Sunday, July 6, 2008

Training Your Puppy The Right Way

Submitted by John
It is crucial to train your puppy the right way from the beginning. Afterall, you wouldn't want to have to retrain your puppy again. So get the basics right and in no time you will have a well-trained puppy!
Puppy training is very important, regardless if it is your first puppy or your 10th puppy. Training a puppy may also be easier than training an adult dog because a puppy doesn’t have any knowledge on previous training techniques or other issues. On the other hand, sometimes a puppy can also be more difficult to train simply because it may not comprehend what you are trying to teach or be too young to absorb the lessons.
Puppies are also easily distracted because everything is new to it. The environment, the people, the things around, the other pets – these are all distractions to a puppy simply because it is very curious about everything! With this in mind, it will be best to keep training sessions quick and short. Each training session should also ideally end on a positive note.
Socialization is important!As a puppy, socialization is also important. Be sure to expose your puppy to other puppies, dogs and even pets. This will reduce any likelihood dog aggression as your puppy will know how to deal with its surroundings. Socialization training will help in educating your puppy on how to play with other dogs properly and how aggressive play with other dogs in the play group is not acceptable and will lead to punishment.
As the puppies play with each other, they learn what is appropriate (and what is not). All undesirable and inappropriate puppy behavior (hard biting or scratching) is punished by its siblings, by the puppy’s mother or both. However, in this day and age, many puppies are separated from their mothers (to be sold or adopted) before this natural socialization can take place.
Hence, this is why socialization and puppy training sessions are important. It may make a huge difference to your household and your relationship with your puppy and dog. After all, you would want a puppy or dog that is obedient and responsive to your commands.
You may begin socializing your puppy by taking a trip to the local pet store. Check to make sure if the pet store allows you to bring your puppy to get used to new sights, sounds and smells. Positive reinforcementsPuppies should be rewarded for good behaviors and not rewarded for being a delinquent. Do not reward a puppy just because it has a cute behavior. For example, it may be cute when a puppy jumps on people, but this cuteness will wear off immediately if your puppy grows into a 100 pound dog! So it will be wiser to reward your puppy for sitting instead of jumping on people.
These positive reinforcements can also be used in potty training for a new puppy. For example, teaching a puppy to do its “business” on certain surface is a good technique. If your puppy gets used to pooping on gravel or asphalt surfaces, it will be reluctant to use other surfaces such as your home carpet as potty.
A calm environmentIf you are bringing home a new puppy for the first time, it would be great if everyone in the family is present. It would also be best to make sure that the house environment is calm, unlike during festive or holiday seasons. Otherwise, there will be too many distractions and the puppy will not get the attention it needs.
Once a puppy becomes part of the family, it will need to learn more about the home environment. For example, if there are stairs, your puppy may not know how to climb properly. So as an owner, you will have to slowly build your puppy’s confidence. Start at the bottom of the stairs and slowly work up the steps day by day. Do not expect it to climb all the way to the top on its first day! In general, a wide stairway may be less intimidating for the puppy.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/About the Author Lots more FREE dog training information available!Proven dog training secrets and dog obedience tips will all be revealed for every dog lover!

How to Successfully Train Your Dog

Submitted by Terence
How to successfully train your dog is a question that most dog owners ask. Fortunately, more and more professional dog trainers are disclosing their best-kept trade secrets for the benefit of fellow dog lovers everywhere. Training one's dog is a personal matter that every dog owner should take to heart. A well-trained dog is a happy dog that also translates to a contented pet owner.
How to successfully train your dog is a question that most dog owners ask. Fortunately, more and more professional dog trainers are disclosing their best-kept trade secrets for the benefit of fellow dog lovers everywhere. Training one's dog is a personal matter that every dog owner should take to heart. A well-trained dog is a happy dog that also translates to a contented pet owner.
There are a number of factors to be considered before you can even expect to successfully train your dog. For one, it is important to set up an appropriate atmosphere for the training sessions. Keep in mind that dogs have a short attention span and constantly changing the training area will only make it harder for the dog to concentrate and learn.
It is also important to minimize the number of people involved in the training sessions. Too many people will only distract the dog's attention. Experts suggest that initial training sessions should be conducted by one of the family members alone. After a time, once the dog has become familiar with the training, then other family members can be trained to carry out the same instructions.
A Guide to Successfully Training your Dog
Potty training is a major stumbling block that most dog owners have a hard time overcoming. To successfully train your dog in this area, experts recommend a reward-based technique. Giving your dog a treat after a successful potty activity will help reinforce the good behavior. Your dog is more likely to remember that good potty equals a yummy treat compared to a bad potty that equals a scolding.
Keep in mind that successfully training your dog requires time and patience. Repeating an instruction several times is common as it gives your dog enough time to realize the instruction given. In most cases, it may take several tries before your dog will be able to follow the command alone. Generally, experts advice repeating and helping your dog with a command at least three times before letting the dog do it alone. This is a good way to assess if your dog has actually learned the lesson or not.
Straightforward communication is a key factor in successfully training your dog. Giving out instructions to your dog should be done in a direct manner. The command must be clear and definite for your dog to quickly grasp. At the same time, you should also correct your dog in case he or she did not carry out the command correctly. This will help eliminate confusion and keep your dog on the right track to learning.
Training your dog successfully also involves establishing a relationship with your beloved pet. Your dog must understand that you are the master and that as your pet, he or she must obey you. Showing any form of apprehension during training can easily damage that relationship. So the next time you are thinking of giving in… DON’T. You will only make it more difficult for yourself and your dog later You will only make it more difficult for yourself and your dog later on.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/About the Author Terence Young - For more dog obedience and training tips and ideas visit: http://www.obediencedoggytraining.com

