Training A Sled Dog

Information about sled dogs and how they are trained.

Sled dogs are a group of dogs that are used to pull a vehicle that has no wheels but is set on runners over terrains of ice and snow. Sled dogs are attached to these vehicles by harnesses and lines. It is said that the origins of sled dogs can be traced back to Siberia as the people that live there have a long history of nomadic travel due to rather harsh winters.

There are certain breeds of dogs that are synonymous with being sled dogs. These dogs being Huskies and Malamutes although just about any medium sized dog would be suitable to be a sled dog.

Dogs that are selected to be sled dogs need to exhibit three main qualities. First of all they need to be in peak physical condition and be able to pull a sled, they need to have the endurance to be able to pull a sled over sometimes great distances and they need to have the speed in order to do the task of pulling the sled quickly. There are many teams of sled dogs that have been able to travel over one hundred miles in a twenty four hour period of time.

Teams of sled dogs can range from three dogs to a team of two dozen dogs. Sled dog teams not only pull several different types of sleds for racing and other transporting purposes they have also been known to pull skiers when there is little to no snow.

Pups that are being trained to be sled dogs are weaned from their mother as soon as possible in order to shift their attentions to their musher. They are at about six weeks old shifted from their mother into their own pen in order to accomplish this.

When pups that are being trained to be sled dogs are around five months old they are already running around with the lope that is characteristic of a sled dog and is also the time when they are first introduced to a harness.

There are many methods in which pups learn to be sled dogs. A very common method is to harness up to a dozen pups behind a pair of experienced older sled dogs and control the speed that they go with the use of an atv. The speed that the older dogs are allowed to go is gradually increased as the pups’ endurance and strength continues to increase.

People are amazed that sled dogs are so excited to be able to pull a sled over long periods of time and generally over very rough terrain. Mushers can attribute this to the very early interactions that they have with the pups that builds such a strong relationship between themselves and the dogs so very early in their lives.

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The 2 Schools Of Thought In Dog Training Tips

Classical conditioning is a subject of association. Basically, you will be asked to introduce stimulating elements to your dog, to educate him to response in a certain manner when he runs into certain stimulating elements. For instance, ringing a bell prior to nourishing him a food will make him wait for food every time he will perceive the sound of a bell ring. Supplying him a dog treat every time he turns over on the floor will eventually make him roll on the floor when revealed a dog treat.

Classical conditioning is thought to be the improved of the 2 styles in dog teaching.

But, operant conditioning is a very close substitute.

Operant conditioning involves the presentation of negative or constructive fortifications all the way through the program of dog teaching. Constructive fortifications are compensations you will give for your dog every time he does anything approving. The idea is to coach your dog to keep on doing these acts so that he can receive his compensations. Unconstructive fortifications are reprimands inflicted upon the dog every time he does anything adverse.

Some would say that constructive fortifications should be chosen over negative fortifications. Who would wish to see his dog be in pain, after all?

But, some canine types react better to negative fortifications rather than constructive fortifications. English bulldogs, pugs and spitzes, for instance, are more amenable to education when punished for their faults.

Unconstructive fortifications, on the other hand, can be devastating for specific canine breeds. A German Shepherd, once punished, may bear a grudge towards his possessor for life. A Shih Tzu can cut his liking for a possessor who initiates negative fortifications all through his training. The same goes for a Pomeranian.

New at dog teaching?

It is advisable to practice the classical conditioning route first because it is simpler to do.

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Why Is Dog Training The Best Thing We Can Do For Our Dogs?

We’re always told how important it is to train our dogs, but what exactly is dog training and why is it so important anyway?

The following list explains why it is absolutely vital that we provide proper socialization and training to our canine friends.

