Sunday, August 30, 2009

The Importance of Dog Training

Dog training is an important aspect of owning and raising a dog. However many people do not fully understand the importance of dog training. It is not meant to turn your dog into some kind of robot who follows commands accurately and mindlessly. It is also not aimed to make your puppy into a show dog that can do tricks to amuse your friends. Dog training is all about making the bond between you and your dog stronger. It is about teaching your dog the basic rules to make him a safer pet as well as a pleasant companion.

Dog training is not about subduing your dog to follow your every whim; it is about communication. Regardless of your purpose for owning a dog, whether it is for company or for protection, you should train your dog so that you will not have any behavioral problems with it in the future. Dog training will turn your frisky puppy to a more docile dog that will obey your command and stay away from trouble.

Dog training is highly recommended regardless of your lifestyle or the breed of your dog. It is also recommended to start training your dog while still a puppy. This is because older dogs are more difficult to train. Sometimes, different dog breeds may require different dog training techniques. For instance, you can't use the same technique to train a large Great Dane and tiny Chihuahua.

Simple dog training starts with obedience training. First, your puppy must recognize his name and be responding to it every time you call it out. You can then start to train him to come to you whenever you call him. Use the verbal commands come and here when you are calling him. Then you can start introducing some other techniques such as the sit command. You should start with the simple commands first and gradually advance to more complicated commands.

The importance of dog is to you're your dog a disciplined and docile companion who can follow simple commands and keep away from trouble such as destroying your neighbors flower patch. Also, the goal of dog training is to make your dog safer, not only to you and your family, but also to everyone in your neighborhood. This is especially important if you have a large dog that can be capable of damage or injury. A trained dog will simply not run off to chase a cat and will not be aggressive to other pets, children and adults.

Dog training is not easy. You have to possess patience and perseverance to be always consistent in your commands so that your dog will learn faster and more effectively. You should also respect your dog. Remember that you chose him and he didn't choose you. You should treat him right in the first place, because if you don't you will end up with an unhappy dog who will likely run away from you and be quite difficult to train.

If you are truly determined to train your dog personally, you can find a lot of resource material on dog training in many books, manuals, pamphlets and others. It may be helpful to get some information about dog training even before you get a puppy. Sometimes pet shops will offer dog obedience training either for free or for a fee. Just make sure that it is attuned to the requirements of your dogs breed. You can also hire a professional dog trainer to assist you in training your beloved pet.

Tag : dog,dog training,dog training trip,dog trainer

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Sunday, August 16, 2009

Using an Electric Dog Training Collar to Train the Recall

One of the biggest problems my clients complain about is the fact that their dogs don’t come when called. This is not only annoying but can be costly and dangerous. A dog that won’t come when called can potentially run into traffic, run away from you and get in a dog fight, or ruin someone’s picnic in the park as he runs up happily all the while ignoring your calls to return. The best way to teach the ultimate recall is by using a dog training device called the electric dog training collar.

Before I explain how to train this exercise I need to first give a little bit of background on the tool that you will be using. An electric dog training collar is perhaps the least understood dog training product on the market. Many consider this dog training product to mean, cruel, and violent. The truth is the opposite. Used properly, an electric dog training collar is actually one of the most humane ways to train your dog. It allows you the greatest freedom while delivering the least violent correction (Try one on yourself. They really aren’t painful unless you use the highest levels. For the recall exercise you will be using low levels, though.) Think about it, when giving a dog a correction which is more humane? A jerk on a leash or a small ‘bee sting’ on the neck administered from an electric dog training collar?

An electric dog training collar allows you to give an off-leash correction at great distances. You will harness this ability to show your dog that he must return when called no matter how far away. The first step is to teach your dog to come to you on leash. It is important that your dog first has a knowledge of what ‘come here’ means before you start using the electric collar. Once he knows what ‘come here’ means you can start using the electric collar.

Start out by conditioning your dog to the collar. Have him wear it at odd times for several days before you even start using it. You want the dog to have a neutral association toward the collar. Too many times dog owners will put the collar on, train the dog, and take the collar off. They repeat this over and over and soon the dog learns that he only has to obey when the collar is on. For that reason you must make him believe that training has nothing to do with the collar. If you do this properly you will be able to phase out the use of the collar and soon he will obey the same regardless of whether or not he is wearing the electric dog training collar.

Once your dog is properly conditioned to the collar you can begin. I am going to teach you the mechanics of the exercise first and then teach you the canine psychology of why this exercise works.

