Dog

Training your dog is not a quick process, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. Any dog can be trained, and any dog owner can learn to train their dog. Follow the advice in this article for some ways to make the process easier, faster, and more effective.

To have an obedient dog, you should establish yourself as a master right away. Do not let your dog bite you or jump on you. You have to punish or reward your dog constantly. Never let your dog get away with anything, or even worst, become hostile towards you.

Most of the time children and dogs get along wonderfully. Children, however, often tend to mimic what they hear adults doing. Don’t let your young child repetitively give commands to your dog. The dog will learn to disregard the command because they know there will be no repercussions for doing so.

To keep your dog from barking while you aren’t home, you need to make him think you can appear at any moment. This will take some time on your part. Pretend to leave the house, but stay outside until the barking starts. Then open the door and deliver a stern “No!” This will make your dog think you are all-seeing and all-hearing. A few sessions of this technique, and you’ll train your dog to keep it quiet.

Try to limit the length of each dog training session to less than 45 minutes. If you train longer than this your dogs will become too tired. This will also lead to a lack of concentration and eventually to frustration from you and your beloved pet.

For dogs that bark unnecessarily, do not shout at your dog. Shouting to counteract barking can actually be a positive reinforcement for dogs, since they do not understand that you are not reacting at their barking. This feedback loop leads the dog to believe that whatever they’re barking at is actually a big deal, so stay calm and distract your dog to deter problem barking.

Dogs are happiest by your side, so remember that training requires a commitment from you as a pet owner. Your dog is a commitment for the rest of his natural life, so your training sessions should be a time to bond. Make them fun and rewarding for you both, and training will never be a chore. Training should be a joyful time!

You should make sure to eat your own meal first before feeding your dog. This shows your dog that you are leader of the pack and helps establish your dominance. Your dog will be much more likely to follow your other commands if he or she knows that you are the boss because you eat first.

To train your dog efficiently, you must learn how to be firm with it. But do not yell at your dog constantly: try finding the right balance between being strict when your dog misbehaves and being a loving master the rest of the time. This develops a strong relationship with your dog.

When you are training your dog, never use a command he knows as a punishment. For example, if your dog needs a time out, do not put him in his crate. It may create a negative association for him. Another example is when you call your dog to you to be punished. This hurts his chances of completing successful recalls in the future.

Whatever your skill level and the behavior of your dog, education is key to good dog training. Understanding dog psychology, particularly what influences and motivates dogs and the impact your behavior, body language and ‘body tells’ can have on that is vital. This article has given you some methods and suggestions for doing just that, which should be fun for both you and your dog to try.

There’s lots more about what to know about leash training a dog, dog care, dog obedience training and other useful dog advice at http://www.dogsanddogtraining.com

Dogs are one of the most popular pets, but that does not mean they are perfect. It is common for young animals, such as puppies, to be over-curious and to inadvertently cause damage while they explore their surroundings. If you want to learn a few tip about dog training, read on.

If you want to potty-train your dog, do not use wee-wee pads. The wee-wee pads leak, and leave enzymes from urine and feces behind. They can also convince your dog that anything similar in appearance is also an acceptable surface to use for bathroom purposes. It is always better to take your dog outdoors to use the bathroom.

You should always check credentials before hiring anyone to help you understand your animal’s behavior better. These professionals follow different theories about animal behavior. When you interview one, ask about his theories and the actual techniques used. Be sure these are not ones you wouldn’t want used on your dog!

Many canine behaviors are instinctual, so provide appropriate outlets for each of your dog’s needs. There should always be good outlets available for your dog to exercise and keep busy, and do not forget the right diet to provide this energy.

Punishment is an ineffective tool for training your dog. Try to make every attempt to prevent any bad behavior before it happens, but if misbehavior happens, then show him what you wanted him to do. Training sessions help build communication with your pet, and help you build a good relationship.

