DogTrainster.Com

Article Source: denver.yourhub.com
Article by: Robert Forto, PhD

One of the most common questions asked to us by our clients at Denver Dog Works is, “will my dog remember we when I pick him up?” Of course we all love our pets and most of us will go to the ends of the earth for them and the thought of leaving them in a strange place brings up connotations of horror. But let me assure you that is not the case. Denver Dog Works, and all reputable boarding kennels/training schools, treat your beloved pet as if they were their own.

“I just can’t be away from my dog…”

I like to tell clients its separation anxiety. No, not from the dog but you!Many clients are concerned that their dogs will not remember them or will become overwhelmed by home sickness, this is never the case. Children often spend more waking hours with their teachers than with their parents yet they never forget where home is. During training your dog is well cared for, very active, and enjoy the training experience. After all, every breed of dog exists today has been selectively bred because they serve a purpose in the service of man. They all have jobs. Today dogs that are not trained develop behavior problems. The reason is most often because they need some discipline, education and purpose in life. Obedience replaces that feeling with a feeling of value and purpose. As for you, rather than dwell on how much you will miss your beloved companion for a few weeks, consider the years of pleasure you and your dog will gain through professional obedience training. There are few things in this world as impressive as a well trained dog working in harmony with their owner.

“I am afraid my dog will only listen to you when he comes home.”

Well, that is a very valid concern. For most trainers there is only one person working with your dog. And when your dog returns he only listens to that person, or at least a person with that skill level (something we see all the time, a dog that has been trained somewhere else doesn’t work for the owner, but works like a well trained dog for us). What happens is the dog gets used to being trained with a certain tone, cadence, and quality, so when you say the same things the dog doesn’t recognize it.
We at Denver Dog Works get around that by having at least 2-3 different experienced trainers a day work with your dog. And to help even more we also use our newer staff members help in training so that they don’t sound “perfect” when giving commands. This makes it easy for you because the dog is used to hearing the same words, said MANY different ways. So all you have to do is build some respect, and you’re good to go!

Then there is the question about Respect that we often hear: “What is ‘Respect’ in dog training, and why is it important?”

Respect is the bond between you and your dog that says to your dog that when something else better is going on, and you say something, he should listen. Think about if your dog has his head in the trashcan, and you tell him to stop. If he stops, every time you say it, then that is respect. If he does not, then we can help with that with a few basic techniques.

Follow-up Classes are So Important: “Why do I have to follow up with class?”

During the week(s) of training at Denver Dog Works, your dog is introduced to many new behaviors and skills. And when you get him home he will happily show you these commands when asked. But, it’s like any new habit or resolution it’s still fragile. So, if you do not follow up with more training the behaviors will begin to break down.
So, just at the point when fragile behaviors start to waver, you start class. And during that class experience your dog gets the needed repetition and work to cement those behaviors.

So can you be away from your dog for training?

Well, that is definitely one of the hardest parts of boot-camp (ok, its like the hardest part). But, think about it this way, if you are considering boot-camp, or the more intensive board and train, that means you have a special circumstance already that you need help with.
If you do not get help now, will it weaken your relationship in the future? Also, if you consider the time you’ll spend with your dog during his life, then a week or more to make your relationship better is not that bad.
But, if you just can’t stand to be away, Denver Dog Works does have our Intensive Day training program. It works as well, but takes longer to produce the results you want since he does not stay with us.

When you do finally get your furry friend home follow these simple steps to make his return most enjoyable:

Your pet will undoubtedly be happy to see you when you pick him up. Following a few simple steps will help ease the transition back to home life.

• Overexcitement may make a dog pant a lot and act thirsty. He is probably not really thirsty and had plenty of water available at the training facility. Give him a few ice cubes to tide him over until he settles down.

• Food: ditto. Be aware that excessive drinking and eating may lead to digestive upsets and bloating. Do not feed your pet for at least three hours after coming home from the pet care facility and then limit the food and water you provide until he has settled back into home life.

