Training Your Dog The Right Way

17.31 in Dog, right, the, training, way, your

Training a dog really first requires the owner be trained as well. This can be said because before an owner can effectively train a dog, they must first train themselves on how. Dog training is not an innate skill people are born with, so do they need to do the research to train the dog properly. There is some solid advice in this article about how to do that.

If your dog possesses specific triggers associated to bad behavior, try to keep him busy while the temptation passes. For instance, if your dog reacts negatively to other dogs, you need to keep his focus on you as you come into contact with them. This will help him correlate the relationship between that stimuli and the positive things that come from it.



 Understanding the underlying motivations to your dogs behavior is crucial to successful training. It might take a little while to really get to know your dogs likes, but dont get discouraged. Positive reinforcement, while being put through a lot of different experiences and in different environments can help in the success of teaching obedience to your dog. The happier and more satisfied your dog is, the more successful your training will be.

 You should not take your problems out on your pet. If your dog has not misbehaved, you should treat him warmly.

 Many people are bitten by dogs because of their fears of that exact thing happening. A dog will bite if it feels unsafe or trapped. Force is not necessary to train a dog, and should never be used. Your dog might snap and bite you. By doing this, pleasing you will be one of your dogs life goals as it will see you as the pack leader.

 The first thing to do when training a dog is to establish that you are in control. Otherwise, the dog will think that he is in charge and will not respond to your training tactics. When you walk your dog, walk in front of him to establish leadership.

 Set the stage for success so that your dog will have little trouble learning what to chew and what not to chew. Excessive chewing is not only damaging to your precious objects, but dangerous to your dog. Things like brushes, small toys and nylons are common things around the house that pose a choking hazard.

 Giving your dog the favorite treat can assist you in training your dog. By giving your dog this food, they will want to follow whatever you teach them. Make sure you pay attention to how he responds when you offer him this reward.

 Get your dog the proper nutrition required for canine health. Too many table scraps can unbalance your dogs diet. A poor diet can affect their behavior as well as their health. Improving your dogs diet can make training him easier.

 Introductions to new dogs or any other animals should occur slowly and carefully. Consider your pet at home before adopting a new one. In order to maximize bonding, a new pet will need a personality which complements the personality of the pet you already have.

 Keeping your dog active is an important part of successful dog training and is also good for their health. Dogs are designed to keep busy and active. They need to get plenty of good exercise to be happy and fit. Look for a local agility class, go for a run with your dog or teach him to play catch with a Frisbee. Keep your dog well entertained and you will eliminate many of the common problems, such as chewing on shoes.

 Its a good idea to keep in mind the number of treats you are giving your dog throughout the day. Giving him too many will add unneeded calories to his diet and cause him to become overweight. Many people overlook treats when considering the animals diet, but they certainly add up, especially during active training.

 Understand when you cant handle your dog on your own, and use that knowledge to know when you need to call in a professional to help you. Training you dog can be tough, and sometimes you need a dog trainer if your dog is too hard to handle. Your trainer will pinpoint the problem areas and point you in the right direction.

 Consistency is very important when training your dog. Make a list of all your commands, and ensure that anyone who might have to control your dog has this list. Reward your dog for following commands. Do not reward your dog if he doesnt obey. When the people around the dog use different commands and responses, he may become confused and training could suffer.

 Try to use the same words or actions when you are training your dog. A dog will respond to this positively, as they will start to associate that action or word with each kind of behavior. Remember to be consistent about what commands you use and what behaviors you expect in every training session. The more consistent you are, the more likely you are to successfully train your dog to obey your commands.

 Make sure training has an element of fun incorporated into it. Taking time to play creates a strong bond between the two of you, and your dog will be more likely to respond well to training. Training is fun for the dog, but you should set aside some real "play time" as well.

 Keeping your dog outdoors when you are not home is a good way to prevent chewing. If you cannot put your dog outside make sure you do not leave anything out that your dog can ruin.

 Have your dog learn to just hold one of his toys in his mouth, instead of chewing on it immediately. When he puts the toy around his mouth, use a training clicker and offer him a treat. After your dog succeeds in mouthing an object a few times, move on to rewarding the dog for picking it up with his mouth. When he does, just click and then give a reward. After that, only give the reward if he does hold the toy in his mouth.

 Just as a human likes to stretch out and lay on their backs, so do dogs. Therefore, it is essential to have a dog bed big enough for your furry friend. There are big, long dog beds around for larger dogs, or you could look for a mattress taken from a crib. This is a convenient and fun alternative because you have the opportunity to change the appearance of the bed and keep it clean by simply putting a new crib sheet on it every few days. The crib mattresses are also waterproof which means they are highly durable.

 You can prevent your dog from destroying your home by keeping it outdoors when you are away from the house. When this isnt possible, you want to provide things that both appeal to your dog and that are okay for the dog to chew on. Establishing acceptable chews toys is also about keeping those things you do not want your dog to chew up behind closed doors or well out out of reach.

 Now that the people who are interested in training their new pet dog have, hopefully, learned some new tricks, they can proceed to pass them along to their pets. Once a dog is on its way to learning, the owner will begin to appreciate the dedication that he or she has shown for doing the right thing for mans best friend..

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Dogs respond to training in the same way

08.37 in Dog, dogs, in, respond, same, the, to, training, way

All types of dogs respond to training in the same way. Once you get a better understanding of how a dog thinks, you will be more efficient in training yours. If someone doesnt understand this mindset, he or she can gain some knowledge by reading this article.

Keeping your dog active is an important part of successful dog training and is also good for their health. Dogs are not made to sit around. Dogs need to run around and do activities with their owners to be at their best. Try enrolling in an agility course, going for a run, or practicing Frisbee skills with your dog. Do not let your dog get bored, but keep it moving as much as you can.



 Training should be done when the dog is young. Much like human children, puppies learn faster than adult dogs. When you begin appropriate training early, it will be easier for your dog to grow up knowing the correct way to behave.

 If a dog is experiencing separation anxiety, you need to increase its base of social support. The dog needs to have other people around to get rid of its fixation with you.

 Challenge your dog frequently. While you may know your dog hasnt forgotten anything, try little tests to ensure he remembers all the commands hes learned up to that point.