1. Find your dogs tolerance for the electric dog training collar. This is the unpleasant part of training with electricity but it must be done. Tie your dog out in a neutral area wearing the electric collar. Wait until he is in a neutral state of mind, not thinking of anything or distracted by anything. Go to the lowest level of stimulation and hit the button. Check his face to see if there is a reaction. If not, go up a level. Continue in this way until you see a small reaction. Once you find this level that is your benchmark. To train this exercise you will use your benchmark level minus one.

2. Have your dog wearing the dog training electric collar, a regular collar beneath that, and a long line attached to the regular collar.

3. Allow your dog to separate himself from you at a distance of 10 feet or more.

4. Set the remote to your pre-determined level. The next part is going to require a lot of coordination and practice so pay attention. There are several things that must be done simultaneously and in sequence.

5. Hold down the button on the remote for 2 seconds without saying a word.

6. As you continue to hold the button down tell your dog ‘come-here’, as you pull the long line toward you, and as you jog backwards. Read it twice. There are several things that need to be done at once.

7. The very instant your dog starts moving in your direction release the button and praise your dog like crazy. When he gets to you, praise him physically and verbally.

8. Continue this course of action. Repetition is very important. With this exercise there is a 2 second window where you are giving a small correction before you even give the command. After plenty of repetition you will notice that as you start to hold down the button he will start coming to you before you have had a chance to say ‘come-here’. When you reach this point you can move to the next step.

9. In the next step you will remove the long line. Repeat the training exactly as before except you will cut out the step where you pull on the long line. Repeat this step often and for several days. When your dog is perfect at this you can move on to the next step.

10. In the next step you are now going to remove the first part. Have your dog off leash and separated from you. Call to your dog ‘come-here’. If he comes, great! Give him tons of praise. If he doesn’t come, hold down the correction button until he begins to come, at which point you will instantly release the button and praise him. Repeat this step often. Repeat it at close distances and far distances. At this point your dog understands that coming when called is fun because of the praise involved, but also that he must come every time.

Sounds easy enough, right? Ok, let’s examine the canine psychology that goes into making this exercise successful. At its root, this training exercise is successful because you are slowly teaching your dog how to turn off the stimulation from the collar. In the very beginning stages you turn the stimulation on for 2 seconds with no hint as to why. Your dog feels it, it isn’t painful because it is a low level, but it does cause confusion because he doesn’t know why he is feeling it. As you continue with the exercise he begins running in your direction and the stimulation immediately turns off. With enough repetition your dog forms the association and realizes that it is the act of returning to you that turns off the stimulation. Following that, you proof the exercise. You allow him the chance to make a mistake by giving the command without the stimulation. If he does mess up the stimulation turns on and only turns off when he begins to return to your side.

Be very careful with this exercise. Study it out in your mind first and visualize yourself completing all the steps perfectly. Then try it out using a friend at the end of the leash instead of your dog. You must be very precise with the steps. Miscalculation of even a little bit could spell disaster for the whole exercise. For example, if your dog begins running toward you and you wait a second or two before turning off the stimulation, instead of turning it off immediately, your dog will not be able to make the association of returning to you equals stimulation turns off.

Practice makes perfect. Using the electric dog training collar can not only be fun but can be an excellent way to train your dog.

Tag : dog,dog training,dog training collar,dog training tips

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tyler_Brown

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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

The Three Dog Training Mistakes You Should Avoid

When it comes to dog training, there are may different ways to go about doing it. Most techniques used today however, are based upon the idea that positive reinforcement is most likely going to give you the best results. Almost every truly successful dog training system is developed out of positive reinforcement thinking.

No matter which specific training program you as a dog owner choose to use, there are three common mistakes that should be avoided. Some dog owners, without realizing it, are liable to make three serious errors which if avoided will make dog training a far more enjoyable and effective experience.

The three most common mistakes are:

Being Inconstant With Training

Dogs thrive on predictability. A dog is likely to respond best to a system in which regular actions produce regular results. For example; if your dog succeeds in performing a certain action that the you the owner is pleased with and you rewards her, after a few times of this the dog will come to expect a reward for performing the same act. This is how the dog learns. If you start to reward sometimes and not other times for the same act before the dog has a chance to learn the act then the dog becomes confused and you wont get the results you are looking for from your dog.

One of the keys to successful training is to remain consistent each and every time.

Don’t become impatient

Training your dog can be frustrating at times. Tasks we believe our dogs should be able to learn easily and quickly often end up taking more time to master then we thought or sometimes it seems they just “don’t get it” at all. Dog training is an extended process that can require a great deal of patience from the trainer.

