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
Sunday, May 9, 2010
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
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
