Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Training Your Dog the Right Way

A lot of dog owners want to train their dogs either for housebreaking or competition purposes. There are many advantages to training your dog. Well trained dogs are easier to take care of. And you can also use the pet for several purposes other than merely making it your best friend.

If you train your dog right, you will be able to use your pet as a guard dog, a helper, or even a sled runner, if you must.

Here are tips when training your dog:

1. Establish a good dog-owner relationship with your pet.

You have to establish trust with your pet. Only through this you will be able to teach your dog some tricks. Don’t worry. Dogs are naturally trusting animals, especially if their masters are good to them. It is quite easy to establish trust with your pet. You just have to feed it right, give it treats, and play with it from time to time.

2. Build confidence and control.

Control is very important. Control means directing your dog to do the things it is supposed to do and make it stop doing things it shouldn’t. You can control your dog with the use of strict words. Strict doesn’t mean harsh. Know the difference between the two. When you give commands to your pet, be sure that you’re firm enough and stand by it.

3. Make your dog happy and outgoing.

A happy dog is a lot easier to train. It is the same with people. If you’re in a good mood, you are more likely to do things right. The disposition is the same with your pet. Strive to keep your dog happy so that any day becomes a good day for training. An outgoing dog is a free-spirited dog. These are the dogs that can be ideally trained.

4. Know your dog’s natural drives.

Your dog has its own natural pleasure and drives. Make sure that you know what these are so you can use it to your advantage. Dogs can easily be trained if you use their natural instincts. With the right motivation, the entire dog training process can be a jiffy.

5. Don’t use cruelty when training.

Cruelty doesn’t work well with pets. Never use harsh punishments or cruelty when teaching your dog anything. Dogs would trust you less if you hurt it. This won’t help you at all. It is best that you use firm but doting words instead. Dogs would easily be trained if it is not subjected to harsh elements.

Training your dog is quite a job. Keep in mind that everything can’t be achieved overnight. It can’t even be done in a week either. You have to be very patient. This means that you have to know your dog’s limit. This way, you’ll be able to groom and train your pet in the right manner. There would be trial and errors in the whole process. Be sure that you are mentally and physically fit for the challenge.

About the Author

Visit DoggyBehave.Com for more dog behavior training tips and dog training articles. Read also our article on dog toilet training.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Helpful Labrador Training Tips

If you want to have a dependable and obedient Labrador, then Labrador training should not be taken for granted for it is only through proper Labrador training that you can truly enjoy having a Labrador Retriever as an additional member of your family. Despite their reputation as a very mellow pets, Labradors can be quite problematic if not handled and trained properly.

To help Labrador owners with their Labrador training, below are some tips useful to achieve successful Labrador training:

The alpha position in the pack.
Having descended from wolves, dogs thrive in packs. In wild settings, the strongest one often assumes the leadership role. But since they are in family setting, you must convince your Lab of the people pack, and you as the owner must assume the role of the alpha, the leader of the pack. Failure to do so would mean losing control over your four-legged friend.

Before the basic.
Labrador training should start early, about a week or two after a puppy is born. This early training however, doesn't involve training the basic commands such as sit, stay and so on. Training at this stage of a puppy's life should focus on simple associations and later on socialization when the puppy is around three weeks old. Socialization period includes social investigation, playful fighting and playful sexual behavior. These things are essential to help puppy develop social relationship as he grows.

The basic training.
At around eight weeks of age, puppies can start learning the basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, down or come. Other tricks can also be taught depending on the dog's stamina, concentration and physical coordination.

Communication is the tool.
What better tool can help owners with their dog training than good communication? It is the owner or the handler's responsibility to communicate to the dog what behaviors are correct, desired or acceptable and what behaviors are undesirable and should be avoided. If the handler/owner cannot communicate with the dog, he will not know that the dog is confused, happy, nervous and so on. The emotional state of the dog is important in Labrador training.

Appropriate training method.
There are various methods in training a dog, the most widely used is the positive training method. This method means using reward to increase good behavior that is being exhibited. Advocates of positive training method believe that this method should be applied rather than punishing a dog physically in the hopes of decreasing bad behavior. But if your dog doesn't respond to positive training quite well, then you should try other training methods.

