February 07, 2011

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.


February 06, 2011

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?


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.


February 05, 2011

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.


February 03, 2011

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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