Please read these 5 undeniable reasons why we owe it to our dogs to train them:

1. Dog training helps to build and strengthen a healthy and productive relationship with your dog.
   • Dog training opens up the lines of communication between you and your dog. A real form of two way communication is established through positive non violent dog training. You and your dog will learn to interact with each other in a mutually respectful manner, based on co-operation and understanding.
   • A well socialized and trained dog will become a fantastic life-long companion, work mate and friend. An untrained dog can quickly become a burden and an endless source of frustration. Instead of having a lopsided relationship where you are continually yelling at or reprimanding your untrained dog, why not set your dog up to succeed by providing some leadership and clear guidelines for him/her to follow?
   • A trained dog is a well respected and trusted member of society who is welcomed almost anywhere. This has to be a positive thing for your relationship doesn’t it?
2. Training prevents many common “dog problems” from ever arising.
   • A whole range of common dog behavior problems can be prevented through some obedience training. Dogs are creatures of habit so why not use this to your advantage by helping your dog to develop good behavior habits from an early age? If you are proactive and set up some simple guidelines and routines for your puppy to follow you may never have to deal with destructive behaviors such as digging, chewing, excessive barking and even separation anxiety.
   • When a so called behavior problem does arise you and your trained dog will be well equipped to work through it. You will be able to clearly communicate to your dog that the behavior is unacceptable. You may even choose to get your dog to perform an alternate behavior in place of the existing problem. An example of this would be if your dog was up surfing your counter tops for food scraps you could get him/her to “go to your spot” instead.
   • The vast majority of “bad dogs” or dogs with behavior problems eventuate because the dog has never been taught any better. A dog does not chew your expensive shoes to get back at you or because he/she is evil. They do it simply because you left the shoe lying around with a bored and stressed dog. Most probably if you provided a tasty chew toy and did some chew toy training then your dog would be more than happy to chew on the toy only.
   • A trained dog is also a pleasure to take for a walk (no pulling!) and trips to your Vet or Dog Groomer are never a problem.
3. Training your dog is a necessary safety measure for you, your dog and everything that comes into contact with your dog.
   • Having your dog under voice control in any situation is a very reassuring position to be in - it may even save your dog’s life one day. If your dog is about to bolt out onto a busy road or pick up something dangerous it is great to be able to immediately intervene and change their behavior with an obedience training command such as “no”, “come” or “leave it”.
   • A properly socialized and trained dog is a much safer proposition around other dogs and animals. Dog training plays a crucial role in educating your dog how to act appropriately around yourself, your children and visitors to your home.
4. A trained dog is confident, secure and comfortable with his/her place in your household.
   • A well trained dog appreciates the guidance, structure and boundaries you provide through training. It’s far better than having a nervous, anxious and confused dog who is continually being yelled at for things he/she doesn’t even understand. Training relieves much of the frustration and stress that exists between you and your dog.
   • Training sets up proper household etiquette for your dog to follow. It addresses such issues as bolting out the front door, chewing, jumping up on guests and excessive barking.
   • Dog training provides a brilliant release or outlet for all of your dog’s pent up energy. This energy has to come out in one way or another so why not channel it into something productive like obedience training?
5. A trained dog’s life takes a far different path to that of an untrained dog.
   • Most dogs that end up in animal shelters arrive there because they have at least one behavior problem – many of these problems can be easily controlled through some basic obedience training. Untrained dogs often become a pest and are pushed further and further away from the family. This of course only compounds the existing problems. Behaviors such as jumping up, mouthing and cheeky barking which you considered to be cute in your young puppy suddenly become a real problem as the dog grows up.
   • When we bring a new dog into our lives we are bringing a different species into a world that is completely foreign to them – our human world. We owe it to our dogs to help them fit into our way of life by clearly showing them what is expected of them and what is acceptable behavior – this is what dog training provides.

So there they are, the 5 reasons I believe every dog deserves at least some basic training – for everybody’s benefit.

For just a second forget about all of the benefits listed above that obedience training provides. Would you still train your dog even if all of the benefits listed did not apply? I would, because training your dog is one of the real joys of owning a dog, it is great fun. Time spent training your dog is time well spent - for all involved.

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Free Dog Training Tip - Proven Tips To Train Your Dog

Every dog owner at one time or another will soon realize the need to use some sort of behavior modification techniques when training their prized pet. In your search for FREE DOG TRAINING TIP, you will find that there are many different dog training techniques that are out there today. But you might ask which is the best free dog training tip that will help me to train my dog.

