For both an indoor and an outdoor dog potty, do you know about these potty training dogs tips? You soon will once you've read this article.
Follow these simple tips to make it easier to housebreak your dog.
#1. It's easier to house train an adult dog compared with a puppy. It will respond better to commands. It will have a fully developed set muscles for bladder control. And it can go much longer before it has to eliminate.
#2. If you have just recently acquired your dog, if possible, try and obtain the dog's house training and behavior history from the previous owner. This can make a big difference in how to proceed.
#3. If you are going to potty train your dog to eliminate indoors, make sure you choose a suitable potty. There are many dog potty's on the market that are nothing more than a tray. You really want one with a splash back and a post for the dog to aim at.
#4. If you use old newspaper to absorb the dogs urine, then insert a single soiled sheet of newspaper into the fresh stack of newspapers when you are cleaning up the potty. The odor from this will encourage the dog to use the potty again.
#5. Until your dog is potty trained, restrict his access to a room with an easy to clean floor.
#6. Dogs don't like to toilet in an area where they eat and play. So if your dog has an accident, thoroughly clean and deodorize the location, then feed and play with him there.
#7. Your dog needs a positive reason to use a potty. So encourage him with praise when he uses the potty correctly.
Find step-by-step instructions on potty training dogs.
Discover the easiest and most reliable method for potty training dogs. Whatever the breed. Whatever the age.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Hamilton
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Dog Training Tips - How to Teach Your Dog the 'Stay' Command
Learning how to teach your dog the stay command can be tedious and frustrating. But keep at it and you'll see just how important it is - when in traffic, when there's a dog-phobic visitor at the door, when you're dressed for a party and he wants to pounce on you with his fresh-out-of-the-mud paws, the list just goes on. Next only to the come command in the order of importance, teaching your dog the stay command not only makes your pet manageable and more enjoyable, but can even save his life!
First, get your dog to sit down. Push down on the bum and up on the head.Once he's down, give him the stay command along with a hand gesture - opening your palm out before him, helps. You could probably say it together with his name, like 'Stay, Hotdog.' If he doesn't move, praise him, while moving back. Keep holding your hand out so he knows he isn't supposed to move. If he doesn't get it, start all over. But when he does obey, keep increasing the distance and the duration of the stay, gradually.
Once you teach your dog the stay command, introduce a distraction such as a favourite toy, treat or new person. Don't expect him to behave. This part will be hard as dogs are easily distracted and he's bound to go sniffing his new friend or chasing his new treat. But patiently reinforce the stay command, till he obeys. Don't forget the 'good job' and neck ruffle part when he does and practice all over again.
Each time, take him to a different setting - a park, the beach, your neighbourhood, anywhere and keep reinforcing the stay command till he's able to focus on what you're saying as opposed to the million things that distract him.
Teaching your dog the stay command can be difficult. If your dog is particularly playful, you're just going to have to wait it out and persist through it all. But don't ever give up. Once he begins responding even a little to the stay command, take it to his own turf - reinforce it at home. Tell him to stay when you give him his food, when there's a doorbell and when the family sits down for dinner. Get all the family members to help you with it and make sure he understands his boundaries.
It might seem like a pointless thing to do, especially if you have a particularly lovable dog that everyone seems to adore. But the day your dog obeys you when you ask him to stay in the midst of thick traffic, you'll be glad you persisted. After all, you wouldn't want your little fur ball growing up to be an undisciplined tantrum-tom. So take a breath and decide you'll be patient with your dog when you teach him the stay command and you'll have years of great companionship with your pet to show for it!
For Free methods on how to train your dog go to: Dog Training Tips
I am a professional dog trainer and have trained various mixed and pure breeds. I have seen some great dogs with some terrible dog owners. I want very much to assist the misguided dog owners to be responsible for how they train their pets.
Visit my website at: http://dogs-training-tips-home-3/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Willis
First, get your dog to sit down. Push down on the bum and up on the head.Once he's down, give him the stay command along with a hand gesture - opening your palm out before him, helps. You could probably say it together with his name, like 'Stay, Hotdog.' If he doesn't move, praise him, while moving back. Keep holding your hand out so he knows he isn't supposed to move. If he doesn't get it, start all over. But when he does obey, keep increasing the distance and the duration of the stay, gradually.
Once you teach your dog the stay command, introduce a distraction such as a favourite toy, treat or new person. Don't expect him to behave. This part will be hard as dogs are easily distracted and he's bound to go sniffing his new friend or chasing his new treat. But patiently reinforce the stay command, till he obeys. Don't forget the 'good job' and neck ruffle part when he does and practice all over again.
Each time, take him to a different setting - a park, the beach, your neighbourhood, anywhere and keep reinforcing the stay command till he's able to focus on what you're saying as opposed to the million things that distract him.
Teaching your dog the stay command can be difficult. If your dog is particularly playful, you're just going to have to wait it out and persist through it all. But don't ever give up. Once he begins responding even a little to the stay command, take it to his own turf - reinforce it at home. Tell him to stay when you give him his food, when there's a doorbell and when the family sits down for dinner. Get all the family members to help you with it and make sure he understands his boundaries.
It might seem like a pointless thing to do, especially if you have a particularly lovable dog that everyone seems to adore. But the day your dog obeys you when you ask him to stay in the midst of thick traffic, you'll be glad you persisted. After all, you wouldn't want your little fur ball growing up to be an undisciplined tantrum-tom. So take a breath and decide you'll be patient with your dog when you teach him the stay command and you'll have years of great companionship with your pet to show for it!
