Useful Dog Obedience Training Tips

Okay, so you just bought that cute female puppy that you've been eyeing on for months. Now, what are you planning to do with her? Are you thinking about teaching her new tricks? If you are, then as early as now, you must accustom her to being handled for grooming and veterinary care so she'll respond nicely. Whenever you have free time, take her in your lap and gently brush her.

Speak to her softly and say words like, "That feels good, doggie, right?" Then, stroke her paws and simply run your fingers through her. That way she will learn that touch is pleasant and not something that is frightening. Once you are able to handle her well, it will not be that difficult to start teaching her new tricks like making her obey your "sit", "wait or stay", and "do not jump" commands. Anyway, here are some useful dog obedience training tips for you.

For the "Sit" Command

This is actually one of the easiest tricks to teach and often the most useful. Since your pet is still a puppy, as early as now, you must teach her how to obey the sit command because it is a great way to reinforce your status as her leader. How to do it? First, you have to get her attention. Start by showing her a treat and then slowly move it upward in a way that she has to raise her head for her to see it further. You'll notice that in order to do this, she will move into a sitting position, just like most dogs do. If she doesn't do this, slowly push down on her rump while you move your hand back over the head to give her the idea. And once she's on that sitting position, give her the treat.

For the "Stay or Wait" Command

This one can be more difficult than the sit command as dogs tend to move a lot. To teach your dog to wait or stay, simply place her in a sitting position. Then, hold up your hand, on which the flat of your palm is towards her face, and tell her to wait or stay. Now, move a few steps backward. If she stays where she is, give her words of praise, like "Good girl or good doggie!" But if she moves towards you or away, do not shout at her or punish her. Just put her back in position and start all over again.

For the "Do not jump" Command

A jumping puppy is very cute to look at, but when her size has doubled and she still does a lot of jumping, it will not be too fun at all. So, you must replace that jumping behavior with the sit command. Instead of pushing her away, simply pivot so that she misses you and then tell her to sit. When she obeys, give her praise or a simple treat.

These are just some useful dog obedience training tips that you can keep in mind. Take note, your puppy will be more lovable if she learns how to obey your simple commands.

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Training Sniffing Dogs

Do you ever wonder how dogs find criminals in a passenger ship? It's simple: by sniffing. They are called detection or sniffer dogs. Trained to detect people and substances, through their senses, such as explosives, illegal drugs and blood; almost always the sense of smell, which is two thousand times much stronger, and fifty times more sensitive than that of a human's. In addition to sensitivity, a dog's sense of smell is pricky.

It can discern a specific scent; meaning it can recognize cheese in a fish and vegetable market thousand miles away from where it is standing. Hunting dogs that search for game and search dog that search for missing humans are generally not considered dogs. However, there is some confusion with cadaver dogs, only trained to detect human remains.

As to not make a fuss, they are taught to learn two kinds of alerting: the passive and the aggressive. Drug dogs use an aggressive alert, where they dig and paw at the spot where the smell the dugs. On the other hand, there are some cases where this kind of alert would be bad news. Placed in a situation where bombs are included, scratching can be very disastrous. In these cases, a passive alert is used.

A good example for this type are the beagles used by the Department of Agriculture where the dogs are trained to sniff out produces that are not allowed to enter the country. The Beagle Brigade, as how they are called, sniffs people's luggage while they wait in lines at airports and border crossings. In other countries, some also are used in emergency search actions. Because no one wants a dog digging in their belongings, the USDA beagles have been trained to simply sit down when they are able to smell it.

Trainers have come up with a strategy for dogs employed to sniff out drugs. On odd cases, they seem to eat them when they have found the illegal substance. Is it because they are addicted to those drugs themselves? In fact, the dogs have absolutely no interest in drugs. What they are actually looking for is their favorite toy. In an article found in discovery.com, the "toys" that are mostly often used are white towels. Since dogs love to play this vigorous game of tug-of-war, they have generated the "White Towel Game" idea.

To begin the training, the handler simply plays with the dog using a towel, which has been washed carefully to appear null and without scent for the trainee. Later, a bag of marijuana, for instance, is rolled up inside the towel.

After playing for a while, the dogs starts to recognize the smell of the drug as the smell of his favorite toy. The handler then hides the towel, with the drug, in various places. Whenever the dog sniffs out the drugs, he digs and scratches, trying to get his toy. He soon comes to learn that if he sniffs out the smell of drugs, as soon as he finds them, he'll be rewarded with a game of tug-of-war.

As training progresses, different drugs are placed in the towel, until the dog is able to sniff out a host of illegal substances. The same method is used for bomb-detection dogs, except various chemicals used to manufacture explosives are placed in the towel instead of drugs.

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Why Do Puppies Bite? 
by Susan Bulanda, M.A.

All puppies will mouth, a behavior that some people mistake for biting. The best method to prevent puppy biting is to provide the puppy with the foundation for not biting. This involves leaving the puppy with it’s mother and litter mates until they are at least 12 weeks old. This way the mother dog will teach the puppy it’s most important lesson – bite inhibition.
If the puppy is taken away from its mother before 12 weeks of age or if the puppy tends to be very mouthy, the owner can do a few things to help the puppy learn this most important lesson. The first thing the owner must do is understand the nature of puppy biting.
The owner must realize that the puppy does not have hands such as humans do. Therefore all of the puppy’s manipulation and exploration of its environment is done mainly through the mouth. (Much the same as a human baby). It is the responsible owner who learns the difference between mouthing and true aggressive biting.
 