Another free dog training tip is to realize that the most important thing is to have positive dog training techniques whenever you start training your pet. Positive dog training means to never be involved in hitting, spanking, scolding, or punishing your dog in any manner whatsoever. It is very important that you realize that dogs do not do well with any form of negative dog training and that is a very important free dog training tip to take into consideration. Right off, you need to get in the habit of rewarding your dog any time that he does something he is supposed to do during dog training. This can be when it sits, stays, eliminates where he should, fetches, etc. This is a very important free dog training tip to take into consideration.

Unfortunately, there are some instances when you do have to reprimand your dog. One of the biggest things that often confuses people with regards to dog training is when to reward your dog and when to reprimand him. You need to determine when to reprimand him or reward your dog during dog training. Remember to be patient because your dog is learning and trying his best to please you, which is another free dog training tip.

Another very important free dog training tip is to make sure everyone in your home acts consistently whenever you are training your dog. It is very important that you make sure that everyone in the house knows what you are doing during the dog training, and how to provide supportive measures whenever needed.

One of the things that you might need to take into consideration whenever you are trying to train your dog is how does he act whenever he is around you? Is your dog easily distracted whenever there are other dogs around? You will need to teach your dog to focus on you and what you are trying to teach him. Also how does your dog react whenever there are other people around? Does he allow another person to handle him? Again is he easily distracted around other people? Another free dog training tip is to start the dog training at quiet places that are familiar to your dog. Be sure that there are very few things and people around that would distract him. Then once you feel that your dog has learned to focus on what you are trying to teach him, then you can gradually move the training to places with more and more distractions so he will learn to obey your commands despite those distractions.

Another free dog training tip is to use a leash when training your dog. Anytime you have trouble getting your dog to pay attention while learning the basics of dog training (sit, stay, fetch, come, etc.) you will soon find that teaching him to do this while on a leash is often helpful. If you do use a leash to train your dog, then the first thing you should do would be to teach him how to walk on a leash.

Learning how to control your animal using dog leash training is an important respect lesson for both of you, and should be used regularly to achieve the highest results. Soon your will learn the importance of training your dog and learn how to utilize any free dog training tip that you learn.

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Therapy Dog Training – The Benefits of a Visiting Dog

In some cases, people need a lot more attention, love and support than normal. This happens especially when they are sick. But, the unfortunate truth is that people generally don't have the patience or time to help these sick people. This is where dog therapy training comes in play, teaching dogs how to help these people and keep them company, giving them the emotional support that they need.

Besides normal dog training, these dogs also need specialized teaching. They will learn how to behave around people that are going through therapy and how to provide them with comfort. If they need to provide this help to ill people, these dogs need much more than just a basic training. They will need to be able to do a number of things while being good companions.

Older people and kids are usually those that get therapy dogs to help them deal with their stay in hospitals. Both the dog and the handler will help the patient go through this hard period, by offering him activities and attention that will help.

Hospitals aren't the only places that can benefit from using therapy dogs on their patients. They can also provide great value in retirement homes, schools, nursing homes or mental institutions.

The training that is done on dogs that will be used for therapy derives from other types of trainings and modified, to make them fit the situations that can happen in a hospital. They will be taught to be nice with strangers and to enjoy sitting in their presence. In most cases, these therapy dogs will learn performances and tricks that most people will enjoy seeing.

You could use almost any breed to make a therapy dog, but in most cases breeds with higher temperance are chosen, due to their constant work with people they don't know.

There isn't one single method of training these dogs, but usually they will need to be certified before being allowed to get near patients to help them. Training and certification can be received from animal shelters or therapy dog training classes. Once the certification is received, you can start training the dog for therapy.

With a therapy training, the dog will learn to ignore noise, people that don't need therapy or any kind of hospital equipment. They also learn to do a few basic things or to help the patients do it. They are not service dogs though, so they can't do the same things.

These dogs are trained to help people by visiting them and giving them some company and joy. They are not trained to stay with them and help them with their tasks, so there is a major difference between therapy and service dogs.

