Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Get Your Dog Walk And Behave Nicely

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about dog training techniques to be dangerous? Let's see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from dog training techniques experts.

If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

Are you ready to do some dog training with your precious four legged friend? If you are still not sure about this, read on. Is your dog pulling on the leash...consistently? Do you feel uneasy when you are walking your dog and you run into an aquaintance? Do you have to pull or drag or hold back your dog? Do you have two dogs that pull on the leash? I walk three of my dogs at once. It was not always easy. Would you really like to fix your dog's behavior problems? Do you daydream of your dog being well behaved? Do you just want a happy, healthy, well mannered dog?

If you decide today to work with you dog, you will be able to enjoy a peaceful and fun holiday season with your dog or dogs. No more yelling or locking your dog in the bedroom. Or, locking him outside and having to listen to the whining and crying. Let your dog be part of the festivities, trained and well behaved. If you start today you will not need to worry about your dog jumping up and welcoming your guests. Your dog will be an appreciated and welcome part of your family.
Or, would you like to be able to take your dog for a nice walk to check out the leaves and the beautiful color of fall? We all want to include our dogs in the many activities of fall and winter, but a lot of people cannot enjoy doing this because of their dog's bad behavior. Remember, a well trained dog is a safe dog, and a pleasure to have around.

So now you know a little bit about dog training techniques. Even if you don't know everything, you've done something worthwhile: you've expanded your knowledge.

Effective Dog Training Techniques to Stop Dog Behavior Problems

Though there are several techniques to train a dog, all of them can be categorized by the way they address behavioral issues. Thus, there are two main categories:
  • Techniques based on learning theories
  • Techniques based on canine ethology
The former category focuses on behavior modification, usually disregarding typical and natural behavior of dogs. The latter one focuses on natural dog behavior and often ignores current learning theories.

Dog training techniques based on learning theories

This category comprises techniques that use positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and punishment as main ways to educate dogs. Since those techniques are very different among each other, they are better organized under three subcategories: traditional dog training, positive training and mixed techniques.

1. Traditional dog training

Traditional dog training was developed to train war dogs and it was successfully used during World War I and World War II. After World War II, this technique gained enormous popularity because of a lot of stories about heroic dogs.

Negative reinforcement and punishment are the main teaching ways of traditional training. Thus, this technique works by physically forcing the dogs to perform a desired behavior, until dogs learn that behavior.

Choke chains, prong collars and shock (electric) collars are common tools in traditional training and all its variants. Also, this kind of training is usually targeted to dog obedience exercises, disregarding behavioral problems.
The main advantage of traditional dog training is the high reliability of the trained behaviors. On the other hand, main disadvantages are potentially dangerous collateral effects, such as fear biting and damages to the dog's trachea.

2. Positive dog training

Positive training was developed under the principles of Skinner's operant conditioning. While it's not a new technique, it did not get enough attention until the nineties, when Karen Pryor's book "Don't shoot the dog" became a bestseller.

Choke chains, prong collars and shock (electric) collars are not needed in positive training. In addition, training sessions tend to be very fun for dogs as well as for trainers.

Positive reinforcement is the main teaching way of these techniques. Thus, this kind of training is also known as reward-based training, though rewards are not the same as positive reinforcement.

Clicker training could be the most popular of positive training techniques at these days.
  • Main advantages of positive dog training are:
  • Highly reliable trained behaviors.
  • No need to physically force your dog.
  • Positive training is fast, fun and simple.
Ironically, the main disadvantage of positive training arises from its simplicity. Many novice trainers get so amazed with how easy and fast is to teach a new behavior that they forget to work on reliability and fluency of those behaviors. Thus, their "finished product" is a half-trained dog.

3. Mixed training techniques
Mixed techniques use both positive and negative reinforcement. Therefore, these techniques are friendlier than traditional training, but not as much as positive training.
Mixed dog training techniques are widely used in tough sports such as Schutzhund, Belgian Ring, Mondioring, etc.

Although trainers who use mixed approaches also use positive reinforcement, they usually avoid using food as a reinforcer. When they have to use a positive reinforcer, they tend to prefer games over food.

Dog training techniques based on canine ethology

Techniques based on canine ethology take into account those behaviors that are natural in dogs, but usually ignore the principles of learning theories. These techniques are also known as "dog whispering".

The fundamental premise of these techniques is that the owner should become the leader of the pack. Thus, the owner will achieve the higher hierarchy in the pack: the alpha dog status.
While these techniques are very popular, their actual efficacy is questionable. Besides, there's no clear standard for these techniques, so the procedures used by one trainer could be very different from those used by another trainer.