• Walk your pet upon arrival or allow access to a yard area. Excitement may also cause a change in urination or bowel movements outside his normal schedule.

• Give your pet some personalized attention - some play time or sitting and petting or brushing him will help him get through the excitement stage and calm down.

• A stay at a pet care facility can be very exciting and some dogs charge around barking at other dogs and having a wonderful time. These dogs often leave the facility exhausted but happy, and sleep a lot for the first couple of days they are home.

• Re-establish home patterns by following a normal schedule. Pets love following a schedule - it makes them feel safe and secure and remember to follow the rules your trainer has given you. Training starts the minute you get your dog home or bad habits will re-surface, Quickly!

Article Source: examiner.com
By: Jeff Millman

Halloween is a great opportunity for dog training. The uniqueness of the holiday provides some dog training experiences that you can take advantage of to help your dog get to the next level in his socialization and guest manners skills.

Socialize Your Puppy
Halloween is a prime opportunity to expose your puppy to new and interesting sights and sounds. Bring treats with you on every walk and say, “Yes!” or ‘Click and Treat’ every time your puppy sees halloween decorations, hears ghoulish sounds or meets trick-or-treaters.

Remember, with socialization it is critical that your puppy is not showing signs of fear or you are going too quickly. When a puppy stops taking treats, that is a sure sign of fear. Move him or her farther away and give treats from this new distance.

Doorbell Desensitization
Trick or treaters provide a perfect opportunity to teach a dog to be calm when the doorbell rings.

Keep some treats in your pockets in anticipation of the little ghosts and goblins and practice this doorbell desensitization exercise:

* AS SOON as the doorbell rings, say, “Yes!” or ‘Click’ (if you are using a clicker) and drop treats on the ground
* As you notice that your dog’s reactivity lessens throughout the evening (he might even start sniffing the ground after the doorbell!!) start talking to him more before giving treats
* By the end of the evening, try and walk him calmly to the door and have him sit after each ring
* Practice walking him to the door and sitting periodically between visitors to give him more practice

Have a Safe Place for Candy
It is easy to lose track of your child’s bounty after a long night of trick or treating. Make sure to help your kids put the candy in safe place to avoid making your dog sick (or worse) after ingesting candy.

Chocolate, macadamia nuts, raisins, and grapes are really bad for dogs and could prove fatal.

Wrappings can also cause intestinal problems.

Article Source: azcentral.com
By: Rhonda S. Verona

Keep dogs safe during Halloween - the most dangerous holiday for dogs - with tips from Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company. Based on the expertise of Bark Busters’ network of dog behavioral therapists, who have successfully trained more than 400,000 dogs worldwide, these guidelines for dog owners help ensure the safety of pets during fright night.

• Don’t leave your dog outside. Even if you have a fenced yard, bring your dog inside where it is safe. If your dog is usually kept outside, bring him in a few times before the big night to get him used to being indoors. Your dog may be used to strangers, but so many little ghouls and goblins running about may be too much. Remember also that it is a natural instinct for dogs to protect the family from strangers, and on Halloween there will be no shortage of strangers.

• Keep your dog restrained. If your dog is timid or scared, or if he tends to love people a little too much, it is best to put him in a separate room away from the front door to limit his excitability, aggression and chance of running outside and becoming lost.

• Reassure your dog. The best thing you can do for your dog when he is feeling unsettled by Halloween activities is to act as you normally would. By over-reassuring your dog or giving him an unusual amount of attention, you inadvertently can communicate to him that because you are acting differently, there must be something to worry about.

• Have your dog get used to costumes. Your dog may see his family members as strangers once they don their Halloween costumes. Before the kids put them on, allow your dog to scent the costumes. If your costume has a mask, keep the mask off when you are with your dog because dogs can become confused when they can’t see our faces.

• Check your dog’s ID tag. Be sure identification tags are secure on your dog’s collar - just in case.

