Dog behavior training is both an art and a science. Some experts say that a dog can have up to an 800-word vocabulary. I’m not so convinced of the number of words but I can verify that many of my dogs showed an uncanny ability to figure out exactly what I was trying to communicate.
One of the best dog training tips I ever got was from a neighbor when I got my first puppy. I was about 9 years old and this was the best present my parents had ever given me. My neighbor was an old hand at training dogs and had living proof in his own dog.
The first thing I did when I got Skipper (not sure why I picked that name, it just sounded right) was to rush over and show my neighbor. His name was hard to pronounce so every one in the neighborhood just called him Mr. D. So Mr. D was kind enough to run through some dog training basics and taught me a lot about how to take care of my new puppy.
Mr. D’s dog was a Jack Terrier called Willie. Willie could do any trick and would respond to almost any request. Willie pretty much had the run of the neighborhood and was known by all. In those days people just let their dog out since there were no leash laws and no one complained. My Mom often gave Willie any leftovers or a soup bones when he would stop by for a visit.
So when I showed up with Skipper, Willie was as excited as I was to have a new playmate. Skipper was a Springer Spaniel that we had rescued from the city dog pound. Skipper was probably about 6 months old but we never knew for sure since the dog pound didn’t know when he was born.
The first order of business was your basic dog house training. I got off pretty easy on this phase since Skipper seemed to prefer going outside to do his bathroom chores. From day one Skipper would go to the door and want to be let out when he needed to go.
Mr. D explained that the two most important things about any kind of dog training were rewards and repetition. The reward could be as simple as praise or a pat on the head. And that I should spend at least 30 minutes a day working with Skipper on anything I wanted to teach him to do.
So each day I would spend 30 minutes teaching Skipper how to stay, sit, fetch, and come when I called. Willie would come over and help too. I don’t know if they actually communicated but having another dog around that already knew all these tricks had to be beneficial.
Skipper also showed a high aptitude for retrieving. Of course I didn’t know at the time that he was a natural born retriever and took credit for being a great and skilled dog trainer. Once I got the basics down I worked on teaching Skipper how to heel, play dead, and not to jump on people.
Skipper started learning on his own too. When I was at school or somewhere that Skipper couldn’t go, my mother would be his next choice in companion. In those days we had what was called a Bookmobile that was a bus from the local library that would come to the neighborhood twice a week.
Skipper figured out that when the Bookmobile came he got to go for a walk with my mother. So like clockwork, Skipper would come to get my mother when it was about 2:00 pm on Tuesday and Friday. Skipper loved to go since he got to sit at the door and welcome every one that showed up each day.
Skipper also knew when it was Saturday. Saturday was grocery-shopping day and when my mother went to the store she always asked the meat department for some bones. Skipper knew that he would get his favorite snack on Saturday afternoons when my mother came back from the store.
For the next 14 years Skipper was my constant companion and escort. Skipper was an exceptional dog in disposition, learning ability, and affection. I also had a big advantage having a helpful neighbor and watching him and his dog. Mr. D and Willie were both a huge help and positive influence.
Dog training does require some dedicated effort but the rewards are more than worth the investment. My current dog, Tuxcitto, is a 24/7 project since he is a Border Collie and full of vim and vigor. But Tuxcitto is a lot like Skipper in that he is a fast learner and extremely affectionate companion.
John Dow owns http://www.freedogtrainingarticles.com, a website that provides free information on dog training. John gets to test his dog training skills daily with his new dog Tuxcitto. You can learn more here: http://www.freedogtrainingarticles.com.
Dog care program must include proper care for dogs ears. You don't know there's a problem until the ears are sore, inflamed red and obvious ear yeast infection or waxy substance might be visible.
