Train Your Dog Well With These Tips

To have a happy life with your dog, you need to make sure that it is properly trained. A dog training routine makes it easier for you and your dog to understand each others expectations. You will be less stressed knowing that he will behave himself when he is home alone or around other people. Although it may not be easy, the time you devote to teaching your dog manners, tricks, and the proper way to do things will be well spent.

Never give up when training a dog. Through constant and positive reinforcement, you will be able to train your dog to retain the behaviors you teach them. Much like providing your pet with food, training is a continuous process that is never truly finished.



When you begin house training, select a phrase to use repeatedly with your pet. Use the same word or phrase each time you bring him out to go to the bathroom so that he understands what you want him to do and makes a memory link between the phrase and the act.

Get your dog chew toys to get rid of teething pains. You should replace the object with a chew toy as soon as this occurs so your dog understands what is okay to chew on. If your puppy needs to chew because he is teething, try a frozen washcloth.

You do not want to over-stress your new pup by trying to teach him too much too quickly. A puppy only has short bursts of energy and doesnt have a long attention; youve got to keep your training sessions positive and short. Your puppy will happier with the experience, and less resistant to your future efforts. He will be looking forward to them instead.

Continue training your dog so he doesnt forget how to learn. Too many owners tend to be under the impression that once they have trained their dog, thats the end of it. Dogs are much like humans, in the sense that they share the same habitual learning system. It is important that the training your dog receives is reinforced regularly.

Stay consistent with the words you use to command your dog. This causes a strong association between a word and an action in your dogs mind. Remember to be consistent about what commands you use and what behaviors you expect in every training session. By doing this, you will have a higher rate of success with training your pet.

Give challenges to your dog on a regular basis. Make sure your dog knows what he is doing by testing him!

Any type of introduction to unfamiliar animals needs to be attempted very slowly. Before you bring a new pet home, think about the pet you already have. To make introductions go as smooth as possible, when you are choosing the new addition, try to find a personality that will complement that of your current pet.

Your dog must realize that you are the leader of the pack. You must establish your dominance first and foremost, or your dog is unlikely to obey. When you walk your dog, walk in front of him to establish leadership.

When training your puppy not to chew, try to help him along by setting up a "chew-friendly" environment. It is also important that a dog who chews is protected from danger. Things like brushes, small toys and nylons are common things around the house that pose a choking hazard.

If you want to train your dog, you should first determine what special treats are the favorite of your dog. This will give you an idea as to what to give him for a reward. Try a variety of treats and pay close attention to your pets responses to narrow in on his favorite.

Dog training is mostly about being consistent with your pooch and setting the rules of your relationship. Once those are set, youll find you both enjoy your time together even more! Keep in mind that you must continually reinforce your dogs training lessons. Always keep a close eye out and do not hesitate to enforce proper punishment on any violations of the designated rules. Once your dog gets the training basics under his collar, you will not be limited in what you can achieve together.

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Achieving Dog Training Success With The 18 Donts Rules

A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life and its owner also can enjoy a trouble-free life long companion. Dog training - basic obedience, house and potty training are therefore essential and important to a dog’s education.

The conventional method of dog training tips and guide would be to list a series of things that you should “Do” and you might even know the A-Z of dog training! But sometimes what should be done can be said best by telling what should not be done. Hope you agree with me!

This article seeks to list 18 “Don’t” when you train your dog. The reasons for the donts will become evident as the lessons continue and each one is based upon the distinctive psychology of the dogs mind.

1. DONT punish your dog while you are angry or lack control of yourself.

2. DONT punish your dog with the lead or any instrument of training or anything he should associate with duty or pleasure.

3. DONT sneak up on your dog or grab him from the rear.

4. DONT chase your dog to catch him; he must come to you or run after you.

5. DONT coax your dog to you and then turn upon him with the whip. You will regret the deception.

6. DONT trick or fool or taunt your dog. It is cruel and inconsistent to tease your dog to come to you when he can not.

7. DONT punish a dog by stepping on his paws needlessly. They are exceedingly sensitive. Dont twist his ears playfully or otherwise. Never strike him on the backbone, in the face or on the ears.

8. DONT grab your dog or reach for him quickly. He should never fear his master, should not be made nervous by his master, and should feel that punishment given is deserved.

9. DONT nag your dog; dont be giving orders to him constantly; dont pester him with your shoutings.

10. DONT praise a dog for doing a certain act, then at a later time, scold him for doing the same act. If you permit him to bite your toes today and think it fun, do not strike him for doing it tomorrow, when you are not in good humor. Consistency is a chief virtue in dog training.

11. DONT train your dog immediately or soon after he has eaten.

12. DONT lose patience with a puppy younger than six months. Never throw or kick a puppy nor lift him by the head or leg or skin of the neck.

13. DONT train him in feats requiring much strength or endurance until he is at least six months old.

14. DONT work your dog without some short rest or play periods during training. A five-minute rest for every fifteen minutes of training is desirable.

15. DONT permit everyone to give commands to your dog. While you are training him, he must be a one-man dog, depending on you alone to feed him and care for him.

16. DONT consider tricks the chief end or the chief part of training. Usefulness is the object sought in all instruction of the dog. Acts that spring naturally from the dogs instincts are to be fostered.

17. DONT expect your dog to be a wonderful dog after a few weeks of training; four months to a year may be necessary in order to make the master proud of him, but the work is worth the effort. Training never ends.

18. DONT jump to the conclusion that your dog is dumb. He may differ with you believing that the trainer should know more than the dog.

To end, try to remember these 18 Don’ts rules, enjoy training your dog and most importantly have lots of fun along the way!

About the Author

Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of DogsObedienceTraining.com – The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

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Training Your Dog With A Few Key Tips

The trainer learns just as much as his or her dog when teaching. This can be said because before an owner can effectively train a dog, they must first train themselves on how. Learning how to tame a dog is something that is not innate. This article provides helpful information that anyone can use to prepare to train a dog.

If you want to help your dog learn not to chew inappropriate objects, allow him to be successful from day one. Make sure that your dog cant get into trouble by chewing on the wrong item. Items such as nylons, hairbrushes, as well as other common chewable, yet dangerous household items, can be a danger for your dog. He can choke easily, so watch out for them.



Dont be ashamed to ask for help if your training program doesnt change your dogs behavior. If your dog is misbehaving, you should try to get some help from a dog whisperer. An experienced, professional trainer can work with you and your dog to identify what works and what could be improved upon.

Dont play tug-of-war with your puppy if you want a successful training relationship. These, along with chasing and wresting, can encourage them to bite your hands. These bad behaviors will be hard to get rid of and are counter intuitive to your training efforts so save them for after the dog has learned clear, well established guidelines on how to act.

Your dog must feel secure and confident to be able to absorb training correctly. If your dog feels anxious, he may experience separation anxiety, engage in fear biting or develop another type of unacceptable behavior. To avoid this, your dog should be housed in a safe environment.

A training program that pushes the limits of a dogs attention and endurance is not likely to produce good results. A puppy only has short bursts of energy and doesnt have a long attention; youve got to keep your training sessions positive and short. Your puppy will happier with the experience, and less resistant to your future efforts. He will be looking forward to them instead.