 Dogs should never be tied up close to each other. This is due to the fact that they could become tangled in each others cords and end up injuring themselves when trying to get free. It can even be fatal if you tie a large dog up with a small dog, and the large dog ends up getting a chain wrapped around the small dogs neck.

 When dogs bite, it is usually from fear. This happens when a dog feels frightened, threatened, and trapped. Train your dog with praise and discipline, not physical force. The dog could get frightened and bite you. Dogs have a pack mentality, and naturally want to be lead.

 If you want a dog that is well-behaved, assure that everyone who interacts with the dog gives it the same treatment as you do. The most favorable results stem from keeping all of your dogs training consistent. Every person must have the same approach so that your dog will know what behavior is expected of him.

 Try using a clicker to help enforce good behavior. In order to begin, simply create a happy mental link between the clickers sound and something the dog enjoys. Attempt to click and treat immediately and do this several times for a few days. Soon, your dog will understand that the noise means "great", making the clicker to a tool that can shape desirable behavior.

 If at all possible, dog training should really begin as a puppy. Older dogs are trainable, but young dogs are more responsive to the lessons from training. Teaching your dog good behavior from a young age is great way to help it grow as a pet that becomes respectful.

 Use the dogs name as much as you can to make sure it pays attention. Make sure to use the dogs name constantly when you first have him, so he can make the connection with his name and paying attention. Put some thought into your dogs name, and choose one that isnt too long and that isnt too similar to other common words.

 To help you train your dog you should know what kinds of foods your dog likes to eat. If you know which treats really get your pet excited, you will find that he or she is willing to work harder. Pay attention to what treats your dog responds the best to.

 Dogs learn quickest through repetition and positive reinforcement. You need to make sure your dog understands what the expected behavior is, be consistent in your expectations and practice the behaviors daily. This is how a dog will learn to perform a trick. Show your pet the right way through rewards and repetition.

 It is crucial that everyone who interacts with your dog uses the exact same command phrases as you do. If you use one command phrase and your family uses another then your dog may get confused. By having every single family member use the same commands, better success will be achieved for training your dog.

 Triggers that tend to instigate inappropriate behavior in your dog can be diverted by redirecting his attention. For example, if it is difficult for your dog to be around other animals, you should distract him with praise and entertainment in order to keep him preoccupied when you walk past animals during your walks. By doing this, he will start to see that good things can happen even when he sees that stimuli.

 Teach everyone in your family to use the same commands to train your dog. If you mix up commands, like one family member saying "up" when another says "jump," the dog will have a more difficult time figuring out what you want. If everyone is consistent about the same words, it will be easier to train your pet.

 Dogs need routine, so feed your dog at the same time every day. This also helps with training. This will help you better understand when your dog needs to go outside, so he doesnt go on the carpet and ruin it. When a dog has a schedule, they also learn the valuable skill of "holding it" until you take him for his next scheduled trip outside.

 Use your dogs name often to ensure you have its attention. Use it constantly in the first few weeks that you have your dog: your puppy should associate this sound with paying attention to you. Choose a shorter name that can stand out from other terms.

 Use a phrase on your puppy to house train him. When you take your dog out, repeat this command. This will help him form an association between being taken outside and doing his business.

 The best time to start training a dog is when its a puppy. While it isnt essential, a young dog will be easier to train. If you start training your dog when he is young, he will be almost as well-behaved as a child.

 Always use your dogs name when you need his attention. To have some good control over your dog, a solid response is crucial. Call them to you at least ten times a day. Try to avoid punishing your dog when it comes to you after you call out its name while using this technique.

 It is important for dog owners to realize that training no longer has to be a battle. With patience and a little research, you can train your dog. Dogs can rise to the occasion and thrive with training from their owner.

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Training Your Dog The Correct Way

17.26 in correct, Dog, the, training, way, your

Training a dog really first requires the owner be trained as well. This can be said because before an owner can effectively train a dog, they must first train themselves on how. Dog training is not an innate skill people are born with, so do they need to do the research to train the dog properly. There is some solid advice in this article about how to do that.

If your dog possesses specific triggers associated to bad behavior, try to keep him busy while the temptation passes. For instance, if your dog reacts negatively to other dogs, you need to keep his focus on you as you come into contact with them. This will help him correlate the relationship between that stimuli and the positive things that come from it.



 Understanding the underlying motivations to your dogs behavior is crucial to successful training. It might take a little while to really get to know your dogs likes, but dont get discouraged. Positive reinforcement, while being put through a lot of different experiences and in different environments can help in the success of teaching obedience to your dog. The happier and more satisfied your dog is, the more successful your training will be.

 You should not take your problems out on your pet. If your dog has not misbehaved, you should treat him warmly.

 Many people are bitten by dogs because of their fears of that exact thing happening. A dog will bite if it feels unsafe or trapped. Force is not necessary to train a dog, and should never be used. Your dog might snap and bite you. By doing this, pleasing you will be one of your dogs life goals as it will see you as the pack leader.

 The first thing to do when training a dog is to establish that you are in control. Otherwise, the dog will think that he is in charge and will not respond to your training tactics. When you walk your dog, walk in front of him to establish leadership.

 Set the stage for success so that your dog will have little trouble learning what to chew and what not to chew. Excessive chewing is not only damaging to your precious objects, but dangerous to your dog. Things like brushes, small toys and nylons are common things around the house that pose a choking hazard.

 Giving your dog the favorite treat can assist you in training your dog. By giving your dog this food, they will want to follow whatever you teach them. Make sure you pay attention to how he responds when you offer him this reward.

 Get your dog the proper nutrition required for canine health. Too many table scraps can unbalance your dogs diet. A poor diet can affect their behavior as well as their health. Improving your dogs diet can make training him easier.

 Introductions to new dogs or any other animals should occur slowly and carefully. Consider your pet at home before adopting a new one. In order to maximize bonding, a new pet will need a personality which complements the personality of the pet you already have.

 Keeping your dog active is an important part of successful dog training and is also good for their health. Dogs are designed to keep busy and active. They need to get plenty of good exercise to be happy and fit. Look for a local agility class, go for a run with your dog or teach him to play catch with a Frisbee. Keep your dog well entertained and you will eliminate many of the common problems, such as chewing on shoes.