People often need some therapy to recover, which can prove boring and repetitive. A therapy dog can provide some excitement in their daily routine that will improve their situation. It's been known to make people less lonely or depressed as well. It can distract them from darker thoughts that they might have.

A therapy dog can also make patients be more responsive, getting them out of their routine, making them less passive. Try to put yourself in the place of a bored patient, that suffers from pain, and imagine what a joy would a dog bring you, if he came to interrupt your boring routine.

There isn't a huge demand for therapy dog training, but it's been used for quite some time now in the treatment of patients.

by Sam Nichols
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The Dont's Of Training Your Dog

The dogs behavior is truly adapted to the needs of humans. The dog is unquestioning and reliable in both giving and receiving affection. The most important thing we must remember as the master is to be the one to dominate and not to be dominated. If your dog is submissive to you he will give respect and affection and will learn with the proper training to respond to your commands.

There are a few guidelines that we must follow to have a healthy relationship with our dogs.

1. Don't let the dog sit on the furniture or your lap. In doing so we show the dog that he is the dominant one. The higher he is, the more dominant he thinks he is.

2. Don't feed your dog scraps of food from the table. Don't give him food that you have eaten. In the wild, only the subordinate dogs share their food. Feeding your dog human food also starts the bad habit of begging. There is nothing worse than eating your meal and having your dog begging beside you.

3. Don't let your dog sleep on the bed with you. If you do, it will think that it can dominate you. Once again, in the wild only subordinate dogs share their beds.

4. If you feed your dog at the same time that you eat, make sure you eat first. This act shows the dog that you are the dominate one in the relationship not him.

5. Always make your dog move out of the way for you. Never step over the dog to get where you are going. Make the dog move.

6. Don't allow your dog to barge through a doorway before you. Stop and turn to your dog and tell him to BACK UP. When he does, open the door and allow him out.

7. Don't allow your dog to jump up on you. No one likes a dog that is constantly jumping up scratching your legs. Dogs have a need to get in your face. Lift your knee so that when he jumps he will come in contact with your knee and not your chest. Tell him DOWN and continue that until the behavior you are looking for begins.

8. Don't ever hit your dog. The best way to correct your pet is to catch him in the act and shake him firmly by the scruff of the neck. Most pups will stop what they are doing once they are startled. Shaking the scruff of the neck is what their mothers do to discipline so this is a natural way for you to achieve your goals.

9. If you come upon an accident that has already occurred, count it your mistake! Take your pup to his crate so that he does not see you cleaning up the mess.

Having a dog as a pet can be a very rewarding experience not only for you but for your family as well. Having the proper training insures that the dog will have a lasting place in your family. Think of your dog as a member of a pack. He must be the subordinate member not you.

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Dog Training: 7 Reasons Why You Should Do It Yourself

Reason 1:
Poor Dog Training resulted in unruly dog which can be a serious nuisance and be destructive to the relationship between the dog and its owner.

Effective dog training is essential for both a pet's safety and the quality of life for both dog and its owner.

Would you take the risk of leaving the Dog Training to someone whom may not love your dog as much as you?

Reason 2:
Effective Dog Training must be consistent. Effective Dog Training Starts even while they are still puppies.

The Problems of Leaving them to Dog Training School, is that they might be trained by different Dog Trainer and this reduces the consistency, which might confuse the Dog.

Reason 3:
Effective Dog Training must be fun. Well, can you imagine how fun it is for an employee or Trainer in Dog Training School have when in one day he or she has to conduct Dog Training for more than 5 Dogs per day

You get what I mean don't you? But if you do it yourself, you can make the Dog Training session much more fun both which will be enjoyed by your dog and yourself.

Reason 4:
Dog Training Creates Lasting Bonds between the Trainer and the Dogs.

Since it is your Dog, How would you like Your Dog to have a better relationship with the trainer instead of with you.

This can be disastrous.

That is why there is some cases where robbery occurs and the Dogs did not even bark or show any aggression, because the one that enter the house is known to the Dogs

Dog Training Yourself can create a much more satisfied relationship with your dog and thus beneficial for the dogs and its owner.

Reason 5:
Dog Training Session is costly and expensive while its effectiveness is very questionable at times.

