Thursday, January 31, 2008

The value of teaching "Place" to dogs & puppies

Getting a new puppy or adopting an older dog is a wonderful thing and can be a very rewarding experience. However, being a dog trainer with young kids in the house, I have found that the excitement of a puppy tends to wear thin after only a few short weeks. Then the duties of raising a puppy or caring for an older dog can become a chore. Compound these newfound responsibilities with destructive behavior and potty training problems and there’s big trouble in Paradise. People will surrender their fresh sod, lawn lighting, Bar-B-Q covers, hoses, Roses and pool toys to a crazy lovable Lab. But when the couch has already been replaced, the chair legs are nawed down to stumps and every room smells like urine they start looking for a new home for their four-legged friend. I have found that the most tolerant of people typically will give up a puppy after about a year of dealing with these problems. The easiest way to avoid these problems is with proper management and obedience training. For me, “proper management” means know where your pup/dog is at all times. ensure that they are safe and unable to get into trouble at all times. I try to achieve this by using a crate or a puppy pen in the house and teaching the “Place” command early on. I would also add that the outdoor area where your dog can play or lie around must be secure to keep him from running into the street and MUST provide shelter from the elements and fresh water. The business of managing your dog is a lifetime commitment. Dogs don’t move out when they grow up but if you teach them well, you will be glad that they don’t. The management of your dog will loosen up as he begins to mature and handle more responsibility. First he will have limited freedom in one small area and when he does well there the area will eventually increase to the entire house if that is your desire. Remember that dogs are domesticated animals and have been bred to live with us not against us. I hope this short video gives you an idea as to what I mean by “Place”. It is a great way for dogs to be a part of the family and learn to have some self control. Oh, if you have a mouthy puppy give’em something like a peanut butter filled Kong toy to chew on while they hang out on their bed. If you need some help just give me a call at: 866-957-DOGS (3647) you can also get a lot of free info on my site. Visit us at: http://WWW.BEYONDTHELEASH.COM Thanks for taking the time time to visit my blog.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

If I Did Not Have Animals

If I Didn't Have Animals . . . .

‑ author unknown ‑

© I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.
© My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.
© All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair.
© When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel.
© When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies who beat me there.
© I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.
© I would not have strange presents under my Christmas tree ‑‑ dog bones, stuffed animals, toys, treats nor would I have to explain to people why I wrap them.
© I would have money and no guilt about going on a real vacation.
© I would not be on a first‑name basis with 6 veterinarians, as I put their yet unborn grandkids thru college.
© The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, no, stay, and leave him/her/it ALONE.
© My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.
© My house would not look like a day care center ‑ toys everywhere.
© My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.
© I would no longer have to Spell the words B‑A‑L‑L‑, F‑R‑I‑S‑B‑E‑ E, W‑A‑L‑K, or T‑R‑E‑A‑T.
© I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside.
© I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE dog/cat ties them down too much.
© I'd look forward to spring and the melting of snow instead of dreading mud season.
© I would not have to answer the question "Why do you have so many dogs/animals?" from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get.

How empty my life would be.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Training Your Dog To Heel

