Dog Training - Simplified

by
Melissa Wayan

Dog training is both frustrating and rewarding. It kills you to torment your poor puppy for months on end, trying to get them to understand commands that to them probably seem irrelevant and arbitrary. However, when they finally learn it is best for all. You are happy because they no longer eat your furniture or run away from you in the park. I am also convinced the puppy is now happier because he has learned how to manipulate you. He has learned that when you are happy you give him treats and he has also learned the things that are most likely to make you happy.

This is of course a beneficial relationship for all concerned. You get what you want and the dog gets what he wants, making everyone more pleased. Some people say that the dog is actually happier because it craves rules and boundaries. Dogs will test you to see how far they can push you because they want you to define their limitations, to give them their place in the household. I am not sure how convincing I find this argument but it makes some sense, in the way it makes sense that children with rules and boundaries tend to be better adjusted as well.

For this reason among others dog training is an important part of any household that has a dog. I have seen the houses where the poor dog is locked outside all day and night with no affection and love because he is “out of control”. However in my experience this is normally because no one tried to control the dog and he was allowed to push his boundaries to the max until there ceased to be any. Dog training needs to be done, and to be done well in order for the dog to truly flourish.

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Melissa Wayan makes it fun to care for your precious pooch. Read more about dog training help and dog training.




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How to buy the dog that is right for you

by
Jack Prime

Owning a dog or puppy gives pleasure to millions of people, however the choice of which breed of dog to purchase deserves more thought that it typically receives.

Owning a dog or puppy is a big responsibility, yet someone who has little time to exercise their pet or is away from home for long periods of time often buys a breed which is very demanding, leading to a poor relationship between them and their dog.

There are numerous breeds of dog in the world so the choice of which breed to purchase can be extremely daunting. One of the best methods of seeing which breeds of dog are available is to visit a large dog show, where you can see the dogs up close and ask questions to existing owners.

Find out as much as you can about the breed of dog you are interested in; Can you afford to feed the dog or puppy? Can you provide the right type of housing or living environment? Will you be able to provide the correct level of exercise for the dog and at the right times?

Remember a puppy may well grow into a much larger dog and therefore need more food, larger living space and a great deal more exercise. It is a sad fact but many dogs are abandoned because they have grown too large for their owners to cope with their demands.

Think about the practical aspects of owning a particular breed of dog. If it is a long haired breed then you'll need more time to groom its coat. If you buy a female dog then they will come into season twice a year and have to be kept away from male dogs to avoid mating.

Many people start by buying a puppy but there are lots of adult dogs available who are looking for a good home and are often well trained and ready to fit into a loving family or home environment.

Think about the financial aspect of owning a dog or puppy; Can you afford veterinary bills and certificates? Will you need health and insurance cover? Does the dog have specific nutritional requirements or food costs?

Taking the time to think about these important questions *before* buying a dog or puppy will make sure you get the animal that is right for you and more importantly make sure you are right for your dog or puppy!

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Understanding Dogs Abilities

by
Stan Rawlinson

I cannot tell you how many times People have said to me that their Dog thinks it is human and I always give the same answer "No it doesn't it thinks you're a dog." Although not strictly true it serves to emphasize that dogs are not humans in little furry coats.

If we could teach a dog to draw and give the concept of "God" it would draw God as a dog. Many so called dog trainers and countless owners have a mistaken perception of what really constitutes a dog and have expectations far above their actual ability.

Some people believe that their pets are able to understand complex thought patterns, and comprehend our moral and ethical codes; they assume a dog's level of understanding is on a par with our own. Dogs work on drive levels and instinct. It is vital to keep in mind that they do not have the capacity to comprehend the complex thought processes that bring us to understand human emotions, language and behaviour.

There is a scientific name for this Anthropomorphism: The textbook definition of anthropomorphism is "to assign emotion or thought patterns to animals or objects, which are incapable of achieving such dimensions". This is like explaining that a vine climbs up the tree to get a better view.

I believe that anthropomorphism is one of the main reasons we find immense difficulty communicating successfully with our pets. So why do we do it? Humans find it easier to relate to something when they see their own emotions and thought patterns into the actions of their animals.