Dog ear care is always important. Watch for ear infection symptoms and give dog ear treatment if needed. Control and prevent symptoms of ear infections in dogs, cats or horses. Remedies ear problems in dogs ears once and for all. Find out more about this powerful all natural remedy. Get fast relief for your dogs ear infection symptoms today from http://drdogs247.com
filed under: dog behavior training, dog training,dog training basics, basic dog training, dog house training, self dog training, dog training tips, dog ear care, dog ear infection symptoms, ear infections in dogs, dog ear infection remedy,choosing the right dog, working dogs, labrador retrievers, golden retriever, labradors, big dogs, little dogs, training your dog, caring for dogs
Showing posts with label dog training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog training. Show all posts
Saturday, May 29, 2010
6 Dog Training Tips For A Well Trained, Well Behaved Pet
Dogs are considered man's best friend. Throughout the ages and of all animals, dogs have been man's companion. More than companions, dogs serve a variety of functions. There are working dogs (e.g., police dogs) and dogs that are used as guides for the disabled. Farmers and livestock owners use dogs for herding, and some home owners get dogs specifically to guard their property.
Whatever the primary purpose of a particular breed of dog is, it's important that it receive proper training and these dog training tips can help train your dog. Many dog training professionals will attest to the importance of having a well-trained dog. You don't have to be a professional dog trainer to train your dog. You can do simple activities to teach your pet how to behave.
Dog training tip #1: Curbing your dog's digging behavior
As a dog owner, you need to understand that dogs are social animals. When they are lonely or alone, dogs resort to digging. Loneliness isn't the only reason dogs dig, though. In some instances, dogs that dig are experiencing some sort of nutrient deficiency. To make up for this condition, dogs oftentimes would eat the dirt they dig. If your dog tends to dig a lot, spend more time with him. It also pays to have your dog checked up to make sure that his health is in good condition.
Dog training tip #2: Potty training your dog
A reward-based method works best when potty training your dog. To use this method, give your dog a treat after it potties in the right place. Following up good behavior with a reward will make it easier for your dog to remember doing good behavior.
Dog training tip #3: Repetition is key
Whenever you are trying to teach your dog something -- whether it's a trick or making your dog obey a command -- repetition is important. Repetition and consistency are keys that will help your dog understand a command. To test if your dog knows a command after so many repetitions, test him without any assistance. Do this at least three consecutive times to make sure that your dog's grasp of a command is not simply a fluke.
Dog training tip #4: Communicating with your dog
When training your dog to follow a certain command or do a certain thing, it's vital that you not just issue the command out. It's also important that you direct your dog how to perform a command or drill as well as correct your dog if he doesn't follow the command properly. Be consistent when you are issuing out commands and trying to teach your dog to develop certain behaviors. For instance, if you are trying to teach your dog not to chew on slippers or shoes, do not praise him one day when you see him chewing on a slipper.
Dog training tip #5: Proper timing in training your dog
It's always best -- and professional dog trainers will recommend this -- to train your dog when it is still a puppy. When it comes to training dogs, it is indeed true that old dogs can't learn new tricks. So start training your dog early.
Dog training tip #6: Let your dog know you're the boss
Dogs are pack animals, which means they follow a hierarchy. Thus, when training your dog, it's important that you establish yourself as the alpha dog (the leader). Your dog needs to understand that he is the submissive being. Avoid showing any fear when your dog snaps back. Doing so will break the established hierarchy you have with your dog. When your dog is doing his exercises, never allow your dog to stop mid-way or not complete the exercise. Firmly let your dog know that it should do what you, the alpha dog, wants him to do.
Dog training tip #6: Act around your dog
Your puppy will naturally want to chew on things so give your puppy an outlet for his chewing urges. You can give your puppy a chew bone to chew. If your puppy tries to chew on you, yelp loudly, fold your arms and ignore your puppy for about ten minutes. When a puppy becomes too rough on other puppies, the others yelp and tend to ignore the puppy. However, you may need to assess your puppy's personality because he may react to the yelping by biting more and even harder. If this happens, you may need to apply a more aggressive approach
Dog ear care is always important. Watch for ear infection symptoms and give dog ear treatment if needed. Control and prevent symptoms of ear infections in dogs, cats or horses. Remedies ear problems in dogs ears once and for all. Find out more about this powerful all natural remedy. Get fast relief for your dogs ear infection symptoms today from http://drdogs247.com
filed under: dog obedience training, train your dog, dog training, dog training tips, tips for training your dog, training your dog, teaching your dog, dog trainers, professional dog trainers, dog ear care, dog ear infection symptoms, ear infections in dogs, dog ear infection remedy
Whatever the primary purpose of a particular breed of dog is, it's important that it receive proper training and these dog training tips can help train your dog. Many dog training professionals will attest to the importance of having a well-trained dog. You don't have to be a professional dog trainer to train your dog. You can do simple activities to teach your pet how to behave.
