DogTrainster.Com

Article Source: examiner.com
Article by: Jeff Millman

I frequently get calls from potential clients that have young puppies. Many people know the importance of using a crate, but don’t use it properly.

The benefits of using a crate are many:

* You can prevent destruction
* You can speed up housetraining
* You can decrease the chances for separation anxiety

So many people use the crate when they are at work, but keep the puppy out of the crate all night when they are home.

This is a mistake.

If your puppy is only in the crate during the day when you are at work, you run the risk of having an older dog that is not used to being away from you. At the worst he could get separation anxiety, or he might just be a frustrated older dog, or frustrated puppy.

What happens if you have a few friends over and your puppy has never been in the crate in the evening, especially with the commotion of guests? If you put your puppy in the crate without without prior practice, he might bark or whine and be a big distraction to you and your guests.

It is important that you are able to get a break from your puppy for real life activities. If your puppy never learns to be in the crate in the evening, you are limiting your ability to lower the inevitable stress associated with having a puppy.

It is also impossible to watch a puppy every moment when you are home. If you don’t use the crate, he might learn to be destructive when you are out of the room. The more bad habits your puppy learns now, the more work for you later to “unteach” those bad habits.

Puppies can be wonderful, fun, cute little furballs that are nothing but fun. But, they can also be (and usually are) a tremendous amount of work. Put yourself and your puppy in a situation where he learns to be  calm and comfortable in the crate at all times during the day. If you spend “quality time” with your puppy when he is out of the crate and train him, exercise him and work with him, he will most likely be tired and sleepy in the crate anyway.

Article Source: burnsidenews.com

Caring for your new dog: a guide for adopters

Obedience Training

After veterinarian care, obedience should be your next priority. Obedience training has come a long way in the last 10 years.

First and foremost, training should never hurt or frighten your dog. A dog that’s trained using harsh methods will develop an array of behaviour problems and insecurities while learning you can’t always be trusted. This will be detrimental in the development of your relationship.

Professional obedience instructors who teach using positive reinforcement methods have the skills to help you and your new companion learn how to interact while developing a trusting relationship that will make your dog a favourite of family members, friends and neighbours.

Dogs are as individual as humans. Your obedience instructor should work with your family to develop a curriculum that will work best for you and your dog.

Most owners find the use of food and praise to be the easiest way to start. However, as you and your dog get to know one another, your dog may be more motivated to work for a variety of rewards such as playing or being patted.

Obedience classes can vary greatly from larger class sizes with multiple instructors, to smaller more intimate groups or personal one-on-one instruction in a class-type setting or in your own home. Many factors will determine which obedience classes are right for you, including location, time, cost and the personality of you and your dog.

• Larger class sizes with multiple instructors: These classes are made up of larger groups of dogs and handlers and should have multiple instructors. A good ratio is one instructor for every three to five dog/handler teams. These classes are great for a person who hopes to allow their dog off-leash at dog parks or similar situations and gain a reliable recall (“come”) command. The larger class sizes simulate life-like scenarios where your dog will learn to avoid distractions and focus on you. Also, having multiple instructors to work with provides a wider variety of skills and knowledge at your fingertips.

• Smaller class sizes with one or two instructors: These classes still give you the benefits of training your dog around other dogs (one of the biggest distractions for most), but on a smaller scale. This can make it easier for handlers and dogs that are easily distracted, or for anxious dogs.

• One-on-one training: Whether it’s in a classroom or in your own home, receiving individual instruction gives you and your dog undivided attention and can really catapult your training. This type of training is great for owners who may be feeling a little unsure or need help correcting specific behaviours.

Crate Training

Crate training has many benefits when used appropriately. A dog “crate” is the general term for referring to a rectangular enclosure. Crates can be constructed of wire, metal, molded plastic or a combination of these materials. Be sure the crate is of adequate size. Most people with puppies will opt to buy a crate that will accommodate the dog when it is full grown, but can be partitioned off to help with house training when they’re young. A dog should be able to stand up straight, turn around and stretch out in their crate. A dog that’s properly crate trained will enjoy their crate throughout their lives and will use it for refuge from a busy household.