Training Your Dog To Heel
Article Written by Anthony Stai

1
points
One of the first commands your dog learns ought to be the 'HEEL' command. This command will be useful in insuring the security of your dog while out in public and will make you look like the proprietor of a well-mannered and lovable dog. To add to the magnificence of all this, the command itself is rather easy and almost any dog can be taught the meaning of the command with 30 minutes or so of effort.
So what is the function of the 'heel' command? This one word command tells your dog that the animal is to saunter in a straight line at your side, not earlier than or following you. This provides security for your dog in public places as well as for yourself. The command keeps your dog at your side rather than running throughout the picnic blankets of recreational area goers and, if you possess a larger more menacing breed, makes you appear a less friendly target to would-be criminal elements.
Wow, that sounds great' How do I educate my dog? Well, it isn't as tricky as you might believe. There are two all-purpose methods of training. One uses merely positive reinforcement and the other uses a combination of both positive and negative strategy. First we will discuss the positive reinforcement method.
In this technique, you have to first put your dog on a short leash and acquire quite a few of the dogs preferred foodstuff treats, little pieces of dried out kibble from the animals dog food is normally appropriate. Decide which side you have a preference your dog to walk on and train from this side in the subsequent manner. With the dog by your side, in front of in the same direction, put a treat in your hand subsequently to your hip. In a hard, yet kind voice, say 'heel' and walk onward. When the dog responds by stepping with you, commend them and reward them with the treat. Remember to be consistent and not to reward prior to the feat is carried out, yet at all times reward for a good performance. With a lot of patience, this technique will work fine for most dogs and results in a close bonding of the dog to the owner. However, some dogs are just naturally harder to train, just like some people. If you are blessed with one of these independent and physically powerful willed pets then you might have to avail yourself of a different technique of training, which was mentioned previous in this discussion.
To use the second training technique, you have to start with a somewhat longer leash of approximately seven to ten feet. Allow your dog a little moments to travel around the boundaries of the leash and understand how it works. Then call the animal to your side and position manually as before with the animal next to you, facing the same direction. In a hard voice, say 'heel' and walk onward. At this time, the dog will most likely not walk with you. It will, in its place, begin to travel around most probable running in a different direction than wherever you are leading. To fix this behavior, revolve in the opposite direction of the pets' direction of travel and take a few steps onward, fairly briskly, as you hoist the leash to shoulder height and let it play out after you. The outcome of this act will be seen as the animal rapidly reaches the finish of the leash and their onward impetus teaches them the era aged physics lesson that 'Every deed has an equivalent and opposite reaction.' The animal will fairly rapidly learn that to refuse to comply the heel command results in a discomforting feeling from the abrupt stop at the end of the leash and, after a short while, will be taught to abide by the command. When the dog reaches the condition of obedience, be certain to reward them with lots of positive reinforcements, such as play time and treats, along with rich spoken praise.
Whichever of these methods you choose in the training of your dog, the 'heel' command is certain to go a long way in making you a greatly more contented dog owner who will be proud to demonstrate your dog anyplace. Remember to train with love, patience and consistency and your dog will return you with devotion and many, many years of companionship.
About the Author:
Anthony Stai is a proud contributing author and writes articles on several pet related topics including dog training. You can see more of Anthony's articles on his Dog Training informational web site located at http://www.petinformation4you.com

