Dog Training Basics

Archive for July, 2009

Poodles come in three different categories: the toy, which stands ten inches or less at the shoulder; the miniature, which stands anywhere from ten to fifteen inches; and the standard, which measures in at over fifteen inches at the shoulder. All three of these poodle types tend to be happy, loving dogs that make great family pets and loyal companions to the lucky owners that have them. If you are considering a poodle as your next pet, there are some basics of poodle puppy care that you as a dog trainer should know.

The Best Environment for your Poodle

Because of their social nature, and their long and thick coat of hair, poodles are really not meant to be outdoors most of the time. These dogs want to be with their owners as much as possible, and the toy variety in particular will work well in an apartment setting. In this situation, regular walks on a leash as a part of your poodle puppy care will offer sufficient exercise for your dog. The larger species of this breed will do better with an average sized fenced yard for exercise and play time. One of the first steps of good poodle puppy care will be to spend plenty of time with your new pet playing, dog training and building a relationship together.

Grooming your Poodle

One look at a poodle’s thick, full coat will tell you that regular grooming will be an essential part of daily poodle puppy care. Some owners will attempt this feat on their own, and a few might actually be quite adept at the process. Others will take the more convenient although costly way out, and take their dogs to groomers for regular poodle puppy care. If you go with a groomer, your dog will receive necessary baths as well as brushings. Many poodle owners will decide to clip their dog to keep the coat more manageable.

Temperament of the Poodle

Although the look of this dog can be deceiving, a poodle is generally a playful, social dog that loves to spend time with his family and is great with kids. Even the toy variety, although small, is very playful and not as fragile as it looks. These dogs also make good watchdogs, since they tend to bark when someone comes to the door or at the sight of strangers. Poodles are extremely intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train most of the time. Poodle puppy care will mostly revolve around offering your dog plenty of love and attention as you incorporate him into your family.

There are many different breeds of dogs, and each of the breeds has different personalities and different things that need to be considered when you starting the dog training and taking care of them. First of all, as a dog trainer, you have to be sure that when you care for a puppy you are taking their personality into consideration and caring for them in a way that fits the breed and makes sense with the breed. For example, when you look at the different dogs, you see what they need.

When you care for Pomeranian puppy, you have to focus on the fact that these dogs have a tendency to bark a lot and also to be overly excitable, which might cause them to bite at people’s ankles. These are the two things you have to keep in mind when you care for Pomeranian puppy.

Barking

The first thing to think about when you care for Pomeranian puppy is that they bark a lot. This means that when they are puppies you have to stop this behavior. A good thing to remember is that all dogs bark, but only for a reason. If the puppy learns that they are supposed to bark, they will. Because the easiest way to care for Pomeranian puppy training is to praise it by giving it attention, the easiest way to curb a puppy from barking is to not give it attention when it barks. When you are doing care for Pomeranian puppy and the puppy barks, simply say no, and then turn away from the dog. As soon as the dog stops barking, turn towards it and praise it. This is the best way to make sure that your Pomeranian doesn’t bark.

Biting

The other thing you have to deal with when you care for Pomeranian puppy is that they sometimes get too excited and end up biting at people’s ankles. In order to stop this behavior, you have to socialize the puppy and take him out very often to expose him to many things. The more things that you can expose your puppy to, the better he is going to be at handling new situations, and this means that he’ll be less likely to bit at people’s ankles. Biting is really a show of being nervous and afraid, so if you can socialize your puppy he’ll be much less likely to get afraid and nervous and he’ll be less likely to bite.

Aggression is instinctive to dogs. This attribute of dogs developed over many centuries ensuring their survival in the wild. Many centuries of selective breeding techniques have reduced dog aggression traits. Read on to learn about why dogs behave aggressively.

What makes my dog aggressive?

Many factors can cause aggression in dogs but the most common is minimal socialisation with other people and the issue of dominance.

