Dog Training Easy Ways

Dog Training Easy Ways

Wednesday 24 July 2013

A Primer on Training Aggressive Dogs

A Primer on Training Aggressive Dogs



While some owners get a dog to help with security issues by letting their pet be watchdogs, they still do not want their dogs to be unnecessarily aggressive. Hence, if your pet is exhibiting signs of growling, biting and excessive barking, you need to consider getting help on training them.
If you have just gotten a dog or are planning to get one, it is best to work on avoiding problems on aggression. To do this, the owner needs to the following right away: set rules, work on obedience training, expose your pet to people and to other dogs or animals and use positive reinforcement.
Setting rules
You may not need to experience training aggressive dogs if your pet dog knows his limits early on. An aggressive pet is usually one that's been spoiled or given everything it wants. Hence, the owner will have a hard time controlling his animal and will just eventually give in to its every whine.
Obedience Training
Another way to avoid aggression in dogs is to do obedience training early on since it is the best way to acquire good habits and behavior. Training your dog while it's young will allow it to control his impulses and will spare you from worrying about having to worry about training aggressive dogs.
Let Your Pet Socialize
If your dog is not exposed to people and to other dogs or animals, chances are, he'll think that everyone and everything it is unfamiliar with is an enemy. Oftentimes, aggressiveness is like a dog's defense mechanism. Allowing him to socialize is a good obedience training and will not let you deal with training aggressive dogs in the future.
Positive Reinforcement
Dogs become more aggressive if you use harsh methods of correcting their behavior. Training aggressive dogs is more effective if you show your pet that you support his learning good behavior. Never resort to physical means of teaching or disciplining or you will be faced with a more aggressive dog that you may never be able to handle.
Hunting canine training, as with the other aspects in dog obedience training should be kept simple and fun. Canines are smart and know that they are appreciated for trying and for following orders. Make sure to reward your pet and let it feel appreciated. Then, before you know it, you'll have a mighty hunter at your beck and call.
At the end of the day just make sure you and your pet are happy!


How to Train a Dog - General Considerations 2

How to Train a Dog - General Considerations 2



Puppy Training
In the former paragraph I mentioned three "goals" for educating your dog. Priorities change over the lifetime of your dog. With a puppy the establishing mutual trust and respect has the highest priority. You achieve this by being consistent. Consistency means that a specific behaviour of your dog is always followed by the same consequence.
As an example if your dog wants to chew your shoes he's always stopped to do so. Always! And if your dog responds to a command from you he's always rewarded. No exceptions. That's what consistency means.
From this you can imagine that it's best to take a vacation as long as possible when bringing a new puppy home and stay around it all the time.
How to Train a Dog to Stop
This is another thing you have to start with as soon as you have your new dog at home. The secret here is to stop the unwanted behaviour and channel it to an accepted one. Puppies are used to explore their environment with their teeth. So it's quite normal for a puppy to chew on shoes and furniture and what not.
Distract your puppy with a sharp "No" or "Off" and offer her something more interesting like a toy or a chewing article like a dried chicken neck.
Watch out that your dog doesn't make it the game of doing something forbidden is rewarded. With a puppy the risk isn't very high but with elder dogs this is what normally happens. In this case you should make the unwanted behaviour more repellent.
I'm not talking about physical punishment. What I use is a throwing chain which lands in the vicinity of the dog when she does something forbidden. Since the chain is a small one it can't hurt the dog even if she's hit. But it scares her from what she's doing.
There are other methods which I'm not going into here.
How to Train a Dog to do
After having established mutual trust and respect and have educated your dog to behave well to do training will cover the most time. Puppy training is more or less a preparation of what's to come.
I am not going over specific training here like how to train a dog to walk on a leash. I'm rather covering general aspects which are common to whatever training you have in mind.
If the action you want from your dog is simple like sit or lay you can go right into the training. If the action is a complex one e.g. sending your dog over a hurdle to fetch something and bring it back over the hurdle you have to break this down to simple actions like jumping over the hurdle, sending him over the hurdle, retrieving etc.
Now even before introducing a command you have to bring your dog to show the required action. There are different methods for different actions which I'm not going to cover here. General rule here is: let the dog find out as much as possible for himself but give help before he gets frustrated. Your fantasy is asked for here and of course thorough knowledge of your dog.
If you get the wanted reaction praise your dog and reward with treats or playing. Repeat and reinforce by praise and reward. If your dog seems to understand start accompanying the action with your command. On the repetitions give the command more and more towards the start of the action until the command triggers the action.
Now you are done.


Residential Service Dog Training

Residential Service Dog Training



When the time comes for a dog to undergo training for its future role as a service dog, there are many different theories on which training method is the best, and there are almost as many theories as there are breeds of dog in the world! It seems like there is a newfangled service dog training method coming to the fore each and every week.
Praise and Reward
Praise and reward is more typically known as positive reinforcement and put simply it means that instead of chastising the canine when it does something wrong, it garners praise when it does something right. There are more and more professional dog trainers who are now swapping their old methods of chastisement and who are now using the praise and reward system instead.
A Tighter Emotional Bond
One other aspect to the praise and reward system is that the emotional bond between the trainer and the dog will be so much stronger and will in fact last much longer. The trouble with punishment during training is that it tends to make the hound associate you with pain and terror and that can have a bad negative impact on the dog when it is near its owner.
Be aware that using positive or negative reinforcement the wrong way can lead to very troublesome behavior. It's always best to consult with a qualified dog trainer.
Of course there are plenty of old school dog trainers who say that the old methods are in fact the best and that compulsion training is one of the best ways to train a dog. There are many implements available to these old school dog trainers that they tend to use to keep their dog under control include such items as the shock collar and the choke chain. These are seen as being cruel by those people who advocate the reward and praise method yet seen as an essential tool by those dog trainers who prefer the more strict method of dog training.
However, those people who do not agree with the stricter approach to dog training wonder why someone would want to deal with their dog in such a harmful way such as inflicting varying levels of pain. Both you and your dog can benefit from using the praise and reward method rather than a training method that relies on installing fear and pain on to your faithful companion.
Hopefully this article has gone some way to helping you to choose the best way to train your dog.


