Training A Dog Correctly

You may have thought you were going to be bringing a nice calm dog to your house, though in reality your dog is more like a wild, hyper animal! Luckily, it just takes some elementary dog training to help your dog understand what sort of behavior is expected.

Obedience classes can be beneficial for dogs that seem to be especially hard to train. The instructor can give you ideas about how to handle problems like not listening, and excessive barking.

Choose treats that are high-quality and favoured by your dog for the best training results. It can even be an extra special treat you give your dog, such as real bacon, hotdogs or even cheese.

Walking on a leash is a big step in your dog's training. This is both for the dog's safety and your own, as well.

If you find your young puppy chewing something, firmly say no, then remove the item from him. By doing this, you are teaching him what is okay to chew on.

Pick a consistent phrase to use with your puppy while house training. Say to the dog a known phrase, like "go potty!", every time you go outside, this will help your dog keep the goal of going outside in mind.

Don't allow your dog to stubbornly decide which commands he will pay attention to. If you are not willing to force a particular demand on your dog, do not give that demand at all.

Don't start a training session if you don't think you'll be calm and patient throughout. You will need to be patient with your dog, or they will become impatient and their attention will be focused elsewhere.

If you are thinking about hiring a professional dog trainer, conduct a thorough interview and ask for referrals. Different animal behavior specialists use different practices. They also have varying opinions on what is best for your dog. You want to be certain that the trainer you go to employs practices that you are comfortable with.

Dogs have the uncanny ability to have single-minded focus when something catches their attention. When your dog recognizes his attention command, you`ll be able to train him to ignore nearly everything.

Always take your dog for a nice walk before leaving for a period of time. Wearing him out may minimize his anxiety at being separated from you.

You will be amazed at the results once you start applying these tips. Try some of the tips above if you feel a strain on the relationship between you and your dog.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Training-A-Dog-Correctly&id=6801154

Problems Associated With Food Training Methods

There are many techniques that can be applied to training a dog. Very often, you will find a person who treats his or her dog as a part of the family. It therefore becomes important to make sure that a dog is well trained to be obedient as well as disciplined to make sure one can live with the dog. Untrained dogs do not make great pets. However, different dogs require different training. This means the training you give to your dog will be determined by the tasks you want your dog to perform.

Dogs love food. Some people take advantage of this characteristic and use food to train their dog. Treat training is where the owner gives the dog a treat whenever he or she wants the dog to do something or after it has done what it was asked to do. Despite the amazing results from this technique, there are problems that arise.

One of the biggest problems with this type of training is when your dog gets used to getting food before they perform what they are asked to, he or she will never do so without the food. This is not what we want as a trainer or a dog owner. Rewarding a dog before or after performing a certain task makes the dog lazy. What you should ask yourself is, what will happen if you don't have the food around? The answer is very simple; the dog will not do as you ask him or her.

Another thing to consider when using food or treats is calories and weight. Giving too many treats just might give you and over weight dog unless you compensate by giving your dog more exercise.

Many trainers refuse to train using food or treats and prefer to use motivational methods that include both physical and verbal praise. They find that physical and verbal praise is something you always have with you and you don't have to carry treats around in your pocket.

This type of training requires the dog to do the exercises that it has been taught out of mutual trust and respect rather than being bribed with food.

Does this mean that treat training is all bad? Not at all and for some dogs it just may be the method that works best. I always say that every teacher needs to know more than one way to teach a child in the classroom. The same is true for a dog trainer. As a dog trainer you should know multiple ways to accomplish the task and use the one that works best for your student.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Problems-Associated-With-Food-Training-Methods&id=9129936

Tips on Hiring a Great Professional Dog Trainer

Hiring a professional dog trainer can be a tricky process because all dogs are not the same and use different training methods. This article will help show you how to select a trainer that can help you get the most out of your pet.

1. Knowing what to look for in a dog trainer. Most dog owners simply want a well behaved pet and they are not looking to compete with their dog or at least not in the beginning. However if you're looking to do obedience competition you need to find a trainer that has that type of experience, most dog trainers don't.

Just a couple of extra pointers that may save you some misery down the line. Does your dog trainer have a business license? Does your dog trainer have liability insurance? Is your dog trainer listed in the phonebook? I believe all legitimate businesses have these things, don't you?

2. Dog trainer qualifications. While talking about qualifications experience is very important when hiring a dog trainer. Just like anything else the longer you do it and the more dogs that you're involved with the better you get at dog training. If you're simply looking for obedience training the pool for trainers is much larger than for example if you're looking for a trainer who can help you with something like aggression problems. Make sure you find a trainer that has experience with the issues that you're concerned with.

