Train Your Dog - Benefits and Tips For Successful Dog Training

Watching your children's eyes light up when you bring a new puppy home is truly a heartwarming experience. Your dog comes with unconditional love and warm genuine friendship. If you've owned a dog before you already know that along with all the delights of a new doggy - it can also come with frustration, unconditional messes, and genuine destruction. Not to worry, with a little obedience training you can head off unwanted dog behavior.

5 Great Benefits of Dog Training

· It builds a solid relationship with you and your dog and establishes you as the pack leader. The time you spend together as a team working together, learning about each other, deepens your bond.

· A well-trained dog is a welcome dog that can be taken almost anywhere, and is a joy to be around when camping, hiking, or even just going for a walk, because he is not high risk or a nuisance to others.

· Dog training corrects undesirable dog behavior. Chewing up your furniture, digging up your flowers, barking at everyone who passes by your yard and even bolting out the door can be resolved with a little focus on obedience training.

· When you train your dog it stimulates your dog's intellect and allows him to use his brain; dogs are curious by nature and want to learn about both the world and the people around him. Dogs have a deep desire to please us, it's instinctive, so when they can understand what we want of them and they respond to our commands; they feel vital and needed - a strong member in the pack.

· It saves you time and money! Taking the time to train your dog to behave properly in your home saves time cleaning up messes and saves you money by not having to replace torn up pillows, shoes or other valuable possessions.

Obviously, there are many great benefits to a well-trained dog, to many to really list, but among my favorites is the companionship, having a dog that can protect my family when I'm not around. It was best said by an unknown author: "He is your friend, your partner, your defender. You are his life, his love and his leader."

The very best dog training method is the use of Positive Reinforcement to train your dog. This is simply rewarding good behavior that you want to see repeated, and ignoring bad dog behavior. This is a direct contrast to a now outdated method of obedience training which by today's standards was cruel and inhumane, (like using shock collars, hitting your dog with rolled-up newspapers, or even rubbing your dog's nose in pooh.) Your dog instinctively wants to please you and when you use positive reinforcement to train your dog you will find that your dog learns quicker and the lessons are remembered throughout your dog's life. This is the best path to a well-trained dog. 

5 great tips to facilitate your dog training efforts

· Be sure to use meaningful rewards. Most dogs get bored quickly and don't respond as well with just a pat on his head or a good boy. To keep your training at the highest standards, use tempting incentives for good dog behavior.

· Mix up the rewards, don't always give the same treat while training your dog. All dogs have different favorite treats; I've trained dogs that would practically rob a bank for a liver treat. Try to find two or three special treats that you can use just when you train your dog.

· Use the right timing when you reward your dog for obeying a command. Your goal is to mark the desired dog behavior with a treat timed so that your dog understands what behavior earned the treat. Some dog trainers recommend a clicker while training to mark the exact moment your dog does what you desire, then immediately give the reward. This works well but so does a high pitched "whoop," or any other sound that the dog can identify as the reward sound.

· Be clear and consistent with your commands. Decide your verbal clues before you start your training and stick with them. Be sure that everyone in the family uses the same commands and your dog's rate of obedience training will be much higher and you'll see a quicker change in dog behavior.

· Take the time to learn proper dog training techniques - it really helps to get it right the first time out. If you're new to obedience training or an experienced trainer; it pays big dividends to read trusted sources to learn more about the benefits of training your dog.

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What Does Prey Drive Mean In Dogs?

Dogs are fantastic animals. They make great pets, great employees, and great partners. They're great for protecting your home and farm, and they're just as great for helping you relax at the end of a long, hard day. The amount of love and joy they can bring into your life is nearly unmeasurable.

Yet one thing many people forget is that dogs are predators. They're carnivores. They want to chase down prey, kill that prey, and eat it. No one likes to think about their dog chasing down a rabbit or a squirrel and killing it, yet the simple truth is that it's an instinct all dogs have.