Being impatient often results in the trainer becoming unpredictable in how they handle the dog and what they are requesting from them. They might hastily stop a training session or worse, forget to use positive reinforcement that their dog has come to expect in hopes of finding a shortcut to the desired result.

The other key to successful training is you’re going to have to a patient outlook through out the entire process of dog training.

Not Treating Your Dog as a Training Partner

Dog training needs two participants; the dog and you the owner. To often, some dog owners tend to look at the process as being just about them. They worry over their strategies and training techniques without taking their training partner, the dog, into consideration.

Dog training should be fun. In fact, it should be like a play session. When the dog is looked upon as a subject for experimenting with, you lose that all important dog/owner bond that has built up between you. Training then becomes a real chore rather than a joint activity that neither of you is getting any enjoyment out of.

Dogs get very attuned to their owners attitude quite quickly and are less likely to learn if they’re treated like a subject instead of a valued companion. If you fail to see your dogs unique personality during training you will be unable to pick up on subtle clues that could improve your training techniques and thus give you quicker results.

By avoiding these three common mistakes when dog training, you’re more likely to be able to create a training strategy that produces great results. In addition to this, the training experience will be more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Tag : dog,dog training,dog training collars,dog training book

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Kraynyk

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Monday, August 10, 2009

Animal Husbandry And Other Unnatural Acts: A Career in Dog Training

Do you like dogs? Do they like you back?

Well, in that case, maybe YOU have what it takes to make it in the ruff and kibble world of canine coaching. Maybe. But before you start barking up this career tree, it might be beneficial to get a little information first. The exiting world of dog training covers several areas of expertise, so consider which dog track you want to take.

So, like, what do I need to know? Isn’t it just “Sit, Heel, Stay”?

I am so glad you asked. Dog training encompasses much more than simple submission commands. Yes, a career in dog training can and does involve obedience training, but it can also delve much deeper. For instance, you could become an Animal Behaviorist, or a Behavioral Consultant. These professionals burrow into Rover’s psyche, working to dig up the long buried bones of his past. Rather than flea the past, they use it to see what makes him tick (Ooh, that one even made ME groan).

You mean I have to be a dog shrink?

Many in the dog-training field, especially Behaviorists, study not only veterinary science, but also psychology. So, in a way, you kind of become a “dog shrink” as you so eloquently put it. But this training helps with more than just the dog. Don’t forget, the dogs you will be training generally have owners, and some dog owners don’t realize that they may be the cause of the behavioral issues exhibited by their puppy pals (think of the mom of that snotty, screaming kid in the checkout line at grocery store who thinks she’s a great parent), and that they need to learn how to interact more effectively with their pets. It’s up to a trained dog specialist to uncover and rectify this.

So how much schooling up am I gonna need before I begin my career in dog training?

Many experts in the field of dog training will tell you it takes three to five years of serious, intensive study and hands-on dog training and handling to even become a good novice trainer. Becoming an experienced Master Dog Trainer takes many years of working with the animals, gaining valuable field (or park) experience. You will most likely even pay your dues with a few nips here and there (bites, not nerve-settling sips of schnapps). It’s all part of the price - and the leash you can do, if you are serious about a career in dog training.

So, are there like, dog trainer colleges?

There are indeed schools that offer courses in canine training. The program lengths and costs vary from school to school, depending upon the type of study you wish to pursue. There are even online and home study courses (I am familiar with one that charges $995 for a home study video package), but anyone who seriously wants to work with dogs should look for a school with actual animals that you can touch. Sniff around and dig up a school that fits your situation.

The Animal Behavioral College (ABC, get it?) charges about $3000 for its hands-on program to become a Certified Dog Trainer, which takes around six months to complete. And there are some accredited universities and colleges that proffer animal behavior programs. These are not necessarily dog-specific, but nevertheless will assist you in beginning your career in dog training. Cornell University in Ithaca, NY; Guelph University in Ontario, Canada; and Tufts University in Boston, MA are three such universities. Standard college tuition would apply at these schools, but they might throw you a bone and let you apply for financial aid. Beg…beg…good boy!

And then I can become employed as a dog trainer and watch the scratch (money, not the flesh wound) roll in?

No.

Why not?