Stranger aggression:

It is natural for a dog to be cautious and suspicious. Unfamiliar situations may cause your dog anxiety if it has not had much experience with strangers and new surroundings. If you widen your dogs knowledge and consistently reinforce positive experiences your dog will feel at ease when confronting a new situation. Check out our Review of Charlie Lafave’s Dog Training Zone for more ideas to stop dog aggression.

What can I do about it?

The key to your dog feeling comfortable with a wide variety of experiences is starting from a young age. You will want to make sure your dog experiences new places, new people and new animals. Experience will teach your dog how much fun other places, people and animals can be. Make socialising your dog fun and you will soon see how easy it is to do. Puppy pre school is a good place to meet new people and a variety of other dogs. Once your puppy is at ease with new people and dogs, you’ll be able to expand this experience. You will continue to need to socialise your dog.

Aggression with family members:

Dogs are commonly aggressive towards members of their own human family when they are trying to protect something they think of as their own. Resource guarding is the term used for this behavior. If your dog gets snarly or growls at you when you are near where it is eating or playing with a toy, then you know you have a resource guarding problem. Your dog will behave like this if it thinks it has power over you. Remember, dogs are pack animals. Dogs are used to structure and are ranked according to a hierarchy of position and power in relation to everyone in their family or pack. Since your dog does not have a dog family, it will rank itself against its human family and this ranking will tell it how to behave at all times. If your dog perceives himself to be at the top, it is his job to behave aggressively. A lower ranking member of the pack will behave in a passive, submissive way and would never growl or snarl at a higher ranking member if you approached its food or toys. You need to make it clear to your dog that you are the boss and he is a lower ranking family member.

Is there anything I can do about this?

Working with your dog regularly and consistently in obedience training will help to re program your dogs preception of you as the pack leader. Short and regular training sessions are critical to effective behaviour modification. Make each training session enjoyable: play a game by giving your dog lots of praise, pats and treats when it has worked well with you.

For more detailed information about dog training and other behavioral problems, check out Secrets to Dog Training. Read a detailed look at Daniels Stevens Secrets to Dog Training at DogHelpdesk.com

There’s nothing more exiting than when you get a new puppy. But, the fun quickly dies once he’s destroyed one of your favorite pairs of shoes. It doesn’t have to be that way if you learn how to train your puppy right from the start. If you start out right, you will quickly end up with a confident, well mannored dog.

If you look around, you’ll see that there are dozens of conflicting views on how to train a puppy. However, there are a few principles that should always be followed no matter what way to choose to train your puppy . The number one rule is to always use positive reinforcement. Using negative reinforcement can have significant negative effects such as agression. Also, you should always be consistent and patient in your training.

Starting Out

No matter what you are trying to, you need to remember to reward him when he does it right. Dog treats or physical affection are really good rewards. Don’t forget that it will probably take some time before your puppy learns what to do and what not to do. For example, your dog doesn’t insinctively know that it is wrong to pee in the house.

Leash training, house traing and basic obedience are good areas to start with. This early training will help your dog bond to you and understand that you are the leader. Your best bet is to make sure you do short training sessions that are full of fun.

If you don’t stick with it early on, your dog will develop bad habits that you’ll have to correct later. Don’t take puppy training lightly, it is a serious commitment. Just be patient and keep trying. You dog will eventually get the message.

Is Crate Training Important?

Crate training a puppy is a really good idea unless you plan on being home 24/7. Crates can be a place of safety and comfort for your dog. Since dogs are den animals, a crate makes him feel secure. Crate training is also helpful when you are still housetraining your puppy.

There are a few tricks to teaching your puppy that his crate is a same and comfortable place. When your puppy goes into the crate, give him a treat and lots of verbal praise. Don’t ever force him into the crate. Anything that makes your dog dislike the crate should be avoided.

Helpful Hints for Housetraining

As you know, an important part of training is housebreaking your puppy. Taking your puppy outside often and giving him lots of praise when he does the right thing is important. Punishment for not going outside isn’t the right way to do it. Walk around outside with your dog and don’t come back inside until he has done his business. Once he’s used the restroom, give him lots of praise.

If you need more help take a look at one of the best dog training programs available.  Read The Secrets to Dog Training Review here.

