Beyond Canine Basics: Advanced Dog Training Methods

January 27, 2010 by  
Filed under Highlights, Uncategorized

Maybe your new furry friend has been home for a while. You have worked through the dog training basics with ease and he or she is a pro. You utter the word sit and your pup’s hindquarters hit the floor. You speak his or her name and she is at your side. Great! Now what? The training process is far from over. Now you can move into more advanced dog training.

All the basic dog training you have focused on will create a basis for future lessons. Before you begin furthering your dog’s education, practice through the basic commands. If he or she executes them flawlessly, it is time to move on. This is the time to iron out any confusion or “weak” commands so that you are both ready for more complicated studies.

Human or canine should not view even advance dog training as a chore, if you keep it interesting. Make a game out of the process and maintain a high level of enthusiasm, without overexciting of course. Spicing up each session with a fun game will prevent you, and your dog, from growing bored. A bored dog is not going to be willing to give you his or her complete attention that will greatly hinder learning.

Food is a great motivator when it comes to dog training. Experiment with a variety of treats to figure out which your pup prefers. It can also help to cycle through different kinds of dog treats. Using the same flavor or type over and over might make your dog sick of that particular kind.  Try to choose treats that are not overly fatty as well to avoid unhealthy weight gain. Also, remember you can cut treats into pieces so they go further. Save yourself money and save your dog a few pounds this way.

How do you make a game out of advance dog training? Get creative! Dog’s love to chase and run and these are two activities easily incorporated into training. Reinforce what he or she already knows in a new way. Enlist the help of a friend or family member to practice a back and forth game. This will work on the dog’s recall and teach your pup to respond to voices other than your own.

Each person should stand a good distance apart, nine to eleven yards ideally.  Always play this energetic game in a safe area, such as a fenced in yard. Any place your dog will not wander away or find itself in a dangerous situation. Avoid open areas near busy streets. Take turns calling the dog to you and putting him or her into a sit stay. Then, at uneven intervals, have your partner call the dog and repeat the process. As your dog learns this basic dog training game, spread further apart for more of a challenge. Eventually, you could incorporate a third person. If you want, take the game indoors and play throughout different rooms, so the dog cannot see who is calling.

Get creative with training to keep each lesson fresh and interesting. Even basic dog training can be a fun experience! Do not let your dog grow bored (or you frustrated) with the same old advanced dog training techniques.  Your dog will love to play and not even realize he is practicing commands in the process!

Copyright Danny Taylor

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The Qualms of the “Come” Command: Recall Dog Training Tips

January 27, 2010 by  
Filed under Highlights, Uncategorized

The come when called command should be one of the first taught during any dog obedience lessons. This command is vital for many reasons. First, it establishes a way to get your dog’s attention, which can be difficult during training. More importantly, this could become a lifesaving lesson when leash breaking or frequent escapes are an issue. It may not be a big deal indoors, but in some situations, it can be the most important command your dog ever learns.

Consider the outdoors. How many potential dangers lurk for your unsuspecting pup? It is a sad fact many dogs lose their lives in traffic. No matter where you and your pet are, there will most likely be at least a few roadways. While some may be busier than others may, all pose the same threat to your beloved dog.  Basic dog behaviour training can correct this problem immediately. Simply call to your pet, and he or she will return to you, provided the “come” command has been learned and practiced.

What happens when a dog does not heed your call? Your canine companion could become lost or wind up in any number of dangerous situations. They could also pose a threat to other people’s pets, livestock, or property. That can turn into lawsuits for you. Completely avoid this issue be following a few easy dog obedience training tips.

The first step is to understand that if your pet does not come as soon as you call, this is a problem! In your pet’s mind, the longer you permit them to ignore you is more time to do as they please. The more frequently you do not follow up when your dog does not obey, the more you are telling him or her that it is all right to do so.

Some dogs become easily distracted. While they may not be intentionally ignoring you, you must still reinforce the command. Do not permit your dog to simply “get away with it.” Instead, follow through and be consistent with reinforcement.

Keep in mind, positive reinforcement should also be used and is often the most effect obedience training for dogs. Never, ever punish or scold your dog when he or she has come back to you, even if the return was delayed. Doing so may create a fear or worry for returning to you only to be punished. Always praise and reward, even if it took a few tries. This will tell your dog that coming to you is a positive activity and something with a desirable effect. This is important to start during puppy obedience training.

It may seem like a minor command, but having a recall could save your pet’s life. Even if you are at home, you can keep a vigil over your pet by calling them back to you. As the owner, you will have the peace of mind knowing that should a dangerous situation arise, you will be able to keep your pet out of harm’s way by keeping him or her at your side. The recall command should be one of the first dog obedience lessons you and your dog work through. It is not a matter of convenience, but a potentially life-saving tool.

Copyright Danny Taylor

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No More Bad Dog: The Best Approach to Dog Obedience Training

January 27, 2010 by  
Filed under Dog Training, Highlights

Bringing a new furry friend into your life is a fun and exciting event.  Whether you are adopting an eight week old puppy or a full grown adult dog, you should remember that dog obedience training is still important. The old saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is far from the truth. With patience and determination, you can train your dog no matter what age he or she is.

Although dogs of all ages can learn and be retrained when bad behaviors exist, the best thing to do is tackle problems as early as possible, preferably before they start. Obedience training for puppies is a vital part of your dog’s development. Avoid the headaches and chewed shoes altogether by working with your small, furry bundle of joy as soon as they come home with you. A very young puppy may be too small for formal training, but you can start laying boundaries and teaching good habits, such as always using the same portion of your backyard to relieve themselves, or acclimating them to their crate or dog bed.

As your pup grows physically, its mind will also develop and he or she will be able to handle more puppy obedience training. Remember to be patient and consistent. Avoid frightening the little guy or girl. This can lead to phobias that will worsen as the pup grows into an adolescent and adult. A great way to start is using either a food reward or praise to reinforce positive behavior.

In the beginning, positive reinforcement should be utilized to encourage even the most expected behaviors. These include letting you know when he or she has to go outside, immediately dropping an object they have picked up when you instruct them to do so, and sitting rather than jumping up on visitors. Each of these behaviors may seem cute when your pup is small, but they will be much less cute and much more destructive and annoying when he or she is bigger.

Just because you adopted an adult aged dog does not mean you have to accept behavior problems. Be patient and begin dog obedience lessons as soon as your canine companion has adjusted to his or her new home. You do not want to overwhelm by attempting training on day one, however shortly after is acceptable. Once your pet has relaxed and accepted your home as their own is a great time to start. His or her stress level will be lower and curiosity levels will be up!

If you are uncertain, or prefer a more formal approach to dog obedience training methods, consider enrolling in a class. These are offered just about everywhere and will help you get a solid start on building up a bond with your new furry family member. Classes involving other dogs can also help develop valuable socialization skills. Owner education may also be provided so that you learn along with your dog.  Together you both can benefit from obedience training for dogs and puppies.

Copyright Danny Taylor

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Dog Training Tips : How to Show a Dog Love

January 27, 2010 by  
Filed under Dog Training Tips, Highlights

Don’t baby talk to your dog to show them love, give your dog a massage, or take him for a walk; learn more tips on showing your dog love in this free pet obedience video.

Expert: Ryan Gwilliam
Bio: Ryan Gwilliam has trained over 10 dogs. He specializes in obedience training.
Filmmaker: joseph wilkins

Duration : 0:1:48

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