The cost and frustration of Bad Dog Training is very very expensive. You have to pay a lot and at the same time it will aggravate the Dogs and Frustrate you.

Self Dog Training cost much lesser and if you do it right, it brings much pleasure and satisfation for the Dog and yourself.

Reason 6:
You know your Dog Better than anyone. You know when to train them at their most effective moment.

When your dog is down with sickness or is not having fun, you will be able to notice them, but where as a lot of Dog Trainer may not be able to notice them as they are just doing their job.

In addition to that, since Your Dog will be one of your best company,

Dog Training yourself will set your dogs to be familiarise with your habit and the environment and places you have in your life.

This will be a much fulfilling experience for both the dogs and the owners.

While in Dog Training School, Your dog will only be confined to one or few common area of training.

When you bring the Dog back home, you will still need to train him to the environment of your life.

isn't it a waste?

Reason 7:
Effective Dog Training do closely related on the condition of the Trainer during the Dog Training Sessions.

You as Trainer know your own condition during the training better than anyone. If you are not feeling well or not in the mood for training because of some personal problem that happens in your life.

Then you can choose not to train your dogs during such situation

What about when those trainer in dog training school. When they are facing problem at home. Do they still need to train your dog?

Yes Definitely ....

Do you think it will be effective and good for your Dog?

So that's it, The 7 Reasons, Dog Training, why you should do it yourself?

One Fatal MisConception that most dog owner have, is: It is Difficult to Conduct the Dog Training Yourself....

Let me tell you that it is not as much difficult and troublesome as taking your dog to the Dog Training School. It is much worth the the risk in Dog Training yourself than leave it to people whom you may never know what they instill in your dog while training them.

For Free information on how to conduct your own Dog Training the Easy and Effective Ways, Proven to works in thousands of Dog Owners, Leo recommend you visit:

http://www.DogTrainingSolution.com

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Looking For Dog Training Tips That Work?

You don't think you owe your dog anything, do you? Well, if you don't then you are dead wrong! Having a dog have need of a great deal of job that you cannot fail to ignore. The consequences of shelving your duties to your dog can be dire because they eventually tell on you as well as your dog.

Some human beings think that the only thing they have to do after they get a dog is feed and bath it; it's appalling that they think that way but the fact of the matter is that such human beings are unconscious about what job they owe their dog. If you just got a new dog, good for you! However, with a dog come great job like:

- Food: Just as the diet of a human being contributes to his mental and physical balance, the diet of a dog can determine the overall health of your dog. You can't feed your dog just anything. You need to feed it exactly what it needs to develop properly. There are scores of pet stores where you can ask after the best form of dog food for your dog. As well as, you need to know that dog food is quite costly. If you aren't financially ready for a dog, don't even think about getting one because you'll simply be setting yourself up for a heavy fall.

- Medicine: Your dog needs to be healthy to give you its best. You have to take your dog to the vet doctor for vaccinations against different diseases that they are prone to. Without vaccinations, your dog's immune system will constantly weaken and may eventually shut down causing its death. You owe your dog regular check ups to the vet.

- Shelter: Your dog deserves to be in a clean healthy place. Whether your dog is staying in your house or in a kennel, you need to be sure that it is well sheltered.

- Training: Last but certainly not the least, your dog needs to be trained. If you don't train your dog, you will be doing it more harm than good. You should endeavor to bring out the best of your dog through effective dog training.

By: Ras Reed

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Dog Training And Obedience

Teach your pup to sit as his first lesson. There are several good reasons why you should start with this command. First, sitting comes naturally to dogs since they often sit to rest. Two, teaching the pup to sit is relatively easy, a lesson that he will learn very quickly. Three, you will find the sit position an excellent base or jump-off spot from which to launch the other commands. When the pup is sitting, he is quiet and under control. The sit position is akin to the five basic foot positions of the ballet dancer. From the five positions, the ballet dancer can execute any number of steps or combinations, from an entre chat to a capriole.

The sit position has practical applications, it is not just a trick. When walking the pup, you will find the sit useful at intersections, when meeting a friend, and in various other situations where you want the dog to be quiet and under control.