For Free methods on how to train your dog go to: Dog Training Tips
I am a professional dog trainer and have trained various mixed and pure breeds. I have seen some great dogs with some terrible dog owners. I want very much to assist the misguided dog owners to be responsible for how they train their pets.
Visit my website at: http://dogs-training-tips-home-3/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Willis
Friday, June 25, 2010
Dog Training Tips You Can Use Today
Whether you have ever trained a dog before or not, you can benefit from some simple dog training tips. Training dogs does not have to be hard but you will need some patience and a lot of dedication. The right tactics and techniques will help you to be able to teach dogs successfully. It also helps a great deal if you love dogs.
Dog training does not require professional experience. When you follow these tips below and have a lot of patience with yourself and the dog, it will help you to be able to reach your goals with training your child.
If you want to train your dogs successfully, here are some tips:
· Initially only one person should train the dog as this reduces confusion for the animal. They will be able to learn to recognize the commands more easily. When too many people are trying to train the dog, it can hinder progress or even stop it completely.
· Teach only one command at a time. Until your dog has mastered this first command, you should not move on. This will confuse the dog and make it more difficult to learn. Each additional command will confuse the dog more. Start with the basics and be sure one is mastered before moving on too quickly.
· Always keep a positive attitude. Dogs can sense your tone and when you take an attitude or tone of voice of anger, your dog will sense this and will be turned off from the training. You could anger or frighten your dog which will influence the dog training process in a negative way.
· Use positive reinforcement. You should always reward positive behaviors immediately as they are done so your dog understands what he has done right and can continue to do it again. Reward his behavior so that he knows what he has done right.
· Train your dog in a variety of places such as the living room, the back yard, for a walk on the street or the dog park. Your dog needs to understand that commands can come anywhere, not just at home. This will teach your dog to respond to the commands at any time and place.
Now that you have these dog training tips, you know how to begin today in successfully training your dog. You will want to create a plan for how you will get started which makes it easier to get the results you want. When you know what you want to do and what steps you will take to get there, it makes the entire process easier.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Mason
Dog training does not require professional experience. When you follow these tips below and have a lot of patience with yourself and the dog, it will help you to be able to reach your goals with training your child.
If you want to train your dogs successfully, here are some tips:
· Initially only one person should train the dog as this reduces confusion for the animal. They will be able to learn to recognize the commands more easily. When too many people are trying to train the dog, it can hinder progress or even stop it completely.
· Teach only one command at a time. Until your dog has mastered this first command, you should not move on. This will confuse the dog and make it more difficult to learn. Each additional command will confuse the dog more. Start with the basics and be sure one is mastered before moving on too quickly.
· Always keep a positive attitude. Dogs can sense your tone and when you take an attitude or tone of voice of anger, your dog will sense this and will be turned off from the training. You could anger or frighten your dog which will influence the dog training process in a negative way.
· Use positive reinforcement. You should always reward positive behaviors immediately as they are done so your dog understands what he has done right and can continue to do it again. Reward his behavior so that he knows what he has done right.
· Train your dog in a variety of places such as the living room, the back yard, for a walk on the street or the dog park. Your dog needs to understand that commands can come anywhere, not just at home. This will teach your dog to respond to the commands at any time and place.
Now that you have these dog training tips, you know how to begin today in successfully training your dog. You will want to create a plan for how you will get started which makes it easier to get the results you want. When you know what you want to do and what steps you will take to get there, it makes the entire process easier.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Mason
Dog Training Tips You Can Use Today
Whether you have ever trained a dog before or not, you can benefit from some simple dog training tips. Training dogs does not have to be hard but you will need some patience and a lot of dedication. The right tactics and techniques will help you to be able to teach dogs successfully. It also helps a great deal if you love dogs.
Dog training does not require professional experience. When you follow these tips below and have a lot of patience with yourself and the dog, it will help you to be able to reach your goals with training your child.
If you want to train your dogs successfully, here are some tips:
· Initially only one person should train the dog as this reduces confusion for the animal. They will be able to learn to recognize the commands more easily. When too many people are trying to train the dog, it can hinder progress or even stop it completely.
· Teach only one command at a time. Until your dog has mastered this first command, you should not move on. This will confuse the dog and make it more difficult to learn. Each additional command will confuse the dog more. Start with the basics and be sure one is mastered before moving on too quickly.
· Always keep a positive attitude. Dogs can sense your tone and when you take an attitude or tone of voice of anger, your dog will sense this and will be turned off from the training. You could anger or frighten your dog which will influence the dog training process in a negative way.
· Use positive reinforcement. You should always reward positive behaviors immediately as they are done so your dog understands what he has done right and can continue to do it again. Reward his behavior so that he knows what he has done right.
· Train your dog in a variety of places such as the living room, the back yard, for a walk on the street or the dog park. Your dog needs to understand that commands can come anywhere, not just at home. This will teach your dog to respond to the commands at any time and place.
Now that you have these dog training tips, you know how to begin today in successfully training your dog. You will want to create a plan for how you will get started which makes it easier to get the results you want. When you know what you want to do and what steps you will take to get there, it makes the entire process easier.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Mason
Dog training does not require professional experience. When you follow these tips below and have a lot of patience with yourself and the dog, it will help you to be able to reach your goals with training your child.