 Its a good idea to keep in mind the number of treats you are giving your dog throughout the day. Giving him too many will add unneeded calories to his diet and cause him to become overweight. Many people overlook treats when considering the animals diet, but they certainly add up, especially during active training.

 Understand when you cant handle your dog on your own, and use that knowledge to know when you need to call in a professional to help you. Training you dog can be tough, and sometimes you need a dog trainer if your dog is too hard to handle. Your trainer will pinpoint the problem areas and point you in the right direction.

 Consistency is very important when training your dog. Make a list of all your commands, and ensure that anyone who might have to control your dog has this list. Reward your dog for following commands. Do not reward your dog if he doesnt obey. When the people around the dog use different commands and responses, he may become confused and training could suffer.

 Try to use the same words or actions when you are training your dog. A dog will respond to this positively, as they will start to associate that action or word with each kind of behavior. Remember to be consistent about what commands you use and what behaviors you expect in every training session. The more consistent you are, the more likely you are to successfully train your dog to obey your commands.

 Make sure training has an element of fun incorporated into it. Taking time to play creates a strong bond between the two of you, and your dog will be more likely to respond well to training. Training is fun for the dog, but you should set aside some real "play time" as well.

 Using a clicker can help them behave better. Using a clicker is simple. Use it to make a good association between the noise and when something good occurs. Try clicking and treating immediately, and doing this several times over a few days. Your dog will soon know that the clicking noise means that they are doing a good job.

 You should not initiate a training session unless you are in a calm and patient mood. Be patient when training your puppy, so you can both stay focused.

 Just as a human likes to stretch out and lay on their backs, so do dogs. Therefore, it is essential to have a dog bed big enough for your furry friend. There are big, long dog beds around for larger dogs, or you could look for a mattress taken from a crib. This is a convenient and fun alternative because you have the opportunity to change the appearance of the bed and keep it clean by simply putting a new crib sheet on it every few days. The crib mattresses are also waterproof which means they are highly durable.

 You can prevent your dog from destroying your home by keeping it outdoors when you are away from the house. When this isnt possible, you want to provide things that both appeal to your dog and that are okay for the dog to chew on. Establishing acceptable chews toys is also about keeping those things you do not want your dog to chew up behind closed doors or well out out of reach.

 Now that the people who are interested in training their new pet dog have, hopefully, learned some new tricks, they can proceed to pass them along to their pets. Once a dog is on its way to learning, the owner will begin to appreciate the dedication that he or she has shown for doing the right thing for mans best friend..

Read more

How To Train Your Puppy The Right Way – Introducing Your Puppy To Your Home And Family

06.39 in –, and, can, Dog, family, home, housebreak, how, introducing, pomerarian, puppy, right, the, to, train, training, way, you, your

Puppy training is very important, whether you are training your first puppy or your 20th. Properly training and socializing a puppy is vital to making it a valued member of your family and your community.



In some ways training a puppy is easier than training an adult or adolescent dog. One reason is that the puppy is essentially a "blank slate", untroubled by past training techniques and other issues. In other ways, however, the puppy can be more difficult to train than an older dog.



One challenge to training a new puppy is that puppies are more easily distractible than adolescent and adult dogs. Everything is new to a puppy, and every new experience provides a new chance for distraction. For this reason, it is best to keep training sessions short when working with a puppy, and to end each training sessions on a positive note.



It is also important to allow the puppy plenty of time to play, and to interact with other puppies and dogs. Socialization training is vital to making your new puppy a good canine citizen, as dog aggression is a growing problem in many areas. A properly socialized dog learns how to play properly with other dogs, and overly aggressive play is punished by the other dogs in the play group.



This type of play learning is something that happens among siblings in litters of puppies. As the puppies play with each other, they learn what is appropriate and what is not. Inappropriate behavior, such as hard biting or scratching, is punished by the other puppies, by the mother dog, or both.



Unfortunately, many puppies are removed from their mothers and sold or adopted before this socialization has fully occurred. Therefore, puppy play sessions are a very important part of any puppy training session. Most good puppy preschool training programs provide time in each session for this type of dog interaction.



Introducing your puppy to new experiences and new locations is also an important part of puppy training. Teaching your dog to be obedient and responsive, even in the face of many distractions, is very important when training dogs and puppies.



It is important for puppy owners to structure their pets environment so that the puppy is rewarded for good behaviors and not rewarded for others. One good example of this is jumping on people. Many people inadvertently reward this behavior because it can be cute. While it is true that jumping can be cute for a 10 pound puppy, it will not be so cute when that puppy has grown into a 100 pound dog.



Instead of rewarding the puppy for jumping, try rewarding it for sitting instead. This type of positive reinforcement will result in a well behaved adult dog that is a valued member of both the family and the community at large.



This type of reinforcement can also be used in potty training the new puppy. For instance, teaching a puppy to use a unique surface such as gravel or asphalt is a good technique. The theory is that the puppy will associate this surface with going potty, and therefore be reluctant to use other surfaces (like your kitchen carpet for instance) as a potty.


Copyright Jonathan Cheong - http://www.absolute-dog-training.com



Written by: Jonathan Cheong

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Train Your Dog The Smart Way

02.39 in dog, smart, the, train, way, your

Dog training often ends up looking more akin to human training. Thats really because an owner must train himself, before he can effectively attempt to train his dog. People are not born knowing how to train a dog and need to first learn if they really desire to do so. This article will help to clear up some of the mystery of dog training.

Keeping your dog outdoors when you are not home is a good way to prevent chewing. If it is too cold out, or you cant leave the puppy outdoors for some other reason, you will just have to do your best to make his favorite objects out of reach. Leave him in one room with the door closed, and leave him some toys that are okay to chew on.



 You want to mentally stimulate your dog in order to keep it healthy and happy. Going for walks, giving them puzzle toys, and playing directly with them will keep them occupied and content. A dog that does not have anything to do may start chewing on your personal belongings.

 When you want to stop your dog from chewing the furniture or anything else forbidden, allow him to succeed. It is also important that a dog who chews is protected from danger. Items like hairbrushes can cause a dog to choke or could block their airway.