When people talk about a dog's "prey drive", this is what they're talking about. The desire a dog has to chase down prey and catch it. Even if you dog never chases rabbits and squirrels, you may still have seen a sign of their prey drive. Have you ever played fetch with your dog? Fetch is a game dogs enjoy because it allows them to engage in their prey drive. In this case, the prey is the ball, or the frisbee. Just like they would an animal, they chase down the item. Some dogs bring the item back, some don't, but this is still a matter of instinct and training.

Prey drive can be problematic, because you can't get rid of it. It's an instinct all dogs have. What you can do, however, is train a dog to understand there are acceptable and unacceptable actions. You need to teach your dog that no matter what their instinct is telling them, they have to listen to you. All dogs can be trained. All dogs are smart enough to understand commands when you give them.

The problem with this is that most people do not take the time to properly train their dogs. They let their dogs pull them along on the leash, or allow their dog to run off after a rabbit and do nothing but yell. This does not lead to a well trained dog. You have to actually train them, and that can be difficult. So many people have a desire to blame the dog and the dog's prey drive, but remember. The dog is an animal. They may be smart, but they do many things on instinct. It's always up to the human to do the training and to teach them what is and is not allowable.







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There Is More Than One Way To Train A Dog

There are actually several different ways to train a dog. Some methods are actually better than others and achieve better results.

DIY - Of course you can always train your dog yourself however the results are not always what you would hope they would be. Training your dog can be very a very enjoyable adventure if you know what you are doing or at least have a little help and guidance from a professional trainer.

Group Training Classes - These are usually the least costly method to train your dog with the help of a trainer. However that surely doesn't mean that it is good for everyone. First of all the classes are held at a specific time and you have to be there no matter what other plans you may have. If you miss a class there is usually an additional charge. Usually the dogs are so distracted by each other that they are not listening to the handlers instructions. The instructor has to divide his/her attention on everybody in the class so there is very little personal attention. So it seems that your issues never seem to get resolved.

Private Lessons - This is considered the most effective method to train your dog. Everything is done in the dogs home so there aren't any distractions. You will add distractions slowly to the training as the dog progresses with the training. The most important thing for you to remember is that the dog should be trained at least once a day for no more than a 15 minute session. Twice a day is even better and three time a day is the ultimate, but never more than 15 minutes in a session.

Board and Train - This is a method than if done correctly can give you a nicely trained dog. The program should be at least 4 weeks, 28 days. Anything less and the results will not be what you hoped for. Make sure that the program you are looking at includes the exercise that you would like you do to be able to do. The program should also include at least two private lessons after the training to teach you what your dog already knows. This is the definitely the easiest way to get a trained dog.

Teaching your dog the basic exercises is a must, and you may even want to go farther with some advanced training. Continuing on to advanced training can be a lot of fun and enjoyment for you and your dog.

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8 Pet Care Tips for Dog Owners

Being a dog owner is a real joy. It promises years of pleasure and companionship to owner and dog alike. But it is also a heavy responsibility and a long-term commitment. Below are eight tips on how to care for that "friend" to which you have made such a commitment.

1. Keep Up-to-date on Rabies and Other Vaccinations

This is vital to your dog's well-being. Rabies is still a threat to our pets. Every summer brings reports of findings of rabid bats or other wild animals. Rabies is especially prevalent if you live on acreage or in a wooded area more populated by wild animals.

Owners do have the option of getting a one year or a two year rabies shot -- or, if they are concerned about the side effects of a rabies shot another option is to get their dog a titer test, a blood test that indicates whether the animal's previous vaccine is still active or sufficiently protecting him. This prevents the owner from having to get a vaccine before it is absolutely necessary. Heart worm too is a very real threat to your dog and can be avoided by a heart worm pill taken monthly.

2. Regular Vet Check-Ups

This can be combined with your dog's vaccination appointment. A check-up will help the vet identify any problems while they are still in the early stages, whether it be a tumor or fleas.