If you want to train your dogs successfully, here are some tips:
· Initially only one person should train the dog as this reduces confusion for the animal. They will be able to learn to recognize the commands more easily. When too many people are trying to train the dog, it can hinder progress or even stop it completely.
· Teach only one command at a time. Until your dog has mastered this first command, you should not move on. This will confuse the dog and make it more difficult to learn. Each additional command will confuse the dog more. Start with the basics and be sure one is mastered before moving on too quickly.
· Always keep a positive attitude. Dogs can sense your tone and when you take an attitude or tone of voice of anger, your dog will sense this and will be turned off from the training. You could anger or frighten your dog which will influence the dog training process in a negative way.
· Use positive reinforcement. You should always reward positive behaviors immediately as they are done so your dog understands what he has done right and can continue to do it again. Reward his behavior so that he knows what he has done right.
· Train your dog in a variety of places such as the living room, the back yard, for a walk on the street or the dog park. Your dog needs to understand that commands can come anywhere, not just at home. This will teach your dog to respond to the commands at any time and place.
Now that you have these dog training tips, you know how to begin today in successfully training your dog. You will want to create a plan for how you will get started which makes it easier to get the results you want. When you know what you want to do and what steps you will take to get there, it makes the entire process easier.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Mason
Dog Training Tips You Can Use Today
Whether you have ever trained a dog before or not, you can benefit from some simple dog training tips. Training dogs does not have to be hard but you will need some patience and a lot of dedication. The right tactics and techniques will help you to be able to teach dogs successfully. It also helps a great deal if you love dogs.
Dog training does not require professional experience. When you follow these tips below and have a lot of patience with yourself and the dog, it will help you to be able to reach your goals with training your child.
If you want to train your dogs successfully, here are some tips:
· Initially only one person should train the dog as this reduces confusion for the animal. They will be able to learn to recognize the commands more easily. When too many people are trying to train the dog, it can hinder progress or even stop it completely.
· Teach only one command at a time. Until your dog has mastered this first command, you should not move on. This will confuse the dog and make it more difficult to learn. Each additional command will confuse the dog more. Start with the basics and be sure one is mastered before moving on too quickly.
· Always keep a positive attitude. Dogs can sense your tone and when you take an attitude or tone of voice of anger, your dog will sense this and will be turned off from the training. You could anger or frighten your dog which will influence the dog training process in a negative way.
· Use positive reinforcement. You should always reward positive behaviors immediately as they are done so your dog understands what he has done right and can continue to do it again. Reward his behavior so that he knows what he has done right.
· Train your dog in a variety of places such as the living room, the back yard, for a walk on the street or the dog park. Your dog needs to understand that commands can come anywhere, not just at home. This will teach your dog to respond to the commands at any time and place.
Now that you have these dog training tips, you know how to begin today in successfully training your dog. You will want to create a plan for how you will get started which makes it easier to get the results you want. When you know what you want to do and what steps you will take to get there, it makes the entire process easier.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Mason
Dog training does not require professional experience. When you follow these tips below and have a lot of patience with yourself and the dog, it will help you to be able to reach your goals with training your child.
If you want to train your dogs successfully, here are some tips:
· Initially only one person should train the dog as this reduces confusion for the animal. They will be able to learn to recognize the commands more easily. When too many people are trying to train the dog, it can hinder progress or even stop it completely.
· Teach only one command at a time. Until your dog has mastered this first command, you should not move on. This will confuse the dog and make it more difficult to learn. Each additional command will confuse the dog more. Start with the basics and be sure one is mastered before moving on too quickly.
· Always keep a positive attitude. Dogs can sense your tone and when you take an attitude or tone of voice of anger, your dog will sense this and will be turned off from the training. You could anger or frighten your dog which will influence the dog training process in a negative way.
· Use positive reinforcement. You should always reward positive behaviors immediately as they are done so your dog understands what he has done right and can continue to do it again. Reward his behavior so that he knows what he has done right.
· Train your dog in a variety of places such as the living room, the back yard, for a walk on the street or the dog park. Your dog needs to understand that commands can come anywhere, not just at home. This will teach your dog to respond to the commands at any time and place.
Now that you have these dog training tips, you know how to begin today in successfully training your dog. You will want to create a plan for how you will get started which makes it easier to get the results you want. When you know what you want to do and what steps you will take to get there, it makes the entire process easier.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Mason
3 Secrets to Adult Dog Training - Tips You Must Know
Bringing home an adult dog is very different from bringing home a puppy. A puppy is able to learn new commands fairly quickly but an adult dog is accustomed with the old tricks. He may also have developed some bad habits which his previous owner allowed. If you found your dog from a shelter, chances are he had learned different commands and undergone training. However, old dogs can also adapt and change their behaviors to your expectations. You will just have to be patient with your adult dog training.
House Training Your Adult Dog
If you are bringing home an adult dog from a shelter, the first thing you have to ascertain is whether or not he is housetrained. If not, you will need to train him immediately. Having been shuffled around many foster homes, your dog will need some time adjusting to the new environment. Be sure to show him his litter bathroom area where he should excrete. Compliment him as he does it right.
Crate Training
Crate training is always one of the hardest aspects of dog training for an older dog. Most dos do not enjoy being in a crate and they think of a crate as a prison. You should always ensure that the crate is spacious and comfortable for your dog. You can place some toys in the crate and make it homely. You can even place some blankets inside the crate. As a start, you can consider leaving the door of the crate open and allow your dog to discover it on his own time. He will begin to explore it and in time come to think of it as a safe haven.