3. What methods does this trainer use? This is a big one. For example do you want a trainer who uses treats or does clicker training? Probably not, most of my clients want somebody who can teach them how to train their dog out of mutual trust and respect rather than using a bribing type method. I mean let's get real who wants to carry around treats or a clicker in your pocket for the rest of your life?

4. Which type of training is best, group classes or private lessons? That's a simple answer. Private in home lessons are definitely the best way to train your dog and I'll tell you why. In a group class there may be 10 to 15 people and their dogs in the class. Your dog is so interested in all the other dogs and people that it's really hard for you to get its attention. You're so busy taking care of your dog and keeping it away from the other dogs that you're not even having time to listen to the instructor. Plus in a group class the instructor is teaching very generic exercises some of which you may be interested in and others that you're not.

In private lessons the instructor is working with you and your dog in your home, and that's where you want your dog to behave the best. He's also working on exercises that are important to you and your family's lifestyle. Hands down private in-home training is the best way to go.

5. What expectations you should have? With any basic obedience class whether a group or private lessons at a minimum your dog should be able to walk on a loose leash, sit and down on command, sit stay and down stay as well as come when called.

If you know what to look for in a dog trainer it should help you decide who to choose. Apply the helpful advice from this article and soon you'll be on your way to having a dog trainer that is the right match for your pet.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-on-Hiring-a-Great-Professional-Dog-Trainer&id=8347257

Tips for Handling Dog Aggression

No one wants to have an aggressive dog in their home. You can't allow an aggressive dog to take over your house, especially when you know you should be the leader of your pack. As soon as you see signs of any aggressive behavior in your dog, use the following tips to stop it.

1. Assume the Alpha Position. Most of the time if your dog is exhibiting aggressive behavior he is trying to assume control of the household, making a challenge toward your alpha position. Even if your dog isn't trying to challenge you, life will be easier if you have a clear pack order.

Take charge, make your commands clear, train your dog with care, and show your dog that you are the one in charge at all times. Even if this doesn't stop the aggressive behavior it will make it easier to manage.

2. Separate Problem Dogs. If you have more than one dog that is causing problems or if your dog has issues with guarding food, get rid of the issue. If you have two dogs that fight over food, for example, feed them in separate rooms. If you have two dogs that can't walk together, walk them separately.

Don't be too concerned. This kind of solution isn't usually permanent. But they do work in the short-term and prevent more serious problems.

3. Obedience Training. Obedience training is a good way to teach your dog how to follow specific commands and to respect your authority.

4. Keep Your Dog Busy. In some cases a dog will become aggressive if they don't have anything to keep them busy. If they are bored, have too much energy, lack focus, or anxious, they can become aggressive.

This is an easy problem to fix. When your dog is behaving well you should pay attention to him, give him plenty of exercise, and provide him with toys to keep him busy when you are away.

5. See Your Vet. In some cases aggression can be caused by a health problem. If your dog is sick or lacking in proper nutrition you should take him to the vet. These issues can cause your dog to behave aggressively.

6. Your Dog Needs Plenty of Exercise and A Good Diet. Good training won't help your dog unless he is also getting plenty of exercise and eats a good diet. A cheap dog food may not cause aggression but a lack of nutrients can make your dog's behavior worse.

7. Avoid Triggers. If you know something triggers aggression in your dog, avoid the trigger. If your dog doesn't like children or has problems with leashed dogs, or acts up when a truck drives by, avoid those negative stimuli.

8. Reduce the Fears in Your Dog's Life. Fear can be a cause of aggression. To reduce the fear in your dog's life, don't use negative punishment to change his behavior. Correct behaviors instead of punishing them.

If your dog has any phobias, don't reinforce them by giving him extra attention or care when he is upset by them. This will only emphasize to him that there is something to fear.

9. Work with a Good Dog Trainer. If you aren't making good progress with your dog's aggression, hire a professional. There are many good dog trainers who are experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to handling dogs with behavior problems, including aggression. Contact a good trainer before your dog does something to hurt someone. Don't wait until it's too late.

Unlike many dog behavior problems, aggression is serious and it can't wait. It needs to be handled right away. Aggression can lead to worse problems such as biting or attacking. It typically makes the entire family uncomfortable. If your dog is suffering from problems with aggression, take care of it right away.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-for-Handling-Dog-Aggression&id=8157242