The beagles amiable character is what makes them stand out from the rest.These smart and enthusiastic dogs can be challenging to train at first but it is worth it.Beagle training entails two approaches.In this case, the owner can decide which option to take by considering what he knows about his pet.

When it comes to Jack Russells though, my Jack Russell Training Article can be found here Jack Russell training guide.

The owner can decide to train the beagle on his own.Materials for training can be counted upon in this regard.Similarly, the owner can choose when to start training the dog.A training that takes place at home makes things more bearable for the owner and the beagle.This option gives the owner enough time for training mastery and planning the pace for the dog training.

However, this will involve a lot of your time and energy for the dog training.A lot of time is required and this has to be divided well between the owner’s training mastery and the dog’s formal preparations.daily, tasks have to be repeated and made part of the routine.

Furthermore, the owner is responsible for giving the beagle praise when called for.The owner’s perseverance is required when the beagle can either follow easily or stubbornly. .It can be foreseen that the beagle will have its stubborn moments.In this regard, firmness with the beagle is necessary for him to realize that obedience is demanded.In the meantime, your sensitivity toward the beagle’s need for a break is deemed necessary.

I also have a Collie training article available here link Training a Collie.

Meanwhile, you may choose not to do the beagle training yourself.Service providers can give your dog professional training and quality facilities.If you prefer to have quicker results, then you can count of the professionals to do the task for you.If you have any questions, they are ready to answer them for you.

However, an expertly trained beagle equates to a good amount of expenditure that you should consider.The more training you will require for your beagle, the more costly it becomes.

Another problem could arise from the trainer’s busy schedule and you will have no choice but to adjust to it.Moreover, things are not the same when the trainer is available and when your training your dog alone at home.

At the end of the day, the responsibility of making the decision properly is in your hands.As a consequence, you may look into the different aspects of your training choice.When it comes to training options and facilities available, not one will be the same with another.You have to remember that the training needs of each beagle and owner are never the same.

If you want to read more of my articles,you can find them here How to train a Beagle.

Understanding why your dog is barking is key to training your dog to stop barking. Over time you will learn to understand what your dog is trying to communicate through barking. Sometimes your dog will bark for the right reasons, when it needs to go to the toilet or when something is wrong. Don’t forget, there is good barking and bad barking!. Neighbours with barking dogs are annoying and it is up to you to train your dog about barking behaviour. Remember, you are the boss and your dog will follow your instruction about what to do and what not to do.

For more ideas for your training check out these reviews of the ultimate dog training packages available today. Go to Best Dog Training Product now.

Is your dog feeling bored, anxious or lonely?

The number 1 cause of uncontrolled barking is a dog who is feeling anxious and lonely. Does your dog spend the largest part of every day alone? To accomodate being left alone so long you will need to make sure your dog is getting one to one and a half hours of exercise per day, depending on breed. Try and fit in a long walk before or after work. Organising this can sometimes be difficult so why not engage the services of a professional dog walker. This attention will be welcomed by your dog. When you are out, try your dog with one of the many dog toys available on the market. Balls usually work well as toys and most dogs love bones to chew. .

Spending too much time alone is a common cause of barking. Dogs are very social animals requiring lots of attention, interation and communication. It is important that you spend a lot of time playing with your dog and showing it affection. Dogs need this to thrive. Find activities that include your dog, when at home. Dogs exhibit happiness if they are loved. A dog that is well attended to is also less likely to show other unwanted behaviors and you won’t need to Stop Your Dog Whining.

Is it playtime for your dog?

Giving in to barking so that you will stop what you are doing and play, is the worst thing you could do. A bad habit will be reinforced, if you do. Mutual respect is key to your relationship with your dog and harassing you in this way demonstrates lack of respect. Ignore this type of behavior if you want your dog to stop demanding your attention in this way. An effective way to do this is to turn your back to your dog, without responding and move away. This is likely to confuse your dog to start with. Since the barking behavior has worked in the past your dog may thinking that if it barks for just a little longer you will give in. Don’t Succumb! Be firm. You will probably have to endure worse barking before the barking improves. Lots of praise is required to reinforce the correct behaviour. Positive reinforcement is the key and your dog wants to please you. After a short time of consistent work your dog will re-learn this behavior and stop barking to attract your attention.

