Dog Training Basics

Archive for June 6th, 2009

A Mastiff dog, when still young can be a pain in the neck, if left untrained. As dog, by nature, he would chew on anything that his teeth can get into. And you will be left hanging to dry when you find that your new $100 shoes will be turned into dirty slippers, not to mention the smell of pee and poop everywhere around the house. But is there anything you can do? Mother Nature have created them to be that way and unfortunately, when you get one for yourself, they don’t come with instruction manuals but you can bet your life that you can find an English Mastiff training guide that can help you with the process of training your gargantuan pet dog. So, the best you can do to protect your home and of course, your kid, is to train your Mastiff the way you want them to be and a good training and caring guide is what you just need.

But the problem is, where can you find a training guide for Mastiff dogs? Why can’t just any Mastiff owner hire somebody to do the dog training? Well, that could be a good suggestion. As a matter of fact, it’s the first thing that comes to mind to owners if they want their pet dogs to be trained and to be groomed. But there are a lot of underlying reasons that you need to consider first. First of all, getting a dog trainer these days is very expensive and second, if you want to build better bonding and relationship with your furry buddy, it has to be you who will be the right person to train him. On the other hand, it’s not really that hard to find a guide in learning English Mastiff training, or any Mastiff or any dog, for that matter. All over the Net, there are various websites today offering different various guides for teaching you how to effectively train your dog. You just need to invest a few of your minutes in familiarizing some of them and then, choose the best one and once your Mastiff is fully trained, no matter how big he is, can be very loyal and the friendliest even to children.

Finding out how to prevent your dog from chewing your stuff is probably the reason you are here.

Dogs will vary in their need to chew. While certain dogs chew because they enjoy the activity, others will only chew due to boredom.

Here are the main reasons for destructive and inappropriate dog chewing:

• The desire to chew is innate to most dogs, especially if the item being chewed tastes good.
• The physical act of chewing can be an emotional outlet for a lonely or bored dog. As with comfort food to humans, a nervous dog can find chewing to be relaxing.
• Dogs that are under exercised may chew to keep themselves busy and to burn up excess energy.

How To Stop Dogs Chewing

With a little effort and training on your part, you can stop dogs chewing and damaging your stuff.

• Firstly, your home must be dog-proofed. This means that items that you don’t wish to end up in your dog’s mouth should be placed well out of his reach. You will need to consider whether your dog will be able to jump, climb, leap, or stand on his hind legs in order to reach the object of his desire.

• Dogs love to chew shoes, garbage, clothes, books and remote controls. They also like to chew on small crunchy items such as remote controls, cameras and cell phones.

• Obviously, to stop dogs from chewing, all food must be stored in the pantry or in containers. You should rinse dirty dishes before leaving them in the sink. Food or snacks left on a low surface or even on the kitchen counter will be gobbled up in an instant by your delighted dog.

• Stop dogs from learning the pleasure of forbidden chewing. If your dog is prevented from chewing your stuff early in his life, the easier it will be for him to understand what you require of him. The more he is able to chew forbidden items, such as chair legs, shoes, a pillow, the more likely your dog will be to target those items again. Until you are sure that your dog has a clear comprehension of the house rules, he should be restricted to a dog-proofed part of the house.

• Your dog must be made to understand what is your stuff (not for chewing) and his stuff (OK to chew). If you let your dog chew on your discarded shoes, you can’t expect him to understand the difference between them and the new ones at the door. The same thing pertains to towels, clothing etc.

• Stop dogs chewing by providing them with plenty of enticing alternatives to your prized possessions. You must remember that most dogs feel an innate desire to chew, particularly puppies and young dogs under three years of age. Purchase chews or dog toys, providing your dog with a maximum of three all at once. The toys should be of various textures, shapes and flavors. Rotating the toys will keep things interesting for your pet.

• Make sure you devote plenty of time to directing your dog. He won’t be able to figure out what is expected of him if he in constantly confined to the dog-proofed area. Your dog should be allowed to explore the limits of your expectations in order to understand what is and is not appropriate.