About the Author/Author Bio

Richard Cussons has written articles of various breeds including Labrador Retriever. Discover tips on Labrador dog training at labradorsavvy.com. Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Helpful-Labrador-Training-Tips/166427
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Thursday, February 12, 2009

Dog Training Pads - A Must Have For Your Dog

Any dog lover would want to have his pet inside the house. Having to share each activity and experience inside the house with your dog makes the owner happy and a lot less lonely. Unfortunately, bringing the dog in would also mean bringing in the dog poop and urine.

That is why most dog owners make sure that their dog is potty trained at the soonest time possible. This is where dog training pads come in handy.

These pads are necessary if your floors are carpeted and hard to clean and maintain, or if you have babies and toddlers crawling just about everywhere. Just the same, even if your floors are easy to clean, you wouldn’t want to step on anything gooey, right?

A training pad is made of an absorbent material to hold dog waste and urine. The thick surface is treated with some scent which, when sensed by your pet, will make him defecate or pee on it instead of some other place.

This means that the dog’s waste shall only be confined to the pad, except if there will be leaks. The owner shall then regularly check and clean the pad to maintain an odor-free household.

To maximize the use of these pads, keep it in one particular spot of the house. This is usually placed in the kitchen or near the bathroom, for easier and faster clean ups in case of leaks and other accidents. Place it in a particular spot and lead your dog to it.

These pads often have a scent which sends signals to the dog, instructing him to pee in that location. So the next time that he feels like excreting anything, he shall only do so in the pad and not anywhere.

http://www.articlerich.com/blog/pet-articles/dog-training-pads-a-must-have-for-your-dog-by-sam-nichols
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Choker Chain Dog Training

Choker Chain Dog Training has received some bad press in the past. This is because people simply do not know how to use a Choker Chain correctly. Using a Choker is NOT as some say, cruel.

In fact it is the opposite. A Choker or Check Chain puts even pressure all the way around your Dogs neck, unlike a conventional Collar and Lead arrangement where al pressure is put on the Windpipe of your Dog when pulled.

Choker Chain Dog Training Made Easy

There are a few important things to know when using a Check Chain for Dog Training.

Ensure you have the right Chain for your Dog. Large Dogs need heavyweight Chains and smaller Dogs need very lightweight Chains
Never keep the Chain pulled tight so your Dog is constantly short of breath
Never use too much force, Chokers can be dangerous if you use excessive force
If in doubt seek expert Training advice

A few simple points but everyone would do well to bear them in mind. Chokers are a great way to keep more control over your Dog when used effectively. They will quickly stop your Dog from pulling on the Leash and in a very short space of time your Dog should be walking to heel beside you without needed to be constantly reminded.

Choker Chain Dog Training Techniques

Once learnt, the techniques to safely use a Choker are incredibly easily. Below are the basic methods involved.

Ensure your Choker Chain is SHORT! This gives you much more control. You want minimal length so your Dog cannot put its weight behind it if it tries to pull
When your Dog begins to pull, give a quick "snap" of the Chain whilst simultaneously pulling back to your side
You will also be giving the "heel" command at the same time
These actions must be done simultaneously (this is important)
Repeat each time your Dog starts to pull
The snap should be quick. Less than a few seconds
Praise your Dog when it performs how you want it to
Praise goes a long way in training your Dog to behave well
Repeat and keep repeating

Training a Dog will never happen overnight. It takes time and patience. You MUST stay calm when involved in Dog Training. There is no magic formula. Repetition is the key to success.

A Choker will dramatically cut the time taken to a wel "heeled" Dog but you must practice and practice again.

Hopefully these tips will see you with a wel behaved Dog in a much shorter space of time. As with all Dog training if you are in any doubt about performing tasks correctly seek out advice from a qualified Trainer.

By: Dave Tee

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

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Training Your Dog the Right Way

A lot of dog owners want to train their dogs either for housebreaking or competition purposes. There are many advantages to training your dog. Well trained dogs are easier to take care of. And you can also use the pet for several purposes other than merely making it your best friend. If you train your dog right, you will be able to use your pet as a guard dog, a helper, or even a sled runner, if you must.