• Keep candy away from your dog. Many candies - especially chocolate - are toxic to dogs. The severity of the toxicity depends greatly on factors such as breed, age, size and how much candy was ingested. Problems may range from a mild upset tummy to vomiting and diarrhea, or even death. If you have any concerns at all, consult with a veterinarian immediately. If you want to keep your dog safe, make certain that sweets, including their wrappers, are kept well away from your dog.

• Protect dogs from candles and pumpkins. Excited or agitated dogs can easily knock over a lit candle or pumpkin. Be sure those items are away from your dog’s reach, or consider a battery-powered candle that does not burn.

• Think twice about dressing your dog in a costume. While some dogs might enjoy being dressed up, many don’t. Experiment first to see if your dog likes being in a costume. If so, fine - he’ll most likely enjoy himself and the extra attention it brings. However, if he shows any resistance, don’t do it. Dogs feel enough stress around Halloween without also having to endure the discomfort and peculiarity of wearing a strange costume.

• Be prepared. If you take your dog with you while trick-or-treating, be prepared at all times. Do not let your dog approach the door of a house, and stay clear of possible gags or gangs of goblins who will gather at the door. Dogs do not understand that the person jumping out at you will not hurt you; they often think they can only help you by acting aggressively. Neither children nor adults in costumes should approach a dog without the owner’s consent.

Article Source: examiner.com
Article by: Keith Smith

Everyone loves a cute little puppy, that sweet puppy face, the puppy smell, and those adorable eyes. But what about the poop, stolen shoes, shredded paper and chewed furniture. Adopting an adult dog certainly has its benefits. The old myth that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is just that, a myth.

Shelter dogs make great pets. They are sometimes partially trained, usually at least housebroken, often past the stages of puppy destruction and normally very thankful for their new chance at life. They will express their thanks in their uncompromising devotion and unconditional love. Just imagine coming home everyday to a dog that is so thankful for the home you have shared you can simply glance over and see it in his eyes.

So what does it take to train a shelter dog? Often not much, but take into consideration how long they have been cooped up in a tiny room, the conditions they were kept in, their age and the often lack of stimulation and human interaction. Many shelters do their best to keep the dogs happy and healthy but it is often impossible to provide for all of their needs.

As with all training patience is one of the most important points to remember. Without it you will become stressed. When you are stressed your dog will be stressed. At that point training becomes futile. There is no one correct way to train. As long as the methods are humane and safe anything goes. If a method you are trying (even if it worked for you in the past) is not successful don’t be afraid to try something else. The first areas I recommend working on are, of course, the relationship between you and your dog followed by the relationship between your dog and others. That means socializing, lots and lots of socializing. If your new pal has been in contact with a mere handful of humans in the past six months it is unfair to ask him to sit like a good boy after only being home for two days and meeting your friends.

Article Source: examiner.com
Article by: Amanda Vargas

Now that you have the right size crate, let’s discuss the best way to introduce Fido to his new bedroom. We always want Fido to associate his crate positively. Believe me , it is not an easy task to get a dog of any size or age to go into a crate if they don’t want to. Because of this you will want to use positive reinforcement the quickest and easiest way to do this is to go and get small training biscuits or even those treats that you can tear into small pieces. For my dogs I usually use the “sausage dog food” you can find them in most pet stores.  Not only are these easy to slice and cut into small pieces, but it tends to be more fragrant so my dogs tend to focus more on it amid distractions.

These training tips that I am about to tell you will work with dogs of all age groups and even with cats that you want to get in a travel carrier.

*  If your dog is reluctant to get in the carrier at first, use a command like “go to bed’ or “crate”  THEN toss your treat in the crate and the dog will follow.

* Close the crate’s door behind him, but only leave it closed for a few seconds at first and increasing each time.

* Repeat this often. But never exceed the attention span of your dog. The moment that you realize that your dog has lost all interest in what you are doing it is time for you to move on to another training issue or to stop until the next day.

