Dog Training Basics

Posts Tagged ‘Dog Behavior’

Dogs cannot be bad; it is the handler who is poor. It is frustrating when a dog simply jumps on your clean clothes as you are taking a walk down the road. When your front yard turns into a ready made toilet for your next door neighbor’s dog, it can be equally irritating. Just like the kid next door who has not been taught any manners, these dogs can be compared to them.

What is wrong with the kids or the pet when the concerned adults are not doing their duties? Ask any smart owner and he would tell you that it is wise to take the help of a dog trainer to learn the handling methods without dampening his natural spirits. To get to know a good trainer approach your vet or pet store; these trainers often hold private lessons with the pet and the owner but it is just as easy to solve your pet behavior problem by attending any online course on pet management or get some ideas and help from a dog training book or from online dog training tips. A section of this training is involved with tutoring the owner how to handle his pet.

Many times trainers comment that dogs are easier to train than their owners. Dogs that must be leash trained for walking in public or at the park need practice; this begins around the yard or in a smaller location. Owner and other residents get irritated when these animals bark even if it is a typical occurrence. When they bark, they are simply communicating with us; a reprimand him might give them the wrong signal and confuse them.

So why does a dog bark?
Well, just like a young child or baby, it needs attention, food or something to drink. A Dog barking can be good burglar alarm and training them to stop isn’t always a good idea. It is not a good idea having your puppy bark, even during play if you are likely too shout at him when he barks as an adult. Any trainer can teach you skills on how to get the desired conduct from your puppy using the carrot as opposed to the stick.

How do you make your new puppy stop the undesired behavior?
Once your new puppy is rewarded regularly for good behavior they will begin to stop displaying the negative traits. Remember that you can not coach a dog to adapt to certain behaviors which are not part of his genetic make-up. The best option for getting certain specific behavior is to acquire your pet from a breed which displays those traits.

When does a dog become good?
Good dogs are developed by patience, persistence and kindness.

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.

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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.

Understanding Your Dog’s Behavioral Problems

Dogs exhibit many behaviors that leave their owners scratching their heads in confusion. Whether it’s barking, digging, nipping, or a number of other annoying activities, canines do things that seem odd to us. However, by understanding why they do such things, owners can learn to modify such behaviors.

Below, we’ll discuss several behavioral problems that can frustrate owners, their guests, and their neighbors. Here we will explain some of the factors that lead to your dogs behavior issues and steps to correct them.

Chewing

Dogs chew for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they’re anxious. Other times – especially in the case of puppies – they chew because they’re teething. Still other times, they simply become bored or restless. They do it to work off excess energy.

If your canine limits her chewing to a chew toy, or Bully Sticks there’s little harm in it. When no chew toys are around, your house belongings are at risk for damage from a chewing dog. When you physically see your dog chewing on inappropriate objects, may sure you inform them. Take away (or remove her from) the item on which she’s chewing and give her a Odorless Bully Stick in its place.

Excessive Barking

First, it’s important to realize that your dog barks as a way of communicating. While it can become frustrating if she does so excessively, owners should understand that there may be a valid reason for the behavior.

That said, canines often bark excessively for a number of reasons that are inappropriate. For example, they may be bored or excited. The barking could be caused by other pets near by. At times it’s just an attention grabbing issue.

To discourage inappropriate barking, make sure your pooch gets exercise each day. When bored your dog’s behavior issues can increase because of pent up energy. Also, avoid encouraging her barking by giving her attention when she does it. Instead, a loud clap will let your dog know they are doing something wrong.

Begging

Dogs love food, even if they’re not hungry. Given the opportunity, they’ll continue eating as long as someone gives them something to eat. The problem is that owners encourage begging each time they provide a taste from the dinner table. Remember, your pooch learns by repetition. When it comes to food, she learns quickly. If she receives something when she begs, she’ll naturally (and quickly) begin to believe that begging is appropriate.

You can discourage the begging behavior by removing the dog during meals.

The Value Of Obedience Classes

Most behavioral issues can be curbed by enrolling your dog into obedience classes. If you do so when she’s a puppy, the training is more likely to “stick.” If you enroll her as an adult, the training will be effective, but she’ll probably need periodic classes as a reminder of what constitutes appropriate conduct. In the end, a well-trained, well-behaved dog makes a more pleasant companion.

Patience and dedication are a must when training a dog. To achieve the desired results in rescued dog will take double the dedication and patience. However, the rewards will be worth the effort.