3. Healthy Diet

This is not to be taken lightly as we hear so often about dog foods that contain melamine or are somehow contaminated. Many dog foods are not nutritionally balanced and fillers such as ground corn and other grains are added simply for volume. The primary ingredient in your dog's food should be meat.

4. Proper Training

A well-trained dog is a happy dog. He knows what is expected of him. He doesn't annoy guests with a display of bad manners or repel them by jumping on them or slobbering on them. Good obedience training also keeps him safe.

5. Socialization

It is important that your dog learn to play well with other dogs, not being the aggressor or snarling at his canine companions. The more quality time he spends with dogs, the better behaved he can be counted on being. So, go to the dog park, go to dog events, walk him in your neighborhood and let him visit with his neighbors. It will make him a confident

6. Grooming

Grooming is important to you dog's health. If he is matted or his nails need cutting, he is uncomfortable. He will be constantly chewing on himself and panting out of agitation. Also, a good groomer who grooms your dog on a regular basis is going to detect abnormalities or signs of distress or disease. If caught early such discoveries do not have to equate to a death sentence.

7. Exercise Your Dog

If he gets enough exercise he won't be an unholy, hyperactive terror. He will sleep well when it's bedtime and not be agitated and excitable. Exercise is also good for his overall health.

8. Obey the Leash Laws

They are for your dog's protection. His training will enable him to walk with you and obey your commands.

These are just a few of many tips to help you ensure that you have a happy, healthy dog and one with impeccable manners! Follow them and you will be exemplary as a dog owner.

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5 Dog Training Tips

There are several different things about dog training that are just real and should always be done if you want a well behaved and well-adjusted dog. We are going to talk about what I think are 5 of the most important dog training tips.

1. Repetition

Dog learn by repetition so it is very important that you repeat things over and over so that they catch on. If you stop and think about that statement for a minute it will actually make sense because it is the same for humans. The more we do a particular task the better we get at it, hopefully. Well it is the same for a dog.

2. Patience

To be able to train a dog you need a bunch of this one. Yes you just can't lose your patience with a dog because they don't understand and quite often will simply shut down. They are really good at reading your body language and your tone of voice so don't lose your patience.

3. Time

Your dog needs time with you. A dog that lives in the backyard and gets very little or no human contact daily is always going to be a problem dog. Your dog needs your time. It needs to know that you care about it so show that you care by spending time and playing with your dog so that you develop a great relationship.

4. Exercise

Dogs need exercise. In fact I have always said that a trained dog is a happy dog and an exhausted dog is even happier. If you want a happy dog make sure that it gets plenty of exercise. Go for long walks, go swimming or even retrieve a ball anything to get your dog up and moving. Actually it will be good for both of you.

5. Health Care

This is an important part of the agreement you have with your dog. You need to take care of all it's health needs by giving it routine vet check-ups as well as keeping it current on all vaccinations and heartworm medication. Keep in mind that most likely at some point in your dogs life there will be a major illness or injury that you will need to plan for now by putting a little bit a way each month into your dogs health savings account so that you will be prepared. Another maybe easier option is to by some doggy health insurance.

Keep in mind that you simply will not have a well-trained dog if it isn't well.

If you will follow these dog training tips I think that you will have a well trained happy dog that will want to do whatever it takes to make you happy.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Dog-Training-Tips&id=8667377

Are Dog Training Head Halters Effective?

Let's take a few minutes and see if we can answer that simple question. There are those dog owners and trainers that speak highly of head halters and then there is another group that doesn't care for them at all. Let's see if we can give you enough information to make the right decision for you and your dog.

There are several halter options on the market. I think the one that you will like the best and trust the most is the "Halti". The reason I say you will like it the best is because of a simple little strap that actually allows you to attach your leash to the halter but at the same time have it connected to the dogs collar.

Halti 

One complaint that I hear quite often is that the halter comes off the dogs head and there goes the dog. With the Halti, that little strap keeps that from happening. If the halter comes off you still have the dog by the collar.

