Saturday, November 29, 2008

Dog Training Essentials

When you start thinking about training your dog, you have to consider dog training essentials that will range from your emotional preparedness to the helpful equipments you need. Sample of dog training essentials can be collars, leashes, and books to DVDs, and the like. Moreover, remember that dog training essentials varies for specific types of dog training.

 

Keep in mind that the more complex the behaviors you are trying to elicit, the more training essentials will be required from you. And if you are considering training your dog to do agility competitions, you will need training essentials that has actual obstacle course items. It will also be best if you can provide him with a suitable training ground where he can do fitness exercises and also to help build its confidence on executing his learned skills in the area. These can aid him exercise on getting and keeping in focus on the given goal, and even memorize courses that they may tackle on the main competition. Also, if you’re just into basic obedience training lessons, you may need to stick with simple dog training essentials like a leash or a clicker.

 

Most obedience training will require dog training essentials like a choke collar, a lead, and possibly a clicker. As training essentials proceeds, some owners and trainers are hesitant to use a choke collar, but if used quickly and just for improvement , they can be useful in obedience training! Please bear in mind that the use of the choke collar must only be viewed as a tool to help you teach and not for any other purpose. Usage of training collar reinforces your dog to become responsive to you instead of its surroundings, and this can only be achieved when you commit to handling your dog on a slack leash. And you can definitely find nylon choke collars that are gentler than chain collars.

 

A good leash is also one more dependable piece for obedience training, because it lets you have more control over your pet. Some obedience classes offer a choke collar-lead that is an all-in-one piece used only for training purposes. But the main thing about choosing the right leash is to prefer one that matches the strength of your dog.

 

And as for clickers, it can only be a useful item if you are going to be doing clicker training. Note that there are pros and cons to this kind of training, but it can be an effective method for teaching your dog.

 

If you favor training your dog only for working purposes, you will need other essentials of dog trainings. For example , hunters that train dogs to retrieve game may need to purchase training essentials that can simulate useful game scenarios. Producing a hunting dog, one that will perform the tasks of retrieving game, is not a simple matter. It will take specialized equipments to achieve desired results such as dog whistles, or some of the more elaborate whistles come with built-in megaphones that allow the sound to be heard more easily and direct the blaring sound away from the hunter(s). But above all, we still suggest that the best way to train your hunting dog is learn from the experts.

 

If you are working with your dog on behavioral issues, advice varies on training essentials too. With chewing, training essentials are deterrent sprays and active toys. If there is aggression, training essentials may include treats for praise or recording for sound. Always consider that all training essentials required to deter behaviors are going to be directly connected to the behavior you are trying to get rid of.

 

Conversely , if you are really lost on how to train your dog, a trainer would be a great idea. So, if you don’t have enough time but with money to spend, a trainer is the best asset you can afford! As the saying goes, “Leave them to the experts!”

Training Jumping Dog

While puppyhood would be the best time to start working out , educating your dog to stop jumping can be taught to all ages of dogs. Start in on by learning to train your dog not to jump on people, also consider buying instructional books, enrolling them in a dog obedience class, or get aid from a professional. The most vital aspect is to be tolerant when it comes to controlling the jumping manners amongst dogs. Just like people, dogs too become skilled at at their own speed.

 

With no a professional help, the best thing to do is to look for Dog Training books or instructional videos if you are considering training your dog to stop from jumping on people, which has expert chapters for obedience or a specific topic. You can even check online websites for the said things.

 

Need more help? Then hire a professional dog trainer. Although more expensive than doing it on-your-own, for sure, you can get valuable advices about your concerns, along with any other behavioral issues.

 

Exasperating would be the exact word to describe training your dog to stop jumping, but remember that your dog is only trying to get close to you and is restless for your arrival. Thus, dog behavior like this would need to be discouraged as it can be risky for kids or elderly people. But always check first the status of your dog’s behavior just before you enroll your dog in an obedience class.

 

Sit. Stay. These commands will work without a doubt for training dogs to stop jumping . Once accomplished, the idea of initially seeing them jump excitedly will be eliminated. Order "stay" when you first enter the room, and gesture them it’s okay for them to approach you. After that, their excitement will have mellowed down a little. But you still need to recognize that every dog answers differently to training, so have patience.

 

Try holding their paws and release them gently on the ground every time your dog jumps up on you. While doing this, command "No" or "No jump," any of the two would work perfectly with your dog training strategy. Keep in mind to constantly reiterate the same phrase when it comes to curbing the jumping so that your pet will acknowledge and recognize its importance.

 

Reward is significant in dog training, so compensate your beloved dog if they don't jump on you when you arrive home and give kind praise on them. Not only they will feel good but they will be more apt to learn by heart the deeds you taught them.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Buy a Puppy

There is really no animal cuter than a puppy. They are just so little and small, with their tiny noses and little wagging tails. They are especially great if you have younger children in the home, because they will play with them and you can take the puppy to the park and play Frisbee with him.

If you have decided that you want to buy a puppy, of course you are going to need to know where you can go to buy a puppy, the best ideas which will be discussed here in more detail for you where to buy a puppy.

Pound

Of course you can go to a breeder if you are particular, but a much better idea is to go to a pound if you want to buy a puppy. This is for a couple of important reasons, one being that when you go to a breeder they are simply adding to the overpopulation of dogs around the world, whereas if you go and get one from the pound, you are helping a poor dog that has nowhere else to go.

There are just as cute puppies at a pound as you would get from a breeder, only you know you are doing good, especially since most dogs at a pound will be put to sleep after a certain period of time if no one takes them.

Internet

Although going to a pound or shelter to buy a puppy is typically the best idea, there are other options available as well. For instance you can actually use the Internet and buy a puppy online. This would be very useful if you wanted to get a puppy from the other side of the world for instance, or even just if there were no puppies available in your town and so you wanted to look for puppies in another city or state.