• When your dog is caught chewing an inappropriate item, you should interrupt him by clapping your hands or making a firm “No!”. He should be given an appropriate alternative, such as a chew toy or rawhide bone. You should praise him as soon as he bites it. This will help your dog to realize that he will be praised for chewing his stuff and inappropriate chewing means trouble for him.

My recommended dog training guide to stop dogs chewing is: Secrets to Dog Training

For those of you who are working on the best way to housebreak a puppy, barking can be tough. A constantly barking dog can be a huge nuisance.  It is challenging to learn how to stop your dog from barking, because there are any number of things that sets off constant barking.  Then, each breed is also unique. Figuring out what causes your dog to bark can help you figure out exactly how to teach your dog to control this behavior.

Some people don’t mind constant barking, but many others do.  Sometimes the fact is that you have dog that just barks too much.  While it is important to remember your dog is using his or her bark to communicate with their owner and other dogs, constant barking is unnecessary.  Just don’t go too far and try to stop your dog from barking completely.  It’s completely appropriate for dogs to bark at some times.  

One way to avoid excessive barking issues is by not choosing a dog that is known as a big barker.  A dog’s breed and purpose is often a huge factor in its barking habits.  Dogs bred to protect their owners will bark more than those bred as family pets.  Dogs bred for hunting may also tend to bark and even howl more than other breeds.  You cannot always predict a dog’s barking behavior by its breed, but knowing the tendency of a breed to bark is important before you choose a dog.  

Sometimes, dogs are better at training us than we are at training them.  Don’t jump up and respond to your dogs commands when he or she barks.  If they want to go outside and play, allow them to bark to signal, but do not let them out if they continue to bark.  Teach them to get quiet first.  Don’t respond until the dog is quiet, the dog will learn that to stop barking is a good behavior which brings rewards. Consider this before you buy a citronella dog collar.  

If your dog starts to bark, don’t do anything immediately.  Remember, dogs are going to bark at times.  If the barking continues you need to take action.  Grasp her muzzle and close it with your hand gently, but firmly.  If she tries to free herself from your hold, do not hurt her, but use your other hand to hold her collar.  

Sometimes pet owners can figure out why their dog is barking and sometimes they cannot.  I thought we would never get our Bischon to stop barking at every little noise, so I had to get outside help.  You may think it’s odd to get help to stop your dog’s barking.  Actually, it isn’t uncommon for dog owners to get help.  I know because my dog no longer barks at every noise, day and night.

I hope that you understand why you should get a crate for your dog.A lot of families don’t want to put THEIR pet in a crate because it looks like a cage!  First, please don’t refer to  it as a cage.  Think of it as a safehaven that your dog knows he can go to.  Remember, dogs are pack animals, even though we try and forget that!  When dogs were wild they slept together in dens.  The dens made them feel safe from being hunted by other animals.  When they all slept together, there was always a feeling of being safe.  Their little homes were just big enough to be cozy and safe, and to sleep in peace.  That is why they feel so safe in their kennel.  They feel safe and secure and it is a cozy home for them to call their own .  You can also think of it as their own room, just as you have your own room.

When you first got your puppy, it was wise for you to get them used to staying in their crate, especially overnight and when you were not home.If you follow this way of educating them to only relieve themselves outside, it is a fast way.The best way to secure your pet when in the car is by putting them in their crate?When a pet has been securely placed in their kennel for travel, they don’t want to be out of the crate when in the car.  They feel safe and secure.  Of course, while you were training them to go potty only when you brought them outside, the crate bedding that you provided your puppy wasn’t the best and most comfortable.  If your pet is past the training stage, for them to be really comfortable, you should get them a nice comfortable mat to put in their crate.  That is why I am so glad that you found my site about dog crate bedding.

This is just another argument why it is so critical to get a puppy used to a crate when they are little.Puppies will use chew-toys and most anything else to ruin when they are getting their adult teeth.  Giving them a toy to chew on helps, but also having them in their crate while you can’t be with them all the time, really saves on the shoes, couch legs, table legs, and I’m sure you can probably add a few others!