 Six months is the recommended age at which a dog should be spayed or neutered. This is also a good time to begin obedience training classes. You dont want hormones to interfere with the learning process. You and your pet will enjoy a longer and happier life together.

 You should train your dog to walk properly on his leash. This will ensure both his safety and yours when you take him on walks.

 Do not neglect to make a visit to the vet for a spay or neuter around the six month mark. This should coincide with the beginning of obedience classes. If your dog is spayed or neutered, they will be much more obedient. Your dog will be happier and he or she will live longer.

 Always be aware of your tone of voice when you have to discipline your dog. Dogs are great at understanding how their trainer feels. By adopting a stern tone to your voice, it will be easier to enforce discipline.

 If youve noticed that specific things trigger your dogs bad behavior, then keep it busy when that thing is occurring, so your dog cant concentrate on it. As an example, if your dog doesnt like to be around other dogs, then you need to keep him busy with his attention focused on you when you approach other dogs while on a walk. This could re-jigger his associations and make him associate other dogs with positive reinforcement.

 Keep your dog challenged regularly. Even if you are sure your dog is remembering everything youve taught him, having him demonstrate with a little "pop quiz" will keep him sharp.

 Its important to try out different treats and foods with your dog to find what his favorite is. Rewarding him with his favorite treat will be much more satisfying and motivate him to better performance in training. Make sure you pay attention to how he responds when you offer him this reward.

 To help you train your dog you should know what kinds of foods your dog likes to eat. If you know which treats really get your pet excited, you will find that he or she is willing to work harder. Pay attention to what treats your dog responds the best to.

 Always remain in a positive, rewarding attitude while training your dog. A good attitude is a better motivator than punishment. Give your dog frequent rewards for his obedience. Your dog will become fearful and less responsive to commands if you attempt to use fear and punishment as training motivation tools.

 Refrain from playing tug-of-war with your puppy while you in the process of training him. These kinds of games may encourage your dog to bite your hands. Tug-of-war can be played once you have trained your puppy; however, it should not be played before the dog is completely trained.

 Try to teach your dog good habits right away. It will make your life less stressful if you are teaching the dog good habits rather than trying to change bad ones. If an owner feels strongly that their pet should not beg for food off the table, it is important that he or she refrains from giving it to the dog in the first place.

 When training your dog, do not include any punishments. If your dog does not follow the correct behavior, instead of punishing him, gently teach him what to do instead. Build a positive relationship with your dog during the training process.

 Do not try to train your dog if you do not feel you can be patient. Dogs learn more when talked to in a firm, yet calm voice.

 Use your dogs name often to ensure you have its attention. Use it constantly in the first few weeks that you have your dog: your puppy should associate this sound with paying attention to you. Choose a shorter name that can stand out from other terms.

 Feed your dog a healthy diet. If your dog isnt getting what he needs from his diet, he will have a hard time concentrating during training. Poor nutrition adversely affects your dogs health and can cause uncharacteristic behavior. A proper diet can affect how well they react to training.

 The best time to start training a dog is when its a puppy. While it isnt essential, a young dog will be easier to train. If you start training your dog when he is young, he will be almost as well-behaved as a child.

 When you get your puppy, be sure to create a bond to him by helping him learn his name. Repeat his name regularly, so he will learn to come to you when he hears it. These should be the primary words your dog needs to learn. Spending a lot of time interacting and playing with your puppy is the best way to establish a bond of love and trust. This will make him easier to train later.

 Dog training centers around the establishment of rules. Once the rules have been set, your dog, and you, will find the relationship even more worthwhile! Always reinforce everything you have taught your dog. Keep his memory crisp, and do not let any deviations from acceptable behavior slide through. Once the basic dog training skills are mastered, the world is your oyster when it comes to working with your dog.

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Confusion about crate training

01.15 in –, about, and, confusion, crate, Dog, family, home, how, introducing, puppy, right, the, to, train, training, way, your

One is the loneliest number that youll ever do...

Two can be as bad as one...

Kiko was not enthused about Splashs preference for HER crate!  

Thought I would post some pics since I missed out on blogging when I first got my pup! She is seven months at the moment but these pics are back when she was around 9 weeks.  

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One Way To Help Improve Impulse Control

08.12 in control, Dog, help, improve, impulse, one, to, way

How do we improve Impulse Control? 

Ask the dog to do things to recieve rewards

One way we can increase impulse control by asking our dogs to work harder for things they value. We give our requests meaning and consequences that our dogs can easily relate to and understand. We do this by asking them toearnall those daily rewards we so often provide for free.

This is a very important part of your behaviour modification program as it will provide a solid foundation for training. The idea of this is to change your relationship with your dog. It promotes you as a provider of resources and gains your dogs respect and trust without using any force or aggression on your part.

To implement this you need to be in control of all the things that are important to the dog, such as food, toys and your attention. Your attention is very important and valuable – dogs are social animals, and soon learn what works to get your attention. If done correctly you should find yourself giving your dog just as much attention (if not alot more) than you do now.

To get started with you should first make a list of rewards you provide your dog with a regular basis. Rewards can be anything your dog enjoys. Once this list is complete all you need to do is require that your dog do something for you beforeyou provide those Rewards – examples are provided below.

Note: When starting this new way of life it is easy to miss opportunities to use, I always suggest posting the Rewards list up on the fridge or some other convenient location where it can serve as a reminder and easy reference guide. It’s also a good idea to get everyone in your home to change how they do things so your dog gets lots of practice while learning that everyone’s requests are relevant.

Examples of Rewards:

Food and Meals
Before you put the bowl down, have your dog follow a few simple obedience commands. Ask your dog to wait before giving the "ok" to eat. If your dog tries to dive on the bowl before you give the release, simply pick up the bowl and start over. When your dog stops eating and walks away from the bowl, pick up any remaining food and dispose of it. Establish set meal times, where he eats and how much he gets. Dogs that arent given the opportunity to work to earn their living (their food) may see no reason to work for food at any time because they have access to what they want without any conditions at all. If your dog fails to sit when asked before you put his dinner down wait until he does before the dinner is presented or if he walks away without eating, quietly put his food away until the next regularly scheduled meal.  Its completely up to him whether he eats or not--dont try to convince him. Let him discover where his own best interests lie! Of couse you do need to check that your dog is in good health and likes the food you are presenting him with too.