Many trainers don't accept that these are actual training techniques. In addition, several of its practitioners don't consider themselves as dog trainers. Instead, they claim they are people who can communicate with dogs by a deep understanding of dog behavior and proper body language.

When word gets around about your command of dog training techniques facts, others who need to know about dog training techniques will start to actively seek you out.

For more dog training techniques, go to Dog Obedience Training.

Stop Excessive Dog Barking

Everyone hates a dog that barks excessively. Your neighbors hate it and you probably hate it too. So what are you going to do? Let your neighbor kill it? Have your dog taken away? Not if I can help it. In this article were going to look at how you can stop excessive dog barking.

Most dog owners do not realize that there are different types of dog barking. There is boredom barking, there is warning barks, lonely barking, and so on. These different types of barks can all be dealt with using different techniques

Before I can give you any good dog barking tips the first thing you need to understand is that barking is as natural to a dog as talking is to us humans. You will never be able be able to keep them completely silent and in fact I don't think you really want them to be silent all the time. For example, it would be nice to if someone is trying to get into your house through the bedroom window but Fido makes enough racket to wake the house and scare off the intruder. So to reduce the noise pollution you need to know why he is barking. Below are two of the most common reasons dogs bark in the house.

Fido wants attention: Your dog wants attention and if barking will result in you or someone in your family giving him that attention you can count on hearing from your dog frequently. This is also a very bad thing to do because you are supposed to be the boss. Your dog will believe he is the boss if all he has to do is bark to get you to do something. If he believes he is the boss all training will become difficult.

Dog barking tips: There are several things you can do to discourage and eventually stop your dog from barking for attention. When using these tips be consistent and make sure the whole family knows what they are supposed to do. If you do it right and another member does it wrong all you are doing is confusing your dog. Start with this, when your dog barks at you for attention turn away from him and do not make eye contact. When he approaches you and is silent reward him with attention or treats. If done consistently you will stop haved stopped this behavior within a week or two. If your dog persists gently grab his muzzle to stop him from barking and in a stern voice say NO and again turn away from him and ignore him. Your problem should be solved.

Fido is lonely: You leave for work and your dog believes that by barking he can get you to come back. If fact he does so until he is exhausted and begins again after he has rested until you return home.

Dog barking tips: Many times we as people thing is a good thing to express our feelings and hug and pet our dogs while saying goodbye for the day. When we return home Fido is so happy to see us that the natural reaction is to again shower him with attention. In both instances it is the wrong thing to do. If you come and go without making a big deal about it your dog will eventually learn that it is not a big deal and will not get excited and bark all day.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Dog Obedience Training Book Review

Obedience Training is one of the best things you can do for your dog or puppy... and yourself. Obedience training doesn't solve all behavior problems, but it is the foundation for solving just about any problem. Training opens up a line of communication between you and your dog. Effective communication is necessary to instruct your dog about what you want him to do. You can teach him anything from 'stay' to 'sit'.

If you are looking for a home dog obedience training course, I highly recommend secret to dog training by Daniel Stevens as I have a lot of success with it.

If you have a new puppy, you really want to get it off to a great start, by training it correctly. A well trained dog says so much about its owner, and makes life with your new pet a breeze!

When I got my puppy 'tiny' she was like any exciteable young dog. Being a corgi, a breed known for being hard to train well, I knew I had to get off on the right foot and get her trained 100% right.

Having experienced dogs before, I knew that I could do it all myself. I wanted to prove I could train my dog as good as any puppy school! I had been recommended the book 'Secrets to dog training' by author Daniel Stephens, and after breifly reading the website (and the usual sales talk) I made the executive decision to purchase the program.....

I straight away knew I had made a great decision. Secrets to dog training is so well laid out, and offers a myriad of techniques, a training plan and dog breed specific tips and techniques. In fact, 261 pages and 5 bonus e-books are included!

One area which really helped me excel with Tiny, was helping her to stop chewing. She had an absolute fetish with chewing shoes, cellphones, remotes, handbags, furniture and even the wooden doors. With the help of the dedicated ebook on dog chewing, I redirected Tiny's desire to chew in a way that I never would have considered, and saved a small fortune on replacement gear for the house!

"You will be blown away!"

In addition, there is great advice for becoming the 'alpha dog' as a dog owner. This advanced, yet proven technique initiates respect for you, from your dog, in ways that defy common belief.
It what is taught in police and sight dog training, and Daniel has adapted and condensed this into a easily learnt format for domestic pets. You will be blown away.

This is why I really recommend Daniel Stephens book, because it helps you to quickly apply methods that really achieve the goals you want with your pet. And I believe that his book would also be ideal for remedial training in older dogs, because I have a good friend who tried it out for the same purpose and was very happy with the results on his rouge boxer dog 'Max'.