Crate training has several benefits, including:

• puppies and dogs that are being house trained to eliminate (urinate and defecate) outside are less likely to eliminate in their crate, unless left for inappropriate amounts of time or before the dog has had a chance to eliminate outside.

• dogs that damage household items during times they can’t be directly supervised cannot practice these behaviours in a crate.

• in cases of travel or illness, crates can be a necessity. A dog that has been trained to be comfortable in a crate is at an advantage in these situations.

• for dogs involved in dog sport functions such as agility and flyball, crates provide a much-needed resting spot during break times.

The crate’s location needs to be somewhere inside the house where the dog is comfortable. The location should be in a quiet space close to family areas, but just outside heavy traffic zones. Make it clear to all children living or visiting the house that the crate is not a “playpen” for them. However, you should get your dog used to people reaching in and out of the crate to avoid your dog guarding his crate.

While puppies (eight to 16 weeks) will normally adjust more quickly to crating since they are being introduced to this new world only a small portion at a time, crate training adult dogs should start in smaller steps.

If possible, have your crate purchased and set-up prior to bringing your new dog home for the first time. Secure the door open, so it can’t accidentally shut and frighten the dog. Encourage the dog to explore the crate by placing treats or toys in the crate and rewarding the dog with praise every time they go in the crate.

Feed the dog all their meals in the crate and start closing and latching the door, working up the time until their meal is done. Slowly increase the time they spend in the crate, perhaps during your suppertime or while going out to run errands.

A crate should never be used for punishment. It’s not recommended that any dog spend more than six consecutive hours at a time in a crate.

As many dogs mature or settle into family routines, regular crating may become unnecessary. If you think your dog is a good candidate for having unsupervised household access, start in with small steps. Leave your dog with limited access in the house while you do some activity close at hand, but out of the dog’s sight. Leave the dog for no more than a few minutes at a time, gradually increasing your absence to half days then full days when necessary.

House Training

Most adult dogs will catch on to the idea of house training with relative ease. Remember, human babies are usually not introduced to the idea of using a toilet until they are at least two-years-old. Furthermore, most human babies are not reliably toilet trained until they are around four-years-old. Even then, accidents will happen.

The age of your dog and any possible medical issues they may have will also affect your house training. Situations such as stress, change in diet, intestinal upset, intestinal parasites and urinary tract infections can make house training difficult to impossible. It’s important to talk to your veterinarian if you have these concerns.

When dealing with a puppy or a young dog, a good rule of thumb is to relate their age (in months) to the number of hours they’re physically capable of controlling their bladders and bowels. A puppy at two months should be capable of controlling their bladder for about two hours. A four-month old puppy can manage about four hours. If you have adopted a puppy or a young dog, there will be some time before you may be able to manage a full night’s sleep.

Just like every other aspect of your dog’s life, consistency is key when it comes to house training. The more consistent your feeding and walking schedule, as well as crate training (see Crate Training section for more information), the more successful you will be in house training your new dog.

• Designating a relief spot: When designating a relief spot, certain factors should be considered. Will this area be easily accessible all year round, including during the winter months? What about garden areas and walk ways? Once you have designated a relief spot take your dog on-leash to the designated toilet area. Stand quietly, so that the dog can sniff around. Most people may instruct, “Go do your business” or “potty time,” but do not repeat this request and distract the dog. Do not praise the dog during their search. If after about five minutes your dog hasn’t gone to the bathroom, return them to the house, keeping a close eye on them for about half an hour, then try again. Once your dog has completed their business outside, praise and make a fuss about how smart they are and, of course, don’t forget a treat!

• Good Morning!: When people wake up in the morning, their first stop is usually the bathroom. If another family member already has the bathroom occupied, we know how uncomfortable it can be to wait. Your dog will appreciate access to relieve himself as much as you do in the morning. Take your dog out to use the bathroom as soon as you can after you wake up.

• Scheduling: Create a schedule that’s practical for you to maintain. If you can’t stick to your schedule, you can’t expect the dog to adhere to it. Try to feed your new dog one to two hours before you have to leave them. This should provide your dog enough time to digest their breakfast and ensure they have an opportunity to use the bathroom before you leave for work.

Schedule your dog’s bedtime and waking-up time. Adhere to these times as closely as possible. If you have a puppy or young dog and will be away from your home for more than a few hours, you’ll need to arrange to have somebody come in to take the dog out to their designated relief spot.