Remember that all your dog’s food including treats actually belong to you. So, as you would for a child, ask the dog to say “please” before he is given his food, or indeed any treats. You can do this by asking him to “sit”, “down”, “stay”, “shake paws”, or any other command that he knows, or you want to teach him. The important thing is that your dog learns to earn all rewards. It’s amazing how quickly dogs learn a whole repertoire of tricks when their access to treats depends on it! It is of course very important that the rewards are not provided totally for free at anytime, giving you eye contact and other attention based behaviours are all suitable.

Toys and Games
The games you play can install control, build confidence and establish strong bonds, or un-do much of the hard work youve done in training. Dogs that push toys at you, demanding that you play now or all the time are learning to attention seek on their own terms and are often learning and being rewarded for inappropriate behaviours. Chose which behaviours you are going to reward the dog for and which behaviours you are going to ignore.

Just by being in control of a vital“resource”, like the toys, will increase your value in the eyes of your dog. You can select toys to give to the dog when you wish (i.e. for performing a good behaviour), and put them away again when you want to (i.e. for performing an unwanted behaviour). You will probably find that your dog will actually be more enthusiastic about his toys when you start this rule. As you know yourself, things that you can’t have all the time are more exciting than things that are available all the time. A holiday in Barbados wouldn’t be so exciting if you went there every month.

Put favourite toys away and bring them out when you want to play or use them as a reward for the performance of a good behaviour, especially if you have asked your dog to earn it.

You’re Attention, Petting and Playing
This is the resource that most people forget to control, and it is also often the resource that the dogs want most! Dogs are social animals, and your attention is very important to them. It is important to remember that your attention, along with all other important resources such as food and toys, also belongs to you. It should be you who decides when to give it, and when to take it away. There are no restrictions at all as to how many times you interact with your dog during the day – in fact the more times the better, but, it is important that you have chosen the behaviours you are going to give attention for and which ones you will withdraw your attendtion because of or simply ignore. 

If your dog comes to you to ask for attention at other times and his methods are inappropriate (i.e. jumping up), he must be ignored. This includes eye contact. Although it is sometimes nice that your dog comes up to say“hello”, for those dogs that are chronically attention seeking or value their owners very little, it is important that such behaviour is ignored in order for the dog to learn the new “you need to earn that” rule. To start with when you ignore his or her advances, you will find that your dog’s response may be to try harder! Your dog has always had a response from you, and now doesn’t get it. This is rather frustrating for the dog, who will do its particular “attention seeking” behaviour more, or even new behaviours in order to try to get your attention. This can be very, very difficult to ignore, but it must be ignored for the message to get through! Once he or she has given up, and left you alone, or offered a more appropriate behaviour call him or her back, and give your dog lots of attention and cuddles. It is important to remember that this is not a ‘no attention’ way of life, but an ‘owner in control of attention’ way of life.

It is also important that the dog does not feel punished or scorned, thus we must offer the dog lots of opportunities to earn our attention – should your dog decide not to take up your offer by earning it then of course the offer is withdrawn for a later time but must be re offered i.e. The dog walks up to you in hope of attention you ask for a sit and if the dog does you play and cuddle the dog – if the dog does not you walk off, later you try the ‘sit’ again and reward if the dog succeeds.

The Golden Rule –Your dog should have a basic understanding of a command BEFORE you use these rewards for training. If, after three tries, your dog fails to successfully complete the exercise you should lower your criteria or ask for a different behaviour.

Rights of access.

These can include walks, car rides, providing a spot on the sofa or bed, going in or out of the house, greeting dogs or people, off-leash exercise off your property, going in to your office or place of work with you etc.

You get to decide who comes and goes at your property, whos accepted and who isnt at your property. Who you will allow your dog to greet and who you will not allow your dog to greet. What behaviours your dog has to perform to achieve some of these rewards. For safety as well as control, establish the habit of sitting and waiting for permission and being rewarded by the privilege of going in or out of the house or car. Your dog should learn to ask for permission for these privileges, this again in turn will make your bond stronger but also increase the value of your permission or requests to your dog.

Add anything else your dog enjoys to the list of rewards – make a list keep it somewhere everyone will regularly see it. You may also wish to have a reminder note stating that almost everything must be earned by the dog.

Examples of how you could incorporate this program in to everyday life:

Call your dog to ‘come’ before providing play, walks or meals. If your dog doesn’t comply go much nearer your dog, gently and kindly guide your dog to you even if it is using a lead at first to enable your dog to succeed but also not ignore you, then release (this means give the dog permission to leave). Do not act angry or disappointed as you approach your dog, this will only build negative associations with the command and reduce the likelihood of your dog coming to you in the future. Now try the exercise again. Do your best to set your dog up for success this time by ensuring he is not too distracted or too far away and be sure to say ‘come’ in an upbeat manner. If you associate the word ‘come’ with wonderful rewards on a regular basis you will be well on your way to developing a strong recall.

While preparing your dogs meal and before setting the food bowl down ask for a‘sit-stay’. If your dog breaks the stay put the food up on the counter for a minute and try again. He should not be allowed to go for the bowl till you give the release command ‘okay’ and/or tell him to ‘take it’.

Ask your dog to ‘sit-stay’ while putting the leash on. If your dog doesn’t hold the‘stay’ as you put the leash on, put the leash back up for a minute and try again.

Before taking your dog through doors (or gates) ask for a ‘wait’ a few feet from the door. Slowly open the door and take a step out before releasing your dog. If your dog breaks the ‘wait’ at any point in this process close the door, making sure all your dogs body parts are clear of the door and start over. Make sure a leash is on your dog when doing this exercise if there is any chance they could escape your property.

Show your dog you have a toy and ask for a ‘down’ before initiating play. If your dog goes into the ‘down’ let the games begin! If your dog does not lie down put the toy away for a minute then try again. Take breaks often during play time and ask for other behaviours before continuing play.

Ask your dog to ‘heel’ then provide loose leash or off-leash (depending on recall) time as reward for a job well done.

Ask your dog for any behaviour while out walking. If your dog fails to comply, say the command again ensuring that you have your dog’s attention and stand perfectly still until he complies, then start the walk again.