I have a mixed breed dog that I love tremendously, along with every one in the family.  Probably, much like you do with your pet.She’s getting around a lot slower than she once did, since she is older now.  We have put a new mat in her crate and she seems to really enjoy it.  It has a small rim around the outer edge, just enough so she can rest her head on it while looking out of her crate door.  And it is machine washable!  Something you really need to consider when deciding on your dog’s bedding.

While we were researching the dog crate bedding, I found that it was hard to find online.This is the reason that this site is just for bedding for your dog.  If you come back often, you’ll see other articles of information that I have added to this site.  I want to keep it up-to-date for you and everyone else that is looking for bedding for your dog.  I hope you have found this a little helpful.  Please leave a comment if you’d like and share some of your experiences about your dog.  Thank you for stopping by!

Puppyhood is the “formative” period for your dog. What you teach him during this time will most likely stick with him the rest of his life. One of the most imperative things to get started is to train dogs to potty outside.

Developing a routine early on in your puppy’s life is a sure way to ease the strain that the potty training process can entail. Try starting out by getting your pup used to a particular life routine. This includes working up a schedule of sleeping, eating, and potty time. Make sure that you keep the schedule constant, such as feeding him at a certain time every day and taking him outside 15 minutes after.

If you can admit straight away that accidents will happen when it comes to your puppy, then you just may save a bit of sanity while dog potty training! You can help lessen accidents by keeping some newspaper in a dedicated spot so that your pup can at least familiarize himself with going in one area if he can’t make it outside. This works particularly well if you don’t have a “doggy door” and your puppy relies on you to let him out.

The sooner you get to know your puppy’s “eat/potty” routine, the easier potty-training will become. The most easy rule to go by is to remember that by the time you’ve fed or watered your pup, he will be ready to potty roughly 15 – 20 minutes later. This rule works very well if you can manage to have your puppy outside the proper potty surroundings at the time you expect he needs relief.

Be sure that you separate “potty time” from “play time.” As it is natural for puppies to want to explore, you should only encourage them at the appropriate times. It can be extremely stressful to wait outside while your puppy plays, only to have an accident as soon as you bring him inside.

This period in your puppy’s life is a great one to start administering praise and discipline techniques. a lot of people prefer the terms “good boy/girl” and “no,” both of which can be still be used when your dog is older. Although puppies need a lot of firmness, repetition, and routine remember that your puppy will soon grow up, so enjoy his puppyhood while you can!

Learn more tips like this at HelpYourPets.com - Puppy Steps and learn how to not only train your puppies but also protect them.

Spring is here and that means nicer weather and more opportunities for taking your dog for walks. If your dog walks amount to a jog in the park for your dog with you in tow, this article is for you!

Change Your Direction

Abruptly changing the direction you’re heading in may be enough distraction to make your dog understand that he needs to follow you. Each time your dog begins to yank on the lead or run in front of you, quickly change direction and start walking in a different direction. When his attention is averted and he returns to walk next to you, follow up immediately with lots of praise. A small dog treat helps, too. Tempting as it is, don’t scold your dog for tugging on the leash. Just redirect his attention by abruptly changing direction.

Your first couple of walks may actually be just a few steps, back and forth. Don’t get discouraged, repeat the process as many times as necessary until your dog understands what you want him to do. You want your dog to carefully watch your movements; thereby following you and not the other way around. Be generous with your praise and rewards and repeat this process several times. Your dog will slowly give up the tug of war game he’s been playing with your.

If you already own a remote dog trainer that has both positive and negative reinforcement with tones, now would be a good time to put it to use.

Consistency is Important

Once you’ve made up your mind that you want your dog to walk obediently beside you, don’t give in! If you don’t establish consistent rules, your dog will become confused. Think of this like you would any other dog obedience training.

Initially its best if you stick to familiar places, like your backyard or driveway, to practice your new leash training skills. After your dog has mastered his new leash walking skills, you can experiment with longer walks in unfamiliar places.