Just make sure that you are careful with the breeders you are dealing with when you try to buy a puppy on the Internet, because there are a lot of scam artists out there. You are also going to want to make sure that the puppy is healthy and in good condition, otherwise they may end up having behavioral problems that can be difficult to almost impossible to deal with and fix.

No matter where you decide to get your puppy from, the most important thing is that you take care of him and show him how much you love him.

For more about puppies please visit www.puppycareblog.com

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Know Which Kind Of Puppy For Sale Ads To Respond To

With many hundreds of different dog breeds to choose from and thousands of different personalities as well to have to deal with, you will have your hands full locating an ideal puppy and your efforts will require doing more than simply browsing dog breeders that offer puppy for sale. To get the best deal in regard to your puppy you need to do a lot of research and you should also look beyond appearances when checking out a puppy for sale advertisement.

Looks Are Great, But Not Everything

Looks are great but they are not everything because you will also need to ascertain the prospective puppy’s behavior and other breed characteristics. So, before you start your hunt for a puppy and before responding to puppy for sale ads you need to find a reliable source where the complete breed profile facts will be given. Next, you need to be sure that the breed that you chose is compatible with your personality and lifestyle.

Having done this preparatory work you can then begin your search for puppy for sale breeders or ads and you should also use the keyword “puppy for sale” when making online searches. In addition, you will need to check out local sources within your city where puppies are being sold or given away. It also pays to compile a complete list of dog breeders that sell the type of dog breed that you wish to own. In addition, you must also check how passionate the breeder is in caring for the breed and a breeder that puts up more than a few different dog breed puppy for sale is to be avoided. Passionate breeders generally are known to only deal in one or two different dog breeds.

Having found a suitable puppy for sale advertisement you then need to check things such as the puppy’s health and his temperament. Also, you need to get a health guarantee in writing from the breeder and finally, you must also check the parentage of the puppy. It pays to avoid dealing with puppy mills as well as puppy brokers as too backyard breeders who put up puppy for sale advertisements with the sole objective of earning a profit and so will generally not pay too much attention to safeguarding the breed’s standard.

If you have decided on buying or bringing home a teacup puppy you should then also learn a few things that will ensure that this breed thrives in your home. By ensuring that you only respond to puppy for sale advertisements from reputable breeders you will be assured of getting the best puppy and you will also find that the puppy you bring home is trusting, confident as well as easy to train.

For more about puppies please visit www.puppycareblog.com

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Looking For The Perfect Free Puppy

There are so many reasons to bring a new puppy into the home that the list could go on and on forever. The thing is though, while the decision to pick up a free puppy may be an easy one, picking just the right one is much harder. Whether it is a free yorkie puppy or a mutt that has no real idea what blood is in it, there are many reasons to pick certain dogs. The free puppy is the puppy that more and more people should concentrate on getting instead of paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for dogs. There are so many animals out there that are in need of good homes and people will pass them right up because they would rather spend money then take home a loving, well-mannered, free puppy.

The great thing about the free puppy is that these animals are normally mixed breeds, which mean your dog may be very close to being one of a kind. While you would think that being unique would be worth money, it is not. But the love and compassion that comes from the free puppy is just as good as any other puppy that you would buy from the pet store or from a breeder. Before you think about spending all of your hard earned money on a dog, you should consider taking advantage of all of the little puppies that are in need of a good and safe home.

Where To Find The Free Puppy

While the pound is an excellent place to get puppies, you will have to pay a small fee. This is not a purchase price for the puppy as the puppy itself is free but they usually make you pay to make sure that the puppy is up to date on its shots and the pounds do usually require that the puppy be spayed or neutered. So while there would be a little bit of out of pocket money for picking up a puppy from the pound, it is better to get one of those then the regular free puppy because those are facing their death.

If you really want to get a free puppy that absolutely is not going to cost you anything upfront, then you need to start searching through your local paper as there are always a free puppy or two in there that people are wanting to find good and decent homes for. The free puppy can also be found by searching online classified ads under the pet or animal sections. When it comes down to it, the free puppy is something easy to find and easy to fall in love with.

For more about puppies please visit www.puppycareblog.com

Free Puppy Training Classes

Once you have found that perfect pet through free puppy adoption, you will want to begin right away with training it so that the transition into your home and lifestyle is an easy one. The best thing to do is to start grabbing up all of the books and magazines you can on free puppy training tips and hints so that you can begin to put certain rules and techniques into place at home. In the meantime, while you work on that, you will also want to look around for some free puppy training classes in your area.

It is extremely important that you find some free puppy training classes and get your puppy signed up for them before they rip apart your home. Dealing with a puppy that bites, chews, and goes to the bathroom all over your carpets is not the best way to start the bonding process. Puppies and dogs that are left untrained may find that their owners have a hard time connecting with them and therefore they be not get as much love and attention from the owner. Do not let this happen between you and your puppy so go out and get your pup signed up for a free puppy training course.

Where To Find The Classes

The best place to look is your local pet store to see if they offer any free puppy training classes there. If they do you are going to want to sign up as quickly as possible so you do not miss your chance at getting the training that your puppy needs so badly. If there are not any classes offered there at the store, they may have information on where puppy owners can go for some free puppy training courses. It is worth a shot to go and see what you can find out because the sooner you get started the better off your puppy will be.

If your local pet store cannot offer you any suggestions on where you can go for free puppy training then there are still other options so you do not want to give up. Start calling around to the other pet shops in your area and do not forget to call the different groomers or kennels in your area. These places may have some information for you on free puppy training as people may have posted information on their bulletin board or such. Just keep looking and you will eventually find the free puppy training class that you have been waiting for.

For more about puppies please visit www.puppycareblog.com

Chihuahua Puppy Care: How to Prepare

Chihuahua puppy care, like any new puppy care, can be a hassle if you don’t make the right preparations and learn about what to do prior to bringing your puppy home.Chihuahuas are a particularly tricky breed to take care of since they are hard to house train and are so small and fragile.