Aggressive Dogs - How To Train Them

Aggressive Dogs - How To Train Them




How to Tackle Dog Aggression
You've probably heard stories in the news about aggressive dogs biting children or attacking their owners. While these stories are sad (and disconcerting) they should not color your opinion of dogs as a whole. It is important to realize that most dogs are not aggressive by nature - their aggression is often a result of certain environmental factors and the way in which their owners handle them.
If your dog begins to display signs of aggression, do not assume that the only option is to put him down before he hurts someone. In this article you will learn how to identify the source of your dog's aggression and what to do about it.
Causes of Dog Aggression
Though it is true that some breeds of dog are more prone to aggression than others, most dogs do not display aggressive behavior unless they are incited to do so. One of the most common causes for dog aggression is fear. When your dog feels threatened by the presence of another dog or a stranger, he may become aggressive out of self-preservation. Many dogs feel protective of their owners and their perceived territory and display aggression toward people and animals that they feel are a threat.
Sometimes, aggression is a learned behavior that dogs display in response to certain training methods or behaviors you display toward them. If you or a family member teases the dog by taking away his food bowl while he is eating, he is likely to become protective of it. If you train your dog using punishment-based training methods, your dog may not understand why he is being punished and will simply learn to regard you as a threat.
Dealing with Aggression
The first step in dealing with your dog's aggression is to identify the triggers - the situations which cause your dog to become aggressive. When your dog begins to display aggressive behavior like barking or growling, take a moment to determine what instigated the behavior. Did a stranger walk by the house? Did another dog approach your dog while you were taking him for a walk? Once you've identified the trigger for your dog's aggression you can take steps to avoid the situations which involve that trigger.
After you've identified the trigger, you can condition your dog to respond in a different way. If your dog feels threatened by strangers entering the house, encourage your guests to "introduce" themselves to your dog when they first arrive, maybe even give him a treat to show that they are not a threat. If your dog feels threatened by other animals entering the yard, you can simply draw the curtains so he cannot see them.
Dealing with your dog's aggression can be a challenging process but do not be discouraged. It is important to realize that aggression is something that can be addressed - you do not have to assume that your dog's behavior is beyond the point of repair. Remember, in many cases aggression is a conditioned response so it is possible to condition your dog to have a different response if you are patient and consistent in your training.

How to Choose the Right Dog Toys For Your Dog

How to Choose the Right Dog Toys For Your Dog



They come in all shapes and sizes. They bounce, roll and fly about. They provide joy to your dog and peaceful moments during your busy day. Toys, ultimately, make a dog's life go round. But, there is so much to consider - safety, size, style, the list goes on. How do you choose the right dog toy for your pouch?
Here is a list of the factors that you will want to consider.
Factor #1: Size
Size is everything when it comes to dog toys. If your dog is a five pound Chihuahua, you don't want to give him a heavy or large toy. The opposite is also true. You must find the proper-sized toys to meet your dog's needs. In just about every style of toy, you will be able to find a toy to match your dog's needs.
Factor #2: Activity Level & Play Preference
Your dog's activity level affects every part of his - and your - life, especially his play time. Depending on your pouch's activity level, his play preference may vary. Here are various play preferences, accompanying descriptions and recommended dog toys.
Chew:
If your dog likes to chew for entertainment, it's time to save your furniture from disaster! There are numerous dog chew toys to match your dog no matter his aggression level.
  • Low Chewing Aggression: Soft, squishy toys made of vinyl or latex; puppy chews (non-treat chews)
  • Medium Chewing Aggression: bone-hard chew toys, rope, durable rubber toys
  • High Chewing Aggression: bone-hard or durable rubber toys
Chase:
For active dogs that love to run and chase things, you may want to have a variety of toys. You might want to include a flying disc and bouncing balls in your collection.
Cuddle:
Your dog may like to cuddle with his toy, so you may want something soft such as a toy made of fleece or plush. There are numerous dog toys available that look similar to stuffed animals - even some having battery operated heart beats and heated stomachs.
Cure Boredom:
Yes, you can officially cure your dog's boredom with an appropriate dog toy. The most effective dog toys for doing this are treats that offer your dogs rewards for chewing. In other words, these dog toys have a treat inside that the dog chews and licks until it is rewarded. Kong toys are the most effective toys in doing this.
Factor #3: Safety
As a pet owner, safety is the most important factor to you in choosing the right toy for your dog. From simple choking hazards to toxic dyes and preservatives, dog toy safety has hit the main stream media as of late. Specifically, there has been widespread concern about a string of Chinese exports that have been deemed toxic with such heavy metals as cadmium and lead. Despite these concerns, there is hope. There are many products available online that are completely safe for your pet.
Use these three factors to aid you in choosing the right toys for your dogs. Your first focus should be finding dog treats that are safe. Then, combine the other factors and you will be good to go. You can now rest assured that you are prepared to find the perfect toy for your dog!


Dog Behaviour Problems - Fear of Humans

Dog Behaviour Problems - Fear of Humans



Overcoming a Dog's Fear of Humans
As a dog owner, you are likely to experience a number of challenges with your pet. Some dog owners have to deal with excessive barking or chewing while some have to deal with more serious behavioral issues - a fear of humans. When your dog is afraid of humans, it makes it difficult to take him out of the house or to have other people come to your house to visit. Luckily, this problem can be solved.
Causes of Fear
There are several reasons why a dog might be frightened around humans. Some dogs just have a gentler temperament than others and they may be frightened by strangers or loud voices. Another possibility is that your dog was not properly socialized as a puppy. Socialization should occur within the first 6 to 12 weeks of a puppy's life and it is incredibly important in shaping the way your dog reacts to new situations. A final possibility is that your dog was harmed by a person at some point and they continue to hold that memory which dictates their current behavior. This problem is fairly common in rescue dogs that were taken from abusive homes or strays that have been abandoned.
Dealing with the Problem
The first thing you need to do in order to deal with this problem is to make sure that your dog actually IS afraid of people. In some cases, a dog may simply be exhibiting signs of submissiveness by lowering his tail or whimpering without making any effort to avoid people. If your dog is truly afraid, he will be more likely to run or hide from people and may be seen trembling, panting or licking his lips. Some dogs also become aggressive when they are afraid, biting or snapping at the perceived threat.
To deal with your dog's fear it would be helpful to identify the people your dog fears and avoid bringing your dog into close proximity with those people. If you do need to take your dog out, keep him on a leash so you can keep him under control and keep a safe distance between your dog and other people. It may also help to keep your own voice and movements calm - this may help your dog to feel more comfortable.
If your dog's behavior becomes serious or overly aggressive, you may need to consult an animal behaviorist. An animal behaviorist will help you determine the root cause of your dog's fear and will help you develop a plan to deal with it. Remember, as you deal with your dog's fear it is important that you stay calm and do not give your dog more reasons to fear humans. Do not use punishment-based training methods and try not to raise your voice to your dog. By utilizing some of this advice you should be able to reduce your dog's fear of humans.