Most young puppies do not aggressively bite. If they do, the owner should give very serious consideration about keeping such a puppy. This type of puppy may be dangerous as an adult if not properly handled.
Next the owner must realize that the puppy does not know how to act around humans.
The puppy has not had much life experience outside of its interactions with its canine family. Therefore punishing a puppy for using its mouth is like slapping a child who is five for not being able to solve advance mathematical problems.
The next aspect of owning a dog that the owner must realize is that all dogs and certainly all puppies chew. They will chew almost anything that they can get into their mouth.
Therefore the owner must puppy proof the place were the puppy will spend its time. Most puppies do not know what is safe and what is not safe.
 

The puppy must be gently taught what the rules are for interacting with humans. To do this the owner must provide correct objects for the puppy to chew. Correct objects include anything that is not made of material that you do not want your puppy to chew.
 

For example, if you do not want your shoes chewed to shreds, then do not give your puppy leather toys to chew. If you do not want your furniture chewed then do not give your puppy toys that are made of fabric or rope. For safety reasons, it is not a good idea to give puppies bones and other animal parts.
The best thing to give your puppy are objects made of rubber for dogs to chew and objects made of a special nylon, made for dogs to chew. These items to not smell, feel, look or taste like anything in your home. 

By doing this the owner will make it easy for the puppy to distinguish what is correct to chew and what is not.
If your puppy should put any part of your person in its mouth, gently tell the puppy not to do this and give the puppy the correct thing to put in its mouth. The same applies to unacceptable objects that a puppy might try to chew. Do not try to yank or otherwise pull these objects from the puppy’s mouth. You could hurt the puppy, even pull out a tooth or two.You will also trigger the puppy’s grab reflex which is not what you want to do.
 

Yanking things that are in a puppy’s mouth could teach the puppy to have a pulling contest. When the puppy takes the correct object into its mouth and releases the wrong object, be sure to praise the puppy for doing what is correct. Remember, the puppy does not know what is right and wrong unless it is shown.
If a puppy shows real aggressive behavior, such as snarling, raised lips, glaring eyes and the body language that is stiff and threatening, the owner should consult a canine behaviorist immediately. Even if this behavior is somewhat accepted for the breed. If the owner is in doubt, an animal behaviorist should be contacted. There are a number of organizations that have animal behaviorists world wide. One such organization is the International Association of Animal Behaviorists.
 

Aggressive behavior will not go away on it own, nor will the dog get better with age. The biggest mistake that owners make is to excuse away aggressive behavior for their dog or puppy, and hope that the behavior is outgrown. However, the behavior only gets worse with age.
Do not try to correct a puppy that has true aggressive problems without help from a professional. Many people feel that enough love, or enough corrective behavior will fix the problem. Neither will take care of any aggressive behavior in a dog of any age.Especially when it manifests itself in a puppy that is under six months of age. The owner of such a puppy is foolish to try to fix this problem by themselves.
 

The successful dog owner will learn to identify the difference between mouthing, playing and true aggression. Mouthing is learning on the part of the puppy and all puppies will play. As a puppy grows up some will express their affection toward humans, especially their owner with their mouths. The good owner will recognize this and develop a healthy relationship with the dog.
 

A responsible dog owner will not tolerate aggressive behavior from either a puppy, a young adult or an adult dog. A well socialized, bred and adjusted puppy or dog will feel no need to act aggressively. A dog that chooses to act this way demonstrates that there is a problem with the dog’s relationship with humans. Often it is a case where the dog has Been taught (from puppyhood) to act inappropriately in given situations. Or the dog decides that aggressive behavior is needed when it is not.

Never lose sight of the fact that dogs do what they feel is correct in any situation. The best way to avoid problems is to prevent them from forming.

Source: www.sbulanda.com

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Dog Training Techniques

This article will look at each technique in more detail to help you decide which training technique is right for you and your dog. Training your dog is very important if you want to have a well behaved dog. Your dog is a member of the family and like other members of the family he must learn the rules of the household. There are basically three techniques for training your dog. They are the traditional dog training, positive reinforcement training and mixed training techniques.

The traditional training techniques have been around since World War I because it was developed to train war dogs. This type of training employs the techniques of negative reinforcement and punishment. Shock collars or prong collars are frequently used in this type of training. The traditional techniques have the advantage of giving consistent results. However, each dog has their own personality and you must be careful when you use these techniques because you could end up with a dog that bites you or becomes scared of you. This is not the goal in dog training. The goal is to get your dog to obey your commands.

The next type of dog training is the positive reinforcement method. This method involves rewarding the dog every time he exhibits the correct behavior. When he sits on command you will praise him and give him a treat. If he doesn't sit when commanded you do nothing. Some dog trainers swear by positive reinforcement techniques. They say the dog learns faster and more consistently with this type of training. A method that is popular to use in conjuction with positive reinforcement is clicker training. A clicker is a device that makes a "clicking" sound when squeezed. The clicker is used to mark the exact moment the dog performed the desired behavior. This type of training is enjoyable for both the owner and the dog.


The third popular dog training technique is the mixed training technique which is a combination of negative and positive reinforcement. This type of training is used frequently to train dogs for specific roles, such as attack dogs or protection dogs.

Another method that is coming to light is the use of canine ethology. This is not really classified as training, but is based upon the natural behaviors of the dog. The premise is to assert yourself as the leader of the pack. You must become the alpha dog whom all the other dogs in the pack submit to. This is done through proper body language and sounds. There is no concrete evidence that this works and more studies need to be performed.