Dog training tip #1: Curbing your dog's digging behavior
As a dog owner, you need to understand that dogs are social animals. When they are lonely or alone, dogs resort to digging. Loneliness isn't the only reason dogs dig, though. In some instances, dogs that dig are experiencing some sort of nutrient deficiency. To make up for this condition, dogs oftentimes would eat the dirt they dig. If your dog tends to dig a lot, spend more time with him. It also pays to have your dog checked up to make sure that his health is in good condition.
Dog training tip #2: Potty training your dog
A reward-based method works best when potty training your dog. To use this method, give your dog a treat after it potties in the right place. Following up good behavior with a reward will make it easier for your dog to remember doing good behavior.
Dog training tip #3: Repetition is key
Whenever you are trying to teach your dog something -- whether it's a trick or making your dog obey a command -- repetition is important. Repetition and consistency are keys that will help your dog understand a command. To test if your dog knows a command after so many repetitions, test him without any assistance. Do this at least three consecutive times to make sure that your dog's grasp of a command is not simply a fluke.
Dog training tip #4: Communicating with your dog
When training your dog to follow a certain command or do a certain thing, it's vital that you not just issue the command out. It's also important that you direct your dog how to perform a command or drill as well as correct your dog if he doesn't follow the command properly. Be consistent when you are issuing out commands and trying to teach your dog to develop certain behaviors. For instance, if you are trying to teach your dog not to chew on slippers or shoes, do not praise him one day when you see him chewing on a slipper.
Dog training tip #5: Proper timing in training your dog
It's always best -- and professional dog trainers will recommend this -- to train your dog when it is still a puppy. When it comes to training dogs, it is indeed true that old dogs can't learn new tricks. So start training your dog early.
Dog training tip #6: Let your dog know you're the boss
Dogs are pack animals, which means they follow a hierarchy. Thus, when training your dog, it's important that you establish yourself as the alpha dog (the leader). Your dog needs to understand that he is the submissive being. Avoid showing any fear when your dog snaps back. Doing so will break the established hierarchy you have with your dog. When your dog is doing his exercises, never allow your dog to stop mid-way or not complete the exercise. Firmly let your dog know that it should do what you, the alpha dog, wants him to do.
Dog training tip #6: Act around your dog
Your puppy will naturally want to chew on things so give your puppy an outlet for his chewing urges. You can give your puppy a chew bone to chew. If your puppy tries to chew on you, yelp loudly, fold your arms and ignore your puppy for about ten minutes. When a puppy becomes too rough on other puppies, the others yelp and tend to ignore the puppy. However, you may need to assess your puppy's personality because he may react to the yelping by biting more and even harder. If this happens, you may need to apply a more aggressive approach
Dog ear care is always important. Watch for ear infection symptoms and give dog ear treatment if needed. Control and prevent symptoms of ear infections in dogs, cats or horses. Remedies ear problems in dogs ears once and for all. Find out more about this powerful all natural remedy. Get fast relief for your dogs ear infection symptoms today from http://drdogs247.com
filed under: dog obedience training, train your dog, dog training, dog training tips, tips for training your dog, training your dog, teaching your dog, dog trainers, professional dog trainers, dog ear care, dog ear infection symptoms, ear infections in dogs, dog ear infection remedy
Your Puppy: Have Fun While Fixing the "Naughtiness Factor"
I sat trapped on the airplane, hurtling toward Orlando, strapped into my seat, some 30,000 feet above ground. I say “trapped” because my seat, my entire row even, was constantly shaken, bumped and tossed by a pair of blond haired, angelic looking little monsters in the row in front of me.