Saturday, January 19, 2008

You Dog Training Attitude is Everything

You Dog Training Attitude is Everything
Article Written by Anthony Stai

1
points
There is nothing more critical to the victory of dog training than the owner's attitude. The mindset of the trainer is more significant than the equipment purchased, the correct scheme used, or the breed of dog involved. Nothing can obliterate the chances of effective training more rapidly than an owner with the wrong attitude on the training process.
Dogs naturally long for and enjoy human camaraderie. When their human companions come up to them in the right way, they are particularly receptive to learning and develop a strong need to act in a manner that will please their master. This is why a proper attitude is very important with respect to training dogs. When the owner is pleasant, the dog will be pleasant. When the owner is thrilled about lessons, the dog will most likely be thrilled about learning. Dogs can frequently reflect the attitudes and dispositions of their owners, a truth that must be kept in mind while undertaking dog training.
Additionally, the proper view on dog training can make the experience infinitely more pleasing for the owner. A pleasing training experience will naturally create improved instruction on the part of the trainer. Again, proper attitude will pay training dividends.
So, what is the right attitude to bring to dog training? Owners should strive to keep an encouraging viewpoint at all times and should strive for a disposition that makes the procedure fun for both the dog and the trainer. Failure to approach training with such an attitude risks tragedy. The correct attitude and perspective really is the prerequisite to training success.
The owner should be positive. A positive viewpoint, of course, works in combination with any quality training method. Effective training requires constructive reinforcement, and that kind of praise and love is best administered by someone who in general presents a positive attitude. Training will be packed with compliments, encouragement and praise. Those rewards, which are the key module to training, are more possible to be correctly and successfully administered by a trainer with a optimistic disposition.
Trainers should recognize that they can manage to be both firm and welcoming at the same time. It is not required to affect an angry or severe tone during the training procedure. These caricatures of displeasure do not present any more training value than use of a straightforward solemn tenor. A inferior tenor with a stern 'bite' is more than sufficient. When praising and instructing, the owner must bear in mind to use a very welcoming and pleased voice. The dog will thrive knowing his owner enjoys their interaction so much and will be very motivated to be taught as a result.
Most significantly the trainer must for all time keep in mind that dog training is supposed to be fun. It should be fun for the trainer and just as fun for the pet. The idea is to make the training procedure exhilarating and pleasing for the pet as is possible. By making the process a pleasure, the dog is specially motivated to perform.
Too frequently training becomes nothing more than a obligatory chore. The owner does not enjoy the opportunity to spend time with his or her dog. The dog understands this and does not get energized at the prospect, either. In worse cases, training becomes an unwelcome chore. The negative disposition and attitude of the owner is sensed undoubtedly by the dog and mirrored. Training advancement stalls, irritation sets in, and the entire procedure becomes more crippled.
The cliche that 'attitude is everything' actually does depict dog training. A unconstructive or harsh attitude will squash hopes of accomplishment. A constructive viewpoint coupled with sociability and a sense of fun will make training a treat.
A fun disposition also makes training more pleasant for the dog owner. The trainer's optimistic attitude creates a more constructive disposition for the pet, which in turn improves the trainer's attitude even more. By starting the training procedure with a rock-hard optimistic attitude, the owner gets the ball rolling, so to speak. The end result can be a training experience that is enjoyed by both pet and owner, which is in no doubt to produce astounding results. By approaching training with a optimistic disposition, a dog owner can create astonishing and positive outcomes.
About the Author:
Anthony Stai is a proud contributing author and writes articles on several pet related topics including dog training. You can see more of Anthony's articles on his Dog Training informational web site located at http://www.petinformation4you.com
Article Source: Free Articles SA

Why Effective Dog Training is Necessary

Why Effective Dog Training is Necessary
Article Written by Anthony Stai

1
points
Effective dog training is necessary for both a pet's safety and the quality of life for both dog and master.
After struggling with training a dog, you may feel tempted to give up. Giving up on training an outside dog, for example, can be a genuine attraction. You may think you'll still manage to have realistically pleasurable interactions with no going through the hassles and challenges of actual training. Perhaps you think the dog will study on his or her own, over time, how to behave. Training is not easy and can appear like such an effort that giving up may feel sensible.
It is not. Effective dog training is not a mere alternative. When one considers its endless payback, it becomes nothing short of mandatory. Allowing a dog to exist untrained can pose major risks. The costs linked with these risks are so harsh that rational decision making requires one to opt for training, despite the costs in time and effort it may require.
Initially, training can be the distinction between life and death for a dog. An untrained dog, for example, cannot be recalled effectively if he might roam away. He may encounter any number of dangers in his wanderings' many of which could result in grave injury or death. In critical pressure situations, a well-trained dog can be controlled and protected. The untrained dog is left simply with his instincts and education learned in the course of the proverbial school of hard knocks. In a world inhabited by an infinite number of potential dangers, this is frequently not enough.
Training, then, is less of an alternative for a accountable pet owner than it is an duty. Any pet owner ought to believe training the animal a fundamental responsibility that cannot be overlooked. The dog's very life, after all, could dangle in the equilibrium. It is unthinkable that any accountable pet owner would look past that thought and still make a decision that training was simply not worth the attempt it requires.
Second, a dog's quality of life is enhanced considerably by training. He will understand how to gratify his human companions, giving him a sense of purpose and enabling him to access the social interactions dogs naturally have. He will be able to go through life as a buddy and companion, instead of being treated as a mere nuisance or disregarded. By learning to behave to his owner's approval, the dog is able to add to his own satisfaction. Leaving a dog untrained makes it hard for him to understand how to obtain the constructive human attention and reactions he craves and may curse him with a life full with unpleasant exchanges with people as he innocently misbehaves.
Third, the dog owner's quality of life is enhanced dramatically by dog training. This occurs on multiple levels. Initially, the owner and dog are able to develop a close connection, which brings with it numerous rewards. The owner is as well able to keep away from the frustrating experience of having to care for a pet that doesn't know how to care back or who is unfriendly and prone to errant behavior. Additionally, the owner is able to keep away from the liabilities created by an untrained dog. The owner can avoid the destruction, difficulty and even dangers posed by an untrained pet. Instead of being a constant source of annoyance and guilt, the well-trained dog becomes a source of enjoyment and pride.
It is simple, under some situations, to think that wide-ranging and effectual dog training is not worth the considerable attempt it may require. However, this perspective, if acted upon, will really make a situation necessitating more effort than training would have ever required. By committing to effectively training a dog, the owner makes an investment of time and effort that will pay out in a assortment of ways.
Settling for anything less is highly unacceptable and cannot be sufficiently discouraged.
Good training will protect a dog from danger and will enable him to live an enjoyable and satisfying life. It will as well make the owner's life more enjoyable and can result in a deeply rewarding relationship with the pet. Effective dog training is truly vital
About the Author:
Anthony Stai is a proud contributing author and writes articles on several pet related topics including dog training. You can see more of Anthony's articles on his Dog Training informational web site located at http://www.petinformation4you.com
Article Source: Free Articles SA