Dog Toys Are Really Important for Your Dog or Not?

Dog Toys Are Really Important for Your Dog or Not?



Dogs are very similar to the kids as they require a continuous source of entertainment, otherwise they will feel annoyed or bored. Your feline friend really likes attention and playtime on the constant basis. However, if you fail to spend a quality time with your pet, then they may become restless and destructive. They may start chewing your furniture, shoes or other valuable items. In such a situation, it is imperative to keep them busy and entertained. This is where the dog toys really come in handy.
Playing is an intrinsic part of a dog's life. The dog toys keep them mentally and physically active. For example, if there is a toy which you can throw it in the air and ask your dog to fetch it, then you are certainly providing a much needed exercise to your beloved companion. The toys can bring a lot of happiness in the lives of the dogs and most importantly improve their overall health.
The toys provide other health benefits to the dogs besides enhancing their physical health. If a dog is provided with some kind of the soft or spongy toy, which they could chew in a hassle-free manner, then it can go a long way in keeping their teeth healthy.
A very important point that you should remember here while buying dog's things is that there are variety of toys available in the market and you select the one according to the size of your dog. Avoid buying smaller toys like balls for your pet as they can be quite easily swallowed and get stuck into their throat. Some of the vital points that you should be aware about the toys are as follows:
• If you purchase the toys in the bulk quantities, then do not give all the playthings at once to your dog. It is always important to keep rotating the toys so that the dogs do not get bored with one particular toy.
• Make it a point to provide different kinds of toys to your dog like one to chew, one to roll, etc.
• Discard the toy immediately, if it has some kind of crack as it can damage the teeth of the dog.
• Do not forget to supervise your dog while playing with him. This will ensure that he is playing with the toy correctly.
Just remember that purchasing the toys for dogs is not a mere luxury, but an utmost necessity. The toys are certainly the priceless items that will keep your beloved canine entertained, healthy and happy.


Information About Dog Training

Information About Dog Training



Training a dog can be an arduous task, and this is the reason why most pet owners are nowadays turning towards professional trainers. In order to train a dog in some chore, repetition has to be done lots of times in order to make sure that the dog performs the way you want it to perform. For those who are under the impression that dog training is an excruciating task, there are certain ways in which you can make dog training an enjoyable task. The prime point is the person who is trying to train the dog should be well aware of the tactics of training. It is strongly advised to start from the basic level and then proceed to the intermediate stage of training instead of directly jumping to the latter stage. Mentioned below are some of the tactics which you can apply on your dogs during their training phase.
Ascertain the right course of tactics
First of all, it is highly imperative that you select the right training procedures for your dog depending on its breed and size. Professional dog trainers recommend reward training for dogs since this lets them grasp the tactics faster. You can give command your dog and in case if it follows the commands properly, then you can reward it accordingly. Dogs love to be pampered and by this process, you will develop a stronger bonding with your dog, which is very important for the training process.
Clicker training for dogs
Clicker training happens to be one of the most followed training procedures and comes under reward training. In this form of training, the dog is given instructions by the trainer and if the dog succeeds in following the commands, then a sound of a clicker is produced. This serves as an acknowledgement for the dog for completing the task successfully. Towards the commencement of clicker training, the dog is rewarded with some eatable along with clicker sound following which the dog performs the task with its full interests so that it can get to hear the clicker sound once again. It is very important to treat the dog with patience as any form of frustration will downsize the performing capability of the dog.
For those who wish to learn the tactics of training a dog, there are online lessons available, which will give the trainers a proper insight into the ways in which a dog should be trained.