Alternatively, you can begin crate training on your own terms. Always start off gradually. Get him to enter the crate and keep him inside for a short period of time, and then let him out. On some days, keep the door latched. On other days, keep it opened so that your dog can leave it freely. This way, he will not associate it with a prison.
Teaching Your Adult Dog New Behaviors
When carrying out adult dog training, focus more on teaching your dog new commands rather than correcting his behaviors and punishing him for it. Remember, it is not entirely his fault that he developed these bad habits. His previous owners may have encouraged him. Instead, you may want to ignore his advances. For example, if he comes up to you and begs for food when you are at the dining table, you should turn a blind eye to it. Only when he tries bolder moves such as jumping on you or the table, you would then have to reprimand him.
The best way to get your adult dog to kick this habit of his is to teach him new behaviors. Execute basic commands and get him to stay in another room as you are dining. Bring your dog to the spot you want him to be and instruct him to stay put. Repeat this training until he gets that you want him to remain in this spot as you eat. Adult dog training requires much patience and effort on your part. It won't be easy but once you have successfully trained your dog, you may have a very meaningful relationship with him.
If you are having trouble training your dog to be obedient then you should consider visiting my list of the best dog training guides available on the net. For more adult pet training tips, be sure to visit us on the web at our Adult Dog Training page.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Kanellopoulou
House Training Your Adult Dog
If you are bringing home an adult dog from a shelter, the first thing you have to ascertain is whether or not he is housetrained. If not, you will need to train him immediately. Having been shuffled around many foster homes, your dog will need some time adjusting to the new environment. Be sure to show him his litter bathroom area where he should excrete. Compliment him as he does it right.
Crate Training
Crate training is always one of the hardest aspects of dog training for an older dog. Most dos do not enjoy being in a crate and they think of a crate as a prison. You should always ensure that the crate is spacious and comfortable for your dog. You can place some toys in the crate and make it homely. You can even place some blankets inside the crate. As a start, you can consider leaving the door of the crate open and allow your dog to discover it on his own time. He will begin to explore it and in time come to think of it as a safe haven.
Alternatively, you can begin crate training on your own terms. Always start off gradually. Get him to enter the crate and keep him inside for a short period of time, and then let him out. On some days, keep the door latched. On other days, keep it opened so that your dog can leave it freely. This way, he will not associate it with a prison.
Teaching Your Adult Dog New Behaviors
When carrying out adult dog training, focus more on teaching your dog new commands rather than correcting his behaviors and punishing him for it. Remember, it is not entirely his fault that he developed these bad habits. His previous owners may have encouraged him. Instead, you may want to ignore his advances. For example, if he comes up to you and begs for food when you are at the dining table, you should turn a blind eye to it. Only when he tries bolder moves such as jumping on you or the table, you would then have to reprimand him.
The best way to get your adult dog to kick this habit of his is to teach him new behaviors. Execute basic commands and get him to stay in another room as you are dining. Bring your dog to the spot you want him to be and instruct him to stay put. Repeat this training until he gets that you want him to remain in this spot as you eat. Adult dog training requires much patience and effort on your part. It won't be easy but once you have successfully trained your dog, you may have a very meaningful relationship with him.
If you are having trouble training your dog to be obedient then you should consider visiting my list of the best dog training guides available on the net. For more adult pet training tips, be sure to visit us on the web at our Adult Dog Training page.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Kanellopoulou
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Easy Dog Training - 7 Top Tips
In this article I'm going to give you some top tips for easy dog training. New dog owners sometimes struggle with bad dog behaviour - and even experienced dog owners can find problems arise unexpectedly. Whatever your experience, training your dog well will make your life and your dog's life so much easier and happier -a well trained dog is such a pleasure and it really can be easy to train your dog, when you know the best ways to approach it.
1 Dogs are Wolves! Well no, not really. But dogs are descended from wolves and understanding their instinctive behaviour really is the key starting point for training your dog. So dogs, like wolves, are naturally pack animals - they are used to living in a group, with a clear social hierarchy and roles, and constantly relating to each other. In the wild each animal's survival, security and food depend on these relationships. You can use these principles when training your dog.
2 Be The Leader of the Pack The alpha male leader role within a pack is crucial, so you need to make sure that you are the one playing that role in your relationship with your dog - and are always seen by your dog as the leader. It's natural for your dog to challenge you for the pack leader's role, especially as a puppy becomes a young adult. So it is very important to establish yourself clearly as the "top dog" from the very beginning of your relationship. You are the source of food and security for your dog and you also need to use appropriate verbal and body language, and punish bad behaviour as well as encouraging and rewarding good behaviour.
3 Hugs and Kisses for Rewards Your dog is a sociable animal and social interaction is very important to him or her. In a wild pack any excluded animal is very vulnerable, so your dog will naturally want to do everything it can to stay within the centre of its world - you and your family. You can really capitalise on this when training your dog - patting, praise and attention are just as valuable as food treats to reward your dog for good behaviour. In the same way, simply excluding your dog from your attention is a very effective punishment - you might shut him in a room on his own for a short time or even simply turn your back.