Unplanned litters continue to be common even though the practice of spaying and neutering has been around for decades. Because of this it is hard to find loving homes for all of these newborn pups.. And if you combine this with dogs that are lost or have runaway, the animal shelters are spilling over. For many of these dogs being euthanized will be the sad reality.

For a some lucky dogs, there is a second chance. Some will be adopted into the care of a loving family or rescued from the street. But to the inexperienced dog owner it can be a mystery as to how best to proceed.

Dogs that are brought to shelters are generally not in the best condition. Horrible living conditions, abuse and neglect are often a part of their history. Sometimes these dogs can even be let go into the wild and they will have to fend for themselves.

Dogs are pack animals. Because of this dogs that are in the wild usually do not do well in isolation. Domesticated dogs are used to human and animal interaction so do poorly when released to the wild. However, with some training, these ‘wild’ dogs can learn to tolerate human touch and stop barking at the smallest noise.

A rescued dog will need a full examination by a vet as the first step in the rehabilitation process. If the animal is sick or in pain your training efforts will be wasted. Take the time to restore the dog’s health and bring it back to a healthy weight.

It can be difficult to find out the history of the dog but any information can be of use. Your training efforts will be helped if you have information on the dog’s past abuse or medical history.

Take your time when trying to gain the dog’s trust. Do not force yourself on the dog. The dog needs to learn to trust you and will then seek you out. The use of treats is a good way to build trust. Place a treat on the floor and back away a few steps. Do not stare directly at the dog. Once the dog takes the food make sure they get enthusiastic praise.

A few dogs that are rescued look for physical interaction from the beginning. Many others will take longer. But once you have established it, try to roll the dog over onto his back and place your hand on their chest. You will have two possible reaction, either resistance from an aggressive dog or fearful acceptance from a passive dog. Neither behavior is good. Forcing an aggressive dog into a submissive position is done under normal training. This technique typically does not work for rescued dogs. Take your time and establish trust. By speaking in a soft and calm tone of voice and gently rubbing the belly a fearful dog will know that being on its back is a positive experience and not a punishment.

Be patient as it is often difficult and slow to train a rescued dog. They are often older dogs, mixed, and with difficult temperaments which makes training more challenging. Hang in there. Your perseverance will pay off.

Don’t feel sorry for the dog. Training can be hindered by doing this. You will want to be loving and caring when appropriate but still be in control. Be a pack leader and let the dog know that you are in charge.

It’s a lot of sweet and hard work but you will have a companion for life.

Stefan Hyross writes for the site All About Dogs ‘N Puppies. Correct common dog behavior problems and other issues. Also visit the site for tips on puppy
potty training and other lessons for dogs.

puppy training

Television can bring to light many different types of careers. One of these is being a certified dog trainer. This is an ideal career is a person loves to work around animals. It may not be a traditional job in an office but it is a career in which someone is doing what they love. The trainer is instrumental in teaching both the dog and owner how to bond and interact with each other. It is very satisfying to know that your knowledge and skill is being passed on to other dog lovers.

Becoming a certified dog trainer begins with a love of animals. It requires patience and a desire to interact with the animal. Dog obedience training takes knowledge and a compassionate nature in order for there to be success. Most people do not turn to a certified dog trainer until there is an obvious sign of dog aggression and then the battle begins. Dog training starts when the animal first comes home and continues throughout the life-time of the canine.

Not all dogs are alike. Different breeds will require you to know how they interact with other dogs and humans. It is for this reason that basic classes in dog breeds, aggression level and physiology are studied in order to know what to expect. The basic coursework prepares you for understanding the psychological and physical aspects each different dog will require.

Once the basics of dog behavior are down, then begin the specialized coursework designed to train a dog through a variety of methods. The instruction will teach how to use a variety of instruction in order to train the dog such as through a clicker or through positive reinforcement. Other steps include teaching safety to the owners as well as the dog. It is also important to learn how to deal with dogs that are more difficult to deal with due to a past history of violence or dog fighting.

Once the coursework is complete, the certified dog trainer is ready to begin. There are a variety of places to work such as pet supply stores, kennels or even opening up a business. One great example of a certified dog trainer is Cesar Millan who works with troubled dogs and their owners on his hit television show ‘The Dog Whisperer’ airing on cable.

A freelance trainer will not punch a clock or find them working day-in and day-out within the confines of an office building. There is the freedom of working outdoors and getting to play while being paid. If you decide to work for a company such as Pets Mart then you can get benefits as well. You may never be famous but you will be important to the people you help.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Career in Dog Training

Some people choose a career in dog training simply because it is a popular choice, however, there are those who are really passionate about canines in a way that their life’s direction has led them towards loving dogs even more.

