training and Behavior site for 4 year, which will definitely help you for training your puppy

By: ksc111

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Considerations When Buying Dog Training Equipment

By
31
Jan 2010
dog training equipment
uper stores are full of products aimed at dog owners. How much value all these products have when is sometimes unknown, but for most people there is nothing to good for their dog. When it comes to dog training equipment it is often hard to know what works and what doesn’t. Before going out and buying all the latest training aids and gizmos it is best to stop and think about what your goals are for your dog. The first thing to consider is the breed of dog you have. Every dog is different and so are the various breeds. Some are better at doing some things while others are better at other things. Do research on the type of dog you have. Visit your local book store and find a good book that covers everything you might need to know about your dog. You can also find valuable information on the internet about caring for and training your particular dog. By doing research before hand you will have a good idea which type of dog training equipment will work best for you. Everybody has different goals when it comes to training their dog. You will have to decide what you want to teach them and how to best go about doing that. The methods used are vastly different if you’re just interested in having a well behaved family pet as compared to a hunting dog. Even then there are different levels of training among dogs doing specific types of activities. There can even be differences in the way different breeds of dogs are trained to do essentially the same tasks. The amount of training and equipment needed will be different for the different needs of dog owners. One thing to remember is that for thousands of years dogs have been trained in pretty much the same way. With a leash and collar, lots of praise and giving them treats for a job well done. With all the modern training aids that are supposed to make the job easier one has to wonder if maybe we are making it more difficult then need be. Buying dog training equipment may give you a sense of accomplishment if it does what it is advertised to, but sometimes its hard to forget that for all our modern sophistication dogs are still relatively simple creature who respond to the simplest of methods.

By: Andrew Bicknell
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Dog Breeds That Do Not Shed-A List Of Non Shedding Dogs

By
09
Jan 2010
Shedding in Dogs
One of the hot trends recently for dog breeders to market their dogs is to advertise them as a non shedding dog. We have seen countless ads for Goldendoodles, and other breeds, that use the non shedding tag as one of the main selling points of the breed. Why not? Everyone wants a dog that doesn’t shed! A shedding dog is one of the biggest complaints dog owners have. Who wants to run the vacuum every day to keep piles of dog hair off of the furniture and floors?

So, while professional breeders have been busy creating new breeds for various other reasons, dog owners and amateur breeders have been looking for that darn dog that doesn’t shed all over the house. They haven’t had to look very far. Poodles don’t shed. Many of the Terrier breeds don’t shed, including the very popular Westies. Goldendoodles don’t shed.

Or do they?

As grooming shop owners, we are asked to counsel our customers on the best dog breeds, which breed is best as a house dog, which breed is the smartest, and on and on. Most of all, we are asked which breeds do not shed. Our standard answer is this, “If you are getting a dog, be prepared to vacuum a lot, or brush it a lot.”

You see, there isn’t a dog breed that doesn’t shed. All dog breeds shed hair. Every last one of them. They either shed it off, onto your carpet and furniture, or they shed it into their UNDERCOAT. All dogs do one or the other.

Now you are probably asking yourself, “what will I have to do if I get one these ‘non shedding’ dogs?” That’s a good question. And the answer is, you will have to brush it. Ideally, you will brush it every, or every other, day.

Here’s what happens if you don’t brush it a lot. The hair that the dog sheds goes in the undercoat. The undercoat builds up. Very soon, your dog is a matted mess. Matted hair can be painful for a dog, as it sticks to the dog’s skin and can pull the skin when the dog moves.

Soon, the dog is so matted you can’t do anything with it. So, you take it to your local grooming shop. Unfortunately, getting matted hair off a dog isn’t easy, and it can be painful for the dog. Sometimes, the dog is so matted that all it’s hair has to be shaved off. Which sometimes leaves you with an ugly dog!

So, fellow dog owners and seekers of non shedding dogs, remember this: When you get that new puppy, you are either going to be purchasing a new vacuum, or a new brush.

 

By: Mark Edwards

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The Basics of Dog Training Commands

By
22
Dec 2009
free dog training lessons
The majority of dog owners in the world have one common problem with their dogs. They refuse to do what they are supposed to do. Some dog owners only have behavior problems with their dogs when other people are around. In most of theses homes the Dog rules the kingdom. These dogs have had no training whatsoever. What most of these dog owners do not know, is that it is the owner who really needs to be trained and not the animal. Once the owner takes charge and becomes the leader of the pack, the dog will follow in turn. Dog training commands are essential in taking charge of your dog and becoming the leader of the pack. The training of your dog is a natural bonding experience between you and your lovable friend.

The Commands

Every dog trainer will have their own list of dog training commands, but there are generally five basics on every trainers list. The first dog training command is to heel. Heeling means to have your dog stop along side of you. The second dog training command is sit. This dog training command is rather self-explanatory. The third command is down. The word, down, is used to get a dog to quit jumping up on people. Simply use the single word, down and not, get down, the dog will be more confused because he is only used to the one word, down, and get down will sound like one word to Fido. The fourth dog training command is to stay. It is always essential that your dog learns to stay sitting in one spot when told to for many obvious reasons, safety, being first and foremost. The last, but not least, of these five dog training commands is come. Come is setting your dog free and releasing him from commands.

