Dogs Obedience Training

November 15th, 2008 by admin

Voice commands are great because your voice can take on countless tones and you can form countless numbers of word commands for your dog. However, hand signals have some advantages over voice commands. First off, hand signals are silent. This is great if, for example, everyone is asleep or there is a party going on and so there is a lot of interference with sound. Also, hand signals are a great way for new friends of the dog. Dogs normally respond only to their owners voice and other people who they consider “masters” so to speak. It may take a dog awhile to warm up to a new person and obey their voice commands.

Hand signals are more advanced than voice signals and are best taught after the dog has learned basic things like sit, stay, and come. The reason for this is that when you are teaching your dog hand signals, you should do so in conjunction with your voice. Eventually, you should be able to drop the voice part and the dog will still understand you.

For example, my dog knows and obeys the “come” command quite well. I added in a hand signal for “come” by snapping my fingers and pointing to the ground near me. When I was first teaching her this. I would say “come” while using my designated hand signal. A treat or reward was occasionally provided as well. After some time, simply snapping my fingers, with or without the snap sound, was enough to get her to come to me.

Another hand signal I have taught my dog is to stay. I firmly raise my right hand and make the stop signal much like a traffic officer would do.

Teaching a dog both stay and come at the same time is a good idea since they go hand and hand. Both are very useful and I find that the hand signals get used more often because they are easier to perform.

Just remember that with any training, time and patience are the key.

Author : Laura Walsh

[source: Dog Gone News]

November 4th, 2008 by admin

Dog Training Equipment

[source : Hub]

November 4th, 2008 by admin

October 31st, 2008 by admin

Shih Tzu – Chinese Lion Dog

The Shih Tzu dog breed survived a tragic history to become one of the most popular toy breeds around today. Shih Tzu historical information reveals that the breed has roots in royalty.

The Shih Tzu originated as the pampered pet of Tibetan Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi, who bred the dogs prolifically between 1861, when she came into power, and 1908, when she died. Her successor disdained the little dogs and everything they represented. As a result, many dogs were killed after the Empress’s death. Surviving Shih Tzus belonged mostly to foreigners and members of Chinese nobility, who had received the dogs as gifts from the Empress.

The breed first appeared in the United Kingdom during the late 1920s or early 1930s. North American soldiers who got to know the breed in Europe during World War II became fond of the little dogs and brought them back to the United States and Canada.

Perhaps because of careful breeding to make them suitable as royal pampered pets, the Shih Tzu has a happy disposition and a strong desire to be the center of attention. The Shih Tzu is a lap dog who is content to spend hour after hour relaxing in the company of humans. Because of their small size—nine to sixteen pounds—and easygoing personality, these sturdy dogs are especially popular with apartment dwellers.

The dogs were bred to have a lion-like appearance, with their flattened facial muscles, bowed legs, bulging eyes, and intimidating facial expressions earning them the nickname of “lion dogs.” Their wrinkled faces were also said to resemble chrysanthemum flowers, giving rise to the breed’s second nickname of “chrysanthemum dog.”

The Shih Tzu coat ranges in colors from solid black or gold to several multi-color combinations. The breed’s elegant appearance comes from its long, slightly wavy coat, which requires daily attention.

The dog makes an excellent family pet but is equally content to be a companion for a single owner or a couple without children. The Shih Tzu is happiest when it is the center of attention, so families with infants or very young children are advised to wait until the children are a bit older before purchasing a Shih Tzu, to avoid potential problems with jealousy.

The British Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1935, and the breed continues to be popular in the U.K. and Europe. In 2006, the Shih Tzu ranked ninth in the American Kennel Club’s rankings of breed popularity. This is a particularly remarkable accomplishment, considering that the AKC first recognized the breed in 1969. The little Shih Tzu has come a long way in the United States in just under forty years, and it is likely to continue to grow in popularity as more and more people discover what a delightful pet this breed is.

The Shih Tzu is as well known for its delightful personality as it is for its long, flowing coat. Shih Tzu information can be found online, at public libraries, and from breeders.

Source : http://hubpages.com/hub/shih-tzu

September 15th, 2008 by admin

How can I stop my dog chewing my stuff? Well, to prevent the problem you’ll need to understand the reasons why dogs chew.

Most dogs have a natural desire to chew. It is fun, it is a self-rewarding, self-reinforcing activity and it passes the time. Chewing provides a nerous, bored, or lonely dog with an outlet for his emotions. To an anxious dog, the repetitive act of chewing is soothing – it’s the doggie equivalent of comfort food. Underexercised dog often use chewing as a way of burning up nervous energy and giving themselves something to do!

So now you understand why your dog chews, how do you prevent this chewing problem?

Remember to give your dog time to learn the rules, and plenty of ‘your time’ to help him learning faster.