While some dogs train well together, it depends entirely on each pup’s personality; training two dogs simultaneously may prove impossible. Try training your dogs independently if you find them losing concentration during group training.

Ensure that your dog knows the rules to follow, and be consistent; this will teach it right from wrong. Everyone who lives with your dog will have to undertake the same behavior for him to learn from your training. It can erase what you have accomplished.

When you are having a training session, keep the atmosphere positive and encouraging. Always give your dog some sort of reward when it behaves according to your direction. Your dog will become fearful and less responsive to commands if you attempt to use fear and punishment as training motivation tools.

Most dogs have anxiety as a reason for chewing. If you keep him in a crate and give him toys that are safe for him to chew on, your dog and your house will stay safe.

Use treats that your dog really wants if you want to get the best results from your training sessions. It can even be an extra special treat you would not usually give your dog such as real bacon, hotdogs or even cheese.

While training your puppy, don’t play tug-of-war. They encourage puppies to bite. Don’t let this behavior take root by avoiding these games until the dog is older.

Dogs without training will not only demolish your favorite possessions, but your sanity as well. Apply the advice contained in this article to train your dog correctly.

Dog training takes lots of work and if you want to succeed you will have to set aside time every day and stick to a training schedule. Even then, you may still fail, especially if you approach things in a haphazard, disorganized fashion.

Here are 6 tips to help you raise an obedient, well-behaved dog.

1. When you should start training your dog

Many dog owners fall for the oft repeated advice that you should start training their dog “as soon as possible”. Perhaps they believe that getting a head start will make things easier, but this is seldom true, so wait up a minute.

Dogs learn at any age, so I’ve never understood the mad rush to get a dog trained right this minute. Having said that, there is an optimal time frame when your dog training efforts will deliver the best results. Getting the timing right gives you a huge advantage.

Ideally, you’ll want to start obedience training at 12 weeks, when your puppy is a bit more mature, but still biddable.

2. You are the best person to train your dog

Training is about more than just obedience. It also a way of asserting your dominance and leadership. In addition, it is one of the best ways to build up a bond with your dog.

But you’ll only achieve these benefits if you do the training yourself. Yes, you can save yourself a lot of hassle by getting someone else to do the training. But its not the best way to go about it.

3. Why consistency matters

Dogs love consistency and routine and learn best by repetition. If you bring this into your training regime you’ll make things a lot easier on yourself. Bring consistency to everything including your schedule, voice commands and demeanor.

4. Don’t use the dog’s name for corrections

Avoid using the dog’s name when scolding him or giving corrections. You want the dog to always associate his name with something positive, so that he never has any hesitation in responding to it.

5. Give rewards that will really motivate your dog

All dogs love a tasty treat but there are other things that can be just as motivational. A toy, a game or good old-fashioned praise and affection all work. Try to find out what works best for your dog, the use it to boost your training results.

6. Don’t punish your dog

An absolute no-no when it comes to dog training (or dog guardianship in general for that matter) is physically abusing a dog. Aside from the fact that it is barbaric, inhumane and even illegal, it is entirely ineffective. The dog may learn to fear you, but he certainly won’t be motivated to obey.

Dog training takes time and effort, but it is also a very rewarding enterprise if you do it right. The tips above will give you a head start.

Visit dogsanddogtraining.com to find outmore about dog obedience training, dog care, dogs and other useful dog advice.

Dog ownership, or more accurately guardianship, is one of life’s great joys, and as you begin your life with your new friend I wish you many years of joy, love and companionship.

Having a new dog in the home is a fun and exciting experience for all, but in between it all, there’s work to do. There are puppy supplies to be bought, training to be done and of course, puppy poop to be cleaned up.

In this article, we’ll discuss the five things you absolutely must dog to ensure that your dog is a happy and well-adjusted.

1. Crate Training Tips

I hope that you’ve planned ahead and bought a crate in advance. If you haven’t, buy one right away, because it is an essential bit of equipment. Aside from serving as a home for your dog, it is also a safe carrier, and an excellent tool for house training.