Before you look at a career as a dog trainer ask yourself if you are someone who loves dogs and wants to love them more, or, are thinking about it, just because someone brought it to your attention as a possible option?

Respect for Fundamentals

Before choosing a career in dog training you should know it not only requires a love for dogs, you also need knowledge about their basic behaviors, and you will need the skills on how to handle and discipline them properly. Dog trainers usually have a long history of experience with dogs and interaction with many dog owners, handlers and their pets.

Do You Know your Dogs Division?

There are two types of careers in the dog world: the pet service training and the dog training. Both are very popular in demand however, there are more opportunities in the dog training field verses a career in pet service training.

Pet dog training involves teaching the dog how to live as a companion with his master and learning the basics such as obedience, being potty trained and learning acceptable behaviors which may include eliminating bad behaviors such as biting and barking.

Service training, on the other hand, involves specified training on services required by people with disabilities and those undergoing therapy. Some service dog trainers teach dogs to be search and rescue dogs such as the ever important police dogs or even hunting dogs.

Each of these take a large amount of dedication and patience on the trainers part as they are very intense fields of specialize divisions.

Canine Psychology – What is It?

Learn all about dog behavior – their thinking, their behaviors and their reaction to stimulus. Trainers will need to constantly work with a dog to teach them to react in a desired way to any given command. You should also know well the fundamentals of associative conditioning.

Where Can You Learn Dog Training Education?

Careers in dog training require you have the skills to train and handle dogs. Currently today, there are no colleges or universities that offer the ability for people to get degrees in dog training. The good news is that there are dog ’academies’ or ’schools’ that provide the basic training you will need. Often, the best dog trainers are often self taught and have natural inclination to dog handling.

Some have apprenticed with excellent dog trainers while others simply have a natural talent for training dogs. There are also a number of dog training organizations that could provide the latest information on dog training.

A good dog trainer works with both the attitudes of people and dogs

Usually dog training involves training the handlers of the dog as well. Therefore if you are pursuing a career in this field, it is very important that you have good people skills and that you can tolerate all types of people.

Some owners are impatient and want their dogs to learn everything fast, so they may disregard advice from the trainer, however, there are others that are more patient and open to the suggestions given by the trainer. During your career in dog training you will be working with both types of dog handlers and many other personality types too. In short, a career in dog training is not only limited to dog training but also an experience of people training as well.

Dog training is not limited to “training” alone; there are also certain aspects that you should be knowledgeable of, like the maintenance of proper dog hygiene, nutrition and grooming.

Having a vast knowledge of what accessories to use and training aids that are available will help during dog competitions. You will also need the ability to distinguish different types of dog breeds and know what the fundamental differences are.

To be a good dog trainer it is not required to have a ’know it all’ mentality’ but basically all you need to know is how to handle all types of dogs, work well with their handlers and have sufficient knowledge on the basics of dog training.

There are dog obedience training schools where dogs are trained to follow simple commands using three basic principles as the trainer’s guide.. Most dog training and dog behavior schools use these rules. They are the following:

Principle One:Consistency. You must be consistent in the use of words, the tone of your voice and your actions, that go with your command. During the beginning of the training, the trainer or the dog owner must decide what should be the parameters of training- what you are trying to teach the dog and how to do it. A word or a phrase, let’s say ‘come’, does not make sense to a dog. Your dog does not understand our language, nor does he understand or think, the way we do.

So to make the training understandable, you should use the command in a very consistent manner such that the dog will learn to associate the word with the meaning you attach with it. For example, if you are using the command ‘come’, make sure that everyone in the household use it in a singular manner. The command ‘Come’ specifically means that the dog should approach the giver of the command and use it in that sense. If your dog does not come to you instantly, do not punish him when he does. Your dog would attribute the command with the punishment.

What could you expect next?He would not follow the same command since this leads to punishment. Consistency also covers the use of the same command by all people. For example, if you use the words ‘come’ make sure everyone in your family uses that word also, not ‘come here’.

Principle Two:The hours devoted to training and the words used as command should be kept short. Remember that the attention span of dogs is extremely short so it is almost impossible to keep them engaged in the one activity. Combining children with your puppy obedience training is an example of keeping your training sessions short as they would lose interest very quickly, so it is best to move on to the next thing.

Your dog simply does not posses the same amount of interest they had when they started the activity, they become easily bored. The same thing happens in training therefore, it should be limited only to 10 minutes to 15 minutes of regular training.

Principle Three: Do not use force and punishment to hurt your dog when training. Also, never force the dog to follow the command if he is not prepared for it or punish a dog for something he did. Whilst training the animal don’t push too hard.

