DogTrainster.Com

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: canada.com

By Joan Klucha

As a trainer for over 15 years I have been fortunate to work with a wide range and number of dogs.

This time in the saddle, so to speak, has given me the opportunity to observe similar patterns in canine behaviour. These patterns of behaviour are not the equivalent to wild dogs or wolf behaviour but are actually behaviours you would never see a wild dog or wolf express in their natural environment. These behavioural patterns are a direct result of human interaction and handling.

One very common pattern is the “All about me” complex. These dogs have had a great deal of coddling, fussing, and cuddling as puppies, given whatever their whining and jumping has gotten them as adolescents and as adults they are obnoxious, demanding, and often labelled as out-of-control, as they have little or no time for training. They are the epitome of the spoiled child that throws a temper tantrum the first time their parents say the word “No!”

Owners of the “all about me” dogs are often confused about why their dogs are so “bad.” When in fact the dogs aren’t bad at all, they have simply been given far too many liberties and freedom and very few boundaries and limitations. This is because the owners have allowed their emotions to get involved with the training of their dogs.

When it comes to training dogs, there is no place for emotion. Emotions give dogs confusing messages about our intent because we are often confused about our intent. As a result the dog sees us as an unstable leader incapable of controlling a situation and they take over, often reluctantly.

An example of emotional training is when a dog is asked to sit. The dog refuses by ignoring the command, which in many circumstances is a natural first time response. The owner then raises the voice and the dog begins to show a healthy and normal submissive gesture towards the human by dropping its ears and tail. The resulting emotion from the human is that they have either scared their dog or have hurt their feelings somehow and thus discontinue the training. The dog then learns very quickly how to manipulate the situation and continues to defy the owner’s direction and play on the emotions of the human.

The appropriate step would be to ignore the dog’s attempts to manipulate the situation, but not ignore the dog and discipline the dog by forcing a sit. The dog then learns that there are consequences for its behaviour and is more likely to comply the next time to avoid the conflict of discipline and to incite praise and affection from the owner.

I want to stress that I am not advocating punishment. Punishment and discipline are two completely different things. Discipline means a form of consistent training that produces obedience and self control. Punishment implies severe treatment as a penalty for an offense.

In some cases the problem with a dog’s behaviour may not be as a result of over-affectionate owners but because the dog has not had any adequate dog-to-dog discipline. You are a lucky person these days if your puppy is raised by its natural mother and the mother understood the value of discipline.

But often this is not the case. Puppies are brought home early and then encouraged to limit dog-to-dog interaction due to fear of disease. As a result the puppies miss a valuable stage of learning that can only be had by interacting with other dogs at that particular period of their lives. The result is an adult that confuses other dogs with their lack of self control and often instigates conflict due to a lack of social cues.

Discipline should not be overlooked when it comes to training, and emotions should be left out, but I’m not implying that affection should as well.

Rather that the training should supply plenty of both but at the appropriate times.

Source from: americanchronicle.com

By Kenneth Elliott

Getting a new pet dog and the joy of having a new companion around comes with a lot of responsibilities. Of course you must feed your new pet, take care of its health with regular visits to the vet, groom him, and give it lots of love and attention. Many animal lovers do not think any further than that, but dog training is also a very important part of owning dogs. Dog training ensures a healthier and more fulfilling life for you and your pet.

Behavior Problems

Proper discipline can help prevent dog behavior problems later in your pets´ life. And proper behavior starts with first house breaking your dog. This is usually the most common form of dog training that most owners take on when first purchasing a dog, but a caring owner will often go a lot further than the basics. Your pet’s obedience will lead to a stronger bond between you, as well as meaning less frustration and annoyance. Your pets start learning and shaping behaviors early in life, so that is the best time to start with dog training basics.

Obedience Training

There are many aspects to dog obedience training, and not everyone looks to get the same experience out of it. Some people will be content with house breaking, leash training, and basic obedience to simple command. Many dog owners do not realize that they can change or prevent problem behaviors such as barking, whining, digging, growling, chewing, and aggression. Yet all these behaviors can be addressed with proper teaching. Decide what tutelage is most important for you and your pet, and make sure you are willing to invest the time and energy into a program that will yield the desired results.

Puppy Training

You can never start too early with puppy training. Many people hold the mistaken belief that puppies under six months are too young to train, but this is simply not so. You can start shaping their behavior the moment you acquire them if it is done in the proper manner. If you do some research, it is easy to find plenty of dog training books, websites about pet training, and obedience training tutorials. Some people may even consider hiring a professional instructor. Ask your veterinarian or friends if they know of any reputable trainers in the area, and shop around for the person who is right for you.