You’ll want to get your puppy familiar with the crate from day one, and it should be your pup’s home in the early weeks. It will also come in handy later for potty training.

2. Puppy Vaccinations

All puppies need to be vaccinated. Generally this will be in the form of a 5-in-1 vaccine protecting against common canine diseases. Follow your vet’s instructions strictly on this, as most of these diseases are fatal to a puppy.

3. Potty Training

Many people will tell you to start potty training immediately, but this is counterproductive. Your pup will likely be overwhelmed and frightened by his new surroundings and in this situation any form of training will be ineffective.

So, for the first two weeks, focus on crate training, which is easy as it involves no instructions and taps into natural canine behavior.

Within two weeks, the pup will have settled in nicely, and you can now begin house training him. The good news is, that if he is used to the crate, he’ll practically be house trained already.

4. Socialization

Socialization is important in teaching your puppy how to interact with other people and animals. It also teaches him that not everyone outside the family is an enemy. Allow your pup to meet as many people as possible. Also let him get used to other family pets, but always do the introductions with the puppy on a leash.

5. Bonding With Your Dog

If all of this sounds like hard work, it shouldn’t be, raising a puppy is fun. Take time to play with your puppy, as this is important to building a bond. As you play, gently correct any bad behavior, like biting.

Puppies can be a handful at times but they are just so adorable that it makes any sacrifice of time and money worthwhile. Before you know it your boisterous little fur ball will be an impressive adult dog. If you followed the steps outlined above, he’ll be happy, healthy and obedient.

If you want to learn more about dog training, dog care, dog health and other interesting dog info pay a visit to www.dogsanddogtraining.com

Adopting a dog is pretty much like taking on the responsibility of raising a child. It is a wonderful experience, but there are so many things you need to get right if you want your dog to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life.

In this article we discuss five basic things that every dog needs. This is not an all-inclusive list, but if you cover these five areas, you’ll have gone a long way towards being the best guardian you can be.

The Best Nutrition

Let’s start off by talking about nutrition. In this regard, you have three broad options, you can cook for your dog, you can feed your dog a raw diet, or you can feed your dog a dry kibble. For the vast majority of dog owners, the third option is the one they will choose, simply because they don’t have time for the other two. This is a perfectly sound choice, provided the product you choose meets your dogs nutritional needs. Not all kibble brands are good, so you may want to discuss this with your veterinarian before deciding.

Medical Care

You are responsible for ensuring that that your puppy gets all his shots, and then has yearly check-ups, and follow up vaccinations. You will also have to ensure that, if your dog suffers from a serious illness or injury, you are able to pay for veterinary care. This can be extremely expensive and I would strongly advise you to consider taking out medical insurance.

Exercise

All dogs, from the most energetic Border Collie to the most lethargic Bulldog, need exercise. You need to ensure that you can put in the time, and have the necessary energy to keep up with your dog.

Choose a breed that matches your own level of activity and time availability. Don’t, for example, choose a dog that needs hours of activity per day if all you can spare is 30 minutes. You’re just setting yourself up for a major problem.

Dog TrainingAll dogs will benefit from training. Not only does it teach them to be obedient and well mannered, but it is also a great way of bonding with your dog. In addition is provides physical activity and, as most dogs love to learn, a mental challenge as well.

Make sure that you only ever use positive training methods, and do it consistently if you want to succeed.

Affection and Companionship

Dogs are sociable animals who are used to living in a pack structure and therefore enjoy the company of others. The worst thing you can do to a dog is to exclude him from family activities, throw him in the backyard and ignore him. In fact, this is as bad as physically abusing the dog.

By taking care of these basic needs, you will be well on your way towards raising a happy, healthy dog. And as any dog owner will tell you, it’s a small price to pay for the love, loyalty and companionship you get in return.