Good Manners - Stop Your Dog From Jumping On People

Good Manners - Stop Your Dog From Jumping On People


The number one problem people contact me about is how to stop their dog from jumping up on people. While your pet may have good intentions and is just overly excited when meeting people, injuries often occur when dogs jump up on people. They can easily knock over and injure the elderly or young children, their nails can scratch people, and they can tear or dirty people's clothing. If you went to pet someone's dog, you would not want something like this to happen to you, so make sure your dog doesn't do this to other people or you.
Training Tips to Stop Jumping
The primary reason dogs jump is for attention. The act of jumping is self-rewarding to the dog - jumping is just plain fun! If they jump up once and they get attention, they will continue to do it again and again. Neither pushing the dog away or yelling "off" commands at them is effective for stopping this behavior. The dog still considers this rewarding attention for jumping. However, if the dog is ignored every time they jump up, the behavior will extinguish itself. The key to stopping this behavior is your consistency.
1. Ignore All Jumping - Start first with family members. Since the dog is jumping for attention, all attention needs to go away when jumping occurs. When jumping occurs do NOT speak to the dog or make flailing hand gestures. Avoid eye contact, cross your arms and turn sideways to the dog, but still watch him out the corner of your eye. If necessary, take one step back to get some distance away from the dog and just wait until the dog sits. Do not tell the dog to sit, you want the dog to figure this out by himself. The dog may decide to walk away, and if he does that is fine since he stopped jumping. If he walks away just ignore the dog and resume what you were previously doing.
2. Tethering - Tethering is very helpful to use when working on jumping and greeting problems. If you have a larger dog make sure that you tie the leash to something sturdy. I have 60-70 lb dogs and they could easily pull the couch or break a doorknob. I will usually tether them to a fence post in my yard or to the leg of my cast iron stove, something I know they can't move when I work on this exercise.
Once the dog is tethered, approach from a distance of about 20 feet. It is perfectly fine if the dog is standing when you start this exercise. If the dog makes any movement to jump, lunge, fidget, bark or whine, immediately stop and turn sideways to them; remember no speaking to the dog. Once they are quiet and still you can continue your approach. Once you are within touching distance (one arms length), stop and stand facing them and if they are not already sitting, wait for them to sit - do not tell the dog to sit. If they start jumping or making any noise, walk away and start over again. Once you are able to approach the dog and they sit quietly, say "YES" and give them a few treats. Be calm and speak softly when praising them and giving them their treat. You don't want to undo all your positive work by getting them all excited. The dog needs to remain sitting while taking their treat. If they should get up, stop giving the treat (close your hand or put your hand with the treat behind your back) wait until they are sitting. If they start jumping, walk away and start all over again.
Once your training session is complete release the dog calmly from the tether. Some dog may want to jump upon being released, be prepared. If they try to jump just stand still and turn away as previously explained in the "Ignore All Jumping" section. Work this exercise with all family members as well as with some friends if possible.
Petting - Once the dog will quietly let you approach and give them a treat without any whining or jumping, now is the time to attempt petting them. Same rules apply, no jumping, whining and no paws. Many dogs want to put their front paws on you when you go to pet them, do not allow this either because before you know it they will be climbing up on you. The dog must remain sitting and quiet while being petted. If not, stop and walk away and wait for them to be sitting quietly before you resume. Once you can successfully pet the dog, say "YES" and give them some treats.
Do not work on these Jumping & Petting tethered exercises for more than 5-10 minutes. It is better to do short but frequent training sessions. When I am first starting I will try to work on this exercise 3 times a day for 5-10 minutes each time.
3. Friends - Once the dog is able to sit quietly for a greeting from family members, it is time to try it with friends and eventually the general public. Start with dog friendly friends first. Invite them over to your house or take fido to their house. In this situation your dog won't be tethered to an immovable object, now it is your responsibility to hold him and not allow him to jump. Explain the rules to your friend in advance, they are the same rules outlined in the "Tethering" section. Try this with as many friends as possible until your see your dog exhibit the understanding that sitting quietly gets them treats and pets and all other behaviors get them nothing. Once you feel your dog understand this, it is time to take it to the public. Go to places like parks or pet stores, people are always asking to pet dogs.
Until your dog is fully trained and has generalized this behavior in all settings you need to ensure that you do not allow your dog to continue jumping on people. If someone unexpected drops by either tether the dog or put them away in a room or their crate before you answer the door. The more jumping accidents you are unable to avoid, the longer it is going to take to train this. If you are consistent and practice you will make fast progress in correcting this bad behavior.

Dog Attack Defenses That Work

Dog Attack Defenses That Work


Much has been written about dog attacks and dog bites. You may have seen or heard suggestions on how to avoid them and how to defend yourself against a dog attack. We have been writing about this topic for nearly a decade because there are so many people who are victims of dog bites every year-nearly one million of them require hospitalization.
It has been estimated that close to 5 million Americans are bitten by dogs annually. And surprisingly, children are the biggest group of victims, followed by letter carriers.
In this article we will discuss some ways to fend off a dog attack and popular dog attack defenses.
It is true that most dogs will not attack you. They may bark and growl but not take it to the next level of a full-fledged attack. Dogs are very territorial, and if you encroach on their territory, the barking and growling is their way of telling you to stay away. A wise and prudent person will do that-stay away.
One of the most common defenses against the dog attack is to use pepper spray. While it is highly effective when you hit the target, hitting the target can be problematic because of windy or even rainy conditions. The slightest breeze can blow pepper spray off target. Furthermore, if you are not upwind from the spray it could possibly blow back in-your-face making you the target, not the dog.
Learn to read the body language of the dog. If he is wagging his tail, it doesn't necessarily mean that he wants to play. If he is showing bared teeth and raised hackles with his ears pinned back, he is ready to charge at you and attack you with everything he has.
Grab anything you can to use as a weapon. If nothing is available, take off your shoe and use that as a blocking device to thrust into his mouth. If it gets down to it, poke at his eyes. It is best if you are walking outdoors to always carry some kind of a weapon such as a walking stick, a cane or something that you can use as a dog attack defense.
Some people believe that a sharp command of "stop" or "go home" will make them back off. Unlike a bear attack where it is suggested that you curl up in a ball on the ground, in a dog attack do everything you can to stay on your feet. If you try kicking a dog, you may lose your balance and end up on your back, then you're in serious big time trouble.
As difficult as it may be, try grabbing the dog's hind legs and throw it into something hard such as a wall, a car or a tree. You have to be very fast to do this to avoid being bitten.


Importance of Formal Training for Dogs

Importance of Formal Training for Dogs



One option for dog pet owners is to send their pets for formal training under professional trainers. A much inexpensive alternative is to buy a dog training collar and conduct the training yourself. The catch is formal dog training courses can be very pricey. On the contrary, it is necessary to spend more time if you want to economize and become the personal coach of your dog. Determine the option that will work to your advantage. The issue here is that the absence or lack of training can cause various problems such as unfriendliness, persistent barking, or running away frequently from home. The educated dog can be more behaved than one which has not received any training.
Handling Badly Behaved Pets
Act decisively if your dogs are difficult to control. You need the help of a dog training tool for your pet is making it quite unbearable for you by being very aggressive. It may also be digging so many holes in the yard; biting on shoes, furniture and other prized possession; displaying extra aggressiveness; showing a lot of impatience and other unpleasant behavior. You are now afraid that your pet may run away, get lost or bite other dogs and human beings.
Before you implement dog training, it is necessary to be knowledgeable with the dog training collar. It will always be advisable to train your own dog but lack of time may prevent you from doing this. In this case, it may be necessary to hire an experienced trainer. The first thing to do is look for highly experienced trainers. There are numerous trainers who will claim to be experts but may lack the necessary competence. Be very patient so you can get the most competent and affordable service provider.
Evaluate Training Courses
Review the training courses that are appropriate to your dog as well as the cost of each program. By employing the training collar, you can find it easier to train your dog to become obedient. These domesticated animals will always want to please their masters but incorrect training techniques can confuse the dog. Pet owners, who find the chance, should take time out to take up training modules to study the dogs' attitudes. You may not be able to teach dogs new tricks but you can teach them to stay away from aggressive attitude. It is possible to accomplish this through education and dog training collar.