Professional Trainers

If you decide to use a professional trainer, be sure you keep the breed of your dog in mind when shopping around. Some breeds may be harder to train than others, so some trainers may prefer not to work with them. Alternatively, some trainers may specialize in certain breeds, so they will have more success with your pet than another trainer may have. Even if you are teaching your pet yourself, there are books and information geared toward certain breeds. Do not get discouraged if you are told your breed is hard to train, just look for proven methods to use. The hardest work always yields the greatest rewards.

Owning a pet is a big responsibility, but the right attitude can make it fun and rewarding. Do not think of your canine companion as an object for your amusement, but as a living creature that can become a treasured friend. Dogs are motivated by their owner’s pleasure, so if you work together, the dog training process will be an important step in your relationship. You will learn to trust one another, which will allow you to enjoy the pleasure of each other’s company. Teach your dog what you want and expect from him, and he will give you that and more in return.

Source from: canada.com

By Joan Klucha, Special To North Shore News

I remember a few years back I had a dog owner ask if her daughter could participate in the training of the family dog.

“Sure,” I said, as this was nothing new. I have parents and children in the classes all the time. But what was unique is that the mother dropped her child off at the dog training class, and she then proceeded to make her way down to the local pub where she spent the next hour and a half while her daughter trained the dog.

This went on for six weeks and at the end of the session I reminded her that my business was to help train her dog not mind her children. Her daughter did a fine job despite her mother’s lack of interaction, which is why I didn’t speak up sooner.

But it was after that incident that I began requesting — nope, insisting — that parents not only be present in the classes with their child but participating in the class as well.

When the dynamics of a family are working well children can do an amazing job training the family dog. This is because if they have made the decision on their own to train the dog, rather than it being a forced condition by the parents upon getting a dog, they are more often than not 100 per cent committed to the training. When they are in the classes they listen intently to instruction and follow it perfectly with little need for assistance.

I encourage parents to bring their child to training as the obedience classes are a great place for a child to establish a form of leadership over the dog. They can be taught how to get Fido to follow their direction and have their four-legged companion respect them.

But obedience classes are not the only place a child can learn how to be a good leader to their furry friend. Proper training and lessons on how to interact with a dog at home are essential as well, and with the parents’ help this training can be implemented for greater training success.

Most families with children get puppies. The idea is that the puppy and child can grow up together and develop a strong bond and friendship. This is often the case, but it can be a bit tumultuous when the child begins to treat the puppy like a living teddy bear or their best friend.

Often I hear parents say that the leadership rules of no sleeping on couches or beds is being followed, except by their son or daughter, and then they are confused as to why the dog is not following direction from them during the obedience classes.

This is because the dog is confused. Everyone in the home has to be on the same page so this means that Fido can no longer be snuggling with Timmy at bedtime or sharing Happy Meals from the back seat of the car.

Smaller dogs tend to get the most confusing treatment as they are often carried around like stuffed toys by children. And the dogs love it.

Whenever there is a problem the dog will often run to the child, the child picks up the dog and presto Fido, the 15-pound pug that is normally nine inches off the ground, has now grown four feet taller and become the instant boss of the house. What a great ego boost children are to those little dogs. Even large dogs will wander over to a child and invade their space and passively demand attention.

The child does not understand that the dog is being pushy and obnoxiously, underhandedly usurping power from the adults by sneaking unsolicited attention from the child. The child just thinks the dog loves him or her and wants to be shown more love.

Having a child train the family pet is a great experience, but the parents need to gently teach the child how to interact with their dog so that training can be successful for everyone.

Source from: americanchronicle.com

By Kenneth Elliott

Dogs are said to be mans best friend. But I will take it a little further than that. A well trained dog will become your best friend. Beyond being well socialized, a well trained dog removes the stress of the likelihood of biting someone. They also tend to stay calm in distracting environments. Not jumping up on people and being much more curtious on household furniture.

Also, well trained dogs are more likely to stay with the same owner, as opposed to being abandoned to the pound. Owners with well trained dogs are more satisfied with their decision on owning a dog. One research report from the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that 96% of shelter dogs had never had any training.