There’s lots more about dog training, dog care, dogs 101 and other helpful dog info at dogsanddogtraining.com

Training your dog can be a delightful, rewarding experience for both of you. Training doesn’t need to be time-intensive, particularly if you’re addressing issues in small steps and creating manageable goals. This article will outline several small but savvy techniques that can turn small problems into big success for you and your dog.

Be as generous with affection as you are with discipline. So many people spend a great deal of time yelling at their dog to stop doing things that they should not be doing and not enough time showing their dog that they love them. Let him know he is loved and he is sure to behave better for you.

When training a dog it is very useful for the dog’s owner to do some research into training. By learning how to train a dog the proper way one will make their job much easier. It can be done the most effective way and be the easiest for both the owner and dog to adjust too.

Dogs can get bored during training. Doing the same thing over and over for endless time periods, will assure your dog will not be a good student. Try to vary your routine and put time limits on the amount of time you practice different behaviors. When your dog feels like an experience is new, he will respond quicker.

Dogs and puppies that exhibit play biting behavior can be both irritating and dangerous. Although play biting is a normal dog behavior, it is important to teach your dog that mouthy play is unacceptable. When your puppy nips you playfully, make a loud noise and move away, ignoring the puppy. This will teach bite inhibition in a way the puppy understands.

Pick the proper size crate for your dog if you want to be able to effectively use the crate to train them. Remember, puppies grow up. Pick a crate that will be of suitable size for the adult when the puppy matures. The dog should have plenty of room to turn around and lie down without being crowded.

Dogs are happiest by your side, so remember that training requires a commitment from you as a pet owner. Your dog is a commitment for the rest of his natural life, so your training sessions should be a time to bond. Make them fun and rewarding for you both, and training will never be a chore. Training should be a joyful time!

One tip to keep in mind when training your dog, is to be sure to never discipline your dog for bad behavior when he is ill. This will only confuse your dog and might cause him to not respond to discipline in the future. Examples of this would be, if your dog vomits or defecates in a manner that is not typical to his normal behavior.

It’s easy to let your dog run free when you bring him home for those first few weeks, only to want to later correct behaviors when they aren’t adorable anymore. Avoid communication breakdown by starting your training schedule immediately with your new dog, so he has the right idea from the start.

As you can see, starting a dog-training routine doesn’t need to be a chore. Your dog is designed to be eager to please, so consider this time spent as time invested in your relationship. Your dog will be happier with clear boundaries and a proper relationship, so consider starting your routine today!

Read more about dog training tips, dog care, choosing a dog breed and other helpful dog info at dogsanddogtraining.com

Many dog owners erroneously assume that their dogs will benefit from a flexible environment free of rules. Nothing could be further from the truth. All dogs should have fun, but with the guidance and encouragement of their owners. A regular training routine can help build a proper relationship between you and your dog. Your dog’s anxiety can be replaced with confidence with just a little work! This article has tips to build a solid training routine for your pet.

When your dog is acting like a brat, cut off attention immediately. This is hard to do for some people, and encompasses more than you likely think it does. This includes foregoing nudging the dog away when he is playfully mouthing and even avoiding instructing or even looking at a dog that is demanding attention. Any attention at all may encourage your dog to keep up the bratty behavior! Reward him once he calms down instead.

When training a dog, rewards are much more effective than punishment. Use low calorie treats or pieces of boiled chicken to reward good behavior. Once the dog has learned the behavior you’re trying to encourage, you only need to reward with treats occasionally. Always reward with praise and affection!

One tip to keep in mind when training your dog is that everything you do with your dog is molding its personality and behavior. This is important to know, because you might undo certain desired behaviors inadvertently by teasing your dog or engaging in horseplay. You will want to mold your dog by always working toward desired behavior.

A good dog training tip is to always keep chocolate out of your dog’s reach. Chocolate is highly poisonous to dogs, but that won’t stop them from eating it. Onions are also not good for dogs so it’s best to keep them away too. Never leave chocolate lying around.