Effective dog training requires consistency. Pack animals such as dogs are most at ease and well behaved when they understand the pecking order. If you want your dog to be happy, well adjusted and well behaved it will have to respect your leadership. Remember, quiet does not always mean good. If your directions are clear your dog will learn when it is and is not appropriate to bark.

To find out more about training for your barking dog visit Dog Barking Problems.

When your pet bites aggressively, take it under control.When dogs bite fiercely, look into the possibility of behavior modification being an approriate corrective approach.

You would also want to see This article on Secrets To Dog Training Review.

Are You Certain It’s Not Physiological?

When it is clear your dog has a biting problem, eliminate the possibility of the cause being physiological before beginning behavior modification.To do this, have a professional examine your dog.Blood tests, a serum chemistry exam and a thyroid panel can detect imbalances that give rise to the aggressiveness.If the behavior is due to phyiological defects, your vet can help.A treatment can effectively stop your dog’s aggressiveness.

Once ascertained to be behavioral, embark on changing your dog’s behavior through modification.

Should You Let a Pro Do It?

To help you decide, consider two things:

Your readiness for handling the process.Would you do what you must to turn this behavior around? You’ll need to spend quality time with your dog daily over several weeks, maybe months to do this.You may have to take an online course for training dogs.

The concerns your dog gives rise to.If your dog is still young, you are in an excellent position to control him.Young puppies are easier to handle as compared to adult dogs; they’re also not as strong so they’re not as dangerous.Dog owners have been sued and their pets put down for causing trouble with other people.

You can learn more about dog fear aggression About Dog Fear Aggression.

Behavior Modification Through Positive Training.

Positive conditioning is the standard approach to behavior modification.If you know of the term as used in human behavior, you should not be surprised it’s used on dogs, too.After all, humans appreciate canine intelligence.

Basically, affirmative reinforcement is as effective in dogs as it is in people.Praising excellent behavior calls for repeating the behavior.

Think about play-biting in puppies.Observe keenly and notice the puppies are on to each other for mommy’s nipples.Soon enough, a pup yelps in pain and turns away from the game.

When a puppy withdraws from a game with his high-spirited playmates, he illustrates how pre-conditioning works.The puppy who turns away from his playmates is telling them the play’s no longer fun and that biting aggressively is totally unacceptable.The guilty pup learns the fun stops when he bites too hard; it goes on if he’s just play-biting.

To learn more, read this article on Solutions to Stop Dog Biting .

The pug originated in China centuries ago, and was considered a prized possession by many Chinese emperors. Because of this distinction, many pugs lived in the finest of residences, and some even had their own guards. The Dutch were responsible with the pug’s migration from China to Holland, and then to England, where the breed was refined into the species that is familiar today. Once again, the pug enjoyed living like and with royalty, as company to many English monarchs, and pug puppy care consisted of living in the lap of luxury.

In 1885, this breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club and in 1931 the Pug Dog Club of America was founded. One of the most attractive characteristics of a pug is that it is not a breed that is seen too commonly, yet it is a widely recognized type of dog. If you are considering a pug as your next pet, there are a few things that you need to know about the basics of pug puppy care before you bring your new little pup home to meet the rest of the family.

Best Environment for a Pug

Part of good pug puppy training is to provide the optimum environment for your dog. While pugs do well in smaller homes and even apartments, they still need regular exercise and activity to keep them fit and healthy. This is not a good choice of a dog that will spend most of its time outside, since extremely warm temperatures can cause this breed to overheat. The best pug puppy care is to provide a home where this friendly and social little animal can spend plenty of time with the owner that he will quickly grow to love. These dogs tend to enjoy being a part of a family, and will usually do very well with children.