It is very important that you know what you are doing before you start any dog training program. Get a few good dog training books written by someone who has been in the business for awhile. Follow the advice in the books and keep your training sessions short and consistent. Most of all, show your dog love and affection.

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Dog Training Tools

This article will give you a list of the basic tools you need to train your dog. If you have decided to take on the task of training your new puppy yourself you should know what kind of dog training tools you need and what they are used for. A well trained, well behaved dog is a must, especially in you live in an area where your dog will come into contact with a lot to people.

The first thing you should get is a good leather leash. The leash should be about six feet long. This gives you a good length to teach most commands. The width of the leash depends on the size of the dog. A larger dog requires a wider leash and a smaller dog a more narrow leash. This leash will be one of your most valuable dog training tools.

The second thing you should purchase is a good training collar. A good, well fitted, prong collar is the best tool for training your dog. The prong collar can be pulled to get your dog's attention. The prongs on the inside of the collar will poke your dog, but not hard enough to hurt him. This type of collar looks medieval but is actually safer and more humane than a choke collar. The prong collar is intended to be worn when training only and then removed when the training session is over. A word of advice. Know how to fit a prong collar properly and how to use it before putting it on your dog.

The next useful training tool is a squirt bottle filled with water. This will be used as an attention getter and a form of punishment to let your dog know that certain behavior is unacceptable. If you can't get him to pay attention to you or if he continues with a behavior that is not allowed , squirt him in the face with water.

A shaker can is used frequently to get your dog's attention also. These can be purchased at any store that carries dog supplies or you can make your own by putting a few pennies into an empty soda can and taping the opening. Shake the can when you want you dog to pay attention or when you want him to stop a certain behavior.

A dog crate is an essential tool in housebreaking your puppy or to correct behavioral problems. Place the puppy in the crate throughout the day for an hour or two at a time. Remember puppies have very small bladders so they should be taken out frequently and placed in the area outside where you want them to potty. Once your puppy uses the bathroom, praise him greatly. A dog has behavioral problems may be placed in the crate to curb the behaver. It's like a time out for dogs.

These are a few basic tools that you will need for training your dog. Do your research, purchase a couple of good dog training books. Before long you could have the best behaved dog in your neighborhood!

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Dog Health Food

This article will give you information on how to choose a healthy food for your dog. With the recent events surrounding the tainted dog food found in the grocery stores, more and more people are becoming concerned about the food they feed their dog. Dogs are similar to humans in the fact that the healthier they eat the better they will feel. Feeding your dog a healthy diet can also fix behavioral problems that your dog may be having.

There are basically three levels of dog food on the market. The first is the grocery store foods. These dog foods contain low quality, indigestible ingredients. These dog foods are the equivalent of junk food for dogs. They may be easy on the pocketbook, but they are not a healthy choice for your beloved pet.

The next level is the premium foods. These are still found in grocery stores and can be found in veterinarians offices. They are just a small step above the grocery store foods. They may contain a little higher quality of ingredients, but for the most part still contain a lot of artificial flavorings and fillers. However, they are a lot more expensive that the grocery store dog food.

The last level is the healthy dog found that can be found online or purchased straight from the manufacturer. These are formulated with real fruits and vegetables and whole grains and rice. They will also contain real meat as a protein source. The healthy dog foods should not contain artificial colors or other artificial ingredients. These foods are designed to give your dog a full's day supply of vitamins and mineral in their natural form. You should expect to pay more for these foods due to the nature of the ingredients. The good news is that you will not need to feed your dog as much because the healthy foods are more nutrient-dense than other types of dog food.

If you really want to know what goes into to your dog's food, then consider making your own. There are plenty of healthy, dog food recipes online that you can get for free. Check with your vet for the best foods for your type of dog. Use only natural ingredients and introduce your dog to new dishes one at a time. Your dog may not be able to tolerate certain foods so it's best to test each one separately.

Your dog is a very important member of your family. He depends on you for all of his nutritional needs. It is your job to make sure that he is given a healthy, well-balanced diet. You wouldn't feed your children something that would harm them, so why feed it to your dog? Do your research and find the best dog health food for your dog.

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Dog Health Problems

This article will list just a few of the health problems your dog can develop. People tend to think that dogs can have only a few health problems in their lifetime and that these problems are specific to dogs. But dogs can develop the same health problems that humans can and the treatments for these problems are similar to the treatments for humans. Your dog is not that much different than you and since he can't speak for himself, he depends on you to recognize any health problems he may develop.

Dogs can develop diabetes the same as humans. If you notice your dog losing weight, eating or drinking more than usual or urinating frequently, see your veterinarian. He will do a series of blood tests to determine if your dog has diabetes. If your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, it is easily managed with insulin injections.

Your dog can also develop cancer of just about any region of his body. The treatment for cancer is chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Sometimes, depending on the cancer and it's stage of advancement, chemotherapy is more for pain control and life extension than a cure.

Arthritis is a common ailment in older dogs. The best thing for dogs with arthritis is adequate rest. Too much exercise or over exertion could lead to joint damage. You may give your dog NSAIDS for pain relief under the supervision of your vet. It is important that you keep your dog's weight under control. Dogs can become obese just like humans, especially if their activity level is not what it used to be. Obesity can cause excess damage to the arthritic joints.

Your dog can also develop allergies to certain environmental toxins. But instead of the normal respiratory symptoms that humans will exhibit, dogs will exhibit allergy symptoms by excessive scratching. They will also bite or lick their paws excessively. If left untreated, the scratching can lead to secondary skin infections such as a yeast infection. This makes it harder to cure. Your vet can determine if the cause of the excessive scratching is due to allergies.