A dog owner must realize that using your dog’s name will get his attention and this should also be rewarded in the early lessons. It is not necessary to yell at Fido, but do use a firm tone. Hand signals are another good way to teach your dog training commands as long as your dog has a successful attention span and can focus on the handler. Your dog will respect you if you stand tall and show him in your stance, that you are the authority in his world. Be strong and be firm and above all else, be consistent and your dog training commands can make your life a lot less stressful, and turn you into the King of your kingdom.



By: Roland Jefferson
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Some Advices On How Stop Dog Barking

By
03
Dec 2009
Stop Dog Barking
Dog and barking are a natural behavior. It’s instinctive. But, many owners become frustrated when their dogs won’t stop barking. Understanding why your dog barks will help in your training it to curb that behavior. Dogs usually bark as a warning to others. They may be warning you or another animal. Unfortunately, dogs often don’t receive the assurance that their warning has been understood. So, they continue barking. We will explain and show you how you can train your dog to control the excessive barking behavior.

Consistent Reactions

Develop a consistent routine when your dog barks. If you’ve acknowledged the reason for its barking, communicate that. Say, “good dog” or something similar. This lets your dog know that you understand. It knows that its job has been fulfilled. At times, dog owners do not communicate that to their pets. Because of this, the dog is not awear they they should cease. You can teach your dog to stop barking by saying the same thing each time (”good dog”).

Sometimes, dogs bark because they’re lonely or bored. Again, consistency is the solution. Show your dog that you won’t tolerate unnecessary barking. Don’t send your dog mixed signals. If it’s lonely or bored, spend time with your dog. Help it get some exercise so it exhausts some of its energy. The key is to be consistent in your reactions to your dog’s barking.

Role-Playing

A lot of owners have unwittingly trained their dogs to bark when they leave the house. The dog experiences feelings of abandonment. Pretend you’re leaving your home. Tell your dog “watch the house.” Then, let the dog see you leave your house. If they start to bark, quickly re-enter the house and give a short command “No”!” Over time, your dog will learn that you consider its barking when you leave unacceptable behavior. Your dog will abide by your wishes.

Enjoying The Peace

Dogs that bark excessively can be frustrating for their owners. Unfortunately, many owners simply throw up their hands in desperation without taking action. Consistent behavior in your training methods is how you get your dog to stop barking. Take the time to train your dog. This investment will benefit you will peace an quiet in the future. Remember to treat your dog for good  behavior, a odor free bully stick or other dog treat is a nice and comforting reward.

By: Jake

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Information On Electronic Dog Training Collar

By
02
Dec 2009
dog training collars
Electronic dog training collar is designed to assist dog owners and dog trainers to train their dogs to distinguish and figure out between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour. It helps to reduce the frustration and tension dog owners and trainers have to go through to train their dogs with behavioural problems. Electronic dog training collars are commonly used to teach dogs all the basic but essential commands like ”sit”, “stay”, “lie”, “come” and others. However, dogs that have been problematic and hard to train using other methods is most suitable to utilize it.

Today, dog training collars are so widely utilized and have become a superior training tool especially for women and elderly people, who are physically weaker to instruct their dogs effectively. Instead of having to run after them everywhere or pulling your dog not to run across the street or yelling at them to stop barking continuously, the remote electronic dog training collar allows you to correct their behaviour with ease and effectively. It helps your dog to become an exemplar of dog obedience. You can immediately correct your dog’s mistakes at a distance utilizing the remote control of the electronic dog training collar making it an effective tool compared with normal restraint leash training. Your dog will be unaware that you are penalizing him for inappropriate behaviour as he will not recognize you are issuing the correction. This will not jeopardize your existing close and good relationship with your dog.

The types of stimulation, whether continuous and momentary, distinguish between the various types of electronic dog training collars available in the market. You are able to regulate the strength of the continuous stimulation type of electronic dog training collar easily by regulating it anywhere between 5 to 15 seconds. The momentary stimulation type of electronic dog training collar can transmit only one instant shock by pushing the remote button. Appropriate and proper stimulation levels will provide an effective training signal that will benefit your dog. Look out for an “all-purpose” electronic dog training collar so that it is unncessary to replace or upgrade the collars later on.

When choosing which electronic dog training collar to purchase, do pay close attention to the following factors below;

- One’s budget.

- The size and type of your dog.

- Your dog’s grooming program.

- How far the distance required to train your dog effectively?

- Numbers of dogs to be taught.

- Waterproof or non-waterproof receiving and transmitting gadget.

- The stimulation degrees required to train effectively.

- Training hours affect the life span of your rechargeable batteries.

Most professional dog trainers employ electronic dog training collars to assist them in training and instructing dogs under their enrolment. The main intention of using dog training collar is to assist the teaching and training of your dog in basic obedience and not to injure them. In actual fact, it helps you keep the training free from danger or the risk of harm to yourself, and also accelerate the process of dog training. However, it is better that dog owners who are keen in using electronic dog training collar to instruct their dogs, have some basic knowledge and proper understanding of the collar’s functions, abilities and limitations before using it so as to avoid any wrong or unfitting usage.

Ultimately, you need to realize the fact that you are the trainer and not the training collar itself. It is only a piece of equipment that help you to teach your dog more effectively. Just like any other gadgets, the electronic dog training collar, if employed correctly and used with the correct techniques, can work wonders in your dog training program. So it is your obligation to teach your dog and use the training collar in the best possible and most appropriate manner. Utilized properly, an electronic dog training collar will assist you to teach your dog more effectively, efficiently and safely.



By: Chris Roger
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