Keep Up the Good Work

As with all dog training, teaching your dog to walk properly on a leash is an ongoing process. Don’t expect instant understanding. Your dog may need more than one training session to fully understand what you’re trying to teach him. Don’t assume that the training ends when your dog starts walking beside you. You’ll want to continue to use the distraction technique occasionally to keep him on his toes and reinforce what you’ve taught him.

Don’t be stingy with the praise and treats! Dogs instinctively want to please their owner and love being rewarded and praised for obeying. Be generous with your praise and offer rewards when your dog is doing the right thing; he will be encouraged to continue payinging attention to you.

Many people wonder if there are secrets for potty training puppies. The truth is that there are really no secrets, just the correct application of knowledge. There are times, that potty training may not even be necessary. There are plenty of people who have purchased dogs from breeders and have never had to train their pup to eliminate outside. The pup was trained already by its mother to go out of doors. However, for people who get a puppy that needs training, there are some useful tips that can make things a little easier.

One of the first things you will want to do is to establish the dog is in good health. If the puppy has an infection like a urinary tract infection or other disorder or infection relating to its systems, then it may result in a delay in training. When it has been decided your puppy is in good health, then you can start the potty training process. It is important to establish the correct habits in your dog so that you do not have to spend time changing bad habits.

Decide where you want your pup to go. A great idea is to have a very specific spot. Some people use their backyard, but this can cause the puppy to get distracted and delay its elimination. So, by picking an area of a yard, you can make sure that the puppy realizes that when you take your puppy there, he/she is to do his business promptly. In other words, you do not want to leave your puppy any room for confusion.

Another rule of potty training puppies is to be consistent. This means that you have to monitor him and take your puppy out at the appropriate times. If it's something you do not do, you're puppy may have an accident. So, keep an eye on your furry friend and allow him to go out as needed. Any time he/she eats or drinks or plays very hard, the pup will likely need to be given the option to go. After about two weeks, you'll discover that your puppy is letting you know when he/she needs to go. Some pups will bark, and some will go stand by the door to the outside. Others will come to you and put their head on your knee and stare longingly. No matter which way your pup chooses to let you know, make sure you give it praise for its efforts to do its business outside.

Here’s a little advice about how to train a puppy. Puppy training doesn’t have to be difficult. It may take a little patience, but dogs are smart and their goal is to make you happy. When you are about to get angry, remember that and walk away.

There’s loads of books, videos and free puppy training information online. First of all, you need to learn to reward good behavior and not to reward bad behavior. Give the dog lots of attention when he has been good and put him in “time out” when he’s been bad. You can use a crate, or a basket for a smaller dog. Crates are very helpful when housetraining, as well.

Puppy training begins with teaching him his name and a few simple obedience commands. Dogs don’t automatically understand “sit, stay or down”. They won’t learn to respond to their names, if you don’t use it regularly.

Most owners find that a dog will respond best to a short name with one or two syllables. That’s why the names Rover and Fido are popular. To teach your puppy his name, say it when you are petting him, grooming him or feeding him. It is particularly important when you place his food dish on the floor. Say, “Here Rover” or something similar. This will ensure that your puppy has a positive association to hearing his name.

Other than his name, the most important command that you can teach during puppy training is “down”. Down becomes even more useful as the dog grows. If you allow them to jump up on you when they are young, it is more difficult to break the habit when they get older.

Puppies always jump up on you and your guests. So, when you see this behavior, take their paws. Place them on the floor and say “down”. Be consistent and repetitive. That’s how to train a puppy in the right manner whatever the training situation may be.

Teaching commands is one of the fundamentals of puppy training. Basically, you show the dog what you want and then you say the command. For example, when teaching “sit”, take a treat and hold it right up to his nose, but not close enough that he can take it. Raise the treat up and above his head, this should put him in the right position to push his bottom towards the floor. Once his bottom gets close to the floor, say “sit”. He will learn to associate the word with the action of planting his butt on the ground.

All other commands are taught in a similar fashion. You see, how to train a puppy isn’t as hard as you thought it was. All it takes is a little know-how, plenty of repetition and of course, some patience.