There is a very long list of diseases and aliments that your dog can acquire as he gets older. The best thing that you can do is become very observant. Know your dog's normal routines and mannerisms. If you notice him acting differently take note of it. Your dog can have days when he just doesn't feel good, but if he continues to act strangely you need to take him to the vet. The veterinarian will most likely run blood tests or do x-rays to determine the problem. Then he can discuss with you the best treatment option for your pet.

Your dog is not that much different than you. He deserves a chance at a full and happy life. If he is diagnosed with a health problem, follow your vet's recommendation for treatment. With the advancement of medical interventions for animals, euthanasia is no longer the only option for a sick dog.

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3 Basic Tips For Better Handling Of Your Dog

What makes a great Dog Trainer? If an individual is to judge how each and every dog is to be handled in a training class, he must possess the experience and the expertise. Not that of taking just one or two dogs through the preliminaries, but the kind of knowledge gained from working with dogs of all breeds and under all conditions. The temperament and individual characteristics of each dog must be considered and the training technique varied to meet the occasion.

When a trainer knows what he can expect from a dog and what his reaction will be, he has the advantage. The trainer automatically anticipates the dog's next move and decides whether to force the issue or to lessen his demands. There is an art in knowing when to be gentle, when to be firm, when to rebuke, and when to encourage. The good trainer is born with essential qualities that give him the natural ability to coordinate his body motions with every move the dog makes. The result is perfect timing. That is why some trainers succeed where others fail. When the trainer is definite in his actions because he knows what he is doing, the dog then knows that he knows, and the result is respect! Respect gained through admiration and not through fear will bring a happy response that is proof of one's training personality.

A dog can be forced to be obedient, but he cannot be forced to like obedience! Therefore, the expert is not a bully. He recognizes the fact that all training is progressive and that each new step becomes easy if the preceding lessons have been thoroughly understood. He is not afraid to retrace his steps momentarily if in so doing it will give the dog confidence. Because of his experience and understanding, the proficient trainer is aware of the disastrous effects caused by nagging and he will avoid it at all costs. Because he is patient, he does not become exasperated if results are slow in coming. The clever trainer succeeds in making the dog feel responsible for the correction. He is kind, yet firm, and above all will make obedience fun for the dog.

A good trainer, however, does not necessarily make a good training class instructor. Some people may train at home and give private instruction with success, but when faced with a large group they lack the necessary qualities of leadership. In the training class it is not a question of working out a single problem, but of solving about thirty to fifty different problems all at the same time.

The training director must be a likable person and have the admiration and respect of his pupils. He must have diplomacy and be patient and tolerant of others. It is not always easy to teach someone else how to accomplish what one is able to do oneself. The good training director never permits the class to be held up for a long period of time while he discusses one dog's problem with the owner, nor does he hold back the group for one or two backward dogs. The owners with special problems should be asked to come early or to stay after class for personal instruction.

A good dog trainer/class director should divide the beginners' group into two parts. This will allow for a rest period at which time the owners may watch the others and see how they train. Knowledge can be gained from watching, if only to learn what not to do! He should not dismiss his class without introducing a new exercise or a variation of the class routine in order to encourage the owners to practice at home. The owner who thinks his dog is good and needs no training between sessions can be made to understand that there is always room for improvement.

The initial meeting of a training class should be held without dogs unless it is a club affair and the dogs have had previous training. The confusion that results when a group of untrained dogs and inexperienced owners come together for the first time is too much to cope with and little training would be accomplished. A quiet meeting where problems can be discussed calmly and the various steps are demonstrated without the noise and excitement is more productive. This will give the beginner an over-all picture of what he is expected to accomplish during the weeks that follow.

The trainer would do well to demonstrate the basic steps with two or three untrained dogs brought to the class for this purpose. When this is followed by a short exhibition with dogs that are already trained, the group can see by comparison how quickly results may be achieved. A question-and-answer session will benefit the entire class.

The questions should be repeated clearly by the instructor and his answers given so that everyone in the class can hear. Usually one person's question is relevant to the problem of other members of the group. A general discussion will thus avoid time-consuming repetitions of the subject.

Participants should be warned what to expect the following week when they arrive with their dogs. They should be shown how to stop uncontrolled barking by keeping the dogs on a short leash, and how to handle the situation if a dog fight develops. It must be impressed upon the owners never to stand still while his dog lunges forward toward another dog. He must turn away and jerk hard on the leash. A demonstration should be given of the proper way to control an aggressive dog by a careful quick jerk on the leash and a sharp "No!" This technique can be used to prevent fights and to stop excessive noise.

He should remind the owners not to feed their dogs for several hours before coming to class and to see that they are exercised. Request the owners to keep their dogs on a short lead when entering and leaving the building, to walk in the center of all hallways, and to keep the dogs (particularly the males) away from corners and posts. A dog that deliberately misbehaves inside the building should be barred from the classroom.

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Who Says You Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks?

To quote the rock band Chicago, they say it's a hard habit to break.  Perpetually stereotyping employment, marriage, and singularity: Age is but a hindrance but not for long. With approximately 15 minutes of training daily for 2 weeks straight, according to The Animal Planet, even the most stubborn dogs will give in.  These enduring canines will sit, roll over, and do whatever your heart desires. All you need is a strong sense of consistency, and a mouthful of patience under your sleeve.