Keep track of your dog’s routine. Some dogs will “potty” two or three times per outing in the morning, but only twice per outing in the evening. Even if the weather is foul, do not let your dog know that you don’t want to be going outside with them. By teaching your dog that even in bad weather going outside is “the thing to do,” they will be more willing to convey their needs to you.

• Supervision in the house: Any mistakes your dog makes while you’re at home are due to your inattention. You should always know where your dog is and what they’re doing. If you realize it’s almost time for a potty break, don’t delay by thinking “after I finish the laundry.” After the laundry may be too late and you’ll have missed an opportunity to positively reinforce your dog’s bathroom habits.

By observing your dog you will quickly learn to tell the difference between a dog exploring his new home and his searching for a location to relieve himself. If you can’t supervise the dog for a period of time, put the dog in a confined area such as a crate or room where you are. Have the dog on their leash if it will help. When you’re relaxing, watching TV, reading or on the computer, have your dog with you as well. Try giving your dog some of their toys to play with.

Article Source: seattletimes.nwsource.com
By: Denise Flaim

Five easy, low-cost tips for training a dog to do his business outdoors instead of indoors.

If ever there is an evergreen topic in pet-dom, it is house-training puppies.

The magic formula: Puppies have about one hour of bladder control for every month of age. So a puppy that goes home at 8 weeks (never younger, no matter what the breeder tells you) can hold it for only two hours. Plan potty breaks accordingly.

Reward good behavior: Puppies learn best through rewards, not punishment. Accompany your puppy outside for potty breaks, and be sure to praise him lavishly after he urinates or defecates. Those who are fans of clicker training can “mark” this behavior by clicking when the dog first begins to squat, then rewarding with a food treat after.

I command thee to pee! As odd as it may sound, you can attach a command to pottying to solicit the response in your dog. Make sure it is a phrase that works in public, as well as in the solitude of your backyard. While some folks can sing, “Go poopies!” in mixed company without batting an eyelash, my personal preference is the more generic “Hurry up” or “Let’s go.”

Timing is everything: The only time you can correct your puppy for a housebreaking lapse is if you catch him in the act. Scoop him up mid-squat, say “no” firmly, and take him outside to resume his relief effort. If he does, praise lavishly.

If you come upon the mess after it has been made, silently clean it up and blame yourself for lousy vigilance.

Gee, whiz: No crystal ball can tell you precisely when your puppy will piddle, but there are some pretty clear signs, including sniffing and whining. Always take a puppy outside after waking, eating or playing, as these activities tend to herald nature’s call.

Clean sweep: With their powerful sense of scent, dogs will return to the scene of the crime and repeat the offense if you do not adequately clean up their messes. Never use ammonia, as that mimics the scent of urine. You can invest in commercial pet-stain cleaners or try white vinegar cut with equal parts water.

As a preventive measure, I buy clear plastic sheeting (the kind used by painters to protect floors and furniture from drips — the thickest I can find), and lay it over carpets during the first few weeks of house-training. It also acts as an early detection system: When I hear the frantic patter of puppy feet on plastic, it means an intervention is required now.

Source from: stabroeknews.com

By Eileen Cox

The Guyana Society for the Preven-tion of Cruel-ty to Animals has kindly provided an article on ‘How to be a responsible Pet Owner.’  This is not the be-all and end-all of the subject.  As is stated in the article, there are books and material on websites for those who wish to derive the utmost benefit from owning a dog. Here goes:

How to be a responsible pet owner

Owning a dog brings many benefits, including, as some studies have found, a healthier and happier life for the owner. However, becoming a dog owner can also add many responsibilities to your life. A pet needs proper food, veterinary care (when necessary) and a safe environment to live in. This safe environment is one that has no place in which your dog can get hurt (by getting stuck or falling), and should also ensure that your dog is not able to roam freely in the public domain. If you own a dog or are thinking of doing so, make sure you can meet your responsibilities as a pet owner.