Here are tips when training your dog:

1. Establish a good dog-owner relationship with your pet.

You have to establish trust with your pet. Only through this you will be able to teach your dog some tricks. Don't worry. Dogs are naturally trusting animals, especially if their masters are good to them. It is quite easy to establish trust with your pet. You just have to feed it right, give it treats, and play with it from time to time.

2. Build confidence and control.

Control is very important. Control means directing your dog to do the things it is supposed to do and make it stop doing things it shouldn't. You can control your dog with the use of strict words. Strict doesn't mean harsh. Know the difference between the two. When you give commands to your pet, be sure that you're firm enough and stand by it.

3. Make your dog happy and outgoing.

A happy dog is a lot easier to train. It is the same with people. If you're in a good mood, you are more likely to do things right. The disposition is the same with your pet. Strive to keep your dog happy so that any day becomes a good day for training. An outgoing dog is a free-spirited dog. These are the dogs that can be ideally trained.

4. Know your dog's natural drives.

Your dog has its own natural pleasure and drives. Make sure that you know what these are so you can use it to your advantage. Dogs can easily be trained if you use their natural instincts. With the right motivation, the entire dog training process can be a jiffy.

5. Don't use cruelty when training.

Cruelty doesn't work well with pets. Never use harsh punishments or cruelty when teaching your dog anything. Dogs would trust you less if you hurt it. This won't help you at all. It is best that you use firm but doting words instead. Dogs would easily be trained if it is not subjected to harsh elements.

Training your dog is quite a job. Keep in mind that everything can't be achieved overnight. It can't even be done in a week either. You have to be very patient. This means that you have to know your dog's limit. This way, you'll be able to groom and train your pet in the right manner. There would be trial and errors in the whole process. Be sure that you are mentally and physically fit for the challenge.

About The Author:
Visit DoggyBehave.Com for more dog behavior training tips and dog training articles.

http://www.articleclick.com/
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Friday, February 6, 2009

Dog Training Methods Produce Results

Dog training methods differ from one trainer to another, but they are all intended to produce results. Expert professionals for example, use dog training methods so these wonderful animals will not make messes in the home. They also use their dog training methods so a dog will learn to obey their owners. Different methods are used for different kinds of training, for example to stop a dog from being aggressive, or to stop a dog from barking when they shouldn't. Some dogs get in the habit of just barking for no reason, but dog training methods will make sure that a dog knows this is not appropriate behavior. Dog training methods should provide each owner with a dog that behaves properly in all circumstances, especially the ones important to their owners.

One dog training method commonly used, is to provide treats when the dog demonstrates acceptable behavior. This signals to the dog that the trainer approves of the behavior. If a dog is supposed to sit, the trainer will make this command. If the dog sits on the command, the trainer gives the dog some kind of a treat. If the dog does not sit, the trainer often repeats the command and provides some guidance to the dog. When the dog eventually follows the command, the trainer gives the dog a treat to reinforce this good behavior.

Some Dog Training Methods Have Different Tools

Some dog training methods use some specific tools to help the dog demonstrate appropriate behavior. The clicker method is a very interesting method that some trainers believe in wholeheartedly. This dog training method uses only positive reinforcement of good behavior and never any punishment for bad behavior. Owners can use this method at home once the technique is learned, and a clicker can be found at most pet shops.

Many expert trainers of marine animals such as whales use this method. The trainer makes the click when the dog does something right and then gives the dog a treat. The dog comes to associate the clicker with a treat and tries to repeat the good behavior to hear the click again along with a treat.

Some trainers use negative reinforcement to train their dogs, but many people think that this method is not very effective because the dog will only behave properly if the trainer is present. This means that a dog may learn to stop chewing on the couch if the trainer is present, but if the trainer is not present, the dog will chew on the couch. Many dog trainers avoid this type of training because they believe that this is not very helpful for the dog or the owner. However, you'll need to make sure and create a list of questions important to you when looking for a dog trainer, to ensure you choose the right fit.