Training your dog helps to teach them boundaries, thus making them more comfortable around humans. There are many different dog training programs and many professional dog trainers. However, just because someone has a business card doesn’t mean they are a qualified trainer.

Finding a qualified trainer does not have to be a lot of work. If your friends have well trained dogs, ask them if they know of a good trainer. Also, take advantage of networking at your local park. While walking your dog ask other dog owners who they recommend.

Once you have found a trainer, ask them what method of training they teach. There have been dozens of different training methods for dogs that have been in and out of fashion over the years. Ask the trainer what method they use, why they use it, and what the benefits of it are. Also ask for references.

Whether you train your dog yourself or find a professional, teaching your dog commands and socializing it is important. Areas to cover in training include:

1. Socializing to strangers: This is easy to accomplish while out walking your dog around the neighborhood and introducing them to people.

2. Socializing with other dogs: You can do this at dog parks, or even better in a dog training class.

3. Leash walking at a steady pace: You can start this training as soon as you get your new dog.

4. Crate training: This is important, especially to build up a tolerance to stay in a kennel environment for several hours.

5. The sit command: This is usually the first command new owners teach their dog.

6. The down/stand command: These commands help develop boundaries for the dog.

7. The stay command: This command is important for your dog to master, especially in an environment with a lot of distractions.

There are many benefits to having a well trained dog. But it doesn’t necessarily mean the dog will not develop behavioral problems down the road, like separation anxiety. Simply put a well trained dog is a joy to be around and strengthens the human-animal bond.

Source from: dailynewstribune.com

By Linda Lombardi

The weather’s fine, and you’d love for your dog to get the kind of exercise and socialization that can’t happen at the end of a leash. Maybe you even have a new dog park in the neighborhood.

You’ve got just one problem: Once your dog’s off leash, you’re not sure you can get him back.

The traditional obedience method of teaching a recall starts from a sit-stay, the command dogs learn to sit and then stay put.

But for the average dog owner, the stay is a huge bother to train, and it’s the long way around. You just want your dog to come back; you don’t need him to sit first.

And a dog that responds to “come” in a class or in your yard might not do so in the park. Dogs can’t generalize the same way humans do. To a dog’s mind, you’re not asking for the same thing.

“So first you have to train it. Then you have to generalize it,” says Pat Miller, trainer and author of “The Power of Positive Dog Training.”

To train your dog to come:

First, figure out what is really rewarding to him, such as getting a treat or playing tug with a toy or being petted. Observe, don’t assume. Some dogs, for example, don’t really like being patted on the head.

Now start on the command. “Start with the dog next to you and run away from him and say ‘come’ in a cheerful tone of voice,” says Miller. Get him really romping, says Miller. You want the dog to learn that “come” means “I’m having a party and you’re invited!”

Next, start at a short distance from the dog. If you have help, have someone hold and then release the dog when you say “come.” Otherwise, Miller suggests leaving a small handful of treats on the ground. Back away as the dog eats them, and then as he eats the last one, call him to come.

Reward the dog when he comes to you. Gradually increase the distance, and don’t just stand there as you call, move! Turning and running away is inviting to a dog, but standing and looking at him can be intimidating.

Once he responds reliably to your call, it’s time to start generalizing, step by step. First, add distractions in the place where you’re already training. A friendly dog is the perfect distractor if you’re planning to head for a dog park eventually. Let them play till they start getting tired, then train as above.

Next you’ll want to work on the command in a new place without distractions, then add distractions in that location. Keep your tone cheerful, Miller says, don’t get more commanding. And never punish the dog if he doesn’t come in the new situation - that means you’ve moved too fast. Go back a step and try again.

“Progressing from one step to the next requires that you get good at understanding and reading your dog,” says Miller.

Don’t rush the process, you’ll probably need to spend a few days on each step.

Some other general pointers:

* If you don’t have fenced areas in which to train, you can work with the dog on a long line. But be wary of the generalization problem: “Come on a long leash” and “Come off leash” are not the same thing. So Miller recommends gradually switching to a lighter line, then leaving it dropped on the ground instead of holding it, to work up to being off-leash.

* Once you’ve trained your dog, be careful that the call to come never leads to anything unpleasant. Go and get your dog if you need to cut his nails, don’t call him to come.

* If you have to use “come” to leave a park or playtime, make sure that you sometimes call, reward, and let him go back to playing, so “come” isn’t always associated with “play’s over.”