Make sure the diet you are feeding your dog is healthy and nutritious. The effects a bad diet has on your dog extend further than you might think. It not only makes your dog unhealthy but can make him misbehave as well. With the right healthy diet, your dog will be more energetic and eager to please during training sessions.

Do not let your own mood influence how you treat your dog. If your dog has been good, do not treat him badly!

Try training a dog to clench a plush toy in his mouth. When you see him mouth a toy, give him a reward or treat and use a clicker. After he does this a few times, wait until your dog puts the toy into his mouth. After has has done this, you should click and promptly give a reward. Now, reserve the reward for only those times he completely holds the toy inside his mouth.

Condition your puppy early on so that he is used to being examined by the vet. Skim your hands over its body, and offer praise to your dog as long as its behavior is good. You also need to get him ready to have his paws held and looked at, as well as his teeth examined. Your friends may be able to help you out, too.

Your dog must respect you in order for training to work. Make sure he knows that you know what you are doing and are in control of the situation. Then he will look to you and defer to your judgment. Do not let your dog walk ahead of you when you go on walks.

Often, bad chewing habits are caused by anxiety. Leave your dog safely crated with a tough nylon or hard rubber toy, and he will have something to work on until you come home.

If you use a clicker, you can reinforce obedience better. By associating the clicking noise with positive rewards, you can make a clicker an easy and effective tool. Making the sound and giving a treat is a good way to build this association. Once your dog understands that the clicker is associated with good things, you can use this technique to train your dog.

If your dog has separation anxiety, its important that it learns to connect with more than one person. The dogs relationships to other people serve to dilute its unhealthy level of dependence and fixation on you that causes it so much grief.

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

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Obedience training and your dog

Obedience training is one of the most important and most effective things any owner can do for his or her dog. A properly obedience trained dog is a happy, productive and safe member of the family, while an untrained dog can be destructive and even dangerous.
Dogs are designed by nature to follow leaders, and to look for that leadership. As pack animals, dogs naturally follow the directions of their pack leader. In the absence of a strong leader, the dog may assume this role itself. Dogs that think of themselves as the leader of their human pack can become uncooperative, destructive and even dangerous.

Proper obedience training opens up important lines of communication between handler and dog.
The basis of any obedience training program is to gain the cooperation and respect of the animal. This respect cannot be exerted through rough handling methods or mistreatment. It must instead be earned through leadership and proper training techniques.
Basic obedience training consists of teaching the dog what to do and what not to do. When it comes to desired behaviors, it is important for the dog to learn and respond to basic commands, such as heeling when walking, stopping on command, sitting when directed, coming when called and staying where the handler directs.

The list of what not to do is also important when it comes to obedience training.

Some of the donts of obedience training include - not jumping up on people, not forging ahead when walking and, not chewing the furniture or your property, and not getting out of control when exposed to novel situations.
In essence, obedience training involves establishing the social hierarchy that is so important to dogs as pack animals.

When your dog follows your obedience commands, such as - come, stay, sit, heel, etc., he or she is showing compliance and submissiveness. This is the same type of behavior a submissive member of a wild dog pack would show to the alpha dog in that pack.
As with any type of dog training, it is important that obedience training sessions be fun and rewarding for both dog and handler.

A happy, healthy dog will be best able to learn, and keeping the dog happy during the training sessions will make life easier for both yourself and your dog. Obedience training has many benefits for the dog as well as the handler. For one thing, a well trained, obedient dog can be permitted a larger amount of freedom than an untrained dog. For instance, a dog that has been properly trained to come when called can safely enjoy some off leash play time at the local park.

There is always a debate over whether it is easier to obedience train puppies or older dogs. The fact is that both puppies and older dogs can be successfully trained to be willing, obedient companions. It is generally easier to train puppies and young dogs than it is to retrain dogs that have developed behavior problems. Even problem dogs, however, can be successfully retrained using basic obedience training and control concepts.

When obedience training puppies, however, it is important to remember that puppies generally have a shorter attention span than to do full grown dogs. It is important, therefore to keep training sessions short in the beginning. It is also important to incorporate lots of play-time with other puppies, dogs and other animals, as well as with lots of different people.

Proper socialization is very important to creating a safe, healthy and happy companion dog.
There are many obedience training classes held in all parts of the country, and new puppy and dog owners are encouraged to enroll in one of these classes. Not only do puppy kindergarten and dog obedience classes provide important structure for the dogs, but it provides important chances for proper socialization of the puppy as well.

This thread will be continued.

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Training your dog with a head collar

There are many devices used in the world of dog training, and some are obviously more effective than others. One of the dog training devices that does work well, however, is known collectively as the head collar. The head collar is a device that is designed to wrap around the nose of the dog and then attach behind the head. It uses the pressure points on the dogs nose and head to apply pressure which stops the dog from pulling, jumping and straining against the leash.

Many people who see head collars mistake them for muzzles. This can make many people nervous when the dog is out and about, and it bothers some dog owners as well. Beyond that, however, the head collar can be a valuable training tool for many dogs, particularly large breeds that may have learned their own strength and are difficult to control with a normal buckle collar.

There are two main brands of head collar on the market, the Halti and the Gentle Leader. Most people find the Gentle Leader easier to use than the Halti. In addition, the Gentle Leader is designed to fasten around the dogs neck. With this design, if the dog manages to remove the muzzle portion, it is still wearing a collar. While it is difficult for most dogs to get out of the muzzle portion of a head collar, some dogs do figure out how to perform this trick.

The Halti version, on the other hand, generally provides better control of the dog, and it is often favored with those working with large, aggressive dogs for that reason. Training the dog with a head collar is often easier for beginning dog trainers and inexperienced dog owners than is training with a regular buckle color. Head collars are quite good at stopping even the strongest dogs from pulling and straining, since these devices use leverage to give the handler more control.

Head collars are often favored by many people for handling dogs in difficult situations, such as being around other dogs or taking a trip to the vet. A head collar can be quite effective at controlling the dog in frightening and difficult situations, even when it is not used for regular training.

It is better, actually, to use head collars as occasional training tools or reminders, not as a replacement for a regular buckle collar or training collar. That is because many dogs quickly learn to tell the difference between the head collar and the normal collar, and adjust their behavior accordingly. Therefore, the dog that behaves perfectly while wearing the head collar may suddenly jump and strain out of control when returned to the regular collar.

That fact, of course, underscores the limitation of any training device, even one as effective as a head collar. The goal of any quality dog training program should be to create a willing, obedient dog that can be controlled by nothing more than the handlers voice. Even if you plan to never allow your dog to go outside without a collar and lead, a well trained dog should be capable of walking with you without a leash, even if there are a great many distractions around.

The head collar can help guide you to this goal, but it is still up to you to gain the respect and trust of the dog that will allow it to become a truly well trained member of the family. If you are unsure how to use a head collar, or if you are unsure if a head collar is right for you, you might want to consult with a dog trainer, your veterinarian or the staff at your local pet store.
These experts have probably seen many head collars used, and they may be able to provide valuable insight on the type of training device that will work the best for you.

Training your dog with a training collar.
There are many excellent training devices that can be used when training your dog. The most basic piece of equipment that every dog owner should own is a quality training collar. There are many different types of training collars, and these devices go by a variety of different names, including choke collar, choke chain, correction collar, slip collar and of course training collar.