Ask your dog for a ‘watch me’ before providing access to the garden or greeting a dog. Walk away for failure to comply, then re-approach and try again.

Here’s some good practice for those avid jumpers - ask your dog to ‘sit-stay’ when greeting new people. Ask people not to pet your dog until he does so. You may also want to hold the leash or collar to ensure your dog can’t jump and make contact, thus self rewarding with your or others reactions. Practice this enough and your dog will start to automatically ‘sit’ when people approach. Make sure the sit is rewarded with attention or other reward.

If your dog politely requests attention ask for a ‘sit’ before providing that attention. If your dog demands attention - ignore it. Demanding attention = regular and/or persistent solicitation for your attention.

Call him and do a short training session, feed him his daily rations in small instalments for work sessions many times a day. The goal is to have a dog that comes running and is willing and compliant to your requests!

If your dog has learned other obedience commands or tricks be sure to incorporate those as well.

Rules for everyday life

· Your dog should have a basic understanding of a command BEFORE you use these rewards for training. If, after three tries, your dog fails to successfully complete the exercise you should lower your criteria or ask for a different behaviour.

· The other rule that we mentioned, which is also useful to remember when teaching your dog new commands or tricks, is to “reward behaviours that you want, and ignore behaviours that you don’t want”. Following this rule will mean that behaviours that you want will become more frequent, and other behaviours will decrease in frequency.

· Be consistent.

· The whole family must agree and enforce all rules. Dont make exceptions to your rules; your dog needs a clear and consistent message, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Eventually, your dog will be eagerly awaiting your requests because they have come to predict good things; this will make all other behavioural or obedience training much easier. This also balances many unhealthy dog / handler relationships.

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Upcoming Dog Activity Options in Ventura Mutt March Madness Headed our Way

13.09 in activity, Dog, headed, in, madness, march, mutt, options, our, upcoming, ventura, way

This March brings lots of fun choices for you and your dog. The Inquisitive Canine will start it off with a dog social for your puppy or younger smaller dog (up to 12 months and 25 pounds), followed by a leash walking workshop for dogs of all ages. Then theres our popular Canine College for learning good manners, and finally the St. Patricks Parade Ventura Dog Mile event in downtown Ventura!

Each one provides mental and physical stimulation, so come join in for one or for all of these fun and rewarding activities! Heres a little breakdown of each one:

Social for Puppies & Small Younger Dogs Sunday March 7th, 1:00 - 2:00 PM Puppies learn by exploring their environments and by being exposed to new stimuli - including people and other dogs. While it is important to introduce your puppy to new situations and encourage social behavior, it is also important to provide positive and pleasant experiences that won’t overwhelm and stress out your dog. Puppy Play Groups help you raise a well-adjusted and healthy dog by providing a safe and relaxed environment for your young pup to socialize and play. Your puppy will burn energy while learning how to make friends and investigating new sights, sounds, and smells. The positive experiences that your puppy has during this critical socialization period will have a long-lasting influence on your dog’s developing confidence and sociable temperament. Puppy Socials are for all puppies 10 weeks to 5 months old. However, small dogs up to 25 pounds and 12 months in age are also welcome. Cost: $10.00 advanced registration (by Thursday March 4th) $15.00 at door. Social is one hour. See our website to register, and for policies and safety guidelines. You may contact us directly for additional information. Please provide us with current copy of vaccination records if you are a new student. You may fax a copy to our office: 805.650.8501 or bring with you. _______________________________________________________________________________ Teach Your Dog to Walk Nicely on Leash Sunday March 7th, 3:00 - 4:15 PM This 75 minute workshop for you and your dog covers everything from equipment, simple techniques and training steps that will make walking your dog more enjoyable for everyone. Cost: $20.00 per dog if registered by Thursday March 4th, $25.00 thereafter. $30.00 same-day registration. Workshop is for all dogs who are comfortable around other dogs and people while on leash. Check The Inquisitive Canine website for additional information and toregister, or to contact us. *Perfect class to get your dog ready for the Ventura Downtown Green Mile on March 13th! A current copy of your dogs vaccination records is required at the time of sign-up. You may fax a copy to our office: 805.650.8501 or bring with you. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ St. Patricks Day Parade Dog Mile Run/Walk An exciting mile run or walk event in Downtown Ventura taking place on Saturday March 13th before the St. Patricks Day Parade. To register for event, please see the Ventura Mile website. For additional information on this fun and exciting event, please click here! (Our Loose Leash Walking workshop on March 7th is the perfect way to prep your pooch for this event!) Canine College With Ventura College Community Education Class is filling quickly ~ Register now! Day of week: Tuesdays Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM Dates: March 16, 2010 - April 27, 2010 (note: no class April 20th!) Cost: $69.00 for series Location: 71 Day Road - patio area Registration is directly through Ventura College Community Ed online or call (805) 654-6459 Contact Ventura College or The Inquisitive Canine for additional information

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Best Way To Train Dog

06.00 in best, Dog, to, train, way

You have made a wonderful decision! Training should begin immediately after you have gotten home with your new pet. If your dog has good training, you will find that you have a happier pet, and you will have more fun being a dog owner. These guidelines offer helpful insight into the art and science of training your pet.

Just as a human likes to stretch out and lay on their backs, so do dogs. Therefore, it is essential to have a dog bed big enough for your furry friend. Plenty of pet brands make dog beds sized for larger breeds. A crib mattress is also a viable alternative. The perks of these are that you can change out the sheets on crib mattresses as often as you like without too much effort. Theyre waterproof, too!



 Always get your dogs attention by using his name. Your dog must respond when its name is called before you move onto more advanced training. You should aim to call your dogs name out around ten times a day. Dont punish your dog if it comes when you call.

 When training a dog, make sure to stay consistent. Keep a list of commands to use, and make sure everyone who might need to command the dog knows them. Make sure everyone knows what to do in terms of rewarding the dog when it does well and not reinforcing poor behavior. If everyone is on the same page, the dog will better understand what is expected of him.

 Make sure your dog feels safe to train them properly. If a dog feels unsafe, they are likely to show bad behavior. To prevent this from happening, always make sure your dog is in a comfortable, safe area.