Using the vine illustration, this is an example of projection. Projection is a psychological phenomenon in which one projects their feelings upon others, animals, or objects. This is useful in everyday life for it takes the guesswork out of reality. Instead of constantly contemplating why something is as it is, you simply put it into context with how you think and your everyday life.

Dogs are capable of linking ideas together, but are incapable of linking actions that are separated by time. If for example a dog makes a mess during your absence there is no point in telling the dog off or rubbing its nose in it, which to my mind is barbaric, you wouldn't rub a child's nose is a soiled nappy? and even if you did what learning process would the child get?

The dog's brain cannot link the action with any passage of time. So many people say, "He knows he has done wrong" or "He looks as guilty as hell". No he doesn't he looks submissive because he can read your body language and is aware you are annoyed, but not why. Their brains are not formulated to feel guilt as we perceive it.

A dog's brain is much smaller than a humans, especially in the upper part of the brain called the cerebrum - the portion of the brain associated with intellectual functions such as speech, memory, consciousness, and logical and emotional thought.

Dogs cannot understand human language. It is far more important to use sound patterns, intonation, facial and body language as a form of communication. A dog wants to please and all learning should be based on positive reinforcement. We should be aware that a large part of a dog's brain is occupied with sensory activity, particularly the interpretation of scent.

Instinct?

Dogs natural instinct plays a vital role and often it is difficult to understand why so few dog owners cannot differentiate between instinct and intelligence. Instinct is an urge from within. Instinct makes a dog act in certain ways and has no connection with intelligence.

Dogs first instinct is to survive, when a pup is born he squirms about until he finds a teat and then sucks it. This does not require intelligence or a learning process it is purely instinctual. The maternal instinct tells the female to clean up the foetal membrane, and in the first 3 or 4 weeks to also eat the pup's faeces in case wild animals smell them and kill the pups.

Of course we know that no predators are going to attack the litter but try explaining that to the mother? She is not taught these actions, she has not seen another female do it. It is instinct. Most instincts provide pleasure to the dog, and because it associates the action with pleasure, the instinct grows stronger with usage.

This is the basis of all training to harness your pet's instincts and shape it's behaviour patterns so that it is acceptable to what we perceive as our requirements.

Instinct can be strengthened, weakened or even diverted. However, if an instinct is not present in the first place it cannot be added, and it cannot be taken away. It might lie dormant, but once developed it can never be weakened. A dog with an obsession for chasing cyclists can be controlled by shaping its behaviour, obedience training and by providing alternative outlets for it's energy.

The same if a dog is corrected the first time he chases another dog or a jogger it may give up the idea, but if it is allowed to chase joggers or dogs then this instinct becomes much stronger and can then become a problem behaviour that is difficult or even impossible to cure.

Basic Training

To start to teach your dog your language, you need to combine the words with an action that shows the dog what you want, and some reinforcement - either positive or negative. Say your dog's name. Does the dog respond (look at you, wag his tail, move toward you)? Your dog should ALWAYS have a pleasant experience when he hears his name - NEVER unpleasant.

Some people create a new "Bad Dog" name to use for those bad dog times. To teach the dog his name, position your dog close enough to touch, preferably on a leash so he doesn't move away. Say the dogs name cheerfully and give his ear or leash a tug toward you, or move his muzzle in your direction. When the dog looks in your direction, immediately use your "Good Dog" voice and praise and stroke your dog on the head or chest and start by giving your dog a treat

Practice this until looking at you happens without the tug or treat, continue to practice for the dog's entire life! It reinforces the communication link between the owner and dog.

Teach other words the same way. Simple one word commands work best. Say the dog's name (to get his attention - remember that communication link!), follow with a command, and then SHOW him what you want. PRAISE IMMEDIATELY when the action is completed - even if you MADE him do it! Eventually you dog will learn to respond to the command without needing to be shown - but you should never forget to praise

Getting your point across

Sometimes words are not enough when communicating with a dog. Since dogs must learn what each word means, all the other "extra" words are just a bunch of "Blah, Blah" to them! Remember the Gary Larson cartoon that shows an owner scolding his dog, Ginger, then shows what the dog hears "Ginger, blah, blah, blah, Ginger, blah..."