Start the lesson with the pup on the leash. You can place him on your left side; later he'll be walking or heeling from that position. Hold the leash in your right hand, give the command "Sit!" and lift up on the leash. This will raise the pup's head. With your left hand, push down on his rear end. Repeat these movements until the pup sits down without your having to lean on him. Then unsnap the leash and give the command. If he balks or sits down only halfway, put him back on the leash and start over. He'll soon learn that when he doesn't obey, he'll be restrained with the leash. Praise him well when he gets the lesson right.

Next, introduce him to the appropriate hand signal. Move a pace or two in front of the dog, give the command "Sit!" and hold up your forefinger in an admonishing gesture. Let him see it. Keep repeating the lesson, using both the command and the hand signal. While the hand signal has its best use when working at a distance, such as in the field, there are many situations in which you will find it useful. One of these is when there is too much noise for your dog to hear your voice.

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Use A Dog Training Collar To Stop Your Dog Non Stop Barking

What is the best way to train your dog? Is punishment the best way to go and will the dog respect you out of fear? It is common knowledge that you cannot be a dog owner without training and taking proper care of your pet. Still, no dog should be trained using violence and aggressiveness as they can provide true negative responses to such behaviors, being violent in their own turn. The best way is to try and reason with the dog as much as possible, rewarding him when he behaves and using training dog collars when he behaves badly.

These electronic devices have only come out on the market but their good use was quickly observed. Large pet owners were especially attracted as they all needed something to control their dogs. Problems like never-ending barking, scratching and chewing diverse objects can now be resolved with the help of large dog training collars, forward-looking devices based on remote controlling and the discharge of a certain spray. You too now can change the bad habits your dog has formed and transform him in a truly good animal companion. Read the following lines and discover how you can train your dog efficiently with the aid of large dog training collars. Online, you can find their features, available prices and indications. The information is easy to access and even simpler to understand.

No one says that dogs should not be allowed to bark. The problem is what you do when your dog starts barking when everyone else is sleeping and won’t stop for nothing in the world. How do convince him to stop from making all that noise and most importantly how to you prevent that from happening ever again? Let’s say you have an Afghan hound, a German shepherd or a Saint Bernard. Can you imagine the kind of barking coming from such large dogs? They are extremely willing to communicate any problem they may have and most of the times they are more than pleased to express through barking. You can stop all those pleasantries with large dog training collars, which will just spray a substance onto your dog’s neck. Every time he barks, you correct him. In time, he will learn to associate misbehaving with the release of the spray and change his behavior without you further intervening. How great is that?

And if you are worried that your dog will be affected in any way, don’t. Not only will your dog be completely safe wearing the dog training collar but he will be more than well-behaved. There is no need for violence of aggressive training methods; with the large dog training collars your dog will be completely secure and his sense of smell will not be affected in any way. You can decide to use either inodorous or remote dog training collars, the choice being entirely yours. Regardless of the type you select, you can be sure that you will soon observe your dog starting to behave correctly, responding to the training much better than you imagined.

As you certainly know, dogs rely strongly on their sense of smell to gather information from the surrounding environment. Remote dog training collars are suitable for training dogs who tend to misbehave, having a powerful scent that distracts the dog from whatever blunders he was going to perform gracefully. The electronic device prevents the dog from barking ceaselessly, correcting his behavior efficiently and gradually. Every time the dog is barking, the spray is released under the form of jets automatically and the dog is reminded that such behavior is not allowed.

Online, not only you will find remote dog training collars at great prices but also a wide variety of accessories. You can purchase compact kits or separate accessories, including refills and long-time resistant batteries. Make sure that your dog benefits from the best training possible and take into consideration the benefits of dog training collars. You can use them for either short or long range training, not to mention for general use as you want to stop any annoying habits your dog has formed. Your dog might be aggressive, bark and even steal diverse objects. Solve all these issues right now by purchasing a dog training collar and you will never have to worry about your pet anymore. These electronic devices, such as remote dog training collars represent the solution to your pet-related problems and you had better do all you can to find one suitable!

By: Thierry Babineaux

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