Dog Training - Leash/Collar Training

Dog Training - Leash/Collar Training
Article Written by Anthony Stai

1
points
There are many different styles of dog training, and finding the one that works best for you is important for creating a dog that is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family. All successful methods of dog training work to reinforce the relationship between dog and handler, and the foundation of any successful training program is getting the respect of the dog. Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders, and to follow the direction of those leaders.
This article focuses on one of the most popular methods of dog training - the so called leash/collar style of training. Other articles will focus on the other popular style of training dogs, often called reward training or positive reinforcement.
Both leash/collar training and reward training have been around for a very long time, and they have proven their effectiveness over time. The type of training that works best will vary from dog to dog, and from breed to breed. It is important to remember that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced by hundreds of years of selective breeding.
Of course personalities of individual dogs vary quite a bit, even within established breeds. You, as the owner of the dog, know better than anyone which style of dog training will work best, so it is important to work with the trainer you choose to achieve your goal of a willing, obedient and friendly dog.
Leash and collar training is the best way to accomplish many types of dog training, particularly in situations where the dog must have a high level of reliability. For instance, dogs that have an important job to do, such as rescue dogs, police dogs and guard dogs, generally benefit from leash and collar training.
In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can be used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harsh corrections. The amount of correction used should be appropriate to the situation, since using too much correction, or too little, will be ineffective.
In a collar and leash based dog training program, first the dog is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash. After the dog has demonstrated that it understands the command, the leash is then used to correct the dog if it disobeys, or when it makes a mistake. The leash is the main form of controlling and communicating with the dog in leash and collar training.
When using leash and collar training, the dog must be trained to trust the handler and accept his or her directions without question. In order for the dog to be fully trained, the handler must demonstrate the ability to place the dog into a posture or position he or she does not want to take. This does not mean using force, but it does generally require some level of physical manipulation. This manipulation is most easily and safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training - the leash.
It is important for every would be dog trainer to understand that the leash is simply a tool. While the leash is an important tool in this form of training, it is important for the dog trainer to be able to eventually achieve the same results using whatever tools are at hand.
Even when the only tools at hand are the owner's body and skill, the dog should be willing to obey. Creating a leader/follower relationship between handler and dog is still very important, and it is important to use the leash as a tool and not a crutch. A properly trained dog should be willing to obey whether the leash is present or not.
About the Author:
Anthony Stai owns and operates the #4 (Google) site for As Seen On TV products and has loved animals all his life. Please visit his Pet Trainer page for unique pet training product that works with both dogs and cats.