Good dog trainers – and by that you can read “employed” dog trainers – enter their careers in dog training because of their love of dogs. They work for the intrinsic pleasure of helping man’s best friend, not for the money, power, or glory often associated with dog training. Initially, the novice dog trainer may even begin his career by working for a more experienced trainer as his assistant, trainee, or lackey. The pay grade for such positions is, of course, Lhasa Apso-sized – assuming you can find an experience dog trainer who will take you under his paw. If not, when was the last time you read a classified ad seeking a dog trainer?

The way many dog trainers collar a career in dog training is to become self-employed. Hang a shingle on the front door. This has been suggested by the American Dog Trainers Network, which states that you can have a part time career where, nationally, trainers earn an average of $20/hour. Not a bad living. But Uncle Sam is always snapping at the heels of the ambitious with his own statistical snarls and growls. The Occupational Outlook Handbook, put out by the U.S. Department of Labor, states that the median hourly earnings of non-farm animal caretakers were $8.21 in 2002 (the most recent year they have numbers for).

So what should I do? I love them pups!

The bottom line is that a career in dog training is something you do because you have a desire, passion, or drive to work with dogs, not because it’s a quick, easy, lucrative career option. As with most any career choice, there is effort involved. Shed your fears (regular brushing helps), put on your shiny coat, and get out there and claw your way to your career in dog training. Or you can just sit…stay…roll over. Good dog.

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Friday, August 7, 2009

Dog Training & Dog Obedience Guide

Why Dog Training Program is necessary?

Dog-Training program is necessary to build a strong relation between the Dog and his owner. A well trained dogs not only Builds Strong communication and understanding with the owner but also appreciated and receive lots of attention from passer-by when compared to an untrained one. Training of Dog does not depend on Breed, Age or size of the Dog. A proper training and guidance makes your Dog listen to your Commands.

Dog Agility, Dog Training, Dog Obedience, training supplies and much more get Info

What Happens When Your Dog remains untrained?

An untrained Dog every time Create a nuisance in and around the house you live. And some time or the other you definitely have to take the situation seriously. Your Neighbor’s and Passer-by may suffer from the nuisance made by such difficult and untrained Dogs.

How to Train a Dog?

Training Secrets: Once again to remind you before we start, Age, Breed and Size will not affect Training. Every Dog can be trained, if we trained properly.

Now, if you have a Dog or puppy, you may be eager to start training. Before you start, follow the Training Guide lines The first and the foremost thing to teach your new puppy is that human flesh is much more sensitive than other puppies and that it really hurts us when they bite. This is called bite inhibition. A puppy has very sharp teeth and a weak jaw. This means that the puppy can cause you to be uncomfortable when mouthing or puppy biting you, but cannot cause severe damage. An adult dog has duller teeth and a powerful jaw. This means that an adult dog can cause significant damage when biting.

• Make your Dog understand why you are correcting Him • Praise your Dog so that your praise has meaning and your Dog must understand praise • Stop your Dog jumping on you. • No "violence." No hitting. No abuse. With your Dog and don’t put up with any such kind of nonsense, and never should you. Once you learn how to give properly timed corrections and motivational praise, you'll notice your dog's confidence begin to skyrocket and she'll start to really love you as the "pack leader” in her life. • Avoid your Dog biting even when he is small

Lot more on how to train your Dog… Recommended Link

Basic commands that you should make your dog follow:
When Training your Own Dog or taking help of some one else to train
Your Dog, there are certain basic commands that must be mastered in order for the Dog considered truly trained. These Basic commands are:

• Train your Dog to sit on your Command is the vital part of any Dog Training Program. Every time you let the Dog in or out of the Door then ask for “sit “or “ Down” before you open or close the door. • A well or Good Trained Dog remains stop, when his owner commands him to do so. Whenever you put down some food, ask your Dog to stay where he is. • Make your Dog to respond to the word “NO.”. It is a important word that can save you from lots of Trouble. • It is important that any dog learn to walk beside its owner on a loose lead, neither pulling ahead nor lagging behind. Don't indicate the walk in any way; just start running with your dog through your commands. Reward each correct response. After the last one, say, "Praise Your Dog saying “Good Dog”!

Dog Training Supplies get it here

Feel Proud to Be The Owner Of A Well Trained Dog:

A properly trained dog will respond properly to all the owner’s commands, and will not display any anxiety, displeasure disobedience or confusion. To avoid this annoyance with your Dog a good Training Program is necessary. A good dog training program will focus on allowing the dog to learn just what is expected of it, and will use positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors.

Training frees Your Dog makes a strong bond with the owner and always be appreciated by the Neighbor and passer by. So we make you a proud owner of your Dog…

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