Your dog has no understanding of your impatience for his lack of learning speed. He only knows you are angry. So do not use force as this does not communicate your meaning properly, instead use negative reinforcement. Do not send him mixed signals, by making him feel praised for doing something wrong, only when he obeys the command, should he feel praised.

You have to be understanding and patient, especially during your dog obedience training sessions. The outcome will be a very responsive and well trained dog.

An early relationship strain will be caused by your dog's propensity to chew

Dogs carry out destructive chewing for three main reasons, they are simply bored, they find it pleasurable to do so, or they find it helps get them through emotional times. The nearest human equivalent for which might be to consume a bar of chocolate!

Anything that gets in the way of this chewing normally ends up in poor state. If you think about it there are lots of sharp, pointed teeth in your dog's mouth and they generally get the better of anything put in their way.

Chewing is most annoying when it is your own possessions that are the subject, always stop this behavior straight away.

How To Avoid Your Possessions Being Destroyed

The first tip for dog behavior training is to not place valuable objects in the way of temptation. Just as you would ensure your house is baby proof you need to think about putting things away that you would rather your dog not find. Why let providence intervene.

In addition, when hiding things be aware of just how agile your dog is. How high can she reach when standing on her back legs for example?

Consider that common targets in the home include books, eyewear, clothing, shoes, garbage, and small appliances like cameras, cell phones, and remote controls.

Make sure whatever you do that you put food away in airtight containers or high cupboards. Loose food needs to be put away safely from the nose and paws of your pet, high cupboards and strong containers are called for here.

The phrase prevention is better than cure applies to dog behaviour training too, if your dog is not given the opportunity to discover the delights of chewing a forbidden item then it is a lot easier for her to learn your house rules.

Do not allow you dog to see any weakness on your part by letting old habits resurface. Once she has the taste do not be surprised to find shoes you care about being treated to the same destructive chewing.

A good idea is to buy some toys that you do want your dog to play with. Take a look around your local pet store for tough items such as rubber bones and balls etc. Buy a few and rotate their use as a way to keep your dog behaviour training interesting.

Some final advice on dog behaviour, when you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate be sure to interrupt her immediately and provide a suitable alternative and give lavish praise when this is accepted as a way of reinforcing good behaviour.

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Haynolmez

For some people it is an offence to have a barking dog around them, they think that dogs should be seen and not heard. This is slightly unfair given that the bark is a dog’s voice and like yourself it uses it to communicate.

In some instances of course you want your dog to bark loudly such as when a suspected burglar approaches or if you fall into trouble of some sort and need urgent assistance. In most cases your dog is just trying to talk to you, perhaps he is just happy about something, dog obedience training will help you to find this out for sure.

The problem is that the language barrier between barking dogs and humans is well nigh impenetrable. Therefore, you are forced to resort to the facts of the situation in which your dog is barking and try to understand from its body language just what it is trying to say.

Apart from that many people ask just why do dogs bark? Your dogs bark is its voice, it is the best way it has of communicating with you.

Naturally they will bark when they are happy about something such as greeting you on your return or perhaps they are happy about running around in the park.

Some dogs having barking bred into to them such as toy dogs or sporting breeds where they are trained to bark in order to notify their owners of the presence of a particular quarry being hunted. Other dogs like the guarding breeds are trained only to bark when a threat is perceived.

Some other possible explanations for your dog barking might be that it is in need of the toilet, feels lonely of just wants you to play.

Again the context of the situation will help you to decide the likely cause. But of course it is not fair for you to try to shut the dog up. She may be communicating for a very good reason, you just need to spend some effort in understanding her.

However, dogs are not stupid animals there are situations where they realise that they can use their bark to annoy or force their owner into a particular action. Bullying by barking is something you should never allow your dog to do.

For instance you dog may have decided that it is time to play and continues barking until you give in and drop what you are doing to amuse her. The problem here is that the dog then learns that all she has to do is to bark whenever she wants something and you will oblige.

This can get very wearing after a quite short period of time. The best approach would have been to show the dog that it cannot get its own way by giving it the cold shoulder.

Being ignored is not only a human hang up, dogs hate it too so make out to ignore it to show it your displeasure. After repeated actions your dog should eventually get the message.

Of course walks and chances to play are a big part of owning a dog and this is to be looked forward too, but when it is convenient for you not just your dog when it feels like it. This teaches your dog respect and hopefully makes for a quieter household with limited barking dog problems.

Consult a good book on dog obedience training like SitStayFetch to solve many of the problems you will encounter when you are training your dog.