* Some dog breeds will catch on very quickly due to the nature of the breed. Others will catch on [or not as quickly] due to the dogs personality. The thing to remember is to have patience.  Yes, your dog should obey you, but your dog should also respect you and think of you as the alpha dog. [We will discuss alpha issues at a later date.]

If your dog has not responded to the treats in the first session of training, you must find what your dog is motivated by, whether that is a tennis ball or a stuffed toy. It is what motivates them that will help in the success of their training. But please be aware if your dog is overly stimulated by a tennis ball, that is if it jumps and hops and barks, that may not be the best training tool. Also it is not the best behavior for your dog. Please remember to check back again soon for the next crate training article.

Happy Training!

Article Source: turnagaintimes.com
Article by: Julie St. Louis

So you just got an adorable new puppy and after all the cuddling and petting you think, “Now what?” Well, now it’s time for potty training. He or she needs to learn to go to the bathroom outside, and the sooner the better.

Despite the horror stories you may have heard from others, housebreaking is easier than you think as long as you set yourself and your pup up for success. For new pups it’s best to keep them in your sight while you are home, and crated or limited to one area of the house while you are out. To keep Rover in your sight you can shut the door to the room you are in, or keep your pup on a long leash tethered to you.

Know the signs and most likely times when your pup will need to go out. Rover will start to sniff the floor or may become restless or whine to get your attention. He’ll need to go out within about 20 minutes of eating, sleeping or playing, so make a point of taking him out at these times. Consistency is key.

If you aren’t able to recognize the signs, try teaching him to ring bells hanging off the door handle. A strip of sleigh bells work really well for this. Just before heading out gently help your pup nose the bells. Once Rover has done his “business” praise him enthusiastically so his tail wags, or reward with a treat. Immediately take him back into the house so that he associates the bells or your praise with going potty outside. If you stay out there to play, then he will wrongly associate the bells with going out to have fun, not for going to the bathroom.

Another added measure is to teach him special commands for both peeing and pooing. Take your pup for a walk. As he lifts his leg, or she squats to pee, say a word like “hurry” or “spot.” Each time your pup pees say this word, so that eventually Rover will associate your word command with peeing or pooing. Again, after each time give praise, “Good hurry” or Good spot,” or a treat reward. This way your pup will know that he’s making you happy and doing things right. This will come in handy on those super cold days when you want to go out and get back in fast.

Of course you can’t be home with you pup non-stop, but for faster training it’s advisable to take several days or a week off from work to focus on your pup. If you can’t be home for extended periods of time, or when you do leave the house, consider placing your pooch in a pet carrier or wire kennel, or using a baby gate to keep him confined to one area of the house, ideally one without carpeting.

A young puppy will be all right for up to two hours alone. If you must be gone most of the day, consider hiring a dog walker or having a friend come by to let your pup out every couple of hours. As the puppy ages, he will be able to go for longer and longer periods without being let out. Confining a pup to a crate or smaller area is not cruel, and in most instances puppies will feel more secure by having a space that is theirs. Also, puppies tend not to mess in an area they consider their den or bed. The crate should be big enough for the pup to stand up and turn around in, but not so big that he’s able to pee in one corner and still be comfortable on the other side of the crate. Place a durable toy, or treat inside and he will be content.

If your pup has an accident in the house, and he will, don’t rub his nose in it, or hit him or berate him, especially if you did not catch him in the act. Your pup lives in the present and will not associate your punishments with soiling the carpet. He will connect it with whatever he is doing at that moment and be confused. In particular if you yell and scream at him as soon as you get home, your pup will not be running to greet you happily when you return for much longer. If you do catch your pup mid-pee, scoop him up and run him outside to finish and then praise him.

Finally, for cleaning up the messes, there are several helpful products on the market as well as some home remedies. Water and soap will not be enough to dissolve the stain and the scent. You must get the scent out, or Rover and his other puppy pals will continue to mark that spot. Nature’s Miracle, Simple Solution, and several with Arm-n-Hammer Baking Soda added, all work to remove the odor-causing bacteria. If you don’t have any of these available you can use a solution of half vinegar half water. The vinegar will neutralize odor.