So now that we have safety out of the way let's talk about what a halter can do for you and your dog. Is your dog dragging you down the street and you actually have no control? Then a halter may be right for you until you can get the dog properly trained to walk nicely on a leash and collar.

Are you a senior citizen and simply do not have the strength to hold on to a dog that is pulling? Then a halter is for you.

Does your dog show uncontrollable aggression towards other dogs or people when out on a walk? Then a halter will help maintain control until you can solve the aggression issue.

Halti Training Lead

Head halters can help with all these issues. However if you are strong enough to control your dog and want to teach your dog to walk nicely at your side on a loose leash then forgo the halter and find a good trainer that can teach you and your dog how it is done.

I think the major drawback for a halter is that dog owners do not realize that you could use it for the next 5 years. Take it off and put on a collar and the dog will pull like crazy again. A halter does not teach or train the dog it simply controls it for the moment.

If you need this for a quick fix halters are available however if you want a nicely trained dog that walks at your side there is no substitution for good training.

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The Secrets To Training Any Dog

There is a secret to training any dog. In fact I have never seen a dog that could not be trained. However I have seen dog owners that never took the time to train their dog and then wonder why their pet is out of control.

OK, here is the secret... desire, consistency and 15 minutes a day. Yes it is just that simple.

Let's start off with desire. To get a trained dog you have to have a desire for a trained dog. If you don't have the desire or see a real need for a nicely trained dog then it just won't happen. Look around at family, friends and neighbors I'm sure that somebody you know has a real nicely trained dog. Are you envious? Don't be, instead simply decide that you want the same with your dog and go for it. A well trained dog can go place with you and make you proud of the fact that it is so well behaved.

Next we are going to talk about consistency. It is a must. For example you can't allow your dog to jump on you today and then tomorrow scold it when it does the same thing. Plainly stated consistency is something that you have to be vigilant about. When you are with your dog shoot for 100% good behavior. Your dog will learn that behaving and acting properly is something that is always a must.

OK the last secret is 15 minutes a day. If you will train with your dog only 15 minutes a day you can have the best trained and well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. Yes, it only takes 15 minutes a day, how easy is that.

I think a lot of people feel that dog training requires hours of vigorous work but that simply is not true. Hire a local trainer to guide you through the exercises and it will even be easier plus you will be amazed at your progress. Keep in mind that every 15 minute session should have a goal. For example today we are going to make our sit-stay a little better. You are going to work on all your exercises however the one that you are really shooting for today is a longer more reliable sit-stay.

I have one more little secret to share with you that will make that dog of yours even better. Train in multiple places. Yes, when you start training you probably will start in the house. When the dog is doing well in the house then you move outside to the driveway. When that is working well you move to the park, and then at your vets office. I think you get the idea, your dog needs to perform wherever it goes so train in those places.

I hope that learning these simple secrets will make you want to get out there and have fun training the best dog in the neighborhood, your dog.

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How To Train Your Dog In Just 15 Minutes A Day

I really think that most new dog owners want a nicely trained dog however they fail to train their dog because they feel that it will be too time intensive. That could not be farther from the truth. In fact I teach people that if you will simply work with your dog for only 15 minutes a day you can have a well trained dog that you can be very proud of. 

First of all since you wanted a dog I assume that you have 15 minutes a day that you can spend with him. If you say no then you should do you and your dog a huge favor and find a new home for your pet so he can have a home that will spend time with him. 

Now that we have determined that you have 15 minutes a day let's talk about what you should do during those 15 minutes. You need to train your dog to do all the basic exercises that every good dog should know and they include: 

· Walk on a leash without dragging you down the street 

· Sit on command when you tell it one time 

· Down on command, this is the exercise that makes you the alpha 

· Sit-stay so you can have people come in your home without the dog darting out the door 

· Down-stay so you can leave a room and it is still there when you return 

· The recall so your dog comes when you call it, every time 

The next question is how do you do this training? The best way is to hire a trainer to help guide you through the steps. PLEASE find a trainer that uses motivational methods but doesn't rely on treats to bribe your dog to do the exercises. Instead find a real trainer that will help you train your dog to do these exercises out of mutual trust and respect. Plainly put a dog that needs a treat to do an exercise is not trained. 