Michael, twelve, and his brother, eight, found relief from boredom in the only way they knew how…by fighting, wrestling and annoying everyone for three rows in all directions.
At first, I, too, was irritated by the little blond cretins. But as their father finally erupted out of his seat to threaten the boys with bodily harm, I began to smile. I nearly laughed in fact. Not because the boys were finally getting a stern talking to. But because of the image that came to me.
Suddenly, the kids reminded me of a pair of blond Golden Retriever puppies, happy, rowdy…and completely out of control. (except when dog ear infections flare up)
Michael and David, lacking any direction from their parents, defaulted to known behaviors on that flight. They “tore it up, from the floor up.”
Dad yelled at the children in that low, angry tone well bred parents use when what they really want to do is scream out loud at their kids in the Walmart. And he scared them. Most of coach was grateful. But the good effects from that dressing down were all too temporary. My seat began to rock and roll once again. The puppies—I mean the kids—defaulted back to standard boy behaviors.
That’s when mom intervened. She came bearing gifts. Sweetly she told them that their choices included certain death at the hands of their father…or they could do the activity games in the shopping bag she dropped in their laps. She walked away.
The boys tore into that sack like Golden puppies into a Kong stuffed with liverwurst. Bags of pretzels, disposable cameras, coloring books and playing cards gushed from that cornucopia of childhood goodies like a geyser from Old Faithful.
This was a good thing.
Mind you, they were still boys.
“Are we almost there yet?”
“How much minutes left?”
Questions and protest still gave the boys opportunity to be, well, boys. But the worst of the pandemonium was over.
I have this bizarre tendency to view dog training as a metaphor for life itself. Not much in the way of human behavior escapes some direct correlation to dogs in my view. So I thought about Michael and David and about why they reminded me so much of puppies. Then it hit me.
Dad came along and told them what not to do. And that didn’t function for more than a few moments. Mom had a better idea. She showed the boys a new behavior they could do, concurrently presenting them with a consequence if they failed to choose the new, and more rewarding behavior she designed for them.
The parallel to our lives comes when helping dogs or puppies stop unwanted behavior. It is effective to teach a dog a new behavior that is incompatible with his unwanted behavior. It is less effective to simply correct a dog for doing the bad thing.
Take jumping on people. You can simply correct for it. But temptation remains. Plus, get with the 21st Century already. We have dogs for the “warm and fuzzies.” We are ever less likely to knee their dog off when the dog just wants to greet us. So instead of battling the dog, why not teach him to sit and offer paw to solicit attention? He can’t do that and jump now can he? Plus it’s such an engaging trick that it’s likely to win much more notice for the dog, and thus, becomes self-rewarding.
Dick Russell, a professional dog trainer in Louisiana, says he teaches the same “sit and give paw” routine to space guarding dogs. A dog won’t often sit and shake and guard space from a child all at the same time. I handle this problem in a different way. Using a gentle touch with the leash and collar, I teach the dog to move, and give up any space humans want to take. Either way, you’ve taught the dog what TO do as much as what NOT to do.
As for Michael and David, they played with their new toys for quite a while. I eyeballed them periodically, however, waiting for the old behavior to reassert itself. I smile, thinking about the dog training equipment nestled in my checked baggage. If only I could do children, we could all retire to my own private island, where dogs run free and children behave.
Marc Goldberg is a dog trainer specializing in the rehabilitation of difficult dogs and improving relationships. He is Vice President of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and Editor of SafeHands Journal. The author also educates professional dog trainers in his techniques. Visit him on the web at http://www.chicagodogtrainer.com or http://www.dogtraininginchicago.com.
Dog Ear Infections or Cat Ear Infections a problem??
