Tag: obedience training


Yet another Trick

Guess what?  Were you aware that once you have taught your dog the basics of obedience training, it is actually not a very big step to teaching your dog a couple of tricks.

Nearly all of the nifty “tricks” that people teach their dogs, including those that professional dog actors are taught, are simply based upon the very rudimentary skills that your dog learns at a young age.

Remember that if you want to engage your dog in learning a behavior that might otherwise be outside of his normal actions and behaviors, it is in your best interest to make it somewhat of a game, at least at the start.

A successfully taught trick hinges predominantly on consistency, rewards and ultimately shaping your dog’s behavior to the desired cues in order to do the trick well. 

If you offer your dog a treat for each approximation to the ultimate desired behavior, the dog will quickly learn what to do.  Gradually you are able to get your dog to perform more directly to your commands and if you are patient, your dog will be a grrrrreat showman!

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Walking your dog with a Leash

An Exercise in Training and Practice

Teaching your dog to walk on a lead or leash is an exercise requiring training on the part of both you and your dog.  You must have the dog walking beside the owner without overtaking him or pulling.  Walking your dog should definitely not be an exercise in stretching or pulling, but rather a simple task.

The dog lead or leash is an ideal way in which to maintain control of the dog and communicate information to the dog.  Each and every movement, your change of direction and the contraction in your arm are all ways in which you can signal directions to the dog without it looking at you or even having to take a verbal instruction, once the animal has been properly trained.

You can begin the lead training when the dog is a puppy, getting the dog used to wearing of a collar first and then adding the leash to the combination.  Practice this at home, associating it with pleasant and playful times such as petting, games and rewards.  Try to avoid having the dog wear a collar and leash when you are away from it, as this association will consequently associate the restrains to its freedom with your departure from the home.

Once the puppy has achieved a level of comfort with wearing the collar and leash, and is able to walk about comfortably, you can move the next phase of the training in which you are able to make corrections to the dog’s actions.  If your dog pulls too strongly this will indicate a needed correction with a verbal correction,"NO."

You should not pick a retractable dog lead that would prevent a proper avenue of communication with the dog.  In the initial stages of training, a longer lead might be more appropriate and as the dog advances, the lead can be shortened.

Be patient, kind and consistent during all phases of the collar and leash training.  With time, rewards and consistency, your dog will be well behaved and safe.

Don’t forget to visit Leads and Leashes.

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Never too Early to Think about Safety

Dog Safety: 10 Christmas Tree Decorating Tips For Your Dog In Mind

Creating a holiday tree that is both beautiful to look at for you and unattractive to your dog is a special challenge. Here are some suggestions to keep your tree pet-friendly.
 
1. Tree water at the base of live trees can be harmful if preservative chemicals have been added to prolong the life of the tree. Keep your dog from drinking the water by covering the tree basin with foil or a tree skirt.
 
2. Place dog-safe ornaments near the bottom of the tree in case your dog decides to use the ornaments as playthings.
 
3. Tie up loose electrical cords of the lights used to decorate the tree and keep them concealed by attaching them with wire or cord to the trunk of the tree. End-to-end lights eliminate individual cords dangling from the tree that might entice your dog to chew them.
 
4. If you have lots of tree lights that are not end to end, purchase a power strip in which to plug the lights. Attach the strip to the tree trunk at a level that is higher than the height of your dog. As a result, you will have only one heavy-duty power cord running from the tree to the outlet instead of several flimsy cords from single strings of lights.
 
5. To prevent your dog from knocking over your holiday tree, anchor it with cord or wire to the ceiling directly above the tree’s trunk. Don’t attach it with wire to a wall behind the tree because your dog could get caught in the wire if be darts behind the tree.
 
6. Spray the tower branches of the tree with bitter apple, cinnamon, lemon, eucalyptus, or other unappealing scents.
 
7. Hang your ornaments with ribbons rather than hooks to keep your dog from accidentally swallowing something that could get lodged in his throat.
 
8. Do not use tinsel or angel hair on your tree. Angel hair, made of glass fiber, and tinsel, made of metal, can cause internal damage if your dog swallows any.
 
9. Avoid decorating your tree with strings of berries or other edible ornaments - many are harmful if swallowed. The string on which they are attached can cause damage to your dog’s intestines if swallowed, and a dog, eager to get to the "treats," could knock over the tree.
 
10. If you like, decorate a small, artificial tree for your dog with items he will find appealing, such as doggie biscuits and dog toys. Hide the tree until you are ready for your dog to open his presents.

Remember that if you begin by introducing the dog to holiday hazards early in your relationship, you are far less likely to have problems with destructive behavior or illness related to decorations.  Patience, kindness, consideration and respect all play tremendous roles in forging the positive bonds that create life long memories with your canine companion.

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Dog Training is Important

The Importance Of Enrolling Your Dog In The Right Training Class

Enrolling your dog in a training class is a vital part of the obedience club as well as your dog’s education. The dog is brought into contact with other dogs and has the opportunity to overcome his problems under supervision. At the same time, the owner has the advantage of associating with those who have had experience as he gains knowledge by observation. In addition, classroom training helps to prepare both the owner and the dog for participation in the Obedience Trials at dog shows.
 
Training classes may be held independently at an obedience club when sponsored by another organization, with the exception of privately owned and professional groups. Dog owners may also attend classes endorsed by the Education Department of the Society. Other groups that are sponsoring dog training programs include the board of education, adult education centers, and departments of recreation, humane societies, and community centers.
 
The participants need not necessarily be members of the sponsoring organization to enroll in the class. Fees as well as other charges must be decided upon what courses will be given, the number of lessons per course, and the day of the week and hours that are most suitable for training.
 
The public is becoming more broad-minded on the subject of dog training and it recognizes the benefits derived from such activity. Authorities have been persuaded to open the doors of school gymnasiums, community centers, and city halls. Park officials, YMCA’s, and churches also cooperate in offering training programs. In some instances, universities permit the use of campus grounds. Armories and privately owned riding stables frequently contribute their facilities.
 
A big disadvantage can be overcome when the training is held outdoors. More dogs can be accommodated and there is no problem about quarters in which to work. When the training is done indoors, it is impractical to work in a room smaller than 40 or 50 feet square. However, such places are hard to find. The larger the room, the better, but the rent for a large room is often prohibitive.
 
The type of floor in the training room is important. Results will be poor if the dogs slip and the owners have a hard time keeping their footing. Rubber matting will remove this hazard, though it can be quite pricey. A room at street level is preferable to one where it is necessary to climb stairs. Quarters with a door opening onto the street are more desirable than an inside room with long passageways.
 
When the dogs are exercised at frequent intervals there should be little cause for complaint, but some owners are reluctant to take their dogs outside when it involves a long walk. The training room with a stage or balcony has added advantages. The extra space will provide a place for the dogs to stay when they are not working and for visitors