Tuesday 23 July 2013

Dog Parks - Good or Bad?

Dog Parks - Good or Bad?



A visit to a Dog Park on a beautiful day should be an uplifting experience for you and a fun experience for your dog. Isn't it great to watch them all play so wonderfully together with the sun shining and the birds chirping in the trees? We pet owners stand around laughing at the crazy antics of our beloved four-legged family members and catch up on the local news in town.
All is grand in doggy-park land until one dog decides to cause a stir. Perhaps one dog sniffed another dog's butt a little too long. Or the all too familiar "mounting mode" starts to annoy a dog. So a little snarling and snapping begins and then what? Well, hopefully the owners don't ignore the behavior or even worse, never even see the incident due to complete distraction.
Visits to the park can be a great time for pet and owner! However, your Vet might tell you that instead, sometimes they are the arena of unfortunate dog fights that give Vet Clinics business they would rather not receive.
Dogs must learn proper etiquette and guess who is responsible to teach them? Yes, the owners! It is imperative that we carefully supervise our pets at parks to prevent any unacceptable behavior from occurring.
Certain canine behaviors are not socially acceptable such as excessive sniffing, mounting, mouthing, growling or cornering. If the dog being "annoyed" retaliates, they are not the one with the "bad" behavior. Rather, they are merely telling the "annoying dog" to mind his/her boundaries.
Any canines that are fearful, aggressive or even exhibit reactive aggression in behavior should not go to Dog Parks. Neither should puppies under 4 months of age. Also, if your dog is toy possessive and toys are in the park, he/she should not go in at that time.
Dogs at community parks should have friendly and outgoing personalities and display proper social etiquette. They should not be overbearing, obnoxious or bullying. They should also be obedient to basic commands of their owner such as "come" or "sit and stay".
A word of warning... You and your pet might know and practice all the rules of Doggy Park Etiquette but that doesn't mean all the others at the park will. So pay attention at all times. Continue to teach your dog the rules of Dog Park Etiquette! Make the visit to the park a pleasant experience for everyone.
The warmer weather is here so it is time to enjoy it with your dog. It could be at a local park or the trails in your community. Dogs love the outdoors but they love it most when accompanied by their best friend!


Barking Dog Collar Is Not A Cruel Tool Like What Other People Think

Barking Dog Collar Is Not A Cruel Tool Like What Other People Think


Bark collars are definitely here to stay after it was introduced to the market several years ago. Numerous pet owners will agree with this claim for as long as the tool is a humane barking dog collar. Dealers of dog supplies and training gear maintain that it is not proper to describe the device as a shock collar.
Besides, it only causes minor discomfort and not total pain or trauma. People, who have been using this fixture, can attest to this fact. The stimulus works well with most dogs so you achieve your goal of preventing unwanted barking.
Learn More about this Collar for Barking Dog
The dog collar is powered by batteries. The potency of the static pulse as some people opt to call it is very slight. In fact, it does not cause any injury or lasting negative effect on your canine pet. The collar does not derive its energy from electricity. Moreover, there is no hurting factor involved even if the collar is adjusted to the maximum capacity. All that the animal feels is the unpleasant feeling.
However, the contention of some dog lovers or staunch supporters of organizations that strive to prevent cruelty to animals is that these collars can harm the dog psychologically. Instead of rectifying wrong behavior, it only causes mental torture to the dogs and hinders the training program.
Bark Collar is designed to Stop Dogs from Barking
The fact is the dog needs only several days to learn how to keep away from any correction. The humane barking dog collar has been manufactured in such a way that it emits a warning to the dogs before delivering the shock. The dog is quick to associate this alert to stop from doing things such as barking unnecessarily, jumping over the fence, defecating inside the house or digging holes in the yard.
The collars have been programmed in such a way that it will only work after several barks. There is a cautionary beep before discharging a mild electric shock if barking persists. If your dog decides to ignore the correction, the owner can adjust the intensity of the impulse. It is very rare that a dog will keep on barking long enough to get the highest level of correction. In fact, many dogs will learn quickly to stop barking when they hear the warning sound. The truth is that the humane barking dog collar is comparatively safe and not cruel devices as some people think of it.


Teach Your Pet The Dog Training Basics

Teach Your Pet The Dog Training Basics


Dogs can be great companions and are, of course, very loyal too. However, before you rush off into thinking about advanced activities, such as dog agility training, you will need to make sure that you fully consider the basics. You will need good, fundamental building blocks in place before you can teach anything advanced to your dog.
Often, people think that the basics of dog training are things which are actually quite advanced. Whenever you see a dog that's 100% obedient, even in the face of distractions, you should congratulate the owner on a job well done. If the dog always stays where it should and never barks out of turn, the owner really will have put some advanced level work in.
When you are considering the basics of dog training, it's therefore important not to try to expect too much at once. Training should be in short bursts, building up your dog's understanding as you go along. It's always a mistake to try to cover too much before your dog has grasped the basics. Attempting to cram in too much will leave you with a dog that's confused and bewildered.
Long training sessions can be counterproductive as you end up tiring the dog and very little is achieved. You can also become frustrated yourself, which is not helpful when you need to be clear in your instructions. You might raise your voice unnecessarily, and this tension can be picked up by your dog. It is better to remain calm and controlled in short, relaxed sessions not exceeding thirty minutes.
Taking the time to establish a good bond with your dog is essential if you want to have a productive training relationship with your pet. Having a good grasp of the fundamentals will be much easier if your dog trusts you and understands that they are safe with you as their owner. If you can get this right, your dog will be able to master dog obedience training quickly, and in a way that is enjoyable for both of you.
Making sure you create the right environment for training is about more than just having a good bond with your pet. You will need to ensure that you have the right training equipment, as well as an environment that's low on distractions. Where possible, spend the money on a good quality leather dog collar that is secure and comfortable. This should fit snugly around the neck, but it should not be too restrictive to compromise breathing.
After building up a close bond with your dog, you will probably want to start using some commands. The simplest will be used to get your dog to sit. To get your dog to sit still you will need to push them gently on their back while pulling slightly on their lead. This should move them towards a sitting position. As you do this, say "sit" in a clear voice. When they take the sitting position you should praise them and give them a treat so they know they have pleased you.