Control and prevent symptoms of ear infections in dogs, cats or horses. Remedies ear problems in dogs ears once and for all. Find out more about this powerful all natural remedy. Get fast relief for your dogs ears today from http://drdogs247.com
Michael, twelve, and his brother, eight, found relief from boredom in the only way they knew how…by fighting, wrestling and annoying everyone for three rows in all directions.
At first, I, too, was irritated by the little blond cretins. But as their father finally erupted out of his seat to threaten the boys with bodily harm, I began to smile. I nearly laughed in fact. Not because the boys were finally getting a stern talking to. But because of the image that came to me.
Suddenly, the kids reminded me of a pair of blond Golden Retriever puppies, happy, rowdy…and completely out of control. (except when dog ear infections flare up)
Michael and David, lacking any direction from their parents, defaulted to known behaviors on that flight. They “tore it up, from the floor up.”
Dad yelled at the children in that low, angry tone well bred parents use when what they really want to do is scream out loud at their kids in the Walmart. And he scared them. Most of coach was grateful. But the good effects from that dressing down were all too temporary. My seat began to rock and roll once again. The puppies—I mean the kids—defaulted back to standard boy behaviors.
That’s when mom intervened. She came bearing gifts. Sweetly she told them that their choices included certain death at the hands of their father…or they could do the activity games in the shopping bag she dropped in their laps. She walked away.
The boys tore into that sack like Golden puppies into a Kong stuffed with liverwurst. Bags of pretzels, disposable cameras, coloring books and playing cards gushed from that cornucopia of childhood goodies like a geyser from Old Faithful.
This was a good thing.
Mind you, they were still boys.
“Are we almost there yet?”
“How much minutes left?”
Questions and protest still gave the boys opportunity to be, well, boys. But the worst of the pandemonium was over.
I have this bizarre tendency to view dog training as a metaphor for life itself. Not much in the way of human behavior escapes some direct correlation to dogs in my view. So I thought about Michael and David and about why they reminded me so much of puppies. Then it hit me.
Dad came along and told them what not to do. And that didn’t function for more than a few moments. Mom had a better idea. She showed the boys a new behavior they could do, concurrently presenting them with a consequence if they failed to choose the new, and more rewarding behavior she designed for them.
The parallel to our lives comes when helping dogs or puppies stop unwanted behavior. It is effective to teach a dog a new behavior that is incompatible with his unwanted behavior. It is less effective to simply correct a dog for doing the bad thing.
Take jumping on people. You can simply correct for it. But temptation remains. Plus, get with the 21st Century already. We have dogs for the “warm and fuzzies.” We are ever less likely to knee their dog off when the dog just wants to greet us. So instead of battling the dog, why not teach him to sit and offer paw to solicit attention? He can’t do that and jump now can he? Plus it’s such an engaging trick that it’s likely to win much more notice for the dog, and thus, becomes self-rewarding.
Dick Russell, a professional dog trainer in Louisiana, says he teaches the same “sit and give paw” routine to space guarding dogs. A dog won’t often sit and shake and guard space from a child all at the same time. I handle this problem in a different way. Using a gentle touch with the leash and collar, I teach the dog to move, and give up any space humans want to take. Either way, you’ve taught the dog what TO do as much as what NOT to do.
As for Michael and David, they played with their new toys for quite a while. I eyeballed them periodically, however, waiting for the old behavior to reassert itself. I smile, thinking about the dog training equipment nestled in my checked baggage. If only I could do children, we could all retire to my own private island, where dogs run free and children behave.
Marc Goldberg is a dog trainer specializing in the rehabilitation of difficult dogs and improving relationships. He is Vice President of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and Editor of SafeHands Journal. The author also educates professional dog trainers in his techniques. Visit him on the web at http://www.chicagodogtrainer.com or http://www.dogtraininginchicago.com.
Dog Ear Infections or Cat Ear Infections a problem??
Control and prevent symptoms of ear infections in dogs, cats or horses. Remedies ear problems in dogs ears once and for all. Find out more about this powerful all natural remedy. Get fast relief for your dogs ears today from http://drdogs247.com
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