 Communication is one essential thing to consider when training your dog. You must give consistent and clear signals when you training your dog. This includes not only using the same commands, but also maintaining consistent body language and keeping rewards and corrections the same. Pay attention to your dogs communication towards you, too. Pay attention to these signals because hes trying to tell you that everything is either going well or not so well.

 Call your pooch by his name to keep his attention focused on you. You puppy will develop the association between his name being called, and him needing to pay attention to what you are telling him. Pick a name that is distinguished and no longer than two syllables.

 When you are trying to break your dog from chewing, do it the right way. Also, be sure to keep a chewer out of hazardous situations. Many household items can be dangerous choking hazards, and some are even poisonous when chewed.

 If your dog suddenly starts misbehaving out of the blue, it is best to bring him to the vet so any health problems can be ruled out. Your dog might be acting out because he is suffering. Since they cannot tell us what is wrong, this is their way of letting us know that they need extra attention.

 A consistent schedule of feeding and potty-time is very important when house training your dog. This will give you an idea of when the dog is likely to have to go, so you can take it outdoors to take care of this matter before an accident occurs on your rug. Conversely, this also teaches your dog that he may need to wait to go to the bathroom.

 Use good treats that are irresistible to your dog. This is one time you can use something you would not usually give them, like meat.

 If you have to keep your dogs outside, never tie them up too close to one another. The dogs chains could get tangled up and cause harm to the dogs as they struggle to get free. In the worst case, a large dog might be able to strangle or crush a smaller one, entirely by accident, while trying to free itself.

 To have success in dog training, you need to be able to control it with commands. You have to show your dog that you are in control or he will not obey or respect you. When walking with your dog, always walk first, never let your dog lead, as this is the leadership position.

 Dogs have tunnel vision and will focus on one thing to the exclusion of all else. If you do it enough times, your dog will wait for your signals instead of focusing on other things.

 Be consistent with your cues when training a dog. Your dog can learn to associate a command with a particular behavior, but if you keep changing the command associated with a behavior, youll confuse him and he wont do what you want him to do. It is absolutely critical to remain consistent throughout. If you strive for this, you and your pet will get more out of the training.

 If dogs have similar personalities, you may be able to train them simultaneously. If your dogs fight or goof off instead of paying attention, it may be wise to do a bit of one-on-one training before training them together.

 Large dogs that prefer to lie down on their backs or stretch, out should have a big bed to get comfortable in. Large, flat rectangle beds are made for large dogs. You can also get a little creative, and just buy a mattress made for a babys crib. Simply utilize fitted crib sheets to cover it. They can be removed and washed very easily. These mattresses are usually waterproof also.

 If your puppy is caught chewing on something unacceptable, stop him immediately. This will help your puppy understand what is acceptable and what is off limits.

 Behavior problems that suddenly occur with no reason may indicate a medical problem that needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian. Your dog might be acting out because he is suffering. This behavior may be his way of telling you that there is something wrong with him.

 A clicker works well when training most dogs. Using a clicker is as simple as showing your dog that good things happen when the clicking noise is heard. Try using this technique right away, doing it frequently over a span of a few days. Your dog will soon know that the clicking noise means that they are doing a good job.

 With the proper training, both you and your dog can be happy. These tips can give you the info you will need to get on the right track to train your dog..

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The best way to teach a dog good behavior

09.09 in a, behavior, best, dog, good, teach, the, to, way

Dog training can be very intimidating to someone that has never done it before. There is a lot of information out there and sorting through it all can seem difficult. These are just some tips to help you start out with dog training the right way.

The best way to teach a dog good behavior is to never let poor behavior take hold. Dogs find it much harder to break existing bad habits than to learn new, positive ones. For instance, a dog that is never fed table scraps is less likely to beg at the table.



 When training your dog, do not include any punishments. Taking preventative measures to avoid the occurrence of a bad behavior to begin with is always best, however, if your dog does get out of line, demonstrate how it should have been done rather than scolding him. Training your dog is a great way to develop a positive relationship with him.

 Dont give up on training your dog, no matter what. Through constant and positive reinforcement, you will be able to train your dog to retain the behaviors you teach them. Taking care of your dog must include instituting a training plan, as well as meeting his food and shelter needs.

 Everyone in the family should use the exact same commands when training your dog. If you mix up commands, like one family member saying "up" when another says "jump," the dog will have a more difficult time figuring out what you want. As long as you use consistency, then your dog has a great chance of learning all of the tricks and behaviors that you wish.

 If you catch your puppy chewing on things, stop him. By doing this, you are teaching him what is okay to chew on.

 If your dog suffers from separation anxiety when youre away, encourage him to bond with other members of the household. This will help it be less focused on the fact that you are not home.

 Get your dog used to the things they will encounter when going for a vet visit. Practice gently moving your hands all over your dogs body and reward him for staying calm. You also need to get him ready to have his paws held and looked at, as well as his teeth examined. Ask your friends to help out, as well.

 Dont be ashamed to ask for help if your training program doesnt change your dogs behavior. Particularly if you are struggling to achieve the results you desire, professional help may be just what you need. Professional dog trainers know the ins and outs of this better than you. This may be what to takes to get your dog started on the right foot.

 A trick you could teach your dog is to hold something in his mouth, such as a toy. Get your dogs attention with a clicker and reward him with a snack when he tastes or mouths the toy. When this has happened several times, hold off until the dog grabs the toy with his or her mouth. As this happens, press the clicker and then offer the reward. Also, rewards should only be given if the toy remains in the dogs mouth.

 Your dog needs to be mentally stimulated just like a human does. Visit your local pet shop for new and entertaining toys for your dog on a regular basis. If you neglect your dog, your dog wont neglect to chew up your valuable possessions.

 Have fun with your dog each day when training. A sense of play brings you and your dog together. This bond makes the dog more responsive to your commands and training him easier. Having fun with your dog during training is one thing, but playing and having fun with your dog outside of training is also necessary.

 Keeping your dog active is an important part of successful dog training and is also good for their health. Dogs are not made to sit around. The happiest, healthiest dogs run and work. Run with your dog, take it to the park or teach it to play Frisbee. Do not allow your dog to become bored and keep it entertained by keeping it active.