Preparing a safe environment for your pet

Before bringing a pet into your home, prepare a special place for it to eat and sleep. At first, try to maintain the animal’s daily schedule for play, eating, and answering the call of nature. You should pet-proof your home just as you would child-proof your home to avoid accidents. Harmful cleansers, plants, electrical cords, and breakable objects should be removed from potential contact with your pet.

Housebreaking

Housebreaking should be started as soon as a puppy arrives in your home. Young puppies cannot suppress their need to urinate or defecate for long periods of time. Therefore, as soon as they can walk properly, they should be taken out multiple times during the day (almost every hour at first and especially after periods of play, naps, and mealtimes. You should take the puppy to the same area each time and praise it immediately and enthusiastically when it eliminates. Do not play with, or talk to, the puppy until after it has urinated or defecated.

Obedience training

One of the first steps a responsible pet owner should take is to train his or her dog in basic obedience.

Many times, a dog exhibits “bad behaviour” simply because it did not receive basic obedience training. Pet owners can work with a professional dog trainer or can even train their dogs themselves.

Dogs are social animals and will display certain instinctive behaviour like digging holes in your yard, soiling your belongings and even biting people and other animals. While this is all normal behaviour for a dog, it is possible to prevent or treat certain canine behaviour problems so that they become acceptable in the usual domestic setting.

It is very important that the owner establishes a social hierarchy with the dog in which the animal understands that it plays a subordinate role. This may be done by teaching your dog to show submission through various obedience “tricks” like shaking hands (raising a paw), rolling over and the “sit” and “stay” commands. A properly trained dog will also go to its owner when called.

While some puppies may be at the age where they are easily distracted (and harder to train), most dogs will learn at any age. However, be warned that training a dog takes lots of patience and does not involve hitting the animal or any other violent techniques.

It is beyond the scope of this brief article to impart dog training skills. However, there are lots of good books written on this topic and many websites with good material for you to use. In the end, a well-trained dog is a joy to own and it is easier to control than an untrained one.

Source from: goerie.com

by Steven M. Sweeney

Caylee sat obediently, her wide eyes on her owner as she waited for her next command.

Mike Lesniewski didn’t make his pug puppy wait long.

“Caylee, come,” he said. And the little dog wiggled over.

“It’s a lot more enjoyable experience to have a pet that’s listening to you,” Lesniewski said. “The biggest thing is not so much training the dog, but training the owner how to train the dog. … I don’t know if it’s puppy training or owner training.”

Either way, Lesniewski decided to get help with teaching the 4-month-old pug to sit, stay and come, in a kindergarten puppy-training class at Proud Land the Pet Place in Fairview Township.

Training a puppy correctly is one of the first steps in responsible dog ownership, experts said.

But being a responsible dog owner doesn’t start with puppy training — or end there, they added. It means making a good match of dog and owner, having your pet spayed or neutered, and making sure it has regular veterinarian care.

“You need to choose the right dog, and you need to give them a lifetime of training,” said Isabelle Wolf, who teaches basic obedience classes at Camboro Veterinary Hospital in Edinboro. “It’s a big commitment.”

She and other authorities said responsible dog ownership would cut down on the number of dog bites and the number of animals euthanized at shelters each year.

Highlighting the importance of being a good dog owner was so important to the American Kennel Club that the organization named September as Responsible Dog Ownership month, which will be recognized Saturday in Erie at an event at Frontier Park.

“Great dogs come from great dog owners,” said Pat Van Zandt Christianson, the founder of Therapy Dogs United, which organized Saturday’s event. “Our goal is to try and change as many human behaviors as we possibly can through awareness and education.”

Creating a great dog takes routine discipline, she said. That’s why she believes formal training classes, regular socialization and quick recognition of bad behavior — such as growling or other aggression — is important.

Wolf said she often sees pet owners wait too long before attempting to correct an aggressive behavior.

“The problem with aggression is that it works really well, and a dog figures that out,” Wolf said. “Once they realize it makes people back off, it creates a cycle, one that can be dangerous.”

Joe Grisanti, executive director of the Northwest Pennsylvania Humane Society, said one of the most common times dogs become aggressive is during meals. He said that’s why he suggests that owners of a new puppy sit next to the dog while it’s eating, so it becomes accustomed to human contact during feeding time.

“It’s simple training that people overlook, things like being involved in a puppy’s feeding,” Grisanti said. “Doing something like that is very effective in avoiding problems later on.”