What to Buy for Your Chihuahua Prior to His Homecoming

In Chihuahua puppy care it is important to buy an exercise pen or crate where you can leave your Chihuahua when you can’t supervise him.  Also have a stash of newspapers ready as well as a litter box or potty pads.  House training a Chihuahua can get messy.  Purchase a collar and leash, food and water bowls, a Chihuahua care and training book, and chewing toys.  Furthermore, make sure to puppy-proof your home by not leaving any electrical cords exposed. 

The Most Difficult Part of Chihuahua Puppy Care: House Training

Small puppies frequently eliminate.They are like babies and cannot hold it in and they will often do it without warning.In Chihuahua puppy care, it is important to constantly supervise your puppy so he is not running around the house alone.That is what the exercise pen or crate is for. 
In Chihuahua puppy care, the more you let your dog have accidents, the more difficulty you will have housetraining your puppy.Chihuahua puppies have the desire to eliminate after a nap, after they eat, and after playing.  Chihuahuas show that they need to eliminate when they circle and sniff the ground so if you notice that kind of behavior or know it’s around time for your puppy to eliminate, take him to the potty pad or litter box.If you see your puppy squatting, make sure to take him to the right place. 
It is important in Chihuahua puppy care not to punish your puppy for eliminating in the wrong place because it is your responsibility to constantly supervise him.  If you can’t supervise him, put him in his playpen with his food and bed on one end and the potty bad or litter box on the other.Chihuahua puppies naturally have the desire not to eliminate where they sleep and eat so they will go to the litter box or potty pad to eliminate.  When your puppy eliminates in the right place, reward him for doing so in the correct spot!

Feeding in Chihuahua Puppy Care

Chihuahuas have higher metabolisms than other breeds so it’s important to feed only premium dog foods.  Don’t worry that you’ll have to spend a lot of money on food because Chihuahuas eat very little.Young puppies need a free supply of dry food available to prevent hypoglycemia but when they become adults, feeding twice a day is sufficient.  Always provide water in a sturdy container but not large enough so that the puppy can fall in.Avoid feeding your Chihuahua human foods because many of them can be toxic and dangerous.It is important to buy a tube of Nutri-cal before you puppy comes home to prevent hypoglycemia. 
As you can probably gather, Chihuahua puppy care is a lot of work.  If you have the kind of schedule that would force you to leave your Chihuahua alone for long periods, it is better for you not to get one.  Chihuahuas need constant supervision and to be carefully taken care of to prevent health problems and other issues.However, if you have the time and patience for Chihuahua puppy care and you like small dogs, a Chihuahua may be your perfect companion!

For more about puppies please visit www.puppycareblog.com

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Puppy Training

In the good old days, puppy training began only after one’s pet had reached six months of age and it was also not uncommon for trainers to suggest that the training not begin before the pet had reached one year of age. Now-a-days, people that bring home a puppy will get started with training them soon after a couple of months have passed and they feel that these first few months are in fact critical to imparting proper puppy training.

Natural Curiosity

Today, puppies are starting to be taught new things at a very young age and their natural curiosity and willingness to learn means that puppy training can be begun at an early age. Another factor working in favor of early puppy training is that with no other experiences to distract him the puppy will be able to learn faster when his training is begun at an early age.

Young puppies are more amenable to learning and accepting new ways of behaving and so will profit from early training. The most important thing however is ensuring that you impart puppy training in a humane manner and foreswear use of force unless absolutely necessary.

It is not necessary that you impart puppy training only when the puppy is aware of being trained because at every possible opportunity you should try and teach him acceptable behavior. However, it is a good idea to ensure that you have the puppy’s undivided attention before imparting such training.

You could begin the puppy training by first of all teaching your puppy how to sit and a simple method that you can employ in this regard would be to first get your pet’s attention and then by gently placing your hands above the puppy’s head coax him into sitting. Repeat the command “Sit” over and over again till your pup understands what is being taught.

Other facets of puppy training include teaching your puppy to lie down when commanded to do so and to also get him to understand the meaning of the “come” command. Repetition is the key to success with puppy training and this is something you should never forget.

There is plenty of evidence to suggest that puppies will learn at an early age and so you can forget the traditional way of thinking and get started with proper and early puppy training to ensure that you puppy learns to obey from a very early age.

Unlike when teaching young children how to eliminate in the toilet, using a potty is not necessary when imparting puppy potty training to your newly acquired pet dog. It is sufficient that you start building up a bond with him and the main purpose of puppy training should be to help build confidence between pet and his owner. The training must be fun for you as well as for your pet and it should be given in settings that promote relaxation rather than in tense and charged up situations.

For more about puppies please visit www.puppycareblog.com

Monday, November 17, 2008

Dog Obedience Training

Simple Principles in Dog Obedience Training

Dogs, even when their breeding is maximized and well-adapted to human needs, will always need some basic obedience training as they would never figure this out on their own. Obedience training requires the use of some principles which differentiate effective training, from training without results. They are the following:

Principle One: CONSISTENCY

Consistency is the first basic rule in effective dog training. You need to be consistent in the words you use, the tone they are spoken in and the actions that accompany them. Before you begin training you will need to come to an agreement with the dog owner on what it is they are wanting the dog to learn and how to accomplish it.

At first the word commands, such as "come", does not make sense to a dog. He does not understand things the way humans think and he does not understand the language we use. It is important to make the training effective, by being very consistent in attaching the same voice tone, body movement or hand jester with every command that is given to your dog.

Another example would be, if you are using the command "come", make sure that everyone in the household use it in a same type of manner. When using the word command, "Come", you should work with the dog to understand this means to approach the giver of the command. When you are using this command be sure not to use any signals or body movements that would be confusing to the dog.

If he does not come to you, do not force the dog to come to you and then punish him for doing so. If you punish the dog over and over after giving the command they will begin to associate the word with the punishment. The dog will not want to follow the same command because in his mind it leads to punishment.