If you are trying to train a dog that seems unresponsive and even aggressive, check to see that the dog’s basic needs have been met. A dog that doesn’t get enough attention, for example, will be grumpy and not respond well to training. And of course a hungry dog will be unlikely to respond as well.

Make sure you and your family are consistent with your commands. If one person uses “down” to tell the dog to get off the couch while another says “off” and a third is letting him lay there, the dog is going to get mixed signals. It makes it much more difficult for him to learn the commands.

Generosity towards your dog goes a long way when you are trying to train your pet. Reward your pooch where rewarding is due and don’t be stingy with the doggie treats. You and your pet both deserve a reward for all your hard work and make sure to put enough time aside for your dog’s training.

As you can see from the article, it is possible to train your dog to be a good member of the family. It just takes patience, diligence and repetition. Your furry little friend will be the smartest on the block in no time at all and everyone will be asking you how you did it. Then you can direct them to these tips.

If you want to discover more about dog training tips, dog care, breeds of dogs and other interesting dog info check out http://www.dogsanddogtraining.com

There are a number of ways in which a dog vocalizes including howling, barking, growling and, of course, whining. Whining is perhaps the most subtle of these, but a sure attention getter, because humans normally interpret it as a cry of distress. I mean, who can resist such a pitiful sound?

It hasn’t taken dogs long to figure this out. In fact, some dogs have learned that whining can get them just about anything they want.

Why Dogs Whine

Dogs generally whine when they are hurt, anxious or afraid. Certain dogs have also learned how to “pretend” to be afraid or anxious in order to get attention. However, dogs have a high pain threshold, so if your dog whines in pain, you want to identify the source of pain and have it treated immediately.

Other cases of problem whining are quite easy to treat with a bit of discipline and common sense.How to Put a Stop to the Whining

Let’s start with anxiety whining. This problem often starts when the dog picks up on clues in your routine, for example, putting on your coat to leave the house.

These actions become a catalyst for the dog’s whining. The way to address this is to short-circuit the connection the dog makes between what he sees, and what he thinks is about to happen. There are a number of ways you could go about this.

You could simply vary your routine. Or you could confuse the dog by getting ready to leave, and then not go out. Another alternative is to go through your whole routine, then go out for 30 seconds or so, before coming back in.

These are all easy ways to break the connection the dog has built up between your routine, and the fact that it results in him being left on his own. It sounds simplistic, but it works.

Another cause for whining is fear. For example a dog left alone in an empty house may become fearful and anxious. The solution here is simply to cut down his space.

Restricting your dog to just one or two rooms and giving him some crate training is an effective way of dealing with this form of whining.

Crate training is definitely something you should do with your dog because it provides him with a safe, “den” environment and, by extension, calms him down.

Addressing “Attention” Whining

Dogs are very good at manipulating us gullible humans. So, for example, if your dog learns that a certain trick never fails to earn him a treat, he’ll do that trick over and over again.Similarly, if your dog works out that you come running every time he whines, prepare yourself for plenty of running.

As you get to know your dog you’ll soon learn all his little tricks and quirks. Turn a deaf ear to attention seeking whining and your dog will soon get the message.

Read more about dog training tips, dog grooming, dog health and other interesting dog info at www.dogsanddogtraining.com.

There was a time when someone wanting to adopt a dog almost always went for a puppy. These day’s though, it’s just as common for a prospective dog owner to adopt an adolescent or fully grown dog from the local dog shelter.

As a dog lover, I applaud this trend and hope that it continues to gain momentum, but it does create some new problems. The main one is the behavior and temperament of the adopted dog. With a puppy you know what you’re getting, with an older dog behaviors are already ingrained and may include serious problems, like aggression.

Unfortunately, this often leads to the dog being returned to the shelter. A great pity because, with a method and a bit of application, most problem behaviors can, in fact, be corrected.

But before you get down to training there are two ideas you need to get out of your head. Firstly, get rid of the notion that you should pity the dog.