Finding the right match
But while training is important, Grisanti and the other experts said the most important thing a pet owner can do is choose the right dog.

Potential pet owners need to research a breed before taking a dog home, Grisanti said.

“You see all the time people who have fallen in love with the appearance and personality of an animal, but they don’t understand the genetics of a certain pedigree demand certain things or suggest certain things,” he said.

Weimaraners, for example, were very popular a few years ago. It was easy to see why the beautiful gray dogs had become a favorite.

But soon, the Humane Society began seeing more and more Weimaraners abandoned.

“They’re a dog that requires much more time and exercise than the average dog,” Grisanti said. “They’d be great pets for someone who had that time and energy for them, but like any animal, they can be destructive when their needs aren’t being met.”

Joan Wienczkowski, the owner of Proud Land, said an impulsive pet purchase based on a favorite four-legged character in a movie or TV show is the wrong way to go.

Dalmatians had their day, thanks to the Disney film “101 Dalmatians”; pugs were posh after “Men In Black”; and Jack Russell terriers became popular because of the loveable Eddie on “Frasier.”

Wolf said she’s seen several instances of people who bought a Jack Russell terrier without doing research about the breed.

“They see they’re small and cute, and so (mistakenly think) that must mean they’re easy,” she said. “But they’re bred to hunt rodents all day. They’re wound up, and they’re a lot to handle.”

Ron Mangine, of Fairview, brought his 3-month-old golden retriever, Isabella, to Proud Land for an obedience class.

He said he hopes to instill in her the discipline needed to become a search-and-rescue dog.

He knows it will take a lot of work. But he’s seen what can happen if he doesn’t consistently train Isabella.

He frequently notices problems between dogs and their owners during his daily walk.

“Is the dog walking the person, or is the person walking the dog? It’s easy to tell which dogs have the proper discipline,” he said. “Is the dog all over you? It’s an indication that the dog is really the master.”

DogTrainster aims to educate dog owners on how to be a better owner to their pet and so we have authored a mini-series entitled “Train Yourself To Train Your Dog Mini-Series”.  If you would like to check out our mini-series click here.

Source from: mydesert.com

By Michael Gagarine and Ken Whistler

According to research from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, many of the pets brought to shelters are surrendered because of behavior problems that their owners believe to be permanent. Approximately 70 percent of these animals end up being “put to sleep,” making death from behavior problems the leading cause of pet mortality, ahead of trauma and disease. This means thousands of dogs are euthanized every year, the vast majority unnecessarily.

Many dog owners buy a dog with the intention that he will be a member of the family, only to discover that the dog becomes the de facto head of the household. A dog’s instinctual behavior is to challenge the pack member above him and in turn be challenged by the dog below. Within the mixed human-dog pack, dogs behave the same. This can lead to undesirable behaviors such as charging the door when the doorbell rings, barking, jumping, pulling on the leash and even biting, which are top reasons dogs are mistreated and euthanized.

Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, was started in Australia in 1989 by Sylvia and Danny Wilson, expert dog trainers and authors of several dog training books. Sylvia was head of an RSPCA shelter and studied the behavior and communication methods of dogs for years. She was saddened by the number of dogs she saw being maltreated, abandoned and euthanized for behavioral problems, which she knew was due to a lack of consistent leadership. This became the basis for creating the unique, natural training techniques that teach owners how to train their dogs through the use of voice tones and body language, all geared toward putting the owner in control through effective leadership. These techniques have propelled Bark Busters’ phenomenal growth ñ now with more than 330 offices in 10 countries, including 230+ offices in the United States.

With more than one of every three households owning a dog in the U.S., thousands of people are looking for help to solve their dog’s behavior problems. Understanding the keys to pack behavior and following a few simple guidelines can help owners establish leadership and begin controlling a dog’s behavior:

* Because dogs crave strong leadership, if they don’t get it from their owners, they’ll try to take charge. That leads to bad behavior such as barking, jumping, aggression and pulling on the leash—each examples of the dog taking charge. The owner needs to win all challenges to demonstrate leadership.