Wednesday 17 July 2013

11 Reasons Why Dogs Bark and How You Can Stop Dog Barking

11 Reasons Why Dogs Bark and How You Can Stop Dog Barking


It is as natural for a dog to bark as it is for a kid to talk. So we should not expect a dog never to bark. However if the barking has become too excessive to the point of irritating the neighbours, you have to either move the dog away from build-up areas, confine it to a sound proof room or train the dog to stop barking. To stop the dog from barking, we have to first understand the cause of the problem.
REASONS FOR DOG BARKING
Let us explore the reasons for dog barking:
#1. Communication
Barking is a form of communication. If you listen closely there are different tones and different types of barking.
#2. Intrusion
Dogs are territorial and protective against any intruders. A guard dog's duty is to guard the property. Naturally it will bark to alert you to possible intruders when it sense any intrusion by people or dogs. The closer the threat, the louder the barking. When the dog is aggressive, it takes on a threatening posture, with a high tail and ears up and forward.
#3. Spirits
Some people say that animals are sensitive to the presence of unseen spirits or ghosts.
#4. Reaction to Noise
Some dogs bark when car drives by, when the doorbell rings, or when the neigbour's dog bark.
#5. Attention
Dogs bark because they want attention. They want something.Maybe they are hungry or thirsty. They want to go outside to play. They wants a treat.
#6. Boredom
Dogs can be frustrated if they are confined to the same place for a long period of time, or they have been left outside day and night. Dogs are pack dog and do not like to be left alone for long period. If they become bored or sad, they will bark.
#7. Fear
They bark when they are afraid, be it objects, people, places, other animals, or loud noise such as thunder and fireworks. How do you tell if the dog is afraid? The ears are back and the tails are held low.
#8. Excitement
Dogs can be playful and excited when greeting people or other animals. It's usually a happy bark, accompanied with tail wags and sometimes jumping.
#9. Health Problem
We should not discount that barking can be cause by deafness because it cannot hear itself barking. It could be due to age related dementia.
#10. Separation Anxiety
Dogs when left alone can suffer from separation anxiety. They exhibit symptoms such as pacing, depression and destruction.
#11. Compulsive barking
Compulsive barkers bark just to hear the sound of their voices. They also often make repetitive movements as well such as running in circles.
HOW TO STOP DOG BARKING
It is a natural instinct for a dog to bark and we should not suppress this instinct.
The dog must be taught when to bark and when not to bark. When the dog bark for a good reason, for example someone is at the door or entering your territory, praise the dog. When you let the guest enter your house, you give the dog a command to stop barking.
Put your finger to your lips and give the command "Quiet" in a calm and firm voice.
Train your dog to understand the word 'Quiet'.
However, if the dog barks at the wrong time or for the wrong reason, then we should not let this problem continue. A dog barking become unwelcome when the dog will not stop barking and such incessant barking disturb the neighbours especially in build up areas.
To solve the problem, find out what is the cause of the problem.
If the barking is due to boredom then bring the dog out for a work every day. Play with it for at least an hour a day. If the barking is for the attention, then give it sufficient attention by spending time with it. A dog is not a toy to be left alone; it is a living animal with feelings and need affection and interaction. Spend time by taking it for a long walk or run. Play ball. Take a trip to the dog park. When the dog is tired, it will be quiet.
Do send the dog to a vet for a checkup as some medical problems can cause excessive barking. These problem can range from dementia, brain disease, pain, to senility.
There are a few methods to solve a dog barking problem.
Someone suggested a beans-in-a-tin solution. Put beans in a tin and seal it. When the dog is barking, shake the tin vigorously near the dog and say 'No' firmly.
As soon as the dog stops barking, praise him.


Challenging Role of Barking Dog Collars at Dog Training

Challenging Role of Barking Dog Collars at Dog Training


Behold, barking is a natural act for all our canine buddies. It is a way for dogs to communicate so it is impossible to stop barking dogs. Only when it goes out of control must pet owners come in to look for quick and effective solutions. Barking dog collars such as static bark collars, citronella collars, and sonic anti barking devices. Look for reliable suppliers of said dog tools for this purpose.
Correcting Dog Behavior Problems
Aside from the useful bark collars, you need to implement the best techniques to stop barking dogs. You may use physical correction, but it should not be overly done. However, do not stop there since you need to follow through with your efforts. There is a risk that the dog will revert to its old practice. The key is to exercise patience so the canine can learn the things you are teaching.Do not feel infuriated by excessive barking. On the contrary, maintain your composure and work methodically to stop this problem.
Keep in mind that your furry pal will not follow you once it sees lack of leadership. The dog will also be upset, and this is the best way to let loose emotions. Is your dog barking without letup at the same human being, object, situation, or place? Then you need to pick up and state that motivation as your own. Utilize your body, mind, and energy to build an imperceptible wall that your dog is not supposed to jump over or walk through. Implement this with complete dedication and concentration so the results will be positive, and you stop barking dogs.
Challenge your Dog Psychologically and Physically
Too much barking may be the result of confined energy that has to be released. The answer is not difficult: Let go of that energy through a productive manner. Challenge the dog to do something more exciting and challenging than daily walks and exercise. Think of activities that will help you achieve this goal. Try to get professional trainers if your budget allows or get anti barking devices such as the citronella collar.
This variety of collars emits unpleasant citronella odor or any barking dog collar that will not harm or cause negative effects on your pet. The Citronella model is considered very safe and effective. It is not difficult to operate and relatively simple as well as functional. Moreover, this mechanism is easy on the pocket and will surely help you to stop barking dogs.