Stop Dog Chewing Tips

Chewing problem can be easily fix but what it needs is a little effort from you. Here’s the steps on how to solve dog chewing problem:-

1. Set up a dog-proof home – take whatever you don’t want to end up in your dog’s mouth, and making it unavailable. Item such as books, eyewear, clothing, shoes, garbage, small crunchy appliances like cameras, cell phones, remote controls, and food or snacks on low tables or even countertops (if your dog can jump, climb, or leap onto something else to reach the desired object.)
2. Set Prevent your dog from learning the joys of illegal chewing. The more times your dog manages to snatch a jowful of a forbidden substance, the more readily he’ll target those items in future. If you can prevent your dog from chewing your stuff in the first place, it is a lot easier for him to understand what you expect of him.
3. Don’t confuse your dog by blurring the boundaries between his stuff(ok to chew) and your stuff (NOT ok to chew). Don’t offer your dog cast-off clothes, wornned shoes, or old towels to chew and play with. Your dog cannot tell the difference between the cast-off clothes and your new clothes.
4. Provide your dog with lots of tasty alternatives to your stuff. Give your dog two or three to play with at a time. Rotating the available toys every few days will keep things novel and interesting for your dog.
5. Spend lots of time in active supervision. Your dog can’t learn what you expect of him if he’s spending all his time boxed up in the dog-proof zone. He need the opportunity to explore the boundaries of your expectations. So your dog can understand what’s appropriate and what’s not.
6. When you catch your dog chewing something in appropriate, interrupt your dog by making a loud noise such as clap your hands or make an “Ah-ah-aaaah!’ noise. Then immediately hand your dog an alternative chew toy or bone. Once his jaws close around it, praise him generously. There’s no better way to get your dog to understand that chewing his toys equals praise from you, but everything else equals trouble.

September 12th, 2008 by admin

Yes – it can be done!

Many families combine having a dog with going out to work and school, often having to leave their pet alone for several hours at a time. This is not really an ideal situation when getting a young dog, and a question often asked by new dog owners is about how to house train a puppy when you are working full time.

Dogs Training

As I mentioned, it is not ideal to bring a puppy into your home if there is no one around to give it companionship (and boundaries) during such a formative time. My first recommendation would be to THINK HARD about whether the time is right to get a dog in the first place and that you take time to choose the right type of dog. Set aside your own emotions (and perhaps, also, pressure from the kids) and work out if you have the time necessary to give a dog the training needed. Ask yourself these questions:

- Will I really have the patience to not get annoyed if I come home from a hard day at the office and have to clean up dog mess?

- Can I find time during working hours to come home and let the dog out?

- If Not, is there someone who can do it for me?

If you are able to honestly answer yes to them, then you can learn how to house train a puppy and be able to teach your dog other lessons that need to be taught.

Here are my five steps on how to house train a puppy when you are working:

1) Plan everything with military precision, right down to the time of year you get your dog. Bring her home during the summer months, so that you are not inclined to rush the outside toilet time.

2) Bring your new puppy home during a period When your working life be less hectic – ideally when you have a couple of weeks holiday. That would be most ideal, as puppy house training can be completed in just a couple of weeks when done properly.

3) If you cannot get time off, plan it so that your older kids are off school so they can help with the training while you are out at work.

4) Discuss the training regime with other family members so that the training is consistent, even if the trainer is different!

5)Because time will be a major factor, read up on the most effective techniques by signing up for a training course before you get your dog. This will mean you can house train a puppy when you are working with as little stress and hassle as possible. I have created a lens on Squidoo specifically about house training dogs, so you will also be able to get some tips by visiting there.

Potty training your puppy is not that difficult. If you combine the latest techniques with my additional tips on how to house train a puppy when you are working, both you and your dog will have a great life together.

August 22nd, 2008 by admin

The project of dog training can be quite daunting, and not exactly the thing that you’re jumping for joy to start. However, it does not have to be a horrible ordeal. Actually, if you play your cards right – which is basically to be extremely consistent, praise your dog like crazy, and have tons of patience, then you’re almost guaranteed that things will work out very well. In fact, it may actually be one of the most rewarding times that you can ever experience.

It’s important to note that you cannot punish your dog into behaving, but you can praise them and reward your dog into good behavior.

This is How Your Pooch Could End Up With Out Strict Dog Training!

Dog Training: The Secrets That You Should Know Before You Begin!

It’s vital that you realize that dog training is not an activity that’s meant to boost your ego from being in charge of your dog’s behavior. It’s meant for your dog actually. For him/her to experience a much better more fulfilling life as a pooch.

If you have children you will be able to relate quite well to the experience. It’s clear that a child’s life would likely be in shambles if the parent wasn’t there to teach them about how to behave in life, in order to conform with the world. It’s actually a positive thing for both the dog and the child, even though getting from point A to B may prove to be a bit difficult. .

You’re basically supplying your pooch with the tools to enjoy a more fulfilling life.

The best part however is the bond that you will create with your doggy. This is one that will last forever, so instead of looking at training a dog as a daunting task, it’s time to look at it as a spectacular event that you’ll be privileged to share with your pooch.

Where to Start When Training Your Dog

There are tons of tricks and commands that your dog can eventually learn, but in reality you’ll want to likely stick with the basics first. These are the ones that are going to simplify your life much more quickly.