Training collars are favorite tools among both amateur and professional dog trainers. When used properly, a training collar is a valuable, effective tool. However, like any tool it must be used properly in order to be effective. Despite its simple appearance and design, a training collar is a piece of precision equipment, and it must be treated with respect. An improperly used training collar will do no good, and it can harm your training program by causing the dog to become confused and frightened.

There are several important things to consider when choosing and fitting a training collar. The first consideration when choosing a training collar is how the collar fits the dog. It is vital that the training collar be fitted properly to the dog. Only a properly fitted training collar will be effective for the dog. The training collar must also be put on the dog the right way. Unlike a normal buckle collar, there is a definite right way and wrong way to put on a training collar, and putting it on the wrong way can make the collar ineffective or even dangerous.

In addition to being fitted and sized properly, the training collar must be used properly as well. The training collar is designed to provide a reminder, not a punishment. It is very important to never use steady pressure with a training collar. A training collar works by providing a sharp pressure, followed by an immediate release of pressure.

The weight of the chain and the size of the links on the training collar are very important when choosing a training collar. The weight of the chain should be appropriate for the size and weight of the dog. For instance, you would not use a heavy chain on a 10 pound dog, just as you would not use a very light chain on a 100 pound dog.

When using a training collar, it is very important to place the collar on the dog properly. The collar must be placed on the dog properly in order to be effective. It is relatively easy to determine the length of training collar your dog needs. The appropriate size of the collar is the distance around the animals neck, plus 2-3 inches. Since training collars are usually made in even sizes, it may be necessary to round up to find the right size. When measuring, be sure to not make the tape measure too tight.

The training collar will need to fit snugly, but not too tight. It is important that the pressure on the training collar be instantly relieved when the leash is slackened. If the training collar is too tight, the pressure will not be relieved when you loosen the leash. If the collar is too loose, on the other hand, it could accidentally slip off the dog when he lowers his head.

When putting the training collar on the dog, it is important that the end of the chain that attaches to the leash is on the top of the dogs neck. This is important in order for the collar to function as intended. It is important that the training collar loosen properly when the leash is slackened, and that it tighten instantly to provide the sharp correction when needed. If the connecting piece of the training collar is placed anywhere except on the top of the dogs head, the training collar will not loosen properly when the leash is slackened.

This constant pressure on the training collar will be counterproductive, since the dog will not understand what is being asked of it or why the pressure is not being relieved when it does as it is asked.

The following post will deal with "House training your dog the proper way."

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Dealing with house training your dog

House training is one of those issues that every dog owner must grapple with. In most cases house training is the first major milestone in the relationship between owner and dog, and it can sometimes be difficult and confusing for owner and dog alike. The best house training procedures are those that use the dogs own instincts to the owners advantage. These strategies take into account the dogs reluctance to soil the spots where he eats and sleeps. This is the concept behind den training and crate training. Dogs are very clean animals, and in nature they always avoid using their dens as toilet areas. These kinds of natural training methods generally work very well, for both puppies and older dogs. Naturally, older, larger dogs will need a larger area for their den, and crate training is generally best used for puppies and small dogs.

When house training a dog or a puppy, however, it is important to pay close attention to the signals the dog is sending. It is also important to be consistent when it comes to feeding times, and to provide the dog with ready access to the toilet area you establish on a regular basis.
It is important as well to never try to rush the process of house training. While some dogs are naturally easier to train, most puppies and adult dogs will experience at least one or two slip ups during the house training process.

When these accidents occur, it is important to not get mad and punish the dog. Accidents during house training usually mean that the owner is trying to move too fast, or that the dog has been left alone for too long. In this case, it is best to just take a step back and start the process again.

It is also important for the owner to reward the dog enthusiastically when it does its business in the appointed area. The dog should learn to associate doing its business in its toilet area with good things like treats, rewards and praise.

During the house training process, the den area starts out very small, often as small as half of a small room in the beginning. As the dog learns to control his bladder and bowels better, and the owner learns to anticipate the dogs toilet needs, the den area can be slowly expanded. It is important not to make the den area too large too soon.

The den area must be expanded slowly in order for the house training process to move along smoothly.It is important for the dog to be properly introduced to its den. Many dogs, particularly those who have never been confined before, such as those who have spent their lives as outdoor dogs, may react to the den area as if it is a prison, and constantly whine, cry and try to escape the den. It is important that the dog learn to accept its den as a home and not a cage.

One problem many dog owners overlook when house training a dog is that of boredom. Boredom is actually the root cause of many behavior problems in dogs, including chewing and other destructive behaviors. Boredom can also be the root cause of problems with house training. Dogs that are bored often consume large amounts of water during the day, and this excess water consumption can lead to the need to urinate often, even in its den area.

Since soiling the den area goes against the dogs nature, he can quickly become confused and frightened, thereby setting the house training program back even further. To prevent the dog from becoming bored when you are away from home, be sure to provide him with lots of different kinds of toys, as well as a safe and secure place to sleep. In addition, a vigorous period of play time can help the dog sleep while you are away.

In addition, playing with the dog in its den area will help him bond with this area and recognize it as a safe, secure home.

Next: Teaching your dog to win confidence and respect.

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Dog Training With Prong Collars

The iron maiden, thumb screws, the rack, they all are readily identified by most as torture devices. And when appearances alone mattered, the prong collar could be observed in no better light by the majority of us. Yet you are able to readily enter most pet stores in the most animal friendly states in the united states but still find these units available. Do pet stores hate dogs? Hardly.

I will admit that prong collars seem like horribly cruel devices but theyre forget about meant to do injury to dogs than choke collars (that are actually much more dangerous in unqualified hands). The aim behind a prong collar would be to motivate positive behavior by introducing discomfort for bad behavior for example pulling. They arent designed to inflict punishing pain for each little transgression.

Advocates of prong collars will attempt to market the idea these dog training collars simulate a mothers reprimand. Quite simply, the collar feels as though a grownup dogs teeth round the neck of their pup when it carries its young or expresses dominance. The idea is this fact "dominant" sensation will help with training efforts by establishing the dogs submissive role within the owner/pet relationship. Frankly, I believe this is a load of hooey as well as an make an effort to paint a far more "natural" picture on the wholly unnatural device.

Detractors will explain that prong collars are cruel and very painful. Theyll let you know there are possible ways to coach your dog to not pull which dog training devices for example prong and choke collars are outdated products made to support outdated training styles. Though I am not an advocate against prong collars, a lot of thats on the money. I simply disagree using the cruel and very painful part. In other words, I do not feel this is the intended result.

The fact is the fact that both choke and prong collars can be handy training helps with qualified hands. The issue is within their use by owners who either havent taken time to understand or just do not understand their use. The real results, unfortunately, could be soft tissue and tendon damage. Effectively, without meaning to, you are able to cause continuing and escalating injury to a pet if you do not know the right method to begin using these things.

Regardless your situation on prong collars, theyre still sold but still used today. As a result, if youre planning on purchasing one, take time to learn its correct use. Never slip a prong collar on the dogs head. These units should be attached by removing a clip after which reconnecting in the same manner you may remove a hyperlink from the chain of paper clips. In the event you make an effort to slip the collar on the dogs head, you take an extremely real chance of causing damage to the eyes if the dog suddenly jerk its head.