Your Dog's Biggest Problem and How To Solve It

Your Dog's Biggest Problem and How To Solve It


There is no magic solution, but you can change your dog's annoying behavior. It doesn't help you much now to tell you that the best way to deal with bad behavior in your dog is to prevent it in the first place. People spend time researching and buying a car and then maintaining it. They will spend hours planning a vacation. They send their kids to school for more than 180 days a year for no less than 12 years. But when it comes to their dog, they think it all should just work out somehow.
Dogs need to be properly trained in the first place and then most of the problems we encounter will not even happen. But it might be even more important to train the owner! How many dog owners have never even read a book or watched a video on how to relate to their pet? I know you don't want to hear this, but most problem behavior with your pet is your fault, not your dog's. Like Cesar Millan, the "Dog Whisperer" and TV personality, likes to say: He trains people and he rehabilitates dogs.
In many cases the biggest problem with your dog is that you have let him be in charge. He thinks he is running things, or he is anxious because you are clearly not in charge. It's not that you dog wants to be the leader. It's just that someone has to be and he's pretty sure it's not you right now.
You can love your dog and still e the boss. Dogs, like children need to have a leader. They don't want to be in charge. They want someone to show them the boundaries and direct them. They want to have rules and structure. In the wild, dogs have a pack leader who provides for them, protects them, and sets rules and boundaries. In your world, that pack leader needs to be you. But if you don't do it, your dog probably will.
Yes, your dog does need affection, but that is not his greatest need. You want to just love on him and comfort him and snuggle with him. However, in doing that first, you are causing him more harm than good. Discipline and exercise must come above affection. Then the affection has much greater meaning.
The other thing most dogs are lacking that contributes to their unwanted behavior is exercise. The typical household pet gets little to none of this each day. Just letting your dog out into the backyard for a few minutes doesn't count. When he's been cooped up all day alone, he needs a long walk, and better still a run. A lot of behavior problems would simply vanish when the pet has adequate exercise. He is then better prepared to follow your leadership.
The point is, if we would do our part, it would go a long ways to solving our pet's behavior problems. It doesn't do any good at this point to beat ourselves up because we could have avoided the misbehavior in the first place. Our dog has developed some habits that need to be changed. But even if the dog's problems behavior is dealt with and corrected, unless we make changes in the way we relate to him or her, it will probably not solve the problem permanently.
Here are some tips on how to establish yourself as the boss, as the "pack-leader."
1. Work on developing a "positive-assertive" attitude. It never helps to yell at your dog. Being upset only bothers you and does little to correct your dog's behavior.
Watch and control how you react toward your pet. He will sense your inner attitude. You need to determine and believe that you are in charge and not him. Then be positive, concentrating on what you want instead of what you don't want.
2. Do not react. Monitor your behavior and think before you act. Just as with children, usually your first reaction to a bad situation is the wrong one. So stop and think before you act.
3. Do not comfort your dog or offer him affection at the wrong times. When he is acting out of gear or anxiety he doesn't need comforting, he needs a positive-assertive leader. Save the affection and "mothering" for when his behavior is what you desire, not when he is misbehaving. What you reward will be repeated.
4. When you feed your dog, make him get permission before he eats. Don't allow him to rush you and grab the food. Make him sit and stay while you prepare and deliver the food. Make him wait a minute or two, just to prove whose in charge. Then tell him "Okay" and he can eat.
5. When you open the door, do not allow him to run out. Make him sit and wait until you tell him he may go out. Again, prove whose boss and release him when you are ready, not when he is impatient. It wouldn't even hurt to make him wait until he settles down some.
6. If you are going outside with your dog, you always go out the door first - or in the door first. Who goes first: the pack leader or the followers?
7. Teach your dog basic commands, enforce them, and require that your entire family be consistent with his training and behavior. If each family member does something different with the dog, he only becomes confused and anxious. Dog training must be a family lifestyle.
So first, we need to look at our self and how we react and relate to our dog. Then we will be ready to deal with the bad habits and go to the next step in a wonderful and rewarding relationship with our "best friend."


Training a Dog - What Is Your Puppy Saying?

Training a Dog - What Is Your Puppy Saying?



Puppies communicate with their families in a variety of ways. One is the use of their mouths. A dog's mouth is the equivalent of a human's hand; it is used for grabbing, feeling, and talking. Puppies will use their mouths to tell you how they feel!
What does it mean when your puppy yawns?
Yawning can mean a few things according to your puppy. It is up to you to observe the context in which he is yawning. Has he just had a play session and is laying down for some relaxation? A yawn in this instance would simply mean that he is tired and ready for a nap. However, puppies also use yawning to show that they are stressed and uncomfortable. This is often seen during car rides, while at the vet office, and during events in which a lot of movement and loud noises are present, making the puppy feel nervous.
What about when he licks his lips?
Lip licking, again, has a few meanings depending on the context. If you just grabbed his food dish and about to fill it with some tasty morsels, you can bet that he is becoming excited for a meal. He will lick his lips to spread his saliva, which has enzymes that help break down food and can also increase the smell factor when he's sniffing the food as it falls into his dish. On the other hand, if your dog is nervous and wants to be left alone he will also lick his lips as a way of saying, "Back off, I don't want to be bothered." In this instance, you should always leave your dog be.
My dog loves to give me kisses... right?
Many dogs love to lick their owners, usually on the face or hands. When your puppy is licking your face, especially your chin and mouth area, he is telling you that he accepts you as the leader and he will follow your command. Puppies will lick their mother's mouths, and even wolf cubs do the same to their moms or the dominate member of their pack to show submission. If your puppy continuously licks your fingers, you probably have something yummy on there and he just can't get enough of it! Be sure to always wash your hands before and after playing with or handling a puppy!
What does panting mean?
Panting is typically associated with temperature control in a dog's body. A dog will use his saliva as a conductor to push the heat out of his body when he is warm. Puppies will pant if they are warm, but they will also use it as a form of communication with you and other animals. When terribly stressed and scared, a puppy may lay his head lower, making himself look as small as possible, and pant heavily. He is telling you that he is worried, and does not like the situation he is in. This is often seen in a vet's office, or if the puppy is overwhelmed with rough play and/or dominance behavior of another dog.
It has also been recently discovered that one type of pant may be doggy laughter! You will witness this during play, and the laughing pant will sound like a couple short but heavy rushes of air being pushed outwards. It usually only lasts moments before play resumes!