Here are the basics…

• Sit
• Stay
• Lay
• Heel
• And Place

Potty training your dog is in there as well actually. You’ll want to train your dog so that he will go potty on demand, this way you don’t spend massive amounts of your precious time waiting for pee and poops.

Just a Little Patience…

Your main obstacle while you train your dog will likely be the amount of patience that you can withstand. Right along with this is the amount of praise that you can give him.

If you plan to progress at all when training your puppy or dog is to use barrels full of patience. You’ll be surprised how far you can get with even the tiniest amount of praise for your dog. Imagine what tons of it will do.

Now remember this…Dogs are pack animals by nature and will generally follow the leader of the pack – or else there’s pretty dire consequences. So now you get to be the dominant leader of the pack. But one more thing to remember is this…

You’re not a dog! (Somebody may argue with that but for now….)

In order to enjoy that tremendous bond with the pooch, you’ll get a lot further by being a nice and gentle leader than a rough and mean leader. Treats and pets go much further than bites and barks in other words.

The Dog Training Myth That Won’t Go Away!

It’s often thought that rubbing a dogs nose in it’s pee or poop when it has an accident is meant to help teach the dog a lesson. However, dogs don’t learn lessons that way as effectively as simply showing them the spot over and over of where they should go and then rewarding them for going there. That’s how effective potty training works. Again, never use punishment as a training method.

Besides patience and praise the next biggest ingredient that people most often miss is consistency. Being consistent is of paramount importance because consistent dog training means consistent dog behavior. Make a commitment and stick to it while showing tons of love and praise to your new puppy!

August 21st, 2008 by admin

This blog concentrates on training your dog using only positive reinforcement methods. Some behaviors do require correction, but I do not condone any form of negative dog training techniques that involve physical punishment when your dog does not do as you wish.

I have also set up a website where you can get help with your dog training questions. Follow this link to ask your Dog Training questions or go to the dog training answers page to see if your question has been asked before.

August 19th, 2008 by admin

It stands to reason that your dog needs to understand your dog training commands. No dog training will be possible unless your dog understands what it is you expect of him. Keep in mind that your dog cannot really speak English and that there are other factors involved as well, that let your dog understand your commands. Dog training commands needs to be given in a certain way.

The general guidelines for successful dog training

1. The principle of leadership:

Dogs are basically pack animals or one could say they have lots of team spirit. For your dog you are his pack and for your dog to feel safe, he must know who the leader is. Your dog ranks all the members of the family and he has to clearly understand who the “leader” is.

2. The attention factor:

Remember that a dog will do anything for attention. This can lead to all kinds of complications. Make sure your dog gets the right attention when he needs it.

3. The irony of negative attention:

For your dog any attention is good and if bad behavior gets him the attention he wants, it will reinforce this bad behavior. The best here is not to give bad behavior any attention. Ignore him and he will get the message.

4. The power of positive attention:

Use your dog’s love of attention in a positive way as part of his training. Only give him attention when he is behaving correctly. Make sure he understands what it is you expect of him and praise him for good behavior.

5. So, what is this “doglish?”

It consists of three different elements:

• Making eye contact

• Your body language

• The tone of your voice

6. Here are the very basics you need to know for successful dog training:

• Your dog thinks of you as a dog

• Every member of the family is ranked

• Dogs do not care if the attention they get is positive or negative

• Dogs do not understand English, they understand what you are saying trough a combination of eye contact, body language and the tone of your voice.

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August 17th, 2008 by admin

Dog Obedience Training Secret

You should NEVER use the recall word (”COME”, or whatever word you choose) to call your dog to discipline him, correct him, tell him what a bad dog he is, or for any negative reason. Bad deeds MUST be caught IN THE ACT in order to correct. If you still need your dog by you for a negative reason, give him a firm SIT command and go get him.

For example:
Imagine this, you see your dog “Major” outside digging up your newly planted daisies. You first quietly say “Major, Come here”. Major, doesn’t respond. You then yell “MAJOR – COME HERE!”. Major still doesn’t come, so you go over and grab him by the collar and yell “I told you to Come Here!” and give him a smack.

Major being a smart dog, makes a mental note “Come Here” means “You’re in trouble and about to get punished”.

Next time when he is outside, and you want him to come inside for dinner you go out and say to him “Come here”, he responds by running away. “Dumb dog” you think and go and grab him and drag him inside so he’ll eat his food. Then you say sternly “How come you don’t ever COME when I call you?!” Major makes another mental note (Hmmm: seems to me my memory of “COME HERE” is still accurate – don’t want to respond to that – after all, “COME HERE” means I am in BIG TROUBLE!)

Remember, dogs know ONLY “dog language” when they come to live with us. WE must teach them our language. In the above examples, Major did not learn OUR translation for the word “COME”. He learned “COME” meant “angry owner – I’m in trouble now. Better scram out of here!” We want Major to learn that “COME” means “Get your buns to me in the fastest way possible – NO EXCEPTIONS!” Major needs to understand that COME means GOOD stuff – ALWAYS!

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