4 Dogs Have Alzheimers Well not quite, but they do have very poor short term memory retention. However, they are great at association and this is how you need to train your dog. So a simple exercise learned one day just through repetition will easily be forgotten by the next morning. But when you associate an action with a reward, your dog will remember what he needs to do very quickly - and he'll remember it forever. So if you teach your dog to sit and give him a reward every time he does, he'll very quickly be sitting down whenever you ask.
5 Dogs Don't Speak English Your dog will learn what to do by association, but dogs don't understand our language easily. So make it as easy as you can and be consistent. Make sure you always use the same, simple, words as commands ie sit, stay and down. Your dog will get confused if you start saying down when you mean sit, or wait instead of stay. It's also important to use the same tone of voice with these words. If you can, avoid very common words which you will also be using in the middle of sentences when you are talking to your friends. This can be easier said than done, but we all know that you only have to mention "walk" in the presence of almost any dog and there's an immediate reaction!
6 Short and Sweet Your dog won't be great at focusing for too long, so keep your training sessions short, especially at first. Dogs also like routine, so make sure your training sessions take place regularly - in the same place and at the same time. Your dog's training will progress much faster as he'll be expecting a training session. You can still be flexible if you need to and if your dog is really not concentrating one day, just shorten the session. Most important of all is to be consistent with your dog and reinforce the messages from your formal training sessions, day in and day out.
7 Have Fun and Learn! Training your dog should be fun, so make sure you enjoy it. If you don't, your dog certainly won't either! Classes are especially good for a young dog, as your dog will learn to behave well with other dogs - and you'll have some fun meeting other dog owners and getting some extra advice. There are lots of very good dog training books and videos too - and these are a great investment. You'll learn all sorts of dog obedience tips and tactics - and you'll have a great resource to help you deal immediately with any behaviour problems that crop up. So my final tip is to find the best dog training book you can - and your dog will soon be the best behaved dog for miles around, while you will also get a reputation for simple, easy dog training.
Sophie is interested in animal training, communication and welfare and has many years of experience training different animals. You can find lots more info, advice, tips, offers, books and videos on easy dog training at http://expertsecrets4dogtraining.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sophie_James
1 Dogs are Wolves! Well no, not really. But dogs are descended from wolves and understanding their instinctive behaviour really is the key starting point for training your dog. So dogs, like wolves, are naturally pack animals - they are used to living in a group, with a clear social hierarchy and roles, and constantly relating to each other. In the wild each animal's survival, security and food depend on these relationships. You can use these principles when training your dog.
2 Be The Leader of the Pack The alpha male leader role within a pack is crucial, so you need to make sure that you are the one playing that role in your relationship with your dog - and are always seen by your dog as the leader. It's natural for your dog to challenge you for the pack leader's role, especially as a puppy becomes a young adult. So it is very important to establish yourself clearly as the "top dog" from the very beginning of your relationship. You are the source of food and security for your dog and you also need to use appropriate verbal and body language, and punish bad behaviour as well as encouraging and rewarding good behaviour.
3 Hugs and Kisses for Rewards Your dog is a sociable animal and social interaction is very important to him or her. In a wild pack any excluded animal is very vulnerable, so your dog will naturally want to do everything it can to stay within the centre of its world - you and your family. You can really capitalise on this when training your dog - patting, praise and attention are just as valuable as food treats to reward your dog for good behaviour. In the same way, simply excluding your dog from your attention is a very effective punishment - you might shut him in a room on his own for a short time or even simply turn your back.
4 Dogs Have Alzheimers Well not quite, but they do have very poor short term memory retention. However, they are great at association and this is how you need to train your dog. So a simple exercise learned one day just through repetition will easily be forgotten by the next morning. But when you associate an action with a reward, your dog will remember what he needs to do very quickly - and he'll remember it forever. So if you teach your dog to sit and give him a reward every time he does, he'll very quickly be sitting down whenever you ask.
5 Dogs Don't Speak English Your dog will learn what to do by association, but dogs don't understand our language easily. So make it as easy as you can and be consistent. Make sure you always use the same, simple, words as commands ie sit, stay and down. Your dog will get confused if you start saying down when you mean sit, or wait instead of stay. It's also important to use the same tone of voice with these words. If you can, avoid very common words which you will also be using in the middle of sentences when you are talking to your friends. This can be easier said than done, but we all know that you only have to mention "walk" in the presence of almost any dog and there's an immediate reaction!
6 Short and Sweet Your dog won't be great at focusing for too long, so keep your training sessions short, especially at first. Dogs also like routine, so make sure your training sessions take place regularly - in the same place and at the same time. Your dog's training will progress much faster as he'll be expecting a training session. You can still be flexible if you need to and if your dog is really not concentrating one day, just shorten the session. Most important of all is to be consistent with your dog and reinforce the messages from your formal training sessions, day in and day out.
7 Have Fun and Learn! Training your dog should be fun, so make sure you enjoy it. If you don't, your dog certainly won't either! Classes are especially good for a young dog, as your dog will learn to behave well with other dogs - and you'll have some fun meeting other dog owners and getting some extra advice. There are lots of very good dog training books and videos too - and these are a great investment. You'll learn all sorts of dog obedience tips and tactics - and you'll have a great resource to help you deal immediately with any behaviour problems that crop up. So my final tip is to find the best dog training book you can - and your dog will soon be the best behaved dog for miles around, while you will also get a reputation for simple, easy dog training.