The REAL Secret To Teaching Your Dog To Come When Called

The REAL Secret To Teaching Your Dog To Come When Called


I want to tell you how I got my now wife, Rachael, to go out with me for the first time. Rachael was working for me at the time at my dog training business.
I hatched a plan because I do not handle rejection very well and I didn't want her to think I was some creepy boss hitting on her.
I figured if she said "No," I would not get a second chance.
Here is the boiled down version:
A famous writer was coming to her old college to speak about his books and his life. Tickets were NOT cheap.
Anyway, I had the speaker's books and struck up a conversation with Rach. I told her how much I liked this guy's books and asked her if she would like to read them.
She said yes and took them home. A few days later I approached her and asked her if she liked the writer.
Luckily, she said she did and we talked about him for a few minutes.
Everyday I made it a point to talk about this writer with her.
After doing this for about a week I told her that the writer was coming to the University of Rhode Island to speak.
Now here is the dealio: I did NOT ask her to go with me. That would have been a HUGE mistake because she could have said "No" and I would have been sunk.
Right in front of her I picked up the phone and called one of my friends. I asked him if he'd like to go with me. Before he could answer I said, "Ah, that's too bad. Take care." and hung up.
I repeated the process two more times right in front of her.
After the third call I turned to Rachael and said: "Wow, I can't believe this. This great writer is going to be in our backyard, tickets are $150 apiece and no one wants to go."
Guess what Rachael said?
"I'll go with you."
BINGO, BANGO, BONGO!!!
SUCCESS!
AND THAT my friend is THE secret to teaching your dog to come when called.
Set your dog up for success. I made sure I controlled this situation in a way that put me in the best position to get the outcome I was looking for.
And you need to do this when you are teaching your dog to come when called. you need to "Set your dog up for success."
You have to build a good foundation for the recall command. Your dog has to hear the command and then race towards you. The big mistake with the recall is that in the beginning the dog hears the command "Come" and ignores the command.
The owner then runs after the dog and it becomes a game of keep away. Bad foundation.
An excellent technique to use is the "Spring Loaded Recall Exercise" which I am going to share but I wanted to start with this quick story to get you in the right frame of mind for teaching this extremely important command.
How To Teach The Spring Loaded Recall Exercise
The Spring Loaded Recall Exercise sets your dog up for success. Your dog is given only one option when you do this. The option is to come racing towards you. It is simple, effective and fun.
This exercise is done with a friend. Your friend is going to hold your dog's leash. While your friend is holding the leash you are going to go up to your dog and get him excited - REAL EXCITED!
Your dog has to be excited to the point that he wants to play with you. Once your dog is excited you run away from your dog. Run about 15 to 20 feet away. If you got your dog excited enough your friend should be struggling to hold your dog back (unless of course your dog is only 5 LBS.).
Since your dog is pulling on the leash and wants to be with you, you have now successfully set up your dog for success. You've set up the situation in your favor which has to be done - especially when you first start teaching your dog this command.
Now you are 15 feet away, your dog is on leash and pulling and wants to be with you. At this point you want to crouch down.
Crouching down makes your body language much more inviting to your dog. Body language is extremely important for dog training and this is important for teaching the recall command.
While crouching down, clearly say your dog's name and then give the command "COME!"
Your friend drops the leash the second you say "COME!" If you've done everything correctly your dog should rocket towards you. The second your dog gets to you take your dog's collar in your hand BEFORE giving a reward.
Some dogs love to do drive bys. They race to the owner and swerve right around and run away. Some dogs will come right up to the owner and as the owner reaches out the dog ducks and moves away.
Always have the collar in your hand BEFORE giving the treat. This will condition your dog to come right up to you.
This is the best way to build a SOLID foundation for the recall command. Start implementing this simple tip and you'll get much better results.


Teach Your Pet The Dog Training Basics

Teach Your Pet The Dog Training Basics


Dogs can be great companions and are, of course, very loyal too. However, before you rush off into thinking about advanced activities, such as dog agility training, you will need to make sure that you fully consider the basics. You will need good, fundamental building blocks in place before you can teach anything advanced to your dog.
Often, people think that the basics of dog training are things which are actually quite advanced. Whenever you see a dog that's 100% obedient, even in the face of distractions, you should congratulate the owner on a job well done. If the dog always stays where it should and never barks out of turn, the owner really will have put some advanced level work in.
When you are considering the basics of dog training, it's therefore important not to try to expect too much at once. Training should be in short bursts, building up your dog's understanding as you go along. It's always a mistake to try to cover too much before your dog has grasped the basics. Attempting to cram in too much will leave you with a dog that's confused and bewildered.
Long training sessions can be counterproductive as you end up tiring the dog and very little is achieved. You can also become frustrated yourself, which is not helpful when you need to be clear in your instructions. You might raise your voice unnecessarily, and this tension can be picked up by your dog. It is better to remain calm and controlled in short, relaxed sessions not exceeding thirty minutes.
Taking the time to establish a good bond with your dog is essential if you want to have a productive training relationship with your pet. Having a good grasp of the fundamentals will be much easier if your dog trusts you and understands that they are safe with you as their owner. If you can get this right, your dog will be able to master dog obedience training quickly, and in a way that is enjoyable for both of you.
Making sure you create the right environment for training is about more than just having a good bond with your pet. You will need to ensure that you have the right training equipment, as well as an environment that's low on distractions. Where possible, spend the money on a good quality leather dog collar that is secure and comfortable. This should fit snugly around the neck, but it should not be too restrictive to compromise breathing.
After building up a close bond with your dog, you will probably want to start using some commands. The simplest will be used to get your dog to sit. To get your dog to sit still you will need to push them gently on their back while pulling slightly on their lead. This should move them towards a sitting position. As you do this, say "sit" in a clear voice. When they take the sitting position you should praise them and give them a treat so they know they have pleased you.