Prong collars are not shipped to become permanent collars. If you work with one on every walk, constantly, your pet will build up a tolerance youll also find effectively eliminated any training value the collar might have provided. Worse, youll find yourself doing real harm looking to get a reaction from your pet because he wont respond anymore unless the pain sensation is severe instead of just uncomfortable. Just use the collar for dedicated workout sessions to show your pet to heel or otherwise lunge, then switch to a normal collar. Dont leave the collar on the dog if not being walked or trained.

Recognize that the prong collar is made to pinch instead of choke. If you are attempting to choke the life span from your dog having a prong collar, you have to relinquish the collar (and in all likelihood your dog, too). Your objective is really a short pinch whenever your dog pulls or bolts ahead. Pressure ought to be immediately released whenever your dog is behaving or you will be sending a confusing message.

Do not make use of a prong collar on puppies, small dogs or dogs that are particularly skittish or shy. The outcomes can result in serious harm to your dogs confidence which should not become your objective. You would like your dog to understand his devote the pecking order, to not reside in constant terror.

Recognize theres a better way. At the conclusion during the day, youre trying to begin a healthy but dominant relationship together with your dog. Your goals arent to punish, inflict pain or lord over your dog mercilessly. Rather, you need to establish an alpha position born from respect. Methods for example turning and walking another way whenever your dog attempts to forge ahead, forcing it just to walk behind you or just which makes it sit each time it lunges work methods that may be accomplished by having an ordinary buckle collar.

Your vet or preferably a light and qualified trainer with good references ought to be your best guide. Prong collars could be effective tools when used properly by a skilled trainer on the right dog. Not every dogs will benefit plus some may suffer psychological or physical harm due to these units. Result in the wise course of action and solicit qualified advice before even considering a prong collar.

Finally, learn patience making time for you to train your pet from distractions. With just a regular collar as well as an ordinary leash you are able to train almost any dog. Dog Training collars of any sort are merely for expediency. Given a loving, nurturing and patient owner, almost any dog can learn how to be behaved with a gentle but authoritative owner.

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Catrine CC Open Show

A very late result but one thats well worth mentioning. Way back in December, Jill was at Catrine Canine Clubs open show in Irivine. Not only did Chico do very well with a Best NSC and G4 but younger brother Tiger went one better, he took Special Best Toy Puppy and then topped it off with Special Best Puppy in Show! Congratulations!

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How Dogs Deal with Stress

     Having problems with your best friend? Many times understanding how they see the world and how they deal with stress can make a world of difference.
Dogs deal with stress four ways. 1. Avoid,  2. Flight,  3. Fight, and 4. Submit. These are the only options for the dog. For instance, if youre walking down the street and a dog is coming toward you he may go between houses. That is avoidance. He see you, but is not sure who or what youre about. You may be danger so hes thinking, "Ill just go this way and avoid the situation."
     So the dog goes between houses and you do too. You meet at the back of the house and suddenly, there you are. He cant avoid you for youre standing right in front of him, so the dog runs away. He chose flight.  
     Now lets say that before you got to the back of the house, the dog went into your garage through an open door. You step into the doorway, and there is the dog looking at you. He cant avoid, he cant take flight, for you are blocking the only way out, so he only has two other options. Fight, by growling, hackeling up, he may try to bite or he may choose to submit by lowering his head, lowering his tail or showing other behaviors of submission. All dogs are different and depending on their genetic makeup will choose the stress response they need to survive.
     So how does this apply to training? Be careful when correcting not to put the dog in flight, dont put so much stress on the dog that it goes into fight mode. Use praise, motivation, and correction properly, and you will see results. Look forward to hearing from you and please visit http://www.shannondogtraining.com/ .

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Training Collars for the Fun Time Together with your Pet

One of the greatest stuff that could affect a dog owner happens when he controls his pet and theyll do what he would like them to complete. There are a lot of steps you can take to be able to train your pets being more controllable and may provide you with the fun you want. On the market there are a lot of products you are able to opt for when training your pets. One of the pets that you can control enjoy yourself are dogs. If you select items to use within training you pets there are what exactly you need to think about not only because you can control them. There are different types training collars you are able to choose when dog training and you will ensure that their safety and comfy.

When you select training collars you should think about the style and design. Ensure that the collar fits snugly yet comfortably to avoid any discomfort or problems for your dog. There are those who are struggling to managing their pets and train these phones have a very good behavior. Its considering the fact that as the owner, you have to control them to prevent accident to others if you cannot take control of your dog theres a high chance they might bypass and attack others. It may be advantage for you personally if youre able to take control of your pet and theyll obey anything you command in it.

You have to keep in mind that training your pets could be safe for you and everybody who are around you. Additionally, it may provide you with more enjoyable on your activity and relaxing moment. If youre able to see others having fun with their pet youll be amazed how they are able to get it done and youll wish to attain the same degree of treatments for your personal pet too. Its not out of the question if youre able to use the right type of training gear for the pet. Among the best stuff you can pick nowadays may be the different types of training collars by which can be found in the marketplace as well as online.

You have to be wise when choosing training collars. Ensure that you might have the benefit youll need and also to take control of your pet in addition to their comfort. that you should be have security in dog training and also to possess fun you are able to pick the handheld remote control kind of training collars.

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Children and Toy Dog Breeds Fact Verses Fiction

By Bill Knell

Because my wife is a toy dog breeder, it isn’t unusual for her to get several calls a week from people who practically beg her to sell them a puppy. They cite their financial and social ability to care for the puppy and often try and avoid the question of children in the household. As a rule, my wife finds this humorous. People shouldn’t have to beg, fill out a twenty-page adoption application or hide the fact that they have children to purchase a puppy. It’s pet protection gone wild.

There isn’t an honest or ethical Dog Breeder in the world who would send a beloved pup to someone they had questions about. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult and not entirely lawful to make that kind of determination. In most States it’s technically illegal to provide some sort of ‘test’ for a consumer to be able to purchase a product. That comes later and isn‘t the responsibility of the Breeder. A good example of a similar situation would be buying a car.

If a person has the cash or credit to purchase a vehicle and possesses a current drivers license, they get a car or the dealership gets sued in most places. The dealership can’t run a check to see how many DWI summonses the person has had or how many times they have been convicted of speeding or some other moving violation. If they drive their new vehicle in an irresponsible manner, it’s up to the Police and Courts to decide if they should continue to do so.

There’s a lot of difference between a living thing and a vehicle, but not in the eyes of most state laws. If a Breeder feels that a puppy may be in danger, they can always take the chance of reporting the new owner to animal protection authorities. Those authorities will come to the owner’s home and check on the welfare of the puppy. If the puppy is not being properly cared for, it will likely be removed from the premises. However, most people that spend a substantial amount of money for a puppy are unlikely to mistreat or fail to care for it.

The quest for the perfect puppy owner is an obsession with many Toy Dog Breeders. I have always viewed these people as being selfish. They would keep every puppy if they could and probably have more dogs then they should already. This type of person will tend to restrict purebred registrations fearing that someone else might benefit from their years of careful breeding by having a litter of their own. Their concern for animal welfare extends well beyond the norm, has more to do with their personal obsessions then anything else and doesn’t take into consideration the joy a puppy can bring into a new owner’s life. Breeders like these have no real loyalty to their customers and view them as a necessary evil to move out extra pups they cannot keep.