Sophie is interested in animal training, communication and welfare and has many years of experience training different animals. You can find lots more info, advice, tips, offers, books and videos on easy dog training at http://expertsecrets4dogtraining.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sophie_James
Friday, May 7, 2010
Top 10 Dog Training Mistakes
All too often, well meaning dog owners mistakenly step into one of these dog obedience training pitfalls. These seemingly insignificant acts can have a great impact on your dog's behavior, and set back your training dramatically. Unfortunately, this often leads to the uneducated owner becoming frustrated with the lack of apparent progress, and not realizing that he is the cause of the setbacks, assumes the dog is "untrainable" and gives up.
In order to help you avoid similar mistakes, I've compiled the following list of the 10 most common dog training mistakes.
Number 10 - Expecting too much, too soon
My personal dogs will sit, stay, down, and come on command - both verbal and hand signals. They respect their boundaries, and take all their cues from me. Even then, sometimes they have mistakes.
It took time to reach this point, and it takes continued training and practice to maintain this level of obedience. Understand that your dog will need time to learn. So be patient.
Number 9 - Introducing corrections too soon
Dog training has several phases: Learning, Correction, and Distraction (sometimes called "proofing"). The first phase, Learning, is where the dog learns the meaning of the command. He also learns that good things befall him when he performs the act that the command requires.
If the dog fails to perform the command, many dog owners will issue a correction. This harms the progress of the dog. Like another dog trainer once wrote, "It's like smacking a kindergartner with a ruler each time they make a mistake on their ABCs."
Is that a fair way to teach? Of course not! Yet, many dog owners do just that.......to the detriment of their dogs.
Number 8 - Giving up
Dog training takes time, patience, and consistency. No dog is "untrainable". A stalling, or even regression, of your dog's learning is likely your fault. You made a mistake somewhere, and most likely it was being inconsistent. Which brings us to number 7.
Number 7 - Inconsistency
Dogs are creatures of habit. Anyone who has allowed a dog to eliminate in the wrong spot even one time can attest to this. As such, when training a dog to behave in the manner you want, you need to make him consistently behave like that. This is how he will learn.
If you aren't consistent with your pup eliminating in the same spot (that you've chosen), he will not learn that he has to go in that spot.
If you issue a command while you're not in a position to enforce that command, and you allow your dog to ignore you, you've taught the dog that he doesn't need to listen. That he can choose when to obey and when to not obey. This is why I cringe when I hear some dog owner screaming, "COME!" at their disobedient dog. Every time he ignores them, and they allow it, they're simply reinforcing bad behavior. So let's reinforce good behavior instead, ok?
Number 6 - Reinforcing bad behavior
Affection is a reward. Whatever your dog is doing at the moment you reward (or correct) your dog is what he will associate that with.
So if you're dog is anxious, you think you're comforting him, he thinks you're rewarding his anxious state of mind. He starts barking at the mailman, you think you're petting him to say, "It's ok.", but he thinks you're saying, "Good barking!"
See where I'm going?
Number 5 - Failure to practice
Sure, training your new puppy is fun......at first. Since patience and consistency are the hallmarks of a good training program, dog training quickly can become tedious and boring.
But it doesn't need to be. Fact is, once you get beyond the initial Learning phase, you can maintain your dog's training while doing everyday things. I like to use the NILIF method, or Nothing In Life Is Free. This is a simple training method that entails making your dog earn everything. EVERYTHING.
He wants to eat? He must sit, down, whatever before you place his dish down. He wants to go out? Same thing. He wants to come in? You guessed it! Same thing. He wants affection? Are you catching on yet?
Number 4 - Correcting for good behavior
Remember what we said in number 6 about reinforcing bad behavior? Well, the converse is true too.
When you reward or correct a dog, he will associate the reward or correction with the act that immediately preceded it. So, in other words, do not call your dog to you only to punish him when he arrives. This will teach the dog NOT to come when called.
The same applies to any behavior. We want to reward and praise your dog for behaving, even if he did something wrong 2 seconds before that.
Number 3 - The wrong state of mind
It should go without saying, but unfortunately some people don't get it. Dogs communicate by body language. They can read you like a book. Since you're their pack leader, they take their cues from you. If you're anxious, so are they. If you're excited, so are they. If you're calm and confident, so are they.
In order to maintain a healthy and happy dog while training, we need to express calm and confident energy. We do this through body language.
Number 2 - Not enough exercise
Dogs are, by design or through evolution (take your pick), accustomed to walking. A lot. They walk to find water. They walk to hunt food. They walk simply to walk.
So is it any surprise that your dog is bored out of his mind being cooped up in your apartment, or in your postage-stamp backyard all day? This excess energy, frustration, and boredom will manifest somehow; more times than not, in a way that you are not happy with.
Walk your dog daily. This provides exercise and helps to establish and maintain your position as pack leader, which leads us to...
Number 1 - Not establishing dominance as the pack leader
Dogs are not furry little four-legged humans. They are dogs. Pack animals. In order to connect with them on their level, we need to understand the mechanics of dominance in the pack. Failing to establish this clear hierarchy, or allowing your dog to become the leader while you take a submissive role, is often the root cause of behavioral problems.
There are many subtle ways to establish dominance that do not require "alpha rolls" and other physically aggressive displays. Simple obedience training is the first step towards becoming the pack leader, as is walking your dog daily. The NILIF method is great exerting control over every aspect of your dog's life, and thereby establishing dominance.