The word NO is used far too often and actually means very little to a dog, it is better to use specific words. Keep them short, don't use words like "sit down", it can confuse use with either sit or down depending on what you wish to convey.

Stan Rawlinson

Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer, who has owned and worked dogs for over 25 years, starting with gundogs then moving to the behavioural and obedience side of training companion dogs. He now has a successful practice covering Greater London, Surrey, and Middlesex.

Stan is recommended by numerous Vets, Rescue Centres, and Charities. He writes articles and comments on behavioural issues and techniques for dog magazines including Our Dogs, Dogs Monthly and K9 Magazine and Shooting Times. He is also the founder member of PAACT The Professional Association of Applied Canine Trainers.

http://www.doglistener.co.uk
enquiries@doglistener.co.uk
http://www.paact.co.uk

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How to Control Dog Barking - Some Tips

by
Trevor Mulholland

Dog barking can be a major problem, especially if it's YOUR dog! If there is anything neighbors hate, it's loud noise coming from your house or garden - not everything is music to one's ears. And dogs barking seemingly without good reason is exceptionally annoying.

Dog barking can be controlled through a number of ways, but as with all forms of dog training, positive reinforcement helps more than hitting your dog or just shouting at him to quiet down. You can try to restrain your dog from barking by using a muzzle, but this won't stop him from whining and in the end, you haven't resolved the noise problem. Sometimes dogs bark for no visible reason, but it's only because they're lonely or restless.

One of the lesser known ways of stopping a dog from barking is by countering noise with noise. How to do this? Put a few coins or pebbles inside a small empty can, and whenever your dog starts barking, take the can in hand and shake it. The noise will startle the dog and make him stop barking. He might start up again in a bit, but just shake the can again; sooner or later your dog will understand what the noise means, and be conditioned to respect it.

If you're keeping a puppy and the poor little thing can't stop barking, take him aside and hold his jaws shut. While you're holding the jaws closed, say "No!" firmly. Release the muzzle once the puppy has calmed down... but if he starts barking again, repeat what you did. Sooner or later he'll get the hint, or will at least be too exhausted to continue barking, then go back to sleep. After a few days of this, your puppy will be sure to understand what "No!" means when he barks.

Special collars are another way to train your pets into behaving - but try to avoid shock collars, except in very extreme cases. Tone or vibration collars won't harm your dog, but ought to work as well. Vibration collars may be smarter, especially if you're keeping more than one dog, since it's quieter. Moreover, tone collars may emit sounds similar to cell phones or other digital devices, and they might end up confusing your dog more than helping him.

Stopping dog barking doesn't have to be a tricky task... however, it is important to remain humane and considerate of your dog, at all costs.

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Dog Toys

by
Josh Riverside

Buy dog toys like you are buying toys for your kids – always put safety first. Dog toys need not necessarily be expensive, nor should they be cute. Dogs do not care how expensive or how cute a toy is. What they need is something safe, interesting and durable. Dogs basically carry around their toys to areas they feel comfortable playing in. They bite and chew these toys, and very squeaky toys tend to scare them off. If you are to purchase a dog toy, just make sure that it is practical, safe and entertaining for your pet.

The size of the dog toy matters a lot. And because dogs chew and bite, it is necessary to make sure that the toy is not too big to hinder your pet from carrying it from one place to another (nor is it too small to get stuck in its mouth or throat).

Durable toys are the best. Dog toys that easily get torn apart pose great risk of injuring the gums, getting stuck on teeth, and give opportunity to cases of accidental swallowing and choking.

The variety of dog toys lining market shelves include both hard and soft rubber balls, dental health toys, rope, fetch toys, talking toys, rubber rings and the puffy and furry ones. They come in assorted sizes and shapes that your pet dogs will love. Whatever dog toys you prefer to buy should not in any way present a health hazard to your pet. If you truly love your dogs, put their safety as your top priority.

Dog Toys provides detailed information on Dog Toys, Wholesale Dog Toys, Dog Chew Toys, Plush Dog Toys and more. Dog Toys is affiliated with Homemade Dog Treats.

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