If someone who is looking for a toy dog breed puppy can get past the egos and obsessions of these kinds of Breeders, the next hurdle they are likely to face is passing the ‘children’ test. Many toy dog breeders refuse to sell their pups to people with children under the age of sixteen. Some will actually refuse to sell a puppy to anyone with children under twenty-one living in their household. That’s ironic when children are likely to benefit the most from caring for a puppy.

Children are not the enemy when it comes to the health of toy dog breeds. The enemy is owner apathy. To my knowledge, more puppies have been injured in households where there are no children then in those where kids are a part of the puppy care process. That’s because adults are busy and will often forget to feed and water their animals, leave them unattended for too long in places or temperatures dangerous for them or place them with pet sitters who can’t even care for a goldfish, let alone a dog.

While it would be unwise to leave very young children alone with a puppy of any size, most children can easily be taught how to care for one. As a parent with seven children, I can attest to this. In the many years that my wife has been breeding toy dogs, not one of our puppies has ever been injured (and certainly none by our kids). Just the opposite. Our children have helped care for the puppies and alerted my wife if one seemed sluggish or might need a change of diet.

The most common argument made against allowing children access to toy dog breeds or most any puppy is that a child shouldn’t be allowed to learn responsibility at the cost of the health or life of an animal. While no one would argue with that logic, one wonders if that should apply to all animals, or just dogs. After all, pet stores sell tens of thousands of fish, small reptiles, rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters and snakes to children every day. Are the lives of those pets any less precious or valuable then that of dogs?

In reality, puppies and adult dogs are much easier to care for then fish, reptiles, rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters and snakes. It would seem an obvious mistake to ask a child to take on the responsibility of caring for a high maintenance pet when a puppy or adult dog is available. It’s also wrong to believe that toy dog breeds can be far more fragile then larger ones. For example, more German Shepards become ill or die each year from low blood sugar issues then any single toy breed, despite the fact that people often associate that problem with smaller breed dogs.

When it comes to children and puppies, it’s all about rules no matter what size breed is chosen. Children learn by example. If adults in the home are responsible with pets, the kids will follow that example. Simple things like cleaning up after, feeding, watering and securing the location of a puppy are essentials that any child can easily be taught. Every one of my children learned how to take care of dogs by watching us. It didn’t take long for them to understand the importance of feeding, watering and cleaning up after a pet on schedule. After watching us take care of our dogs, they wanted to take part in the process and were happy to lend a hand. Our younger children learned from our older kids.

When considering the addition of a puppy to a household of any size, there are some basic considerations. The first and foremost being the ability of household members to train, care for and spend quality time with a pet. Puppies are not play things for people of any age. They are living creatures capable of a surprising number of feelings and emotions. The next important consideration is how all the members of your household will react to a new pet. Will the puppy be a welcomed addition, or a point of contention and jealousy? A puppy should bring joy into the lives of people, not more problems.

If the members of your household all agree that a puppy would be a good addition to the family and they are ready, willing and able to meet the emotional and physical requirements of a puppy, then start your search. However, it’s important for children and adults alike to understand that puppies and adult dogs need care, love and attention everyday of the year. Their needs do not take a break for vacations, holidays, school or work schedules.

Puppies of any size or breed can bring a huge amount of joy into a household. It’s wrong to believe that children are a threat to a toy dog’s safety or quality of life. More puppies of all sizes are killed or injured each year by falling or accidentally being flung out of cars and trucks then have ever been injured by children. That’s because adults fail to properly secure their pets in a vehicle. We’ve all seen the idiots who think it’s cute to allow their pets to hang out the window or be bounced around like loose groceries in the back of a van, SUV or pick-up.

If you ask them, most veterinarians will tell you that the vast majority of injuries to dogs of any size are caused by adults, not children. If injuries do occur because a child failed to secure their animal properly or got involved with some sort of rough play during which a pet was injured, they are far out-numbered by injuries involving dogs being watched or cared for by adults. After examining statistics compiled by various veterinarian organizations, rescue groups, breeders and government entities, I’ve found that more puppies and dogs die each year during routine teeth cleaning procedures in veterinary offices then are injured by children.

In the end, it’s not about the children, it’s about the adults in a household. If you do not have time to spend with your children, do not even consider bringing a puppy in as a replacement for your attention. You will not have the time needed to supervise your child as they learn to care for and train their new pet. If you do have enough time to teach your kids how to care for a puppy and supervise them throughout the process, it can be a wonderful experience for everyone involved (including the puppy).

Author: Bill Knell Authors Email: billknell@cox.net Authors Website: http://www.billknell.com. Terms To Use Article: Permission is granted to use this article for free online or in print. Please add a link to or print my website address of http://www.billknell.com.

A native New Yorker now living in Arizona, Bill Knell is a forty-something guy with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Hes written hundreds of articles offer advice on a wide variety of subjects. A popular Speaker, Bill Knell presents seminars on a number of topics that entertain, train and teach. A popular radio and television show Guest, youve heard Bill on thousands of top-rated shows in all formats and seen him on local, national and international television programs.

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Dealing with house training issues

The best house training uses the dogs own instincts to avoid soiling its bed to train the dog where and where not to eliminate. That is the basis behind crate training, in which the dog is confined to its crate in the absence of the owner, and den training, in which the dog is confined to a small area of the home. In essence, the crate, or the room, becomes the dogs den.

Dogs are naturally very clean animals, and they try their best to avoid using their dens as toilets. This type of training usually works very well, both for puppies and for older dogs. Problems with this type of toilet training are usually the result of not understanding the signals the dog is sending, not being consistent with feeding times, or trying to rush the process.

While the house training process can be sped up somewhat by consistently praising the dog and rewarding it for toileting in the proper place, some dogs cannot be rushed through this important process. It is always best to house train the dog properly the first time than to go back and retrain a problem dog. If the dog continues to soil the den area after house training, the most likely reason is that the owner has left the dog in the den for too long.
Another reason may be that the den area is too large. In this case, the best strategy is to make the den area smaller or to take the dog to the toilet area more frequently.

If the dog soils the bed that has been provided in the den area, it is most likely because the owner has left the dog there for too long, and the dog had an understandable accident. Or it could be that the dog has not yet adopted this area as the bed. In addition, urinary tract infections and other medical conditions can also cause dogs to soil their beds. It is important to have the dog thoroughly checked out by a veterinarian to rule out any medical problems.

One other reason for house training accidents that many people overlook is boredom. Dogs who are bored often drink large amounts of water and therefore must urinate more frequently than you might think. If you notice your dog consuming large amounts of water, be sure to take the dog to the established toilet area more often, and provide the dog with toys and other distractions to eliminate boredom.

Boredom is the root cause of many dog behavior problems, not only house training issues. Chewing and other destructive behaviors are also often caused by boredom and separation anxiety.

Other problems with house training can occur when the dogs den is not properly introduced. In some cases dogs can react to the den as if it is a prison or a punishment. Those dogs may exhibit signs of anxiety, such as whining, chewing and excessive barking. It is important for the dog to feel secure in its den, and to think of it as a home and not a cage.