Animal Husbandry and Other Unnatural Acts: A Career in Dog Training

Animal Husbandry and Other Unnatural Acts: A Career in Dog Training
Article Written by Albert Medinas

4
points
Do you like dogs? Do they like you back?
Well, in that case, maybe YOU have what it takes to make it in the ruff and kibble world of canine coaching. Maybe. But before you start barking up this career tree, it might be beneficial to get a little information first. The exiting world of dog training covers several areas of expertise, so consider which dog track you want to take.
So, like, what do I need to know? Isn't it just "Sit, Heel, Stay"?
I am so glad you asked. Dog training encompasses much more than simple submission commands. Yes, a career in dog training can and does involve obedience training, but it can also delve much deeper. For instance, you could become an Animal Behaviorist, or a Behavioral Consultant. These professionals burrow into Rover's psyche, working to dig up the long buried bones of his past. Rather than flea the past, they use it to see what makes him tick (Ooh, that one even made ME groan).
You mean I have to be a dog shrink?
Many in the dog-training field, especially Behaviorists, study not only veterinary science, but also psychology. So, in a way, you kind of become a "dog shrink" as you so eloquently put it. But this training helps with more than just the dog. Don't forget, the dogs you will be training generally have owners, and some dog owners don't realize that they may be the cause of the behavioral issues exhibited by their puppy pals (think of the mom of that snotty, screaming kid in the checkout line at grocery store who thinks she's a great parent), and that they need to learn how to interact more effectively with their pets. It's up to a trained dog specialist to uncover and rectify this.
So how much schooling up am I gonna need before I begin my career in dog training?
Many experts in the field of dog training will tell you it takes three to five years of serious, intensive study and hands-on dog training and handling to even become a good novice trainer. Becoming an experienced Master Dog Trainer takes many years of working with the animals, gaining valuable field (or park) experience. You will most likely even pay your dues with a few nips here and there (bites, not nerve-settling sips of schnapps). It's all part of the price - and the leash you can do, if you are serious about a career in dog training.
So, are there like, dog trainer colleges?
There are indeed schools that offer courses in canine training. The program lengths and costs vary from school to school, depending upon the type of study you wish to pursue. There are even online and home study courses (I am familiar with one that charges $995 for a home study video package), but anyone who seriously wants to work with dogs should look for a school with actual animals that you can touch. Sniff around and dig up a school that fits your situation.
The Animal Behavioral College (ABC, get it?) charges about $3000 for its hands-on program to become a Certified Dog Trainer, which takes around six months to complete. And there are some accredited universities and colleges that proffer animal behavior programs. These are not necessarily dog-specific, but nevertheless will assist you in beginning your career in dog training. Cornell University in Ithaca, NY; Guelph University in Ontario, Canada; and Tufts University in Boston, MA are three such universities. Standard college tuition would apply at these schools, but they might throw you a bone and let you apply for financial aid. Beg...beg...good boy!
And then I can become employed as a dog trainer and watch the scratch (money, not the flesh wound) roll in?
No.
Why not?
Good dog trainers - and by that you can read "employed" dog trainers - enter their careers in dog training because of their love of dogs. They work for the intrinsic pleasure of helping man's best friend, not for the money, power, or glory often associated with dog training. Initially, the novice dog trainer may even begin his career by working for a more experienced trainer as his assistant, trainee, or lackey. The pay grade for such positions is, of course, Lhasa Apso-sized - assuming you can find an experience dog trainer who will take you under his paw. If not, when was the last time you read a classified ad seeking a dog trainer?
The way many dog trainers collar a career in dog training is to become self-employed. Hang a shingle on the front door. This has been suggested by the American Dog Trainers Network, which states that you can have a part time career where, nationally, trainers earn an average of $20/hour. Not a bad living. But Uncle Sam is always snapping at the heels of the ambitious with his own statistical snarls and growls. The Occupational Outlook Handbook, put out by the U.S. Department of Labor, states that the median hourly earnings of non-farm animal caretakers were $8.21 in 2002 (the most recent year they have numbers for).
So what should I do? I love them pups!
The bottom line is that a career in dog training is something you do because you have a desire, passion, or drive to work with dogs, not because it's a quick, easy, lucrative career option. As with most any career choice, there is effort involved. Shed your fears (regular brushing helps), put on your shiny coat, and get out there and claw your way to your career in dog training. Or you can just sit...stay...roll over. Good dog.
About the Author:
Albert Medinas has developed and maintains the website Dog Training Resources, which answers the most common questions people have about Dog Training. Please visit us at http://www.dogtrainingresources.net today.
Article Source: Free Articles SA