Sunday, October 23, 2011

Effective Ways To Perform Rescue Dog Training

Once a dog has been given a new home the first task will be how to commence the rescue dog training. Many people will decide to get a dog this way because they will show the owner much gratitude. Although to a certain extent this could be true every dog deserves a good home with a routine and excellent training from their owner.

Sometimes the dogs may have issues and trouble getting on with other animals or children due to what they have been through. To determine if this is the case the new owner can speak to the foster home where the dog may have stayed. The old guardian may be able to shed some light on what level the dog has been trained at and how they react to small children and cats.

With the knowledge of what the dog has experienced and their temperament it is now possible to observe their behavior and work out a suitable routine. The first thing that needs to be addressed by rescue dog training is getting the animal to trust people again. Frequently when a dog is abused or poorly treated they can struggle to trust other people.

When walking the dog in the park it is a good idea to introduce them to others and give them a treat to show they are harmless. Should the dog appear nervous gently pat their head and chin to reassure them that they are alright. It is never a good idea to force the dog into doing something they appear uncomfortable with; individuals should take their time and remember they have tomorrow.

If the dog cannot sit at command already this should be taught promptly. When the dog meets other people tell him to sit and that will also stop him from jumping up. When on walks ensure the dog sits at the curb and as a form of encouragement give them a treat for doing as they are told. Even at meal times ensure that the dog sits before they eat; this way they will become a very obedient animal and always know that the owner is the boss.

A crate is a great piece of equipment to have to begin with especially as the individual will not know how the dog will react when left alone. To get them used to the crate the owner can throw toys in there and give them their meals in it to show it is a fun place to be. Not all dogs will need this as some will have had rescue dog training to a high degree already.
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Sunday, October 2, 2011

Tips For Selecting The Best Dog Training Equipment

Collars

The most suitable collars are the broad leather or fabric ones or the half-check (check-choke), which is three-quarters nylon or leather and a quarter chain link.

Half-checks are good when training, because you can achieve a rattle with the chain part to attract the dog's attention.

When fitting a collar, make sure you can slide two fingers between it and the dog's neck. Check the collar regularly for signs of chafing, and also to see that it still fits comfortably on a growing dog.

Leash

Leashes, like collars, are available in all sorts of lengths and designs. What is important, however, is to choose the most appropriate one for you and your dog. It makes an enormous difference for both parties in terms of comfort and control if you have a leash that is the correct length for the size of your dog, and the right width for your hand.

The leash must be of suitable length to maintain a slack tension. If it is too short, the dog will be dragged along; too long and you will have meters of lead to deal with.

Choose a fabric or leather lead that can be extended or shortened as desired (as favored by dog trainers), and then you will have the best of both worlds when training and when simply out for a walk.

Retractable leashes are available in a variety of designs, but as some are better than others it is imperative that you choose one you can retract easily and instantly when desired. You must also buy the variety suited to the weight of your dog, otherwise it may not be strong enough to control him (some have been reported to snap when under stress and flick back into the handler's body or face, resulting in serious injury). To be on the safe side, do not use retractable leads on dogs that pull or become very excitable.

Crate

Also called a den or a cage, a crate serves as a bed and is useful for toilet training, for keeping the dog separate from the family and other pets when necessary, and for safety when traveling with your dog.

Crates come in all sizes, with different types of opening. Good, sturdy ones are expensive, so choose one that will be big enough to accommodate your dog when it is fully grown. Cheap crates tend to be badly made or flimsy, and therefore represent poor economy because they do not last.

Plastic-covered metal crates are quieter and easier to clean than those constructed out of bare or galvanized metal. A two-door foldaway crate is more convenient, especially when being used in a vehicle.
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©2009 dog training tips | by TNB