The best way to house train a puppy or dog, or to re-house train a problem dog, is to make yourself aware of the dogs habits and needs. Creating a healthy, safe sleeping and play area for your dog, as well as a well defined toilet area, is important for any house training program.

House training is not always an easy process, but it is certainly an important one. The number one reason that dogs are surrendered to animal shelters is problems with inappropriate elimination, so a well structured house training program can literally be a lifesaver for your dog.

In the next post "House training your dog" will be discussed.

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Homemade Dog Food From Scratch

By Thomas Henricks

Is your pets health important to you? I would hope the answer to that question is yes, it is important. It might surprise you to read that many studies indicate that commercially prepared dog food is not entirely healthy for your dog, and can even contribute to health issues. To avoid these problems, some people are turning their own homemade dog food. While this might seem like a much unnecessary work, it is a small price to pay to keep your beloved pet healthy.

Baking Basics for Your Dog

If you want to make your own homemade dog food, there are a few basic issues to bear in mind. There are some specific guidelines for homemade dog food that should be followed when you are determing the base products required. These guidelines ensure that the end result will in fact be a healthy alternative for your dog.

The primary elements that make up commercial brands of dog food are protein, fats, fibre and moisture.

To satisfy nutritional requirements, about one third of the components of homemade dog food should be high in protein. This protein can come from eggs, dairy products, or any type of meat. The remaining two thirds of the homemade dog food should consist of grains and vegetables.

It equally as important to know what ingredients you should avoid when preparing homemade dog food. We sometimes have a tendency to think that a dog can eat nearly anything but in fact there are certain ingredients that upset a dogs digestive system. To assure that will not occur, there some products you should never include in a homemade dog food recipe. These include chocolate, onions and onion powder, mouldy foods, garlic, grapes and raisins, mustard seeds, macadamia nuts, walnuts, and any candy containing the sweetener Xylitol. These products have all proven to be intolerable to your canines digestive system.

A Sample Homemade Dog Food recipe

Although a number of common household food products are suitable for your own dog food a simple list of ingredients could include the following.

Mix together 6 cups water, 1 pound ground turkey, 2 cups brown rice, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/2 (16 ounce) package frozen broccoli, and a combination of carrots and cauliflower. You can prepare these ingredients for use as your own custom homemade dog food by simply placing them in a large Dutch oven and cooking them for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Let the mixture cool and package in quantities suitable for to satisfy single serving requirements. Be sure to package your servings in a manner that will dispel surrounding air.

Vacuum sealing is a great way to package portions that will remain safe for use for extended periods of time. When preparing large batches, these portions can be frozen until required.
If you want to be sure that your dog is receiving high grade, healthy food products, try making your own. You might be surprised at the satisfaction you feel when cooking up a meal for your dog exactly as you would for any other member of the family.

For more information about Petfood please visit Petfood Resources

Article Source: http://www.bestdogarticles.com

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Dog ObedienceTraining Tip from My Daughters

My daughters have learned through trial and error that using cheerios as a reward for following commands works really well with our young dog.

If you have any health concerns for your dog please check with your local vet before following this training tip, otherwise enjoy the success you can have in training your dog with the reward of cheerios, after all we all know that moms having been using cheerios for years to train their young children!

Enjoy more great tips from the dog training program SitStayFetch.

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How To Stop Your Dog From Chewing With Dog Training Techniques

Anyone who has a dog and, especially, a puppy is already aware of the fact that chewing is one of the leading problems when it comes to dog ownership. Unfortunately, chewing is one of the most difficult puppy habits to break. It is often very difficult to train a dog to stop chewing despite any tricks you have tried. Hopefully, this article can provide you with some useful tips that could help you effectively teach your dog to stop chewing on items you would much prefer your dog avoid. First and foremost, it is important that you understand that giving your dog a lot of praise will be more effective than anything else, including using your handy newspaper to spank their bottom.

Every dog loves it when their owner is happy with them and praises them for something they did, even if it is small. Praise goes a long way in the dog training process which is why it is so important that dog owners start applying some new training techniques while at the same time overflowing their dog with praise for the littlest "good" acts. The difference you see should come quickly.

Dogs naturally want to chew on something, but generally do not realize that certain items cannot be chewed on until you teach them. Teaching them properly is an important part of this lesson. Rather than hitting your dog when you see them chewing on something, try using an attention-getting tone to pull their attention away from the object.

On the other hand, pay attention when you see them chewing on something they are allowed to chew on. This is the time when you should praise them to, basically, reinforce the fact that they are chewing on something permitted. Praise to a dog is like a reward. Once you begin consistently praising them in the right moments, they will attempt to chew on these permitted items rather than the items they are supposed to avoid chewing on.

Dog training really should not be a dreadful, frustrating experience, but rather an enjoyable time for both you and the dog. It is a great time to bond with your dog and watch him or her learn and practice what you are teaching. Now, this is not to say it will be an easy task. Dog training requires a lot of time, effort and patience but the benefits are worth it. Consistency is an important factor in successful dog training, so be sure you stick with your plan. Otherwise, you will not see much progress and continue to get frustrated with your dog and his or her chewing habits.

Daniel Waser is a dog lover since his childhood. He owns 3 dogs of his own and has a lot of experiences with dogs. At his websites hes providing helpful information and tips about Dog Health Problems and Dog Training.

Dog Obedience
Puppy Housebreaking
Puppy Housebreaking
Puppy Training
Dog Training
Dogtraininglibrary
Dog Housetraining
Puppy Training
Obedience Training
Puppy Housetraining

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Dog training with a head collar

Dog training with a head collar

The head collar has become an increasingly popular dog training tool in the past couple of years. Two of the most well known brands of head collar on the market are the Gentle Leader and the Halti, but there are many other brands that incorporate the basic head collar concept.

Many people find the Gentle Leader easier to fit that the Halti, and in addition the Gentle Leader is designed to fasten around the dogs neck. The advantage of this design is that even if the dog is somehow able to wriggle out of the muzzle, it is still wearing a collar. This safety feature is very important, especially during training outside or in novel situations. On the other hand, the Halti offers better control of the dog, and for this reason it is often favored when working with very aggressive dogs.

Training a dog with a head collar has a number of advantages over training with a traditional or training collar. For one thing, head collars are often easier to use for beginning dog trainers than are training collars. Head collars are also quite effective at preventing dogs from pulling, or controlling and retraining dogs that tend to pull. Head collars can also be quite effective at controlling dogs in difficult situations, such as controlling a dog that wants to be with other dogs.

Most owners know of some situations in which their dogs are difficult to control, and head collars can be quite effective at controlling these volatile situations. Head collars can be excellent for controlling dogs that are very strong, or for working with a dog in an area that contains a great many distractions. For instance, head collars are great for when your dog is on an outing, or in an area where there will be other dogs and other distractions.

Even though a head collar can be a great tool, it should not be used as a replacement for effective dog training. A head collar is most effective when it is used in combination with strong and sensible dog training methods, such as reward training and other forms of positive reinforcement.