Now back to that daily 15 minute training session. You can do some of this training while you go for a daily walk. In fact do not get in the habit of only doing the training at home in the living room. You should be able to do these exercises anywhere with all types of distractions. 

So after the dog is working great in the house then start doing your training on the driveway and then later move to the street. Then start adding more distractions including people and other dogs. This is referred to as proofing your dog. 

If you will simply give your dog 15 minutes of training a day you will be amazed how quickly and easily you can have the best trained dog on the block.

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Make Dog Training Fun, Not A Chore

I always tell my clients that dog training is something you should enjoy doing with your dog not somethinginer. 

 that you dread. I have always found that training with my dog was so exciting when the light bulb goes off and the dog grasps the new exercise. I know it is just as exciting for the dog as it is for the tra

One thing that you can do to add a little excitement to your training sessions is to change things around. Don't get into the habit of always making your training sessions the same. Change the order that you do the exercises in so your dog does not get bored. 

After the initial training it is a good idea to change up your training locations. You can start inside then move to the backyard and then to the front yard. Once your dog is doing the exercises well in the front yard then start doing them while you go for a walk around the neighborhood. 

When your dog has started doing the exercises well start using them in your everyday life. For example start requiring your dog to do a down stay while you eat dinner or a sit stay while you wash the dishes. Get the dog used to the fact that these exercises aren't only for when we are training, they are required all the time. 

I want you to keep in mind that training should not only be fun for you but it should also be fun for your dog. Make sure you give your dog a ton of praise when it does a good job. Praise is something that people always seem to be stingy with, especially men. Women are usually much better with their praise than men. 

I always suggest that you do something that your dog enjoys after a training session. If your dog likes to retrieve a ball then throw it. If it enjoys a walk then walk it. You get the idea. This simply gives your dog something to look forward to after each training session.

 

Remember that training your dog not only gives you a trained dog but it also establishes you as the master and develops that great master dog relationship. There is just nothing better than a well trained dog that you can enjoy and are able to take with you and be assured that your dog will not be a problem. So go out there and enjoy the training!

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5 Tips To Combat Canine Hyperactivity

Dogs make great pets because of their fantastic attitude toward life, always happy. However if your dog has too much energy there are a few things you can do to help calm him down.

1. Give it something to do to eliminate his energy. Even something as simple as going through his obedience exercises can help calm him down and sometimes actually has a way of wearing him out.

2. You can play games with your dog to work his muscles. Most dogs will always love a game of retrieve or even maybe a little Frisbee for some exercise. If your dog doesn't like to do either of those you might try a good game of hide and seek. Dogs love to go find something. It can be as simple as hide the toy or you can actually hide while somebody holds your dog and lets it go when you are ready.

3. Another way to combat the excess energy is by getting him involved in a dog sport. Agility, fly ball or even competitive Frisbee can be really great ways to get you dog a regular workout. Even training your dog to track can be very exciting for you and your dog and give him a great way to eliminate that extra energy.

4. If the dog park is a place you both enjoy then take a regular trip to the dog park for a great workout and a run with the dogs. Going to your favorite dog park a couple of times a week can make a huge difference in your dogs attitude and get rid of that hyperactive attitude.

5. Last but not least and a favorite for a lot of active people is going for a long walk or a good old run. If you are the type of person that goes for a daily run teach your dog to run beside you nicely and take him with you. A run is good for your overall health and it's good for your dogs as well.

Just like children, your pet needs several options to exercise their bodies daily. A hyperactive dog is likely just bored, so be sure to try these tips to tire your pooch out and enjoy some peace and quiet.

One of my favorite sayings is "a trained dog is a happy dog and an exhausted dog is even happier", so train your dog and wear him out. I promise that if you do he will love you for it.

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