 Any complicated or multistage task you would like to teach your dog should be broken down into steps. A great example of a teachable command is having your dog get the paper in the mornings. You will need to teach him or her how to hold something first. Next, he must learn the name of the object. After that, you should teach him how to take the object in his mouth. Then, he should give it to you. Breaking a task into small steps will make the information your dog has to process much more digestible and consequently, more easily accomplished.

 Keep your dog well exercised and active. Dogs can get bored easily. A bored dog will try and find something interesting to do, and training is not usually interesting. When your dog is exercised and is happy, training will be easier. Walk or run your dog frequently.

 You will find dogs are simply dogs. Allow for activities that let him be himself and have fun. Dogs need to eat well, a spacious run, and lots of toys and interesting things to occupy their time.

 In the majority of instances, dog bites are caused by a biting phobia. The occurrence is frequently due to a dogs anxiety, claustrophobia, or sense that danger is imminent. Train your dog with praise and discipline, not physical force. This could have the unfortunate effect of causing your dog to bite you. If your dog trusts you, he will want to make you happy and look towards you as a leader.

 Do not let your dog decide when to listen and when not to listen. If the patience to follow through with any command you give is not there, simply choose to not give it instead.

 Dogs that have trouble with separation anxiety need to develop stronger relationships with others in your household. Allowing the dog to establish relationships with new people will lessen its dependence on the owner.

 A clicker works well when training most dogs. Using a clicker is as simple as showing your dog that good things happen when the clicking noise is heard. Try using this technique right away, doing it frequently over a span of a few days. Your dog will soon know that the clicking noise means that they are doing a good job.

 It is hoped that you have found some guidance from these suggestions. Remember these tips as a guide to helping you train your dog, so both you and your dog will be very happy..

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Best Way To Train Your Dog Effectively

06.02 in best, Dog, effectively, to, train, way, your

You have made a wonderful decision! Training should begin immediately after you have gotten home with your new pet. If your dog has good training, you will find that you have a happier pet, and you will have more fun being a dog owner. These guidelines offer helpful insight into the art and science of training your pet.

Just as a human likes to stretch out and lay on their backs, so do dogs. Therefore, it is essential to have a dog bed big enough for your furry friend. Plenty of pet brands make dog beds sized for larger breeds. A crib mattress is also a viable alternative. The perks of these are that you can change out the sheets on crib mattresses as often as you like without too much effort. Theyre waterproof, too!



 Always get your dogs attention by using his name. Your dog must respond when its name is called before you move onto more advanced training. You should aim to call your dogs name out around ten times a day. Dont punish your dog if it comes when you call.

 When training a dog, make sure to stay consistent. Keep a list of commands to use, and make sure everyone who might need to command the dog knows them. Make sure everyone knows what to do in terms of rewarding the dog when it does well and not reinforcing poor behavior. If everyone is on the same page, the dog will better understand what is expected of him.

 Make sure your dog feels safe to train them properly. If a dog feels unsafe, they are likely to show bad behavior. To prevent this from happening, always make sure your dog is in a comfortable, safe area.

 Communication is one essential thing to consider when training your dog. You must give consistent and clear signals when you training your dog. This includes not only using the same commands, but also maintaining consistent body language and keeping rewards and corrections the same. Pay attention to your dogs communication towards you, too. Pay attention to these signals because hes trying to tell you that everything is either going well or not so well.

 Call your pooch by his name to keep his attention focused on you. You puppy will develop the association between his name being called, and him needing to pay attention to what you are telling him. Pick a name that is distinguished and no longer than two syllables.

 When you are trying to break your dog from chewing, do it the right way. Also, be sure to keep a chewer out of hazardous situations. Many household items can be dangerous choking hazards, and some are even poisonous when chewed.

 If your dog suddenly starts misbehaving out of the blue, it is best to bring him to the vet so any health problems can be ruled out. Your dog might be acting out because he is suffering. Since they cannot tell us what is wrong, this is their way of letting us know that they need extra attention.

 A consistent schedule of feeding and potty-time is very important when house training your dog. This will give you an idea of when the dog is likely to have to go, so you can take it outdoors to take care of this matter before an accident occurs on your rug. Conversely, this also teaches your dog that he may need to wait to go to the bathroom.

 Use good treats that are irresistible to your dog. This is one time you can use something you would not usually give them, like meat.

 If you have to keep your dogs outside, never tie them up too close to one another. The dogs chains could get tangled up and cause harm to the dogs as they struggle to get free. In the worst case, a large dog might be able to strangle or crush a smaller one, entirely by accident, while trying to free itself.

 To have success in dog training, you need to be able to control it with commands. You have to show your dog that you are in control or he will not obey or respect you. When walking with your dog, always walk first, never let your dog lead, as this is the leadership position.

 Dogs have tunnel vision and will focus on one thing to the exclusion of all else. If you do it enough times, your dog will wait for your signals instead of focusing on other things.

 Be consistent with your cues when training a dog. Your dog can learn to associate a command with a particular behavior, but if you keep changing the command associated with a behavior, youll confuse him and he wont do what you want him to do. It is absolutely critical to remain consistent throughout. If you strive for this, you and your pet will get more out of the training.

 If dogs have similar personalities, you may be able to train them simultaneously. If your dogs fight or goof off instead of paying attention, it may be wise to do a bit of one-on-one training before training them together.

 If you want to get rid of inappropriate chewing behaviors, you need to set up the dogs environment so that he will have fewer temptations. Additionally, make sure there is nothing that can pose as a threat to your chewing canine. Any objects which your dog could choke on or become entangled in should be kept out of reach.

 To help you train your dog you should know what kinds of foods your dog likes to eat. Since these will be the rewards for good behavior when you are training the dog, it should be something that really motivates him. Make note of your dogs reaction when the reward is offered.

 Behavior problems that suddenly occur with no reason may indicate a medical problem that needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian. Your dog might be acting out because he is suffering. This behavior may be his way of telling you that there is something wrong with him.

 A clicker works well when training most dogs. Using a clicker is as simple as showing your dog that good things happen when the clicking noise is heard. Try using this technique right away, doing it frequently over a span of a few days. Your dog will soon know that the clicking noise means that they are doing a good job.

 With the proper training, both you and your dog can be happy. These tips can give you the info you will need to get on the right track to train your dog..

Read more