Disadvantages of head collars

Even though head collars have many advantages, they have some distinct disadvantages as well. For one thing, head collars tend to make many dogs dependent on the equipment, and they quickly learn the difference between their regular collar and the head collar, and adjust their behavior accordingly. In addition, some dogs, particularly those not accustomed to wearing a head collar, dislike wearing it and paw at it, try to rub it off or pull excessively. If your dog exhibits this behavior, the best strategy is to keep it moving until it learns to accept the collar.

A good alternative is to have the dog sit by pulling up on the dogs head.

Another disadvantage of the head collar is the reaction that many people have to it. Many people think that a head collar is a muzzle, and react to the dog as if it may bite. While this is not necessarily a defect of the head collar, many people do find it troublesome. In conclusion, training with a head collar is much like training with a training collar or any other equipment.

While the head collar can be an important and useful tool, it is important to use it appropriately, follow all package instructions, and to combine its use with solid training methods. The eventual goal of dog training with a head collar should be to have the dog behave as well with a regular collar as it does with the specialized head collar.

Dog training with a training collar or choke collar

• The basic dog training collar goes by many names, including choke collar, choke chain, training collar, correction collar and slip collar. These training collars are among the most popular and most commonly used tools with both amateur and professional dog trainers. While a training collar is an effective tool, like any tool it must be used properly in order to be effective for you and safe for the dog. Among the most important considerations when using a training collar are:
• How the collar fits the dog. It is essential that the training collar be properly fitted to the dog. A properly fitted training collar is easier to use and safer for the dog.
• Putting the training collar on properly. There is a right way and a wrong way to fit a training collar, and putting it on wrong will make it both ineffective and potentially dangerous.
• Using the collar properly. A training collar should be used as a sharp reminder to the dog, not as punishment. It is important that constant pressure be avoided when using a training collar.
• The weight of the chain and the size of the links on the training collar. It is important that the weight of the chain be appropriate to the size and weight of the dog.
• The placement of the collar on the dog. It is important to properly place the collar on the dog.
• The importance of a properly fitted training collar. Determining if the training collar is the right size is relatively easy. The ideal size training collar should fit snugly, yet comfortably over the dogs head. It is important that the training collar not fit too tightly, but it should not be too loose either. A training collar that is too tight will be too hard to put on and off. On the other hand, a training collar that is too loose can accidentally fall off of the dogs head when it lowers its head. It is also important to know that a training collar that is too long for the dog requires a great deal of finesse to use properly. A collar that is too long can still be used, but it will require more skill on the part of the handler.
• Properly sizing and measure the dog for a training collar. It is best to measure the dogs neck with a tape measure, then add 2 to 3 inches to that measurement. So if your dog has a neck 12" in diameter, you would want to buy a training collar that is 14" in length.
• Chain slip collars are generally sized in two inch increments.
• Fitting the collar properly. When fitting a training collar, the part of the chain which is connected to the leash should be on the top of the dogs neck. With this type of arrangement, the collar releases the instant the leash is loosened.
• Training collars work by making the collar tight and loose in a fast manner. Tightening the collar is the first part of the correction, and making it loose is the second part of the correction. If the part of the training collar that is attached to the leash is not on the top of the dogs neck, the collar can still be made tight, but it will not release back to a loose state easily. This constant pressure on the dogs neck initiates a counter response on the part of the animal, and the dog will quickly learn to pull and strain against the leash.

Finally, it is important to purchase a training collar that is well made and strong. Buying a high quality training collar, slip collar or choke collar is vital to the safety of yourself and your dog. If the worst happens, and your dogs training collar does break, it is important not to panic. Most dogs will be unaware that they have broken the collar, at least for a few minutes. In most cases, if you act as if the leash is still connected, you can probably get control of your dog back quickly.

When securing a loose dog, the best strategy is to make a quick slip lead by running the snap on the leash through its handle and then slipping it over the dogs head. It may not be the best arrangement, but it will certainly do in a pinch.

House training your dog will be discussed in the next post.

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Improve Your Dogs Health With Natural Dog Health Care

By Joan Winthorp

Everyone who has a dog and who is conscientious about their own
health will clearly see the benefits of providing a similar
lifestyle for their pet.
That not only means finding a good place for your dog to live,
but also providing for his health.

Commit yourself to your dog’s health by giving your dog the
best in natural dog health care. As with humans, natural health
care
for dogs is often an advantageous alternative to chemical
treatment.

If you want your dog to have the benefit of providing you with
the companionship and entertainment that you need, then you
really should make that effort to take care of his needs.

Natural dog health focuses on taking care of your dogs needs
by using the best natural products you can find. Your dog has
special needs; and you must to ensure that these needs are met
on a regular basis if you want to see your dog live a long and
healthy life.

Natural dog health care is also about purchasing the natural
products that will best benefit your dog. A healthy dog is a
happy dog; and when you take out your friend to play, everyone
you encounter will see exactly how much love and dedication you
have by giving your dog the best treatment and lifestyle
possible.

The shiny coat and healthy look will be all the evidence they
need. You will also be doing the best for yourself by adapting
the natural dog care lifestyle, since you will have your friend
around for a long time.

His immune system will be strong and he will enjoy partaking in
the games that you will play. Natural dog health is also about
changing your lifestyle so that you can be able to incorporate
it in the way that you take care of your dog.

That means that you too should consider making natural health a
part of you life. This could mean purchasing products that are
natural and therefore good for your health.

By combining both methods, both you and your dog can life a
happy and healthy life.

About the Author: Joan Winthorp has always been fascinated by
dogs. If you are a "dog lover" then the Joans website at
http://www.my-dog-training-secrets.com was written just for you.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=44596&ca=Pets

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Training your dog the right way

Training your dog the right way - the basics

In order to be considered properly trained, there are some basic commands that he or she must master. Understanding these basic commands is vital to the well being of the dog, the owner and the family.

Learning just a few basic commands can go a long way toward creating a dog that is a joy to be around. Everyone has seen examples of both well trained and poorly trained dogs, and few people would opt for the poorly trained varieties. Training a dog properly the first time is especially vital for owners of dog breeds that have been bred for their aggressiveness, such as pit bulls, Doberman pinchers and German shepherds.

In addition, proper training is important for families with young children. Young children can torment dogs and cause biting reactions, so it is important that the dog learn how to deal with these types of situations.The basic obedience commands that every dog must know are - "Heel", "No", "Sit", "Stay", "Down" and "Off". These six commands form the basis of every basic obedience class, and it is vital that you and your dog master these basic commands. These are the fundamentals, and it will be impossible to move onto other commands, or to correct problem behaviors, without having mastered the basics.

Heel
Lets start with the most basic command of all, the heel command. Teaching a dog to heel is the fundamental first step in teaching the dog to walk properly on the leash. The proper place for the dog to walk is at your side, neither lagging behind nor straining to get ahead. If your dog begins to forge ahead on the lead, gently tug on the leash. This will cause the training collar to tighten and give the dog a gentle reminder to fall back into line. If the dog begins to lag behind, gently urge him forward.

A lure or toy is a good tool for the dog that constantly lags behind. Once the dog is consistently walking at your side, try changing your pace and encouraging the dog to match his pace with yours. It should always be the dog who adjusts his pace to you; you should never adjust your pace to meet the needs of the dog.