About The Author:
Roland Parris Jefferson III conducts his research out of Santa Monica, California. You'll find much more information on dog training by visiting my Police Dog Training Resource.

http://www.articleclick.com/
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Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Police Dog Training Is Essential To Get The Best Out Of The Dog's Natural Abilities

Police dog training is important to get the police dog to perform its assigned role that includes prevention of crime as well as going on operational patrols. In addition, police dogs need to track as well as search for criminals from scenes of crime because police dogs are more effective than a single police officer as it is able to scent humans from many hundred yards away, and they can also search areas that are inaccessible to humans.

Many Different Roles That A Police Dog Has To Perform

Police dog training also involves teaching the police dog to be able to recover articles from the scene of the crime as well as provides help in locating missing persons. Police dogs should also be trained to handle disturbances and it has been found that one police dog is as good as having ten police officers. Also, the police dog can be used in search and rescue operations and is especially useful in searching out explosives as well as drugs.

Police dog training also requires carefully selecting both the dog as well as its handler that should combine well so that necessary skills are imparted and developed to best levels possible. Handlers need to undergo tough physical as well as mental courses and they should learn everything from legislation to veterinary practices as well as canine psychology.

While the handler is police training the dog there is sure to be a very close bond develop between the two and the training involves harnessing the instinctive behavior of the dog and combining it with positive reinforcement. In addition, the natural abilities of the dog must be identified as well as encouraged and improved upon. The essence of police dog training is to encourage the dog to put its instinctive drive whenever commanded to do so into a controlled situation

It is also usual for police dog training to involve constant rewards and praise being given to the dog which should help strengthen its work ethic because the dog puts in much hard work. Good food, care, exercise as well as protection are other facets of police dog training all of which helps impart the best training to the dog. Control, efficiency as well as safety are other essential parts of police dog training.

A dog has the instinct to please the pack leader and for police dog training the dog handler plays this role. It is his or her responsibility to get the most out of the natural abilities of the dog and most training exercises revolve around this aspect of police dog training.

About The Author:
My name is Roland Parris Jefferson III and I'm a researcher for the online community working out of lovely Santa Monica, California. For more facts, tips and tricks covering Dog Training, please visit my Police Dog Training Online Guide.

http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Police-Dog-Training-Is-Essential-To-Get-The-Best-Out-Of-The-Dog-s-Natural-Abilities/923228
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Monday, February 2, 2009

Basic Dog Obedience - How to Get Started With Dog Training

Basic dog obedience training is one of the most important areas of every dog's development. Training your puppy during their early stage of development can assure you that you would have a well-trained dog when he grows up. But the question is - when do is the best time to train your dog?

There is no exact answer to this question. Dog obedience training is an ongoing and continuous process. It would be best to start training your dog when they're still a puppy.

A dog's brain development starts as early as seven weeks from his birth. Pet owners can immediately observe a dog's basic behavior pattern at the dog's age of 7-16 weeks.

One of the aspects of basic dog obedience is house training. You should be able to train your dog how to behave accordingly inside the house. These include aggressiveness control and chew training.

The very fist thing that your pet dog should respond to is his name. So make sure that you call on his name during the entire length of your dog training. Your pet dog should also develop a sense of response to basic commands like "stay", "come" and "sit".

Simple obedience training would do. Avoid threatening your dogs physically. You don't want your dogs to grow up in a harsh environment.

Dog training can be done for about 15-30 minutes each day. You can allot 3-5 minute each session. Give your dog a "reward", pat his head or show your affection to him whenever he follow your command. Remember that its take some patience when training your dog. Just like a kid, a puppy's attention span is relatively low.

If you are eager to get started with basic dog obedience training, there are a number of dog training programs that you can adapt. Remember that each dog breed has certain requirements for training.

Always be creative and find ways to liven up and make your training sessions enjoyable for you and your dog.

Are you at your wits end in your dog training crusade? If you are sick and tired of your furry friend's wrong doings, and are looking for a guide to cure his bad habits once and for all, then you need to click here - Basic Dog Obedience.

For impartial reviews of the most outstanding dog reports in the industry, you can't afford not to click here - Basic Dog Obedience.