Many of these dogs have unfortunate, heart-breaking and even tragic backgrounds. Some have been abused and neglected. They deserve your love, patience and affection. But they don’t need, nor want, your pity.

Dogs are quite willing to forgive and forget, so focus your energy instead on creating a stable environment, and providing consistent leadership and positive training.

The other misconception is that negative training methods are needed to control “difficult” dogs. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Most of these methods, which include things like shock collars and choke chains, have been proven to be ineffective for dog training, and no reputable dog trainer uses them.

When using these methods on an aggressive dog, or one that may have been previously abused, you have no idea how the dog will respond. He may well attack you. Or you may make the problem worse, or trigger other behavioral problems. So never use negative training methods on a dog.

How then, should you approach training an older dog? Well, for starters, appreciate that dogs are receptive to learning at any age. Start with the basics – crate training, and house training (if needed), then move on to basic obedience work. Above all keep it positive and reward-based.

You’ll need to be patient and persistent because your dog will already have established behaviors and will likely be more difficult to influence than a puppy.

Also remember that all dogs are different. Some are much more difficult to train than others, with age, breed and other factors all playing a part. With an older dog, whose history you don’t know, there is also the issue of past trauma affecting the dog’s trainability.

Proceed slowly with patience and persistence and you will succeed. If you doubt that, look up Frank Inn on Wikipedia. This famous Hollywood dog trainer found almost all of his canine movie stars at dog shelters.

Find out more about dog training, dog care, dog breed info and other helpful dog advice at www.dogsanddogtraining.com

Separation anxiety is a canine behavior problem that many dog owners have to deal with. Anxiety problems range from the mildly annoying, whining every time you leave the house, for example, to destructiveness, chronic barking and even self-mutilation.

Causes of Separation Anxiety

Dogs are social creatures who bond strongly with their human family and dislike being separated from them. They are also very observant and quickly hone in on the actions you take every time you prepare to leave home.

Most likely, you have a pattern of things you go through as you get ready to leave your home. You probably repeat these actions day in, day out, without even knowing it. Your dog recognizes the pattern though, and when he does his anxiety starts to build.

Reducing Dog Separation AnxietyThere are many ways to reduce the anxiety your dog experiences whenever you leave the house. Depending on the intensity of the problem, it may be relatively easy to fix. Here are a few of the easiest fixes.

Change Your Routine – A good place to start is by changing your regular routines. If your dog starts acting up the minute you do a particular action, he has likely marked that action as a sign you are about to leave. By varying your routine there is no longer a pattern for him to follow, and therefore no trigger for his separation anxiety.

Don’t Encourage the Behavior – Dogs love attention. So if the last thing you do before leaving, and the first thing you do when coming home, is lavish your dog with attention, you are strengthening the behavior. You need to break any connection between your departure or arrival, and your dog getting attention from you.

The simplest way to do this is to leave home quickly, without any fanfare. Then, when you come home, totally ignore your dog for about 10 minutes, or at least until he has calmed down. Many dog owners refuse to do this, believing it is cruel, but you need to ask yourself whether it is any crueler than a dog spending his days in a state of anxiety, awaiting your return.

Building Up Anxiety “Endurance” – One way of treating separation anxiety is to change the dog’s expectations of how long you’ll be away and when you’ll be returning. Help your dog accept being alone by getting him gradually used to your absence.

For starters, go outside for a minute or two, then immediately come back in. Once the dog gets used to that idea, start to increase the amount of time that you leave him on his own.

It’s Not Cruel

A common misconception is that the aforementioned measures are cruel. But in truth, you are addressing a condition that causes your dog a great deal of distress. Reducing canine separation anxiety can only be good for his health – both physical and mental.

If your dog has separation anxiety issues, you need to take action right away. The steps recommended above should bring results in most cases of mild to medium anxiety.

On the other hand if the dogs is causing damage to the property and/or injuring himself, you should consult your vet or a professional dog trainer.

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