Caring for your Pug

Although a pug has a short coat, he will shed periodically. Regular brushings and an occasional bath should be a part of your pug puppy care to keep your pet looking and feeling his best. Since he will probably be quite anxious to please, you may find that your pug puppy care when it comes to house breaking is fairly simple and mostly requires consistency and a bit of patience on your part. As with most other breeds, good pug puppy care often will involve crate dog training, since this will provide a secure environment for your pup at night and while you are away.

A pug can be an outgoing comedian, who will love entertaining you with his many antics. If you are thinking that a pug would be a good addition to your family, talk to a breeder or veterinarian today about the various aspects of pug puppy care.

Are you having problems with your dog behaving badly? Don’t procrastinate. It’s time to get down to some serious dog training. This means you need to proceed with consistency and persistency with your training. However, training should always be fun for your dog or it will quickly get bored!

Understand Your Dog Basic Needs

Your dog has to rely on you to provide for him. If you don’t satisfy your dog’s basic needs, it shouldn’t be a surprise if your dog’s behavior continues to stress you out. What are the basic needs? Here are the main ones:

• water and food
• exercise
• social interaction with dogs and people
• a stimulating environment.

The main principle in dog training is to utilise positive and negative reinforcement. When your dog does a behavior that is wanted, you should reward him with a treat or affection. The treat or affection must come as soon after the behavior as humanly possible in order for it to be effective.

It’s best to concentrate on positive reinforcement for behavior you want to encourage rather than negative reinforcement for undesired behaviors. This has been found to be a more productive way of training.

Physical punishment is not an effective or compassionate way to train dogs and will only lead to your dog being neurotic and fearful. That’s not going to be a good relationship between man and dog. You can say a firm “No” in a growling tone of voice to stop him engaging in an unwanted behavior. Ignoring your dog and turning away from him is the most productive thing for you to do when he misbehaves. Dogs love attention and being ignored is negative reinforcement enough.

At all costs you should avoid humanizing your dog. Dogs have their own way of communicating which you will not understand unless you study it. You read about what their body language means. They have various ways of communicating: with their tail, head position, ear position, mouth and teeth and vocally with various kinds of barks, growls and whines.

Another important aspect of training is to position yourself as the pack leader. If your dog is pack leader, he is never going to be well-behaved for you because he thinks you are one of his pack. Some advice on setting yourself up as pack leader:
-eat a some food in front of your dog as he waits for his food. The alpha dog always eats first.
-don’t let him to get on the sofa or bed. The pack leader sleeps on higher ground.
-don’t allow him to go through the door before you.

This is an introduction to some important points in dog training. I recommend you look into the most systematic of training methods: clicker training.

When it comes to a matter such as puppy care & feeding, there is a multitude of information that you need to know about. If you have a puppy, then puppy care & feeding is going to by far be one of the most important issues that you need to take into consideration.

Information About Puppy Care & Feeding

Some of the basics about puppy training & feeding remain the same regardless of what type of dog you get, however at the same time, there are also going to be many differences depending on the breed of dog.

Basically the more that you pay for the dog, especially if it is purebred, then the better puppy care & feeding you are going to have to worry about.

This is because purebreds need a lot more care in order for them to maintain their health and keep their fur looking great, and so you really have to make sure before you even purchase a purebred dog that you are going to be willing and able to take the time and effort to properly take care of it.

You are going to have to do research on the specific dog that you buy, so that you will know all of the different tips and tricks that go with each different breed, and this may take you some time but in the end of it all it is going to definitely be more than worth it.

One of the most important factors of all in regards to dog training is exercise, and this means making sure that you get the dog out for a walk at least once a day for about 20 minutes, so that they maintain a healthy weight and as well for their enjoyment.

You also are going to have to take proper care of their fur, and this means giving them a good brushing at least once a week and making sure that you use the proper shampoos and conditioners on their fur.

Just make sure that you take the time to do the proper research on the particular type of dog that you have, so that you know the necessary things that you have to do and the best way that you can go about taking care of your dog. If you do this, then you are going to be able to come out with some really great dog training results and your dog is going to be very happy as well.