In order to make this a quick fix, the trainers (or owners) should develop a positive attitude.  To feel frustrated and angry will not help at all. As a matter of fact, pets somehow feel how their owners experience; and that would not speed up the progress for even a bit.  As for the owner's side, unreasonable expectations should not be made for their pets. Unlike children sent to school for a 12-year formal education to get the basics, it is quite irrational to invest an uptight 12-week course for your dog to acquire the desired behavior, and earn the respect and discipline needed. Remember: all relationships require a bit of work.

It also involves recognizing the dog's previous training, then deciding on what certain applicable and viable changes are needed for a greater effect. You highlight the dog after a day's work with plenty of rewards such as treats, and verbal praises such as patting him on the head for doing a good job. Take it nice and easy, as not to shock and confuse the pet. It is necessary to change the behavior in small steps rather than a complete change all at one time.

However, there is a difference. One has to put in mind that training an older dog is remembering that this dog has, most expected, to having been trained once. This means that it has an established thinking as to what acceptable behaviors are, and what behaviors are most not welcomed. It takes a great deal of endurance to train an older dog, and should be at the very least regular to receive the best outcome.

But do keep in mind that although the owner is the master, the dog still is an individual, as in it has its own personality; so a little give-and-take affiliation will not hurt. The key is to enjoy the whole teaching-an-old-dog-new-tricks activity, as you build a better relationship with him. That is the sole purpose of dog obedience training.

What you give is what you get; therefore being the educator, you are responsible for the way your pet responds. Dogs are social creatures, and are among of the most loyal. If you have a senior dog around who needs a bit of a push, do not fret; all you need is give your little furry friend some feisty motivation.  Who ever said you can't teach old dogs new tricks?

That saying is meant to be taken more literally to humans, for we've got a lot of habits that are harder to break.

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Finding The Right Animal Trainer Or Dog Obedience School Made Easy

Fact: Dog is man's best friend. But, will you still consider your dog your best friend if it keeps on peeing everywhere, chewing on every furniture you have, eating more dog foods than the usual, and making a complete mess out of your room, garden, and home in general? It's fun to have a dog to walk around, there's no doubt about that.

But if your dog is not a well-trained one, chances are you'll end up getting a new and friendlier pet. So, prior to getting a pet dog, be sure that you have idea about animal trainer and dog obedience school. And to make the task of finding the right animal trainer or dog training school for your pet, here are some tips to guide you.

First, you have to be keen when choosing a dog trainer or dog obedience school. With so many people promoting themselves as experts in the area of animal training nowadays, you could be easily deceived by one who claims to be the most reliable in this field. That is why, before you take on an animal trainer or dog school to help you turn your pet from naughty to well-trained, here are some factors that you should look out for:

1. The person or school's reputation. To know this, you can ask around your neighbors or from your friends and colleagues who have already tried this kind of training for their pets. Or better yet, get recommendations from your veterinarian or from your local pet store because they know very well whom you can turn to when it comes to dog training.

2. Years of service/experience. Choosing between a new trainer or school and an experienced one, of course, any dog owner will always go for the latter. Why? Because longer years of service and experience mean that more people are satisfied with how they train dogs, thus they are there to stay. So before you hire a trainer or enroll in a school, make sure that you know how long the trainer or the school has been doing dog training.

3. Sincere love and attachment to dogs. Of course, you want your pet to be handled by someone who is not only into training dogs but also shows compassion to these animals, right? That's why, be sure to look out for this quality when looking for the right dog trainer.

4. Training tactics and handling skills. Many people can easily claim that they love dogs and that they know how to train them. But do they really know the tactics and have the skills to really train one? So, when hiring a dog trainer, make sure that he really has the skills in the area of dog training. Ask if he keeps himself up to date by attending dog training seminars, workshops, and classes.

If you find a dog trainer or a dog obedience school that satisfies the four things mentioned above, then you are on the right track of having a well-trained dog. See, finding the right one does not have to be that mind-boggling, right?

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Let Your Dog Attend A Dog Obedience School Training

Do you own a pet dog? If you do, are you able to make it obey the basic dog commands like sit, stay, come, or heel up? Good if you say yes, but if no, then it's time you let your dog attend dog obedience school training. Although some dog owners attempt to train their pets themselves, it is always better to go for professional handling like the ones provided in dog obedience classes to ensure dog training.

However, you might be hesitant to enroll in one because you don't know exactly what are being done in dog training classes and how to choose the right one for you and your pet. So, to give you an overview, better read on this article before you let your dog attend any dog training.

What will be taught in dog obedience school?

First and foremost, you are concerned as to what will be taught to your dog in a dog obedience school, right? Of course, if you think the lessons or training will be that easy and you can handle them yourself, you will have second thoughts about enrolling. But you have to note that it's an entirely different thing if you go with a reliable dog obedience school. Here, your dog will learn many things such as how to respond to commands, how to stay, sit, come, and heel up, and how to obey you in general. Of course, it's not only your dog that will learn from this training, but also you.

Here you will learn how to make your dog respond to your commands, how to properly treat and care for your pet, how you will establish dominance, and how to become the alpha of the pack. Things like these will sure help a lot to make your dog behave. Remember, there are no bad dogs; they will just tend to act like animals until somebody shows them other ways to act.

How to choose a dog obedience school?

Now that you know what will be taught in a dog obedience school, perhaps you become more interested than ever to enroll in one. However, since there are lots of schools offering dog training, you have to choose the most reliable one. First, you can check your community college if they offer one. Second, you can ask your veterinarian if he can recommend a dog training school near you. And lastly, you can inquire from pet shops or stores. Nothing is better than a recommendation from those you trust, especially when it involves the pet that you love dearly.