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

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Thursday, January 29, 2009

Dog Grooming And Dog Training Made Simple

We may have made our pets dependent of a comfortable life, in which the master takes them out for casual walks and feeds them on command, after having cuddled them behind their giddy ears, but a natural instinct for self-grooming will never be gone, and the proud owner should sustain this instinct. This process is a daily and a weekly one, so dog grooming training is necessary in order to make it easier for the pet and for you too. As funny as a bubble bath may seem to our kids, your furry friend may find it strangely irritating, unless you follow some simple training guidelines to make him go through the ordeal of grooming: from clipping his toenails, brushing his fangs, to smoothing that cute rich fur of his, or sleek glossy hide with a welcomed bath. That is the reason why dog grooming training sessions are required, and the good news is you don’t have to have a PhD or a BD for this; you do need some special tools, rewards to motivate the pet and the persistence of your school teacher when telling you about logarithms. The result will be a satisfying one, though, and your dog will be fit to walk on a cat walk!

A Dawdling Process

There are these few main activities that are compulsory when speaking of a dog grooming training session: the brushing of his teeth, the clipping of his nails so as not to scratch that beautiful leather arm chair you just bought or to gather germs that make him prone to diseases and taking care in every possible way of his fur, less or more existent, depending on the breed: the coat of a groomed dog must be glossy, healthy and resistant. In order to do this, you will imminently annoy the dog by touching him in forbidden places: his aggressiveness might be aroused and he may act strangely every time the process recurs. The most important thing is not to hurry up, dawdle here and there, with smooth caresses and sprinkle the dog grooming sessions with several rewards, so that he develop a conditional instinct of pleasure specifically in these times. The first activity is the brushing of his mean “fangs”, to maintain their health and that of the gums too. The muzzle of the dog is another sensitive area so pat him gently and caress the nose and when he pulls up his lip, you will be able to position the toothbrush. Make him feel good during this by enhancing his self-esteem, speaking to him slowly and soothingly and offering him a reward: you shouldn’t be surprised if this training hint will enable you to brush his teeth often and even turn it into a spa for your pet, an enjoyable one.

If you desire to clip the nails, the identical gentle behavior and treats are required, except that you have to touch his paws and to press them to see clearly the nails: it is not a particular pleasant thing for your furry friend so be patient and persistent: the time you are investing in the dog grooming training will be recovered soon, when he will sit calmly every time you want to perform the task a bit faster. The brushing of the pet’s coat of fur is definitely not that difficult or disagreeable, like brushing his teeth or clipping his toenails, to some extent. However, when delicate areas such as his back end or tail are involved, things have to be taken slow: make him comfortable first, when touching these parts of his body, give him rewards, speak soothingly to him, pat him carefully and in the end he will lighten up and allow you to act there as well: operate with slow strokes of the brush in the back side and at the tail to obtain an ideal grooming where it is genuinely needed.

As it has been said, rewards and persistence are the main ingredients to performing a proper dog grooming training, achieving both a better relationship between you and the dog, and make it a more enjoyable task with the permission of your pet.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=197597&ca=Pets

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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Run, Jump, Fetch - A More Agile Dog

Do you want a faster and more agile pet? Are you one of those who would love showing off their dog's skills to family and friends? If you do and you are, then, this dog agility training is for you... and your beloved pet dog! It can take patience (and there is a cost) - but it will be worth it.

What it Entails

Being agile is being quick of body and having immediate physical reaction. It encompasses motor skills. Now if you would like your dog to be agile, then you'd better get him to dog agility training.

The typical dog agility training exists for the purpose of improving dogs' motor skills. Dogs will be trained by making them jump through tire hoops, run through tunnels, weave between poles, etc. Each set of obstacles becomes more difficult in the course of the agility training.

Dog Agility Training Process

There are special training schools for dogs which could help you train your pet professionally if you really want your dog to win. However, you could also train your dog by yourself if you want. If you're the sporty-type of person, it could also be some sort of training for yourself since you should also run with your dog while training him. If you are just one of those pet-lovers, you might find this one great bonding moment for you and your pet.

The best thing would be to enroll your dog into one of the dog agility training programs and then reinforce his training at home.

Mark Clayson is a professional, home business entrepreneur, mentor and speaker. Visit Start Work at Home for more information on starting or developing a home business or his official site to find out more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Mark_Clayson

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