* There are several ways to establish leadership. First, ignore all requests from the dog, such as nudges to be petted or played with. To do so, break eye contact. Then, when the dog has “given up,” call him back to you to be petted or to play. When he responds to you, versus you to him, he sees you as the leader. If he misbehaves, such as chewing on a child’s toy, correct his behavior with a forceful, low-toned growl (“BAH”). As soon as it stops, offer pleasant, high-toned praise. The dog will understand its mistake and respect you as the pack leader.

* In the wild the leader always leads the pack—literally. Establish your leadership by always leading your dog—up and down stairs, through doorways, and especially on walks. Remember, the leader always leads.

Most dog owners simply accept the disruptive or aggressive behavior of their dogs because they think it’s normal or don’t know how to change it. Learning about pack leadership and canine communication is incredibly interesting for most dog-lovers. Gaining a better understanding of the dog psyche strengthens the human-canine connection, and learning how to communicate effectively with your dog in a language it understands, voice control and body language, is a critical step in establishing leadership and control, which can eliminate many behavioral issues. Through effective training, many dogs can be saved from being abandoned or unnecessarily euthanized.

Article Source: newsday.com

by Denise Flaim | Animal House

If ever there is an evergreen topic in pet-dom, it is house-training puppies.

The magic formula Puppies have about one hour of bladder control for every month of age. So a puppy that goes home at 8 weeks (never younger, no matter what the breeder tells you) can hold it for only two hours. Plan potty breaks accordingly.

Forget the newspaper The rolled-up version, that is. Like children, puppies learn best through rewards, not punishment. Accompany your puppy outside for potty breaks, and be sure to praise him lavishly when he urinates or defecates. Those who are fans of clicker training can “mark” this behavior by clicking when the dog first begins to squat, then rewarding with a food treat after.

I command thee to pee! As odd as it may sound, you can attach a command to pottying to solicit the response in your dog. Make sure it is a phrase that works in public, as well as in the solitude of your backyard. While some folks can sing, “Go poopies!” in mixed company without batting an eyelash, my personal preference is the more generic “Hurry up” or “Let’s go.”

Timing is everything The only time you can correct your puppy for a housebreaking lapse is if you catch him in the act. Scoop him up mid-squat, say “no” firmly, and take him outside to resume his relief effort. If he does, praise lavishly.

If you come upon the mess after it has been made, silently clean it up and blame yourself for lousy vigilance.

Gee, whiz No crystal ball can tell you precisely when your puppy will piddle, but there are some pretty clear signs, including sniffing and whining. Always take a puppy outside after waking, eating or playing, as these activities tend to herald nature’s call.

Consistency counts The best way to house-train a puppy is to ensure that he never makes a mistake in the house to begin with. This means, essentially, never allowing the puppy out of eyeshot until he is reliably potty-trained. It’s a lot of effort, but you will shorten the process - and spare your rugs - if you make the commitment.

Crate expectations Dogs naturally do not want to soil their sleeping quarters or “dens,” which is what their crate represents. Crates that are too big, however, encourage puppies to eliminate in a far corner. Instead, you want your crate to be just large enough for the puppy to comfortably stand and turn around in.

Rather than buying a revolving inventory of crates, simply buy one that will best suit your dog when he reaches his adult size and weight. Then, if you have a wire crate, purchase a crate divider that neatly segments the crate. (Caveat: I often reserve using these crates until the puppy is older, as small jaws can get stuck in the wire easily.)

Plastic airline-style crates require a bit more ingenuity: Find an empty cardboard box that is large enough to displace the amount of room needed, and place it at the back of the crate.

Clean sweep With their power sense of scent, dogs will return to the scene of the crime and repeat the offense if you do not adequately clean up their messes. Never use ammonia, as that mimics the scent of urine. You can invest in commercial pet-stain cleaners, but I find that white vinegar cut with equal parts water works just as well.

As a preventive measure, I buy clear plastic sheeting (the kind used by painters to protect floors and furniture from drips - the thickest I can find), and lay it over carpets during the first few weeks of house-training. It also acts as an early detection system: When I hear the frantic patter of puppy feet on plastic, it means an intervention is required now.

Know what you are up against Certain breeds - bichon frises and pugs come to mind - have a reputation for being difficult to house-train. Know this going in, and ask fellow fanciers in that breed for tips.