Afterwards, list down all the schools suggested to you. If you want to be certain that it's the right school for you and your pet, better observe its classes to see if they meet your requirements.

Letting your dog attend dog obedience school training is the best thing that you can do for your pet. Actually, it's not only your dog that will benefit, but also you. So, better enroll now and see the difference it will make to you and your pet.

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Signing Up For Dog Obedience Classes: Some Things To Remember

Thinking about getting a new puppy or dog? If you are, then you might want to consider signing up for dog obedience classes, especially if you are a first-time dog owner at that. It's fun to have a dog or puppy around, but that is if the one you got has good manners. Because if not, you might regret getting one in the first place.

So, when you bring home your new pet, make sure that you put enrolling in dog obedience classes on top of your priority to-do list. However, since there are lots of dog obedience schools offering this kind of classes, you must be keen in choosing the one that meets your requirements. So, when signing up for dog obedience classes, here are some things to remember.

First, look into the reputation of the dog obedience school offering dog training classes. Of course, the more popular the school is, the more reliable it could be. Try to ask from your neighbors for suggestions. Also, you can talk to friends, colleagues, and relatives who have already tried dog obedience classes for their pets. But the most reliable recommendation that you can get is from your local veterinarian. He/she knows where dogs can be trained well in your area, so check out the name he/she recommends.

Now, if you don't anyone who can recommend you a reputable dog school, you can always rely on the Internet for information. Some dog obedience schools have already conquered the web to reach more potential clients. So, start doing your research online and check on the school's feedbacks to know whether their services are good or not.

Next, see whether the trainers comprising the school have sincere love and attachment to dogs. This is a little difficult to determine because anybody can claim that he loves dogs and enjoys training them. So, how to know this? Try to observe the classes first. For example, if you have a friend who has a dog enrolled in one, you can always join them during sessions and note your observations. If the qualities of the trainer meet your requirements, then consider that school on top of your list.

And lastly, of course, you have to consider the cost of signing up in a dog obedience class. If your dog is a high-breed, the cost of getting one may already be high enough, much more if you start buying dog foods and bringing it to a veterinarian for some check-ups. So, ask yourself, can you still afford the cost that goes with training your dog or puppy? Before signing up, make sure that you inquire about this first because you might end up quitting the course just because you run out of budget.

So there you go. Now that you know all these, you're off to getting the right dog obedience classes for you and your pet. Take note that a dog obedience class can very much help you teach your new dog some basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Once your pet learns all these, you will have more control over it during social events.

So, never underestimate the significance of these classes for you and your dog.

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Dog Obedience Classes: What You Should Know

The dog is said to be man's best friend. And so, being a best friend at that, the best thing that anyone can do for his/her pet is to take dog obedience classes. That's right! If you happen to have a dog around, it is not enough that you feed it or give it a shelter at that. It is important that you have a direct communication with your dog so that you can make it follow whatever it is that you want it to do. However, making a dog obey is not as easy as you think. So the solution to that is to take dog obedience classes. Now, here are some important things that you should know before you enroll in one.

How much does dog obedience class cost?

No doubt, this is one big question that you want to be answered first before you proceed taking any dog obedience class. If your dog is a high breed, buying it in the first place may have already cost you a lot; and the added expenses that come with it include daily dog food and veterinarian visits. So, you ask, "How much does a dog training cost and can my budget accommodate it?" The answer actually depends mainly on where you live.

If you are residing in a smaller city, chances are you can find a dog training class that will cost you about $150, not too expensive at that considering the benefits it will give you and your pet. Where to find one? Start by checking out your local community college. Often times, they offer dog obedience classes that last for 6-8 weeks. You can also check from your local newspaper, ask your veterinarian for suggestions, or inquire from local pet stores.

What you should expect from a dog obedience class?

Of course, any dog owner wants not only value for his/her money but also the best dog training possible. So, if you are seriously considering taking a dog training class, better have knowledge on what you can expect at the end of the course. For one, a dog obedience class can teach your dog to be more sociable. This is because other dog owners with their pets will be sharing the same class with you.

It will sure be lots of fun and will teach you a lot about the basic commands for your pet. Next, useful tips and other important information will also be given to fix your dog's basic problems. Always remember that dogs that are not trained may bite others, fight with other dogs, pee everywhere inside the house, and chew on shoes, slippers, and even furniture. By attending a dog training class, you will be taught on how to help your pet behave.

Taking dog obedience classes can really benefit you and your pet a lot. And with those questions answered, for sure you have already come up with a decision whether to enroll or not. But to be certain, better observe some classes first to see if they are the right ones for you and your dog.

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How To Choose The Best Dog Obedience School

Who doesn't want a well behaved dog? This can be achieved by no other than dog obedience training. However, having your pet trained the right way may not be that easy for you. You may have a very busy schedule or you simply don't have the patience to pull things over. Thus, your ordeal is solved because there are numerous schools that can handle your pet very well.

When you take a walk at the park or just within your neighborhood, you surely have seen those pet owners who are problematic with their unruly dogs. Sometimes, you experience losing your patience because your pet just would not budge despite the commands you have given him. Or it could be that your dog goes wild and feels agitated whenever he sees people or other dogs. Such is a major problem that you have to face.

Well, don't feel flustered and resigned. There is an immediate solution which you may turn to. That is by enrolling him in a dog obedience school. You can always hire a professional trainer who has the ample expertise to communicate with your pet and have him all focused to listen. The basic commands can be learned and of course be responded to. Proper training will therefore make things easier for you and your dog.