Awareness is key to avoiding these common dog training mistakes. For more great articles on dog training, dog health, and all things dog-related, check out http://dogtraininglibrary.net/
Brian Webbe, a professional dog trainer and former police officer, has over 7 years experience training dogs in a variety of disciplines. In addition to training dogs, Brian maintains two dog training-related websites: http://effectivedogtraining.net/ - featuring a wealth of articles on dog training, and http://dogtraininglibrary.net/ - a free online directory of the best the internet has to offer on all dog-related topics.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=B._Webbe
In order to help you avoid similar mistakes, I've compiled the following list of the 10 most common dog training mistakes.
Number 10 - Expecting too much, too soon
My personal dogs will sit, stay, down, and come on command - both verbal and hand signals. They respect their boundaries, and take all their cues from me. Even then, sometimes they have mistakes.
It took time to reach this point, and it takes continued training and practice to maintain this level of obedience. Understand that your dog will need time to learn. So be patient.
Number 9 - Introducing corrections too soon
Dog training has several phases: Learning, Correction, and Distraction (sometimes called "proofing"). The first phase, Learning, is where the dog learns the meaning of the command. He also learns that good things befall him when he performs the act that the command requires.
If the dog fails to perform the command, many dog owners will issue a correction. This harms the progress of the dog. Like another dog trainer once wrote, "It's like smacking a kindergartner with a ruler each time they make a mistake on their ABCs."
Is that a fair way to teach? Of course not! Yet, many dog owners do just that.......to the detriment of their dogs.
Number 8 - Giving up
Dog training takes time, patience, and consistency. No dog is "untrainable". A stalling, or even regression, of your dog's learning is likely your fault. You made a mistake somewhere, and most likely it was being inconsistent. Which brings us to number 7.
Number 7 - Inconsistency
Dogs are creatures of habit. Anyone who has allowed a dog to eliminate in the wrong spot even one time can attest to this. As such, when training a dog to behave in the manner you want, you need to make him consistently behave like that. This is how he will learn.
If you aren't consistent with your pup eliminating in the same spot (that you've chosen), he will not learn that he has to go in that spot.
If you issue a command while you're not in a position to enforce that command, and you allow your dog to ignore you, you've taught the dog that he doesn't need to listen. That he can choose when to obey and when to not obey. This is why I cringe when I hear some dog owner screaming, "COME!" at their disobedient dog. Every time he ignores them, and they allow it, they're simply reinforcing bad behavior. So let's reinforce good behavior instead, ok?
Number 6 - Reinforcing bad behavior
Affection is a reward. Whatever your dog is doing at the moment you reward (or correct) your dog is what he will associate that with.
So if you're dog is anxious, you think you're comforting him, he thinks you're rewarding his anxious state of mind. He starts barking at the mailman, you think you're petting him to say, "It's ok.", but he thinks you're saying, "Good barking!"
See where I'm going?
Number 5 - Failure to practice
Sure, training your new puppy is fun......at first. Since patience and consistency are the hallmarks of a good training program, dog training quickly can become tedious and boring.
But it doesn't need to be. Fact is, once you get beyond the initial Learning phase, you can maintain your dog's training while doing everyday things. I like to use the NILIF method, or Nothing In Life Is Free. This is a simple training method that entails making your dog earn everything. EVERYTHING.
He wants to eat? He must sit, down, whatever before you place his dish down. He wants to go out? Same thing. He wants to come in? You guessed it! Same thing. He wants affection? Are you catching on yet?
Number 4 - Correcting for good behavior
Remember what we said in number 6 about reinforcing bad behavior? Well, the converse is true too.
When you reward or correct a dog, he will associate the reward or correction with the act that immediately preceded it. So, in other words, do not call your dog to you only to punish him when he arrives. This will teach the dog NOT to come when called.
The same applies to any behavior. We want to reward and praise your dog for behaving, even if he did something wrong 2 seconds before that.
Number 3 - The wrong state of mind
It should go without saying, but unfortunately some people don't get it. Dogs communicate by body language. They can read you like a book. Since you're their pack leader, they take their cues from you. If you're anxious, so are they. If you're excited, so are they. If you're calm and confident, so are they.
In order to maintain a healthy and happy dog while training, we need to express calm and confident energy. We do this through body language.
Number 2 - Not enough exercise
Dogs are, by design or through evolution (take your pick), accustomed to walking. A lot. They walk to find water. They walk to hunt food. They walk simply to walk.
So is it any surprise that your dog is bored out of his mind being cooped up in your apartment, or in your postage-stamp backyard all day? This excess energy, frustration, and boredom will manifest somehow; more times than not, in a way that you are not happy with.
Walk your dog daily. This provides exercise and helps to establish and maintain your position as pack leader, which leads us to...
Number 1 - Not establishing dominance as the pack leader
Dogs are not furry little four-legged humans. They are dogs. Pack animals. In order to connect with them on their level, we need to understand the mechanics of dominance in the pack. Failing to establish this clear hierarchy, or allowing your dog to become the leader while you take a submissive role, is often the root cause of behavioral problems.
There are many subtle ways to establish dominance that do not require "alpha rolls" and other physically aggressive displays. Simple obedience training is the first step towards becoming the pack leader, as is walking your dog daily. The NILIF method is great exerting control over every aspect of your dog's life, and thereby establishing dominance.