Enjoy your new puppy while helping him become a happy and well-trained member of you family. Remember positive reinforcement and consistency, and the love and companionship he gives back to you will only grow stronger each day.

Article Source: chron.com

A few tips from the Houston SPCA’s step-by-step guide to crate training.

1. Start with the right set-up. Choose a crate that’s just large enough for him to stand up and turn around in, put a soft towel or blanket inside, and place the crate in a room where your family spends a lot of time.

2. Avoid using the crate as a punishment.  The crate should always be associated with something pleasant, such as treats and toys. The last thing you want to do is force your dog inside.

3. Slow down. Training should take place in a series of small steps that can last several days or several weeks, depending on your dog’s age, temperment and past experience.

4. Don’t make your dog spend too much time in his crate. If he’s crated all day while you’re at work and then crated again all night, he’s spending too much time in too small of a space. Other arrangements should be made to accommodate his physical and emotional needs. And, remember that puppies should only be in a crate for only one hour more than they are in months of age.

5. Steel yourself against whining and barking. If you’re convinced that your dog doesn’t need to eliminate, the best response is to ignore him until he stops. Don’t give in, no matter how heartbreaking the sound; otherwise you’ll teach your dog that carrying on will get him exactly what he wants!

Article Source: womansday.com
Article by: Melinda Dodd

Don’t be guilted by puppy dog eyes! Get the tips for taming bad pet behavior

Your puppy has broken into the pantry for a fifth time, and now he’s staring at you with those I love you eyes, trying to pretend that nothing has happened. As always, you find yourself thinking, I should take him to a trainer. But times being what they are, you hate to fork over the $200 (or more!) fee. Don’t worry. We’ve got everything you need to tame your savage beast.

Basic Training

Puppies have a natural curiosity and lust for life, so you have to channel that energy and make it work for you, says Kevin Behan, author of Natural Dog Training.

Step 1 Establish a solid framework for effective training. Make sure your home is a calm, safe space for your new puppy. Stroke and handle him as often as possible so he gets used to human contact.

Step 2 Start with the basics. First, teach him his name. Every time he responds to it, give him a treat. Next, get him used to the leash. “Carry him to a spot away from the house, and let him lead you back,” says Jack Volhard, head of Volhard Dog Training in Culpeper, Virginia, and coauthor of Dog Training for Dummies. If he tugs the leash, turn your body the opposite way. He’ll follow you, then bound ahead.

Step 3 Train him to sit, stay and heel by holding treats at waist height and moving them in a slow circle, mesmerizing him, advises Behan. “When you hold food above a puppy’s head, he’ll automatically sit or settle back on his hips,” he says. Gradually incorporate hand gestures and verbal commands. Once he’s mastered that, teach him to come by trotting backward quickly (leash in your left hand, a treat visible in your right) while repeating the word come, says Volhard. Reward him every time he obeys.

Dos and Don’ts

Don’t ever say your pup’s name in anger, as a reprimand. “It undermines the relationship you’re trying to build with him,” says Volhard.

Do create a “relax zone” (inside) and a “play zone” (outside). Many puppy problems (chewing furniture, peeing in corners) can be averted by reinforcing these zones. “Playing indoors winds dogs up,” notes Behan. “Let dogs loose outside, where you can shape their energy and enthusiasm to your ends.”

Don’t yell at your pooch when he makes a mistake. It can scare him and make him fearful of people, says Behan.

Do teach your pup the meaning of No, says Behan. Put food in a bowl and lower it to the floor. As your dog gets excited, say “No” calmly but firmly and pull the bowl away. Repeat a few more times. Eventually his excitement will fade and he’ll lie down. Now set the bowl down. The result? Your puppy learns that No means Stop, be patient.