How To Easily Train An Aggressive Dog

Submitted by Marc
Dog training is not a simple task however training an aggressive dog is even tougher. Find out a few quick tips on training your aggressive dog.
Regardless of your reason for acquiring a puppy, you'll have to win it over. You, not your dog, will have to be the leader of the pack if your pup is to develop into a well-mannered family member instead of a burden. Dominance and alpha behavior are important concepts that every dog owner should comprehend.
Dogs are animals, not human beings. They are pack animals by nature. Every pack has a leader, known as the alpha animal, who dominates and leads the other members of the pack. The alpha is the boss who makes decisions for the entire pack. Usually the pack will have an alpha male and an alpha female. All the other members of the pack form a hierarchy of dominance and submission where everyone has a place.
In your home, you and your family become your dog's pack, as do any other dogs you may have. It is your responsibility to establish yourself in the alpha position. If you fail to do this, your dog will do it as a natural behavior. Many people assume that they are automatically in charge just because humans are superior to animals. But are you really the pack leader? Does your dog know it?
Being the pack leader does not mean you have to be big and aggressive. Nor does it mean that there has to be a battle of wills after which you are the victor. Anyone can be the pack leader. It is an attitude, an air of authority. It is the basis for mutual respect, and provides the building blocks of communication between the two of you.
A pack animal becomes a full fledged member of the group by a process called subordination. With dogs, subordination begins shortly after the third week of life and continues throughout early development. Most normal, healthy puppies are basically pushy animals, and will try to advance as far as possible within the social order of the pack. The key to successfully rearing a puppy is to establish yourself as the pack leader and then maintain that position for the life of your dog.
So how do you become the alpha leader? In the wild, the adults of the pack begin early to teach the cubs the rules. The adults grab pups around the head or neck and gently, but firmly, pin them to the ground. The cubs learn to greet the adults with respect by approaching them using a slightly crouching posture, with ears back, tail down and wagging, and they lick the adults' muzzles. The cubs do this as a sign of respect and affection, not out of fear. It is called the subordination display, and its function is to keep peace and harmony within the pack.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/About the Author Training Aggressive Dog and Puppy Training product reviews so you know you are only teaching your dog the very best techniques.

Stop Dog Chewing - Dog Behavior Training.

Submitted by Chris
Find out what causes dogs to chew and discover how to stop dog chewing problems.
If you own a dog there's every chance you will encounter dog chewing problems. This article outlines the common reasons why dogs chew, and also how to stop your dog from chewing.
When puppies and dogs chew it is a perfectly natural behavior, just very annoying for us dog owners.
Sometimes the chewing can be a dangerous habit for your dog. Things like electric wires, poisons and any number of other objects can cause serious harm to your dog.
Common Reasons Why Puppies and Dogs Chew
- Lonely or boredom.
- Separation anxiety, often occurs if you work long hours away from home.
- When they are teething.
- Through fear or a phobia.
- Seeking attention.
- Through anticipation, dogs often chew just before their owner is due to arrive home.
Dogs chew just about anything they can wrap their mouths around. My dogs love chewing socks, shoes, furniture and my whippet actually chewed a large whole in the side of our house!
How To Stop Your Dog From Chewing
Always keep in mind that your dog can't tell the difference between a $200 pair of shoe's and an old rag. And he is not chewing to spite you, dogs don't think like us humans.
- The best way to stop your dog from chewing is to actually stop the habit before it forms. This requires you to not leave your dog in a situation where he can chew something that you don't want him to. If your dog chews while you are away from home, keep your dog in his crate or in a kennel run. If you can't or don't like restraining your dog in this manner, just make sure you remove any objects that you don't want chewed.
- If your dog has a particular liking for something like a furniture leg you could try this method. Coat the object with a foul tasting substance (non toxic) such as bitter apple, cayenne pepper or tabasco sauce. This method often works, but can just transfer the chewing behavior to a different object.
- If you catch your dog in the act of chewing, give a firm "No!" and replace with a tasty chew toy. Give praise when he starts chewing on the toy. Never ever reprimand your dog if you don't catch him in the act of chewing. If you don't issue your correction within about two seconds of his chewing behavior, he won't have a clue what you are disciplining him for.
- A good solution for treating any dog behavioral problems is to give them some obedience training. You will gain the trust and respect of your dog by doing this, and it will also provide your dog with some mental stimulation.
- Give your dog lots of exercise, physical and as mentioned above, mental.
- Provide your dog with a few of his favorite, tasty dog chews. Don't give him dozens of them as he may then believe he can chew anything. Just give him a couple of good one's, and make it clear to him that if he wants to chew, it must be on his toys.
By applying the above methods, adding a bit of common sense and patience you should be able to quickly stop your dog from chewing. Good luck.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/About the Author Chris Smith is a dog owner and creator of www.dog-obedience-training-review.com. Find out how to properly train your dog at home.

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