Is Dog Training Necessary?

by: FranciscoJavierCabreraRosello
Dog training is a fine art process, not a science. Many educators and their facilities produce an instruction technique. Dogs will always be dogs and humans will continually try to make their dog into a furry person. Dog Training is as important as feeding and watering. That small, beautiful, loved, huggable, kissable, lovely puppy, could turn into a big nightmare if not shown the proper guidance.

Dog training is a tremendously rewarding career. One should remember first of all that, for the most part, training is a "service" profession and that one is usually working with people who happen to have dogs. Dog training is more than just telling your dog to stop doing what he's doing, it is the process of teaching a dog to exhibit certain desired dog behaviour in specific circumstances. Proper dog training is not a "quick fix" - it is an ongoing, life-long process.

Dog training isn't necessarily an arduous work but it is a way which needs a big deal of patience as well as the ability to realize which types of training techniques are most effective for the particular dog you are disciplining. There are a number of different techniques which can be used to train a dog.

One of the main needs for dog training is aggression. Aggression related dog behaviour problems include biting, jumping, barking uncontrollably and not obeying commands. Once a dog ages from a puppy to an adult, it will become much harder to train. Aggression includes any behaviour that is meant to intimidate or harm another animal or person. Snarling, snapping, barking and growling are all examples of aggression.

Obedience training would have prevented many of these issues and can aid solve the bad conducts that may exist. Many people consider that obedience training is something that is done to a dog to make it perform some artificial activity on command. Obedience is a part of the cultural setting defined for your dog in your house. Obedience is about you having a relationship with your dog and the dog responding to you. It doesn't matter if the dog trainer can train your dog; what matters is that the dog responds to your instructions.

The method for training a dog is something we do with our dogs not to our dogs. Both you and your dog will enjoy the reward-based training methods you'll learn collectively. Dog training is definitely not rocket science and is easier than you would expect, particularly if you can get help from a good dog training book or guide. Maybe the most crucial point with dog training is to keep a level head.

Believe it or not, dog training is supposed to be an amusing work.

Dog training is vital to teach a dog what is acceptable and what is not. A dog that hasn't been given any instructions or limitations can't know what is to be expected of him. Both you and your dog will enjoy the reward-based training methods you will learn together.

Obedience is more than just directions - when taught correctly; it gets the common nomenclature between you and your dog. It changes your relationship from one of frustration, to one of harmony.

Have fun with your pet-friend!

About the Author
Before starting any dog training program, make sure you check Francisco Cabrera's articles regarding Dog training for all dogs breed and find expert dog references and resources.

Potty Training a Puppy: The Basics You Need to Know

by: RosanaHart
Are you potty training a puppy? The method is not hard to understand, but your patience will be needed! There are just four steps. The puppy needs to be with you. You need to take him to his pottying location at certain times. You need to clean up any accidents in a matter-of-fact way. Repeat these steps a lot and pretty soon, you'll be living with a potty trained puppy!

I'll discuss these four points:

1. Keeping your puppy with you as much of the time as possible gives you the best chance of catching him just before he starts to pee or poop. Even if you catch him in the act, it helps the potty training -- just say NO and take him to where you want him to do his stuff.

One way to keep your puppy with you is to attach his leash to a belt around your waist. That way, whatever you are doing around the house, you know right where your new best friend is. This method is excellent for bonding between you. Very young puppies really want to be right with you all the time anyway.

However you do it, stay close to your puppy. Crate training is also very useful for the times you can't be together. That is beyond the scope of this article but I discuss it at length on my website.

2. When you are potty training a puppy, you are helping him to understand that when he feels an urge to urinate or defecate, he should go to his specially designated place for these activities. How will he learn this? By your taking him there:

*** Every single time he wakes up, whether first thing in the morning or after a nap.

*** Every time he has a meal.

This means a lot of trips for you and the puppy over the course of a day. Also take him out shortly before you go to bed at night.

His pottying spot may be in your yard, or you may be walking him on leash. If you live in a place where it is hard to go outside fast, or if you have physical limitations that make it hard, then paper training is best.

3. When you wipe up any messes that he creates, don't grumble. The dog will not understand that he has done anything to displease you. People sometimes say that the puppy "looks guilty" but really his expression is more one of unhappiness because he can tell you are unhappy. Puppies take a lot less time to potty train than humans, so just be patient!

4. Repetition is a very important part of the potty training process, as dogs learn that way. So keep on doing each step, as often as you can.

There's lots more to say about potty training a puppy, but these tips will get you well on your way to a successfully trained dog!

About the Author
Want to know more about potty training a puppy? Visit Rosana Hart's dog training website, where she explains this method more fully.