Article Source: dailyamerican.com
Article by: Tiffany Wright

Whether dogs disobey their owners’ commands, chew on shoes or have issues with potty training in the house, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers tries to encourage positive reinforcement training with pets.

Officials at the association said because of the influx of clients using training services after the new year, it is important to start training pets early.

“It’s pretty common for dog trainers to get a lot of dogs at the beginning of the new year because many people got puppies as gifts for Christmas,” said Mychelle Blake, the association’s communications director.

That is also the case for Debbie Gary-Taskey, a dog trainer who owns BeeHaven Canine Coaching. She said more pet owners of puppies and younger dogs use her services.

“With training the sooner you start the better, because when a dog is older it’s harder to train them,” she said.

Gary-Taskey is also a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and a strong supporter of positive reinforcement dog training.

“The goal is to promote positive reinforcement training, which is pretty much new,” she said. “But more people are starting to use a nonaversive and positive method as a way of training dogs. Even if you want a dog to sit and push down its behind, you are using force, which is something we don’t want to do.”

Training pets is just as important as training children, she said.

“Training your dog is one of the best things you can do. Like with children, training is to teach them right from wrong in order that they can act appropriate in various situations,” Gary-Taskey said.

Blake said with many dogs coming from shelters it is imperative they are under control, and dog training can help make pets more obedient.

“There are millions of dogs that come from shelters every year and sometimes dogs get out of control because they never went through training,” she said. “Most people don’t realize how easy training is and how simple it can make their lives. It really makes your dog happier and you happier.”

Sally Urban, Somerset County Humane Society board president, said training pets from a shelter can help reduce the return rate of animals.

“We find so many people with a new puppy or dog or cat that don’t know what to do and they think it’s not working out,” she said. “If they get training the return rate drops dramatically. Owners just need to take the time in the beginning to get training. That’s always been our fight with adoptions - the return rate of the animals.”

Dog training can also help increase the safety of pets.

“Training can help keep your dog, as well as others, safe,” Gary-Taskey said. “A well-behaved dog is not likely to run away from you during a walk and can be taught on cue to ‘leave it’ when it approaches something that may be harmful to it. Keeping large dogs from chasing a child or animal could prevent an unintentional accident from happening.”

Gary-Taskey provides private, in-home training sessions for basic manners including learning to sit, stay, leave it and come.

She uses a clicker method to train animals, which she said has been proven to make training quicker.

“It’s a tool used to communicate with the dog. As much as people like to think their dogs can understand them, they can’t. Dogs don’t know our language,” she said.

With the method good behavior is marked with a click proceeded by a reward for the dog. Dogs are more likely to repeat good behavior with the clicking method, she said.

Regardless of the size or breed of the dog training is recommended, but there is more than one way to work with dogs to succeed, Gary-Taskey said.

“The goal for all training is the same - to be sure that you have a safe, happy and well-behaved family pet,” she said.

Article Source: oregonlive.com
Article by: Deborah Wood

We recently agreed to foster a dog through a rescue group. He’s 18 months old and has never been socialized. Thus, when he meets people and dogs on the street all he wants to do is to jump on them and start playing. However, if people approach him he seems to feel threatened and will bark and nip. In our home he is pretty comfortable when people come in, and we have been able to train him not to jump up or bark at them.

There is a small army of heroes like you who are fostering cats and dogs through local rescue groups and shelters. You give them the social skills to fit into the world with their “forever” families.

It sounds like you’re doing everything right — it’s just a matter of time and patience. Your foster dog is just learning these new skills, and he has to be able to concentrate to remember them. The dog will do better in an environment that is familiar or has few distractions, and have more trouble in an environment with more distractions.

Practice his basic skills like “sit” and “watch me” at home, reinforcing with lots of treats. Help him learn these skills backward and forward. Then, practice these skills in progressively more challenging places in the coming days and weeks.

When people want to pet your dog, explain he’s part of a rescue program and isn’t ready for petting. As he develops his confidence, you can have him do a sit-stay and have the stranger give him a cookie.