Dog Walking Training

Available Monday to Friday, walks are tailored to the individual dog. Whether you have a young bundle of energy who loves chasing after balls, or a quieter, more sedate dog who prefers to plod around at a slower pace, we believe that a walk is the time of the day that dogs should be able to enjoy themselves in their own favourite way.

Dogs can be walked individually or together but no more than two at a time. Walks usually take place in the woods or other outdoor areas (e.g. The Downs in Laverstock) and parks and fields for ball chasing.

There is nothing more pleasing than having passers-by compliment you on your well-trained dog. Meanwhile a large percentage of dogs in rehoming centres are there because their owners couldn't handle them due to insufficient training. There is a saying "You can't teach old dogs new tricks", this is incorrect, you can it just takes more time. While I recommend training puppies as early as possible to avoid problems later on, don't think that if you get an older dog it can't be trained.

We can train any age and any size of dog but you must be willing to keep the work up. If we had trained the most obedient dog and the owners stopped using our advice it would return to its unruly habits. However unlike some other trainers we don't just train the dog to do what we say, we work with owners to make sure that they will have the same success in handling the dog as us.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Aggressive Dog Training Tips

Aggressive dog behavior is no joke, especially if people around you no longer feel comfortable being around your pet. I hope this lens helps other dog owners who are serious about dealing with this problem.

If your dog seems to be too aggressive, you might find the following tips useful.
1. Neuter your dog - this almost always lowers the level of aggression
2. Don't play fight with your dog or do anything to encourage aggression
3. Socialize with your dog a lot and get your dog used to socializing with other friendly dogs.
4. Always walk your dog on a leash
5. Don't physically punish your dog.

Using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior is the best way to train your dog. This form of training usually works best with aggressive dog training as well.

How to Treat Dog Behavior Problem

There is very good and well known point that calm people often don't have a serious dog behavior problem like some people do--just by virtue of that they don't have all the craziness, yelling and people and kids screaming making their dogs bonkers and neurotic. To eliminate dog's bad habits you have to stop rewarding him for certain behavior, and teach him what behavior you 'DO' want instead. Punishment will not stop it. Only way to stop puppy biting is with intense training. Most experienced dog owners are familiar with common dog behavior problems, but some may wonder why dogs show these behaviors.

One possible solution to avoid these problems is exercise. It is known that many dog behavior problems are because of physical challenges that the dog may have. Also, learning how to communicate with your dog lets you address problems as they occur. Even they don't speak you can learn to understand some signs that dogs use to tell you what they want. The home provides ideal environment for the dog with few distractions, which is chance for new member to learn how to get along with other members in the family. Often dogs are behaving distructable because of boredom. Specially if they live in the apartments and are left alone most of the day.

The first step in dealing with new situation is to understand why your dog acts the way he does. My favorite method for curing dog behavior problem is to discover what the core or root of the problem is. Now why would you allow a dog to dominate you, when the child couldn't't? If your children were dominant over you, that would not be appropriate, and neither is a dog with dog behavior problem. Dominance is very important to be established in order to start the process of changing the pattern of dog behavioral problems. Obedience training can solve most problems, especially if done in early stage.

How to Stop Puppy Biting

Even though you have to stop puppy biting there is one thing you have to keep in your mind. If your dog is less than 15 weeks old and nips and bites non-stop, this is most of the time, normal behavior. Puppies mouth while playing and they mouth when communicating with us. If your dog begins mouthing, he may be hungry or thirsty. Ask yourself: Does he need to remove waste? Is he tired? Maybe he wants to play? Dogs nip when they want to show some needs - like when a baby cries. It shouldn't be treated as dog behavior problem. There are some guidelines than can assist you when trying to control or stop puppy biting:
  1. If your dog does not want anything and he still will not stop, isolate him with a favorite toy. To stop puppy biting you do not have to punish your dog. Calmly place the puppy in her area.
  2. Don't make any reaction when your dog nips quietly. Keep your hand still because if you remove your hand quickly it can be understood as an invitation to play and nip harder. Stay calm and this will stop puppy biting.
  3. Try to keep puppy occupied as much as possible with any thing in your house, other than your hands. Give him his favorite toy, fake bone, plastic ball etc. Spend lots of time playing with puppy, but try to keep your hands away from his mouth.
  4. When your dog starts biting down hard, turn quickly, say: "No, No!" and glance into her eyes for few seconds; then go back to your normal routine. If he continues, put a leash onto your dog so that you can tug the lead sharply to the side and place him in a quiet location to cool off. Goal is to stop puppy biting by making him realize that teeth can nip or bite only his toys.