Awareness is key to avoiding these common dog training mistakes. For more great articles on dog training, dog health, and all things dog-related, check out http://dogtraininglibrary.net/
Brian Webbe, a professional dog trainer and former police officer, has over 7 years experience training dogs in a variety of disciplines. In addition to training dogs, Brian maintains two dog training-related websites: http://effectivedogtraining.net/ - featuring a wealth of articles on dog training, and http://dogtraininglibrary.net/ - a free online directory of the best the internet has to offer on all dog-related topics.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=B._Webbe
Dog Training Tips
Now that you have that cute pup that you have always wanted you have to decide how you are going to train it. A new pup can be very charming and lovable. With proper training methods you can teach him/her a lot of tricks such as fetching a stick or playing dead. The pup can guard your house and protect your young children. He/she can also guide your grandmother who is having problems with her eyesight. Dogs are considered as one of the smartest pets one can have. If you want to test your dogs limits when it comes to intellect and skills, then let a professional dog trainer do good job of training. However, if you will just have the right dose of patience and determination that a professional dog trainer has, you can teach your dog a lot of things and you can bring out the best of what your dog can ever be in no time. For the aspiring dog trainers, here are some good dog training tips:
Build a bond with your dog.
Spend time with your dog and create a familial bond with it. Ensure that he/she acknowledges you as his/her keeper. Show your love and concern for your dog so he/she can establish his love and loyalty for you as well. To make sure that he/she will obey you, you should talk, play with and offer treats to him/her. Show the dog that you are his/her caretaker and master. Remember no how bad a day you have your dog will always love you unconditionally. Love covers many training mistakes allowing you to correct them without long term consequences.
Use proper equipment.
Training your dog requires proper training materials. Prior to training, be sure that you have the right set of training equipment for the dog such as the right size of dog training harness, right kind of sticks or balls to fetch, right size of seesaw to balance on, and so on. Be sure that the materials you use do not have dangerous threats to the health and the welfare of your dog.
Be there for your dog.
Your dog needs guidance and it is your responsibility to provide him/her with such. When toilet training, be sure that you take him/her outside when you see the signs that of elimination. When you train him to do various tricks, do not leave him with the training tools and materials alone; teach your dog how to use them properly.
Praise and reward.
Whenever your dog does something good or when your dog responds properly to your training, give him a treat. You can take your dog to the park, lay with him/her, praise him, pat him/her, give your dog a cuddle, and/or provide dog treats such as biscuits or candies. Make all the training exercises fun and your dog will eagerly respond to your efforts.
Avoid punishments.
If your dog does something bad, if your dog does not respond to your training, or if your dog neglects what you have taught him, never hit your dog. You can talk to your dog, show him/her the treats that you should have given him, and then tell him that what he/she did was wrong. But, you should not hit the dog because this can only establish fear and hatred between the two of you. Never ever call a dog to you and severely discipline it. This one mistake can ruin a relationship with your dog.
Start the training immediately.
For obedience training, toilet training, crate use or attack training, such course should start the moment the dog is under your care. The earlier you start your training, the more receptive that your dog is.
If you employ these basic dog training tips you will find that training your dog will be a lot easier and will reduce the chance of serious mistakes that can ruin a good dog.
Career in Dog Training website can be found at http://www.dog-training-careers.com/ . Providing great information on a career in dog training and dog training tips.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jim_Kesel
Build a bond with your dog.
Spend time with your dog and create a familial bond with it. Ensure that he/she acknowledges you as his/her keeper. Show your love and concern for your dog so he/she can establish his love and loyalty for you as well. To make sure that he/she will obey you, you should talk, play with and offer treats to him/her. Show the dog that you are his/her caretaker and master. Remember no how bad a day you have your dog will always love you unconditionally. Love covers many training mistakes allowing you to correct them without long term consequences.
Use proper equipment.
Training your dog requires proper training materials. Prior to training, be sure that you have the right set of training equipment for the dog such as the right size of dog training harness, right kind of sticks or balls to fetch, right size of seesaw to balance on, and so on. Be sure that the materials you use do not have dangerous threats to the health and the welfare of your dog.
Be there for your dog.
Your dog needs guidance and it is your responsibility to provide him/her with such. When toilet training, be sure that you take him/her outside when you see the signs that of elimination. When you train him to do various tricks, do not leave him with the training tools and materials alone; teach your dog how to use them properly.
Praise and reward.
Whenever your dog does something good or when your dog responds properly to your training, give him a treat. You can take your dog to the park, lay with him/her, praise him, pat him/her, give your dog a cuddle, and/or provide dog treats such as biscuits or candies. Make all the training exercises fun and your dog will eagerly respond to your efforts.
Avoid punishments.
If your dog does something bad, if your dog does not respond to your training, or if your dog neglects what you have taught him, never hit your dog. You can talk to your dog, show him/her the treats that you should have given him, and then tell him that what he/she did was wrong. But, you should not hit the dog because this can only establish fear and hatred between the two of you. Never ever call a dog to you and severely discipline it. This one mistake can ruin a relationship with your dog.
Start the training immediately.
For obedience training, toilet training, crate use or attack training, such course should start the moment the dog is under your care. The earlier you start your training, the more receptive that your dog is.
If you employ these basic dog training tips you will find that training your dog will be a lot easier and will reduce the chance of serious mistakes that can ruin a good dog.
Career in Dog Training website can be found at http://www.dog-training-careers.com/ . Providing great information on a career in dog training and dog training tips.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jim_Kesel
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