* If your dog starts to hesitate or look uncertain when you call him, you’ve probably accidentally “poisoned” the command, says Miller. Pick a new word and retrain him to come to that; it’s faster than trying to “fix” the word that’s gotten a bad association.

Remember that he doesn’t speak English, so any word will do: what’s important to your dog is what happens when he responds, and it should always be positive.

Source from: uticaod.com

Spring is here. Everything is fresh and new, and many families will bring a new puppy into their home.

Before even looking, you should first start by:

● Recognizing the commitment of owning a dog: Consider every aspect including food, shelter, Vet bills, training costs, boarding for vacations, etc.

Owning a dog is a lifelong financial and emotional responsibility. If you can’t keep that commitment, don’t make it. And once you’ve made it, don’t break it. Your dog’s life depends on you.

● Choosing carefully: When you are considering buying or adopting a dog, choose one that fits your lifestyle. If you are high energy, look at a high-energy dog such as an Australian shepherd. If you are a couch potato, maybe a basset hound is better for you. Either way, you want to choose one that displays confidence and one that is not fearful of people or sensitive to noises or environment.

Do not choose a dog/pup because of size, breed or reputation. It is not fair to the dog when you mismatch. Please keep in mind, that no two dogs are alike. Far too often, we hear: “But I grew up with” or “I’ve had this breed all my life.”

Temperament, not breed, is important.

● Ensuring your dog is trained: Training your dog is equally important as providing food and water. Otherwise, your adorable little 10-pound puppy could turn into a 100-pound nightmare.

Training will increase the bond between you and your dog, helping you to communicate better and helping your dog understand what is acceptable behavior from the start. If the owner does not take the leadership role, the dog could develop unwanted behaviors and try to take that role himself, making your life, unbearable and stressful.

Any well-trained, well-socialized dog of any breed including mixed breeds can become loyal family companions with proper leadership, guidance and training from the start.

Source from: wnrmag.com

Training leads to happier pets and a more comfortable home. Dogs, like most people, view relationships as a social hierarchy. If you are continually at your dog’s beck and call whenever he wants a treat, affection or play time, he will soon believe he is in charge. Training sets some ground rules so you can have fun with your dog without worrying about aggressive behavior.

Training also requires time, but it’s an investment that pays dividends over your long-term commitment. It strengthens your bond by providing both of you with the tools to communicate effectively with each other. An obedient dog is also a safer dog. A dog that knows to come immediately when called is in much less danger if he escapes onto a busy street or gets into a fight than one who doesn’t.

By training your dog, you take on the role of teacher. Just as with a child starting kindergarten, the teacher’s attitude determines the student’s success. During training sessions, it’s imperative that you maintain a positive attitude. If you’re grumpy, your dog will pick up on that and won’t learn to trust you. Obedience training is an exchange—good behavior for love and affection. If you don’t hold up your end of the bargain, neither will he.

Make sure to be patient and consistent. If you only enforce commands some of the time, you will only confuse him. If your actions teach him that you’re only serious about commands when it’s convenient for you, he will only follow them when it’s convenient for him!

Start training when your puppy is young. Just like people, this is when dogs’ minds are ripe for absorbing information and they want your approval. Also, teaching your dog good habits before he’s had time to learn bad ones is much more effective than shaping ingrained bad behaviors.

Here are some tips for resolving common behavioral problems

* Chewing

Although the difference between your leather recliner and your dog’s squeaky toy may be obvious to you, your pet can’t distinguish his toys from your possessions without training. To make matters more obvious to your pet, don’t dote on your dog by providing tons of toys. Too many toys makes it more complicated for your dog to remember what is and isn’t ok to chew. Keep it simple.

* Jumping on people

As much as you may love that your dog is excited when you come home, jumping on people is a problem, especially when your dog shows the same enthusiasm for people who may be afraid of dogs, or jumps on small children or seniors who are not tall enough or strong enough to withstand it. Dogs naturally jump to establish dominance, hierarchy and submission. The key to preventing this behavior lies in gently but clearly establishing that people are the boss. You need to react consistently and promptly. If you return your dog’s enthusiasm when he jumps on you, he’ll never understand the behavior is unacceptable. Instead, teach your dog to sit using treats as positive reinforcement. Every time he starts to jump, tell him firmly to sit, provide hand signals and give him a treat if he obeys. Slowly phase out the treats until sitting at your command becomes automatic.