So, how do you choose the school for your dog? Here are some noteworthy steps to take into account.

Choosing an obedience school for dogs is like that of picking the right school where to send your kids to. Of course, there are several dog schools that make up the list and what you must do is to narrow down your choices. It is important that you select the best one and researching will help you cast your decision.

The first step to take is to make a research. What are the best dog schools in your area? List them down.

Then, find out the feedbacks that clients have for those dog schools.

Ask around for referrals. Your friends or relatives may have already sent their pets to any of these dog obedience schools.

Call up the administrators. Find out the programs offered and inquire about some facts.

Of course, you need to visit the "campus" itself. See for yourself if there are proper sets of equipment and the likes. It is also the best chance to get to see if the trainers look reliable in handling your pet.

Talk to the trainers and ask around the methods that they use. Be sure to bring along your dog so it can have an immediate feel of the place. You may also see if he is comfortable with the trainer.

Your dog is not merely a guard but should be treated more like a companion. Thus, he needs the proper dog training so you will be more comfortable having him around you. Plus, you don't have to worry about him hurting other people or animals. A well trained dog is a pleasant pet. So, choose the right dog obedience school for him now!

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Dog Obedience—A Guide To Behavior Training

Do you have a pet dog? Have you thought about getting him into dog obedience behavior training? You are wrong if you think it is a daunting task to get on with because contrary to what most people would say, the training itself is no rocket science and easy to administer. You can even do it by yourself. Doing so will heighten your bonding moments with your pet. All that it takes is an ample amount of time and effort on your part.

To make things easier for you, here is a quick guide to dog obedience behavior training. They apply to all breeds of dogs and whether they will be used in sporting, leisure, working, or for competitions. You need to know these principles and get them to work to ensure that your effort will pay off.

The Rule of Consistency

Consistency is one important thing to take note of during the entire training especially that you mean to correct the unwanted behaviors exhibited by your dog. To achieve consistency, be certain to employ the same commands for the tasks that you want your dog to perform. Don't create the confusion in him by using an entirely different command for the same nature of task you require of him.

Also, establish house rules that your dog will fully be aware of. Soon you will see that he will do as you say without difficulty.

The Need for Proper Timing

Timing is indeed critical. It determines whether the training will be successful or not. Always give him praises whenever he has done something right. Reprimand him for the wrong ones. This will let him understand those behaviors that you like and dislike. You have two options for reprimanding. First, correct him right on the spot. Second, ignore him when he approaches you. This will let him realize that his behavior is unacceptable.

Giving the Adequate Dose of Attention

Like humans, dogs also seek attention and they love it. The only problem is that they are somewhat incapable of discerning which the positive is and which one is the negative attention. What they only understand is that when they are able to elicit reaction and attention from people, they will do the same things repeatedly.

As the owner, you should not yield to your dog when he is exhibiting bad behavior. Don't let him out of his crate whenever he groans or run after him when he picks up your socks. When you do so, he will think that it is positive attention and is sure to repeat the same behavior.

So, what you must do is to only direct your attention to him whenever he behaves properly. Give him treats as the prize for good behavior.

Be in the Mood

It is important that you set your mind on the task. Dog obedience behavior training requires too much patience so it is best to have that frame of mind. Never ever proceed with the training sessions when you are drugged, drunk, or in a bad mood.

Dog obedience is a training that your pet must undergo. So, take note of these guidelines!

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Dog Obedience And Socialization

It is fun to keep a pet at home but it also calls for a couple of obligations to fulfill. Take note that what your dog does is always out of habit. Thus, if you tolerate his bad habits, he will not be able to outgrow them. It will be you who will suffer in the end. So, it is best to start early with the dog obedience lessons.

Puppies are but young and don't have a mind of their own. They are simply dependent on you so it is your task to assist them let go of their bad habits and develop the good ones. You and your leadership skills will therefore guide your dog towards the right path in terms of honing his behavior, habits, and temperament. This is the main reason why dog obedience and socialization trainings are very much necessary.

Training Your Dog at Home

Separation anxiety often attacks young dogs. So, they normally cry, bark, chew, and do a lot of annoying things. You have to understand that it is also hard for him to adjust to his new environment. Thus, you should start with the house training activities by setting boundaries, introducing new areas, and letting him know those activities that you can tolerate and not.

Don't be violent when your dog doesn't seem to understand at once. Potty training, leash training, and the likes are never achieved overnight. You have to use lots of praises, rewards, and encouragement. It is always best to start as soon as possible so his old ways will be corrected. Incorporate fun sessions during the training. Use commands frequently. Whenever necessary, impose a punishment but not something that will agitate him and cause him to fight back. Say for example you didn't like his behavior, simply ignore him. He will surely try getting your attention but be stern not until he does what he is told.

Leaning the Socialization Skills

The dog's socialization period is said to fall in his first 16 weeks of puppyhood. It is the time when he develops into an adult dog. Therefore, you must expect that it is also the time frame when he changes his temperament, behavior, habits, and character. The socialization period is also the time that he gets adjusted to his family and the people in the household.

It is best to let him become familiar with the house and the people around. It helps to expose him to some animals too. This conditions him that it is not only him that exists in that area. Take him out for a walk so he will see what lies beyond the gates of your home. In this way, he will not go wild whenever he sees other objects, animals, and people apart from the members of his family.

During the dog obedience and socialization training, you should arm yourself with a doze of patience. Your pet lacks maturity so it is your own responsibility to handle the matter really well. He imitates what he sees so you better act accordingly.

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Dog Obedience House Training—How To Go about It

House training is a very important phase in a dog's life. It secures the tight bond and good relationship between the master and the dog. Experts advice that house training must start while the dog is young. In this sense, your pet's misbehavior will be corrected at such an early time. Therefore, the sooner that you start with dog obedience house training, the better.

Here are the guidelines on how you should go about dog obedience house training.

Let him have his own space.

The untrained puppies or dogs should not be allowed wandering around the house without any supervision. You may not know it but your pet might already be chewing on things and worse, may get themselves injured or electrocuted. If you are at home, be sure to keep him in a place where you can see him easily. If there will be a time that he will be left alone, better place him in his den or crate. Put a bed of his own that can be made out of a box or towel, some toys, his water and food. Be sure to let him have his own playtime too so he can have enough exercise.

Introduce him to new areas.

After you have taught him how to behave in his own place, it is now time to introduce him to the other areas of your home. Be sure to spend time with him in that area. If you want to show him the new place where he can eat, do it under your supervision. Introduce the places and what he is allowed and disallowed to do in these areas. Do this by leashing him so as to control his reactions. Unleash him when you think he already has gotten himself familiar with the new areas. But, remember to keep watch or else he might get into trouble and cause further damages.

Potty train him.

Show him the area where he can do his thing. Make sure not to confuse him. Never allow him to play in that area or he might get the idea that he can use the same place for all his activities.

Let him understand the "No Chew" command.

By nature, dogs like to chew on things since it aids in the strengthening of their teeth and gums. It is also kind of a healthy exercise for their jaws. Part of your dog obedience house training is providing him with toys that he may chew on and let him understand that not all things can be used to strengthen his teeth and gums. Be stern as you give him the "no chew" command. Praise him when he has done the right thing and give him a reward.

Set off limits areas.

It is always important to keep your dog away from the rooms that contain pieces of furniture and where the electric lines are. Give him the "off" command and when he does follow it, pat him and praise him.

By and large, dog obedience house training will benefit you in the future. So, start early!

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Basic Commands For Dog Obedience

Are you bored with your dog who knows only three commands? Don't fret, my friend! You could probably use a little jazz.  Specific command words are not that difficult and important. The thing here should be the consistency of its usage. My friend, Wiki, here can give you a bit of a blast. Some of these certain commands are accepted as standard, while others are commonly used.

Here is a list you might find quite interesting:

Let us start off with the basic commands

1.) Sit – it is a mono-syllabic word that requires a bit of an authentic tone that would require for your dog to be in a sitting position.

2.) Down – just like #1, this also requires an abrupt tone for the dog to be typically down when its elbows (front feet) and hocks (rear legs) are touching the ground or floor.

3.) Heel – The dog's head or shoulder is parallel to the handler's leg on the left side of the handler.

4.) Come or Here – (referred to as the recall) you just really got to call your dog which equates the whole command.

5.) Stay – another command that requires another snap for the dog to remain in the sitting position (sit, down, stand), and location under which the command was given until it is released by the handler

Those were just some of the basic ones, but wait! Here is something for those who are too hungry to actually stop.  The advanced commands are the following (which may need more patience and dedication):

1.) Stop – Wiki says that the dog commanded will simply stop whatever it is doing, and lie down on command no matter how far it is from its keeper is a dog that can be taken anywhere. Some handlers use the German word PLATZ (related to place, i.e. stay in position) for this action.  A little bit demanding, but who knows when your dogs needs it.

2.) Back up – keepers of large dogs or dogs with reputation (a must quote!) for aggressiveness can make strangers more comfortable by teaching the dog to back up on command. This command might probably be very useful for police dogs.

3.) Growl – now this is what you guys should be talking about. In case you are bullied, this is the inverse of backing up. Some owners teach non-aggressive dogs to growl on a subtle command –not the word "growl", just usually a small hand gesture –as a way of letting strangers know that you and your dog value being left alone.

4.) Steady – to keep near by. The dog can walk free, but not dash off. This can be very valuable to sport dogs, and/or during competitions.

5.) Stand – on this command, the dog stands still. Funny how this is seems so advanced; it is very valuable for "grooming". Many dogs are groomed frequently, that they need to stand quietly during the process. You can also use this when you want your dog to wait for you at the park, while lining up for an espresso at Starbucks seven in the morning.

6.) Go to bed, kennel, or get in – this command directs the dog to go to its bed, and remain there unreleased. This is somehow useful to keep a dog out from underfoot, and safe in a busy or complicated situation.

7.) Drop or Drop it – to release something they just picked up; very useful when they're about to chew your sandals off.

8.) Leave it – an adjunction to Drop, directing the dog NOT to touch an item.

9.) Take it – the dog leaves a desired object untouched until given this command.

10.) Give – a command teaching the dog to be generous, and/or releasing something your pet has placed in his mouth on your hand.

11.) Speak – another way of saying "to bark ONLY when I say so".

12.) Roll over – can be one of the basic commands; this is when the dog lies down, roll over, and stand back up. Quite a bit of an exercise.

13.) Attack – if partnered with the command "Growl", you (the owner) will be the king of your neighborhood, though mostly used only on Police Dogs. Common commands are either "Attack" or "Sick'em".

14.) Fetch – can also be one of the basic commands where the dog retrieves a thrown object, bringing it back to the one who threw it, a nice strategy for luring guard dogs (especially when they're obsessed with balls).
 

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