The word "No"
The word no is an important one for your dog to learn, and one you may be using a lot as training begins. It is important that the dog learn to respond to a sharp "No" promptly and obediently.

The "Sit" command
The sit command is another vital link in the chain that is dog training. Teaching a dog to sit on command, using voice commands alone, will form the groundwork of much future training, so it is important for the dog to master this vital skill. The sit command can be combined with the heel command. As you walk alongside your dog, stop abruptly. If your dog does not stop when you do, give a sharp tug on the leash to remind the dog. Many dogs will instinctively stop when you do, while others need to be reminded through the use of the leash and the training collar.

Once the dog has stopped by your side, urge him to sit by pushing gently on his hindquarters. It is important not to use too much pressure, or to push him down abruptly. Doing so could frighten, or even injure the dog. Rather, apply a steady downward pressure. Most dogs will recognize this as a sit command. It is important to say the word sit as you do this. Repeat this procedure a few times by walking, stopping and sitting your dog. After a few repetitions, the dog will probably begin to sit down on his own every time he stops. It is important to say the word sit each time, so that the dog will eventually learn to respond to voice commands alone.

The "Stay" command
Like the sit command, the stay command is a vital building block to other, more advanced training. For instance, the stay command is vital to teaching the dog to come when called, which is in turn vital to off leash work.The stay command can be made into an extension of the sit command. Have your dog sit, and while he is sitting, slowly back away. If the dog begins to follow you, as he probably will it first, come back to the dog and ask him to sit again. Repeat the process until you can reach the end of the leash without your dog getting up from a sitting position.

After the dog is reliably staying where you indicate, you can try dropping the leash and backing further away. It will probably take the dog some time to reliably stay where he is put without becoming distracted.

The "Down" command
The down command is another important part of any basic obedience training program. Teaching a dog to lie down on command is much more than an entertaining trick. The down command is very important in regaining control of a dog, or stopping a dog who is engaged in an inappropriate behavior.

The "Off" command
The off command is just as vital to as the other commands, and it forms the basis for later training, especially when training the dog not to chase people, cars, bikes, cats, etc. For instance, when training a dog to remain still when a bicycle goes by, the owner would stand with the dog calmly on the leash. If the dog begins to strain against the leash, the owner sharply issues an "Off" command accompanied by a tug of the leash. Eventually the dog will learn to respond to the voice command alone.

In the next post I will continue with the basic commands.

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Dealing With Problem Puppy Behaviors

Dealing with problem puppy behaviors

Everyone who owns a puppy or dog will eventually have to deal with and correct less than desirable behaviors on the part of their companion animal. There are a number of behaviors that should be nipped in the bud, including:

Jumping up on people
This is one of those behaviors that many owners inadvertently encourage in their animals, since jumping up, wagging his tail and the like can be adorable in a young puppy. When that puppy is older, larger and heavier, however, this jumping up behavior ceases to be cute and begins to become annoying and even dangerous.
A large, heavy dog jumping up on people can be dangerous to young children and even to some adults, since a large, 100 pound plus dog can easily knock down a child or small adult. Since you as the owner are responsible for the behavior of your dog, it is important to nip this problem behavior in the bud. The best time to do that, of course, is when the puppy is still small and easy to handle. When the puppy jumps up on you or someone else, gently place the puppys feet back on the floor. When the dog remains standing there, be sure to praise it extensively.

It is also important to give the puppy an alternative to jumping up. Puppies jump up on people to express their enthusiasm, so it is important to redirect this energy in a more socially acceptable direction. Try teaching the puppy to present his paw instead of jumping up. When teaching the puppy to not jump up on people, it is important to be consistent. Consistency is important in any training program, and all members of the family must understand that the puppy is not permitted to jump on them.

Pulling, charging and tugging on the lead
One problem you definitely want to nip in the bud is this one. It is important that the puppy learn to respect the collar and leash now, when he is still small and light enough to handle. Teaching this lesson to a 10 pound puppy will be much easier than teaching the same lesson to a 150 pound dog. Using a good strong body harness or head collar can be a big help when training a puppy not to pull, or to retrain a dog that has already learned to pull on the leash.

When first fitting a harness, it is important to allow the puppy to walk around wearing it, so that he can get used to wearing it. The first thing your puppy must learn, and the basis of all subsequent training, is teaching your dog to heel. Teaching your dog to walk quietly at your side on a loose lead is the basis of all dog training, and until your puppy has mastered this vital skill he will be unable to move onto more advanced training.

When walking with a puppy on a leash, it is important to always keep slack in the leash. If the puppy begins to pull on the leash, the handler should quickly change directions. The puppy will then find itself lagging behind instead of forging ahead. The leash will be loose except for the split second it takes to change directions. It is important for the handler to use a quick tug of the leash, followed by an immediate loosening, when teaching this lesson.

When teaching the puppy to walk properly, it is important to never allow the puppy to pull you around, or to forge ahead on the leash. Allowing the puppy to pull you around will teach him exactly the wrong lesson. Of course, training is not for only young dogs. Older dogs need training as well, either to unlearn bad behaviors or learn proper obedience.

The next post will provide valuable information on getting the most from the relationship with your new best friend.

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Agility Dog Training And Pit Bull Terriers

Spending time training your Pit Bull can be very rewarding and fun for you both. It helps build a stronger bond between dog and owner that is important for the happiness of both parties. There are many different types of training that you can choose to do with your Pit Bull, one such is agility training.

Agility training is the process of teaching your dog to successfully navigate an obstacle course. If the training is successful, your pet should be able to do it by only listening to and obeying your commands. During an event, the dogs are timed and to win must not make any mistakes and must have the fastest time. It takes a lot of practice for a dog to be successful at this, but can be quite fun for both dog and trainer. This activity is especially good for Pit Bulls because it gives them a good outlet for all the extra energy they seem to have.

Most experts recommend not starting agility training until your dog is at least one year old, at least not to enter in a competition before that age. Many owners who train their dogs to participate in these events will purchase their own equipment to have at home, so that they can begin training the dog at an earlier age. Agility training equipment can be quite expensive, so some trainers prefer to build their own equipment. Instructions can be found online and in books that should be available either in your local library or bookstore. Owners should be careful to watch the dog for any signs of injury, because occasionally working on agility training while the puppy is still growing will put a lot of strain on joints and bones that are not fully conditioned yet. It is recommended to have your dog cleared by a veterinarian before beginning any type of agility training.

The dog should also understand and obey basic commands before beginning any other type of training. Any type of training helps dog and owner to build a better relationship with each other, allowing them to work better and better together as time goes on. You should also work through any behavior or aggression issues your Pit Bull may have before considering agility training. The results will be less satisfactory and take longer to achieve if the dog is also working through other issues.

Most Pit Bull owners that are serious about their dog competing in agility competitions will enroll him in a training class, at least to help teach him the basics, then work with the dog on their own to enhance what he has learned. Being in a class will also help your dog work on his socialization, which will make him behave better around other dogs. Pit Bulls tend to want to fight when around other dogs, especially those of the same gender.

The most important thing to remember is no matter what type of training you do with your Pit Bull, you both should enjoy it. Spending time together will help build a better bond, leading to a lasting relationship. Whether you want your dog to compete or not, the benefits for both you and the dog are many.

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