* Constant barking

Dogs bark when they feel isolated, lonely, territorial or fearful. Don’t reinforce this behavior by giving him the attention he seeks. Instead, distract your dog from barking by dropping a few coins into an empty can and shaking it gently. This will surprise your dog and temporarily stop the barking. Then, reward him with affection and a treat for being quiet. React consistently because you make or break your dog’s behavior.

Source from: canada.com

By Bernhard Pukay

Digging comes naturally to most breeds of dogs and, in fact, certain breeds have been genetically selected over the years specifically because of their inclination and abilities to dig. This includes most terrier breeds (hence, the name terrier, from the French word terre, which means earth or ground).

Unfortunately, as with all good things, when digging is done in the wrong place or at the wrong time, it becomes an undesirable trait. Most dogs that dig inappropriately do so because of boredom or barrier frustration. Dogs that spend a lot of time by themselves or are confined to a restricted area such as a house or yard for long periods of time without supervision tend to use digging as a means of combatting boredom.

The classic example of this is when a dog is “let” out to amuse himself, rather than being “taken” out for active pet-owner interaction. Digging due to boredom can be resolved simply by eliminating boredom. First, make sure you spend lots of time with your dog. Make sure he is well-exercised in order to burn off energy, by running, playing, fetching, and walks.

As well as exercise, you will also need to obedience-train him so that he will respond to your “No”whenever you catch him “in the act.” Redirecting his energies to other activities when he wants to dig cannot be accomplished if he does not obey your basic commands. Obedience training also serves to further reduce boredom.

If the digging behaviour is due to barrier frustration (i.e. he wants to escape from your property), providing him with plenty of exercise and walks will certainly help. However, at those times when he is not supervised, you must either crate him or provide a run with a concrete floor for him.

Once he has been trained to stop digging, he can be permitted the run of the property again. If all else fails, you may need to give him his own digging area where he can dig to his heart’s content without fear of reprisals. If this becomes an alternative, you will first need to train your dog to use this area. This can be accomplished by encouraging him to dig in the digging area and rewarding him when he does so. To encourage digging, you can try burying some of his favourite toys so that he can be rewarded when he digs them up.

At the same time, he should be reprimanded when you catch him digging elsewhere, then be taken to the digging area and rewarded when he uses this area instead.

By teaching him to dig where and when it is appropriate, spending more time with him, preventing boredom, and providing lots of exercise, inappropriate digging can be controlled.

Source from: travelguy.typepad.com

Just About Dogs
By J. Foley

Most people today are aware of the fact that obesity is becoming an epidemic worldwide.  The problems that this condition bring about have nothing to do with how one looks, but rather the fact that obesity is associated with diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis, and a myriad of other very serious health problems.  And what is truly sad about this epidemic is that it seems to actually be affecting pets as well!  No doubt the type and amount of dog training treats that owners indulge their pets with has a lot to do with this problem.

Many owners, especially those with a new dog or new puppy, are far too eager to reward their dog with an edible treat or with table scraps, and most have very little knowledge of how dangerous this can be to a dog’s health.

If you’re an owner that may be guilty of overindulging your pet with dog training treats, what are some things you need to consider when it comes to the type and amount of treats, and what are some of your other options for rewarding your dog?  Let’s take a look at the subject of dog training treats and see what other choices you have.

For one thing, remember that dog training treats are not your only option when it comes to rewarding your dog.  Pets respond to positive attention from their owners just as much as anything else, and perhaps even more so.  Petting your dog, giving her reassuring words, and playing with her are just as rewarding as any fattening treats!  Choose some favorite toys that you and the dog can play with for a few minutes, such as a ball you can toss around or a rag that she can tussle with while you hold it.  This means that you can play with your dog for a few minutes in place of those dog training treats without having to spend hours at the dog park.

Positive attention and rewarding your dog can also mean petting and grooming as well.  Dogs enjoy being brushed if it’s done properly, and this type of physical attention when used in place of dog training treats can keep a dog calm and soothed, as opposed to making her fat!

This doesn’t mean that you need to stop using dog training treats altogether; they simply need to be used more sparingly.  Also, consider the ingredients of the treats you choose.  Some these days are nothing but fat and sugar, but if you do some shopping, you’ll find other brands that are leaner with protein and very little fat.  Dogs enjoy the taste of protein as much as they do anything else, so finding dog training treats that are made with lean meats such as chicken and turkey are just as enjoyable to your dog as any other.

If you find that your dog is becoming overweight then it’s time to rethink how and when you use dog training treats and think about other rewards instead.