Consistency also covers the use of the same dog commands by all people. For example, if you are using the command "come", other people in the household should not replace it with words like "here" or, "come here boy".

Second Principle: Keep It Short

Both the amount of time you spend training and the words you use as commands should be kept short. Keep in mind that the attention span of dogs is very short and that getting them engrossed with a specific activity can be very hard, if not impossible. Puppies usually react to a specific stimulus, but not for a very long time, they may begin to chase a moving toy, and quickly lose interest, then move on to the next thing.

They can quickly loose interest in an activity sometimes within just moments after beginning, and will need something else to stimulate their senses. The same thing happens in training therefore, it should be limited only to 10 minutes to 15 minutes of regular training.

Third Principle: No Punishment or Force Allowed

Never hurt the dog if you want him to be acceptable to being trained. You should absolutely never punish a dog just because he did not do something he wasn’t prepared for, nor force a dog to do something he does not understand.

Don’t push the animal too hard while dog training. The dog does not understand that he should learn things "instantly" and he does not realize that you are becoming impatient with the speed he is picking up the training. All he knows is that you are mad.

So do not use force as this does not communicate your meaning properly, instead gives a negative reinforcement. By praising a dog for good behavior and obeying commands he will learn exactly what pleases you and what is expected from him.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Dog Obedience Training

Three Principles on Dog Obedience Training

Even dogs with some of the best well breeding or dogs that are well adapted to humans still need some basic obedience training, because these skills are not something they pick up on their own. Obedience training requires the use of some principles which differentiate effective training, from training without results. They are the following:

First Principle: CONSISTANCY

Consistency is the first basic rule in effective dog training. This covers the use of words, tone, and the actions that accompany the word or command. During the beginning of the training, the trainer or the dog owner must decide what should be the parameters of training, such as what and how you are going to teach the dog.

At first the word commands, such as "come", does not make sense to a dog. It is only reasonable to conclude if he does not understand the way humans are, then he does not understand our language. So to make the training understandable, you should use the command in a very consistent manner so that the dog will learn to associate the word with the meaning you attach with it.

Another example would be, if you are using the command "come", make sure that everyone in the household use it in a same type of manner. When using the word command, "Come", you should work with the dog to understand this means to approach the giver of the command. So if you are using this command make it a point not to do actions that would make the command confusing for the dog.

Don’t be deterred in your training efforts if the dog does not come to your right away, be patient and don’t force or scold him. Otherwise, this would make him attribute the command with the punishment. The dog will not want to follow the same command because in his mind it leads to punishment.

Consistency also covers the use of the same dog commands by all people. For instance if you are teaching the word "come", others should not use the words, ’come here boy’ or ’here’, because this will only confuse the dog.

Second Principle: Keep It Short

The hours devoted to training and the words used as command should be kept short. Keep in mind that the attention span of dogs is very short and that getting them engrossed with a specific activity can be very hard, if not impossible. Puppies usually react to a specific stimulus, but not for a very long time, they may begin to chase a moving toy, and quickly lose interest, then move on to the next thing.

They can quickly loose interest in an activity sometimes within just moments after beginning, and will need something else to stimulate their senses. They also often become board during training and that is why it’s best to limit the time to 10 - 15 minutes a day.

Principle Three: DO NOT USE FORCE and PUNISHMENT

Never hurt the dog if you want him to be acceptable to being trained. Also, never force the dog to follow the command if he is not prepared for, or punish a dog for something he did during training that he did not understand.

Don’t push the animal too hard while dog training. The dog does not understand that he should learn things "instantly" and he does not realize that you are becoming impatient with the speed he is picking up the training. All he knows is that you are mad.

So do not use force as this does not communicate your meaning properly, instead gives a negative reinforcement. By praising a dog for good behavior and obeying commands he will learn exactly what pleases you and what is expected from him.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Tips On Dog House Training Process

Pets of various kinds are of different behaviors and have different habits too. But the most important pet is a dog. A well-mannered dog is a pleasure to be with and a terrific companion. Most of us love to have a dog with us. But his behavior sometimes is the matter of embarrassment for the owner especially when some guest are there or when you are walking with the dog somewhere outside. Dog is a very friendly animal and have the ability to understand and follow commands from their owners. If they are properly trained they are capable of understanding both sign commands as well as verbal commands as they are very observant of body language.

Dog behavior training plays a highly important role to groom your pet dog and also helps you to rectify its perpetual and awful habits. But there are various kinds of dog behavior training in the market. You shall have to settle on the most formidable one depending on the temperament and other attributes of your dog.

 

But to train a dog one must keep in mind few points, before training a dog.

First, the owner must develop a mutual connection and bond between him and the dog. Second, a control should be developed, which is applicable for any kind of situation. Thirdly, to own dogs that are hassle free and that can socialize with everyone.

Forth point is to stimulate the dogs' instinct and understanding.

And lastly, do not train and use methods and procedures that are harsh and mean.

 

If you want your dog to be a well behaved dog there are few tips for complete dog behavior training:

· Whole family should use the same command and one person should deal with that dog in the starting period of the training. This is because each have a different way to deal with the dog and let him learn so if more people are involved in will create confusion for the dog .So just be sure that only one family member conduct the training.

· You have to look after that on which voice tone your dog is responding and try to train in that way.

· Always train your dog in a playful manner because dogs are very active and fond of playing. Never punish or scold your dog during training

· Teach one command at one time. Do not try to teach him another command until your dog will not understand the first command.

· It is always best to exercise positive reinforcement and give credit to a dog for performance of a desirable action.

A positive Dog Training methods (i.e. encouraging and praising your dog for what it does right rather than punishing for what it does wrong) work best and help to build a healthy dog-owner relationship. The most important point to keep in mind while training the dog regarding his or her behavior and habits, the owner must deal with patience, love and happiness, as the dog reciprocates the same emotions towards the owner.

 

Cheap Dog Training Collars

Why Get Cheap Dog Training Collars?

Is it worth to invest in your dog’s training?

Some people are willing to invest a lot of money and time.

Of course you can purchase the more expensive dog collars if you want to. There are a lot of choices for you. Starting from stone studded collars to fashion dog collars, you can get anything but may end up spending a fortune. Most owners do not like to spend the extra money on dog training collars and therefore choose to use one that will be more practical and meet the basic requirements.

If you have a dog with a lot of energy or is highly curious you can find it stressful to train them, as you learn to deal with all his behavior patterns.

After investing for your dog’s training without satisfactory results, many owners tend to cut down from spending too much on other things that contribute nothing to improving the behavior of the dog. One good example is the dog training collar.

If the dog you are training likes to chew on things you may not want to invest in a nicer, more expensive collar at least until he begins learning to respond well to training. What is more important to remember is the improvement of the behavior and not really on how expensive or sophisticated the collar and other accessories look.

While dog collars are instrumental in gaining better control and correcting lesser unwanted dog behaviors, the expensive ones could still put a dent in the budget of the owner. This is the reason why many owners resort to buying cheap dog training collars as good alternatives, without having to sacrifice the function of the item, or adding an unnecessary financial burden.

When shopping for the right collar you should also check its durability and functionality before you even begin to look at the price. It is a common mistake among buyers to use the cost as the basis for assessing the value, rather then basing it on the function and reliability.

However, cost can be a good way to determine if your looking at the right collar but it should not be the sole influence on your final decision. For example, an excellent collar could give the best value at its lowest possible price. However, since it is tagged with a low price the buyer might immediately conclude that it does not perform well.

Don’t give into the mind set that pricing equals quality. People may think that the more money they spend will automatically mean that they are getting a better quality training collar for their dog. This usually happens but it is not always the case. So be sure to find the best bargains at their best prices.

If your collar is integrated with advanced technologies will obviously be more expensive. The popular electronic dog collar is a good candidate. The price of this collar runs anywhere from $100 to $999 depending on the types of features installed in the item. You can expect a lot higher prices when more advanced technologies are used in making the collar.

Since dog collars can cost hundreds of dollars many people find it impractical to spend that much money on it, because it is a training accessory. So if you are someone wanting to be practical while trying to get a cheap dog training collar, it is best to do your homework.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Dog Obedience Training

Three Principles on Dog Obedience Training

Even dogs with some of the best well breeding or dogs that are well adapted to humans still need some basic obedience training, because these skills are not something they pick up on their own. To be successful in obedience training you need to understand the differences between effective and non-effective training techniques. Principles to Learn:

Principle One: CONSISTENCY

The first rule in obedience training is to be consistent. This covers the use of words, tone, and the actions that accompany the word or command. Before you begin training you will need to come to an agreement with the dog owner on what it is they are wanting the dog to learn and how to accomplish it.

For example saying the word "come", does not make any sense to a dog. It is only reasonable to conclude if he does not understand the way humans are, then he does not understand our language. It is important to make the training effective, by being very consistent in attaching the same voice tone, body movement or hand jester with every command that is given to your dog.

Another example would be, if you are using the command "come", make sure that everyone in the household use it in a same type of manner. When using the word command, "Come", you should work with the dog to understand this means to approach the giver of the command. When you are using this command be sure not to use any signals or body movements that would be confusing to the dog.

If he does not come to you, do not force the dog to come to you and then punish him for doing so. Otherwise, this would make him attribute the command with the punishment. He will not follow the same command since in his mind, he remembers it will lead to punishment.

Consistency also covers the use of the same dog commands by all people. For example, if you are using the command "come", other people in the household should not replace it with words like "here" or, "come here boy".

Principle Two: KEEP IT SHORT

Both the amount of time you spend training and the words you use as commands should be kept short. Keep in mind that the attention span of dogs is very short and that getting them engrossed with a specific activity can be very hard, if not impossible. Puppies usually react to a specific stimulus, but not for a very long time, they may begin to chase a moving toy, and quickly lose interest, then move on to the next thing.

They simply don’t possess the same amount of interest they had when they started the activity and they become easily bored. They also often become board during training and that is why it’s best to limit the time to 10 - 15 minutes a day.

Third Principle: No Punishment or Force Allowed

A trainer should never hurt the dog in any way, you should make it a goal to have the training be a positive experience for all involved. You should absolutely never punish a dog just because he did not do something he wasn’t prepared for, nor force a dog to do something he does not understand.

Make sure not to over do it when training your dog. A good trainer realizes dogs do not learn things instantly and so they are very patient and show understanding towards the animal they are working with. All he knows is that you are mad.

You must avoid negative experiences related to training so you should not force your dog to obey your commands. By praising a dog for good behavior and obeying commands he will learn exactly what pleases you and what is expected from him.

Bird Dog Training

Dog Training Commands One of the first commands to teach your dog is to "Come". Then you can teach your dog to "Heel" upon command.

People are amazed at watching a well trained bird dog in action. These finely trained bird dogs never fail to heed their owners’ commands. When you see them perform you may begin to ask yourself, how did they do that? Perhaps bird dog training can bring out the best in you dog.

The simple answer is yes, but you have to invest hard.

There are some breeds that have a natural lineage, giving them the ability to becoming a good bird dog. Teaching them to obey basic commands is the best place to start. Professional dog trainers know how very important it is for dogs to understand what it is their owner wants from them. For this basic voice command training, there are basic words a owner should use to train the dog.

The "Stay" Command

The most basic command is "Stay"

Dogs that follow their masters command without hesitation will demonstrate obedience and respect to his owner. Dogs will express obedience to their master by doing whatever they are commanded to do, even if their master walks a great distance before giving the command.

Using the command ’Whoa’ or ’Easy’ is very useful for dogs that get excited about flushing out birds, because they may begin to get out of control, and start mouthing or playing with the birds. Once they obey your command it would be good to go to him and praise or reward them for a doing a good job.

Commanding them to ’Come’

This is a simple command used to train your dog to come to you every time you give it. This command is one of the easiest to use. Say for example, retrieving would be a lot easier if the dog would come to you the instant you tell him to do so. Also, there are dogs that are a bit stubborn and may decide to go off in different directions. Teaching your dog to ’Come’ will help keep him within the range you need, for them to obey any additional commands.

The ’Heel ’Command

Teaching your dog to respond to the Heel command, is used when wanting them to walk by your side.

Another command that is often used after the ’Heel’ command is the one word command ’Ok’ or to ’Go’. This will let him know that he has performed favorably and he is again allowed to hunt for you.

Each and every time your dog performs correctly for you as he was instructed, always reward or praise him generously. Dogs are born with the desire to make their owners happy. If you can let your dog see that he is pleasing you with his performance and you want him to repeat it, the best thing you can do is to reward him. Overtime, he will learn to repeat the same desirable actions as long as you allow him to do so.

Bird dog training is not easy. It is because of this, there are few well trained bird dogs today. Always be confident that your dog can become a fine hunter if you do what it takes to make him successful, by showing him patience in teaching him to obey basic commands.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Prevent Your Dog From Chewing

Do you have a dog chewing problem ? A dog that loves to chew on anything he sees interesting and you can’t seem to figure out why he has this kind of passion? Have you ever come home from work only to find your most favorite pair of shoes being chewed upon—or worse, almost halfway around the throat of your, cute, sweet and innocent, little pet ? I suggest that you continue to read on if this is a familiar scenario to you.

 

One of the worst habits that any dog can pick up is chewing. In addition to being destructive to your property , a a dog chewing might get injured by breaking its teeth or swallowing harmful material. Worse, some dogs chew on themselves! This kind of unpleasant behavior may cause hair loss and even serious infections to areas of their bodies like their tails, legs, and feet. If you have a dog chewing problem , work to immediately correct the situation instead of dismissing the act as a typical dog behavior.

 

Chewing is a known behavior of puppies . However, their choices of what to chew on will be directly dependent upon you . If you are welcoming a new puppy into your home, be sure to supply it with adequate toys to prevent your pooch from destroying your home, car, or wardrobe. In addition , be sure to choose toys that cannot be mistaken for those "out of bound" items. To somehow redirect its attention from the new pair they have just bought, many dog owners prefer to grant their pups with cast off shoes but to their surprise the puppy would still chew up on their brand new pair instead. Look for bones and toys that are meant to be used as a chewing toy that will not splinter, break, or split and potentially cause a choking hazard. Also, provide your puppy with several different toys in various areas so that he does not become bored and opt to gnaw on your beloved items and furniture as an alternative.

 

Yes, there are simple steps that can help you prevent your dog from chewing up your possessions! For starters, the easiest way to stop this routine is to keep an eye on your dog. Dogs cannot chew up your house and home while you sit watching them. A huge part of dog ownership is VIGILANCE. Furthermore, consider confining your dog to a room or area of your home until you can trust him to have free rein of your abode. More than vigilance , cleanliness is a large factor in what a dog has access to chew. Simply put, your dog cannot chew your shoes unless they were left accessible. If you find your dog chewing something, if possible, place it out of his reach. In all fairness, the dog will continue chewing the same item until it is either removed or completely destroyed.

 

“But what about the larger things like furniture, doors, or appliances that will be hard to move”, you say? For these structures, apply a thin film of Bitter Apple. Like its name suggests, this solution is quite bitter and very unsavory for dogs. Available in a spray or cream, Bitter Apple will not damage the finish of your furniture and can easily be wiped away once the dog learns not the chew. Don’t be alarmed if your dog does ingest the material, it will not make him sick, as the contents of it are non-toxic.

 

Finally, serve as a guardian of your own items. Teach your dog commands like "leave it" and instruct him to cease and desist the gnawing of your items. Use a spray bottle or a shaker device rather than physical punishment, which can sometime cause dogs to become more destructive in protest. Immediately visit your veterinarian if your dog is chewing on himself more than your home. There are a lot of skin conditions, including parasitic infections that can cause a dog to chew on his own skin in order to find relief. Turn to a cooling spray that will provide relief as the area begins to heal. Also, use an antibiotic cream to prevent infection.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Career Dog Training

Things to Know Before Considering a Career in Dog Training

People who are really passionate about dogs will sometime choose a life’s career in this field so they can use their love for dogs everyday to help them, making it their goal to become a professional dog trainer.

Before you look at a career as a dog trainer ask yourself if you are someone who loves dogs and wants to love them more, or, are thinking about it, just because someone brought it to your attention as a possible option?

Back to Basic Principles

Before choosing a career in dog training you should know it not only requires a love for dogs, you also need knowledge about their basic behaviors, and you will need the skills on how to handle and discipline them properly. Dog trainers usually have a long history of experience with dogs and interaction with many dog owners, handlers and their pets.

What is your "Dog Division"?

You can choose one of two careers in working with dogs, the first would be ’The Pet Service Training’ and the second, ’Dog Training’. Both have relatively high demands in the market but there are a lot more opportunities in pet dog training than in service training.

Pet dog training involves teaching the dog how to live as a companion with his master and learning the basics such as obedience, being potty trained and learning acceptable behaviors which may include eliminating bad behaviors such as biting and barking.

Dog Service Training is geared towards helping people with certain disabilities or working with people undergoing therapy. Another division of service dogs may include the following: chasing criminals, drug and bomb sniffing, search and rescue dogs and hunting dogs.

These are highly intensive trainings and require the handler to get sufficient preparation to lead the dog in employing its specialized functions.

Canine Psychology - What is It?

Learn all about dog behavior - their thinking, their behaviors and their reaction to stimulus. Training adheres to conditioning the thinking of the dog to make specific responses. Trainer should understand the basics of associative conditioning.

What about Dog Training Education?

A dog training career requires that you have basic skills in dog training and handling. Currently today, there are no colleges or universities that offer the ability for people to get degrees in dog training. However, there are dog "academies" or "schools" that could provide basic training. Still it must be said the best dog trainers have a natural abilities with dogs and are often self taught on how to be successful when handling them.

Some people learn by practical experience while others just have a certain natural talent with dogs. There are also a number of dog training organizations that could provide the latest information on dog training.

A good dog trainer works with both the attitudes of people and dogs

Usually dog training involves training the handlers of the dog as well. Since you will be working with all kinds of people, you will need to have good people skills and be able to work with all personality types.

Some owners are impatient and want their dogs to learn everything fast, so they may disregard advice from the trainer, however, there are others that are more patient and open to the suggestions given by the trainer. You need to work with both types of dog handlers and everyone in between. In short, a career in dog training is not only limited to dog training but also an experience of people training as well.

Dog training is not limited to "training" alone; there are also certain aspects that you should be knowledgeable of, like the maintenance of proper dog hygiene, nutrition and grooming.

Having a vast knowledge of what accessories to use and training aids that are available will help during dog competitions. It is also important to be able to distinguish different dog breeds and have an understanding of their fundamental differences.

You don’t have to be a master in dog training to be an excellent trainer; you only have to develop certain skills necessary in working with dogs and their handlers, by using sufficient knowledge on theories, then have the capacity to use them in a practical way.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Crate Training Dog

Crate Training For Dogs

To begin crate training your dog you need to let them get used to it before locking them inside. You could walk away from him or watch him as he calms down inside. If he shows any signs of protest, you should not let him outside. Be patient and let him calm down and then you can let him out. You will need to do this process several time until they learn to enter and leave the crate by themselves.

Many people protest against crate training a dog because, according to them, it is similar to solitary confinement. Still, the benefits to crate training your dog mentioned in this article, and several other benefits that we will not take the time to explore, show this to be a good method for both the owner and their dog.

With appropriate and sufficient training, crate training your puppy or dog will make him see it as his haven instead of an enclosure that makes him feel unsafe and lonely.

This type of training is based on the idea of a den or nesting place where dogs can go in order to feel safe and secluded. For dogs, a den can serve as their home. Through proper introduction and selection of the right techniques, the dog will not be threatened by this approach to training.

Why You Should Use a Crate

a) For occasions when the dog cannot run around freely, placing them in a crate will be a good choice for controlling their movements.

b) The dog will feel relatively safe inside the crate especially when located in places where they are most vulnerable.

c) They would have a place for solace when they wanted to rest or when feeling under stressed where no one could bother them.

d) A crate could also be used to limit dogs with problem behaviors.

e) It is also a good place for puppies that are still untrained and might cause some trouble within the home such as biting.

f) This could also be good for dogs with separation anxiety.

g) Another advantage is that it keeps the dog safe whenever you bring him outside the home.

h) Dogs feel safe and secure inside their own familiar crate.

i) Crates could enhance training by giving the dog a better sense of direction for routine activities.

Size of the Crate

You will need to choose a crate that allows the dog enough room to stand up and lie down comfortably, without him hitting his head or body against the walls or door all the time. However, if you also intend to use the crate for travel, the crate should be larger than the regular above mentioned size.

If you are using the crate for training only, it should follow the guidelines that was just mentioned, since a larger crate would give him enough room to do unwanted things in the crate.

How to introduce the crate to the dog

Once you feel your dog is ready for the crate, that is the best time to introduce them to it. After buying the right crate, you could place it somewhere in the house where it would catch the dog’s attention. Let him explore his crate first for the first week with the door removed.

If he does not show any sign of interest, try leaving some of his favorite treats inside. Once he becomes more familiar with the crate, try feeding your dog inside it. This special treat is a signal to your dog that this a special place just for him, and that will create a sense of safety and security all dogs enjoy.

Case Study on Biting Dog

Sam is a three-year-old terrier mix that has a problem with biting. Other than biting the other dog at home, an 8 year old Spaniel, Sam has the habit of a biting puppy and surprisingly snapping at his owners, Ted and Shelly. Both of them is concerned that Sam's biting behavior will cause problems and because of this they constantly make sure that Sam won’t get near their grandkids for fear of their safety. However, keeping Sam in a separate area of their home has only caused an increase in their problems; he has started to chew and bark out of frustration, he gets easily agitated and always get a little out of hand. Lastly, Ted and Shelly both decided that it is time to put a halt on Sam out of his biting habit.

 

Since the dog has clearly outgrown the puppy stage that has the most amounts of biting and gumming and the biting habit has been going on for a while , and Shelly sought the help of a professional. Obtaining a referral from their family vet to an excellent veterinarian behaviorist, Ted and Shelly made an appointment to bring Sam and meet with the professional vet behaviorist. During the first meeting, Sam made an attempt to bite Shelly when she pulled him out of his cage and snapped at the behaviorist when he tried to hold him.

 

Since a medical problem might be the cause of the dog biting situation, the behaviorist felt the first step was to have Sam do a medical examination. They considered that a medical reason may be the case because since Sam snapped at Shelly and the professional when he attempted to touch the small dog. Often, dogs that are in pain or discomfort use biting as a form of protection to stop the pain from occurring. However, after a full medical examination on Zoe, he was found to have a full bill of health.

 

The next thought was that Sam might be responding to a specific trigger. But since Shelly and Ted adopted Sam when he was still a puppy, they can’t figure any possible abusive background on their pet. To see how Sam interacts with them and their older dog, the behaviorist regularly makes a visit to Shelly and Ted's home. The visits proved to be quite educational and the behaviorist was able to determine that Sam used biting to showcase his jealousy. Especially since he was kept in a different part of the home and avoided when the grandchildren come to visit, Sam is increasingly jealous and uses biting to show his displeasure .

 

After the regular visits and examinations on the younger pet dog, a training plan is implemented where Sam is instructed "no bite" and then sprayed with a water bottle. This command enforces the training and the spritz gets the dog's attention. Once Sam closes his mouth, he is remarkably praised. Additionally, more steps were made to include Sam back into the home. Whenever the grandchildren come to visit, Sam is present, but he’ll be securely muzzled until he became fully trained to stop biting. Once this training was complete, Sam could be commanded and immediately close his mouth in order to abort the biting attempt. However, Sam wore a muzzle whenever Shelly and Ted left the two dogs alone and unsupervised, to prevent any injuries to the older dog.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Eliminate Dog Aggression

Are you having aggression problems with your beloved dog and need to obedience train your dog in a hurry? Then you're in the right place. Here are four side-by-side reviews of the four best dog aggression training sites in the net today.

 

Sit Stay Fetch is the most excellent dog training website and we highly recommend it as it has lots of helpful advice to end your dog problem. Daniel Stevens discussed everything there is to know about fixing a dog's aggression issues with over 100 images to make learning easier and interesting. Next, Dog Training Secrets is very educational; although the downside is that it doesn't have supporting photos to illustrate instructions. Secret of a Professional Dog Trainer is the third. Some great tips are also available.

 

Sit Stay Fetch - Dog Obedience Training, covers all points of aggressive dog training and helps answers many dog problems, for example, your dog being usually disobedient, your dog being over-aggressive, being quirky off-leash or even on-leash, not appropriately housetrained, etc. Besides it being very informative, it also has over a hundred photos to supplement instructions. It has dog training secrets used by professional trainers themselves which other books don't have—things like dog whispering, advanced behavioral training, etc.

 

Dog Training Secrets by Charlie Lafave, shares to you the significance of training your dog and what may happen if you don’t. It has all you need to know broken down into 7 common behavioral problems and solutions. There's also a chapter dedicated to training adult dogs.

 

Starting from how to choose and purchase a dog, Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer covers all possible about training dogs. This e-book is very lengthy and a bit boring, but finds the patience as it has very useful tips. Heads up, though: there are no pictures at all and following instructions could be particularly hard if you're the visual type. It includes questions usually asked by people who want to train their dogs on their own. And there is no table of contents.

 

How To Train Your Dog in One Evening, covers 10 most frequent problems. The first thing is to help you find out the reasons your dog are having these problems. It goes on with detailed instructions telling you what to do to solve each problem. This ebook is direct and easily understandable. Although correct, obedience training your dog in one evening is very unlikely.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Basic Commands for Dog Training

Having a dog that will come to you when it's called is always nice and comforting. In fact, it is more than nice. It is a basic requirement. To have a dog with you also keep you away from dangerous situations. But is your dog is properly trained? Do you fall into this category?

  • Does your dog embarrass you in public?
  • Does your dog chew, bark, or whine excessively?
  • Is your dog aggressive towards other dogs or people?

Thus this is the time to start his obedience training. Well, if you have not started the dog obedience training process yet there is nothing to worry. It can be started from now on also.

The perfect age to start any training from is usually eight months. That is when puppies are mature enough to get the hang of everything. All you need is the right kind of approach that you should have to nail anything that you start with. One reason for doing the basic dog obedience training is to build a framework from which the owner and the dog can learn to effectively rehearse with each other. First, you can start the obedience training by establishing a general language for both of you. In return, this will train your dog to understand the exact response manner that you await instead of his maladaptive traits.

Hand signals on obedience dog training

Hand signals on dog obedience training we practice commonly used basic commands. Obedience training ranges from very basic training, such as teaching the dog to reliably respond to basic commands such as "sit", "come", and "stay". Some other dog commands are: fetch, lie down, roll over, bark, beg, come, sniff, wag, bark, scratch etc. Dog obedience training starts first with sit and come training. Make sure that it pays attention to your commands and not get distracted.

It is advisable to combine verbal command with hand signals to enhance your pet’s knowledge about it. They will soon respond to either verbal or hand signal once they learn to relate your hand signal with the desired action.

One of the basic commands is the sit command. There are several methods of teaching your dog to sit. The best way to train a dog in this command is perhaps to say sit to the dog and then push it down a little bit. As dogs do not know what you are talking about and they can get your language the best way to go about it is to show it to him exactly what you mean. After a little while the dog will finally understand that by saying the word sit you actually mean sit.

Once your dog learns to sit the next command will be the stay command. Put your dog in the sit position at your left side. Move your right foot a quarter of a turn and tell him STAY in a firm voice. Do not use his name in this lesson. Move back where you were after a couple of seconds and praise. Gradually repeat this exercises turning with more steps until you can stand right in front of him while he stays. Always praise him after you return to your original position. Repeat this every day for a week until he is reliable

Come command is another command that people like to teach their dog. This command is another easy one to teach. Just hold a treat in your hand and run away from the dog. He will start chasing you which is when you let him catch up and give him a treat. Make sure to praise him with a head pat too! The come command is handy when your dog is off a leash in a park or on the beach.

Fetch is a simple command and is taught easily to puppies but is not beyond the grasp of older dogs as well. One of the basic methods of training the fetch command is using two toys in a bait and switch routine. The toys must be identical and something the dog enjoys playing with. Starting with the dog on a leash or a halter, hide one of the toys on your person and throw the other a short distance after showing it to your pet. Release the dog from the leash and say “fetch” or whatever cue word you choose. The dog will chase after the toy and, most likely, will pick it up.

Other than these there are other basic dog training command like heel, down, roll, no, drop, leave which can be taught to the dog to make you proud of him. You can easily teach your dog all the basic commands but most Important Is that you have fun with your dog. A happy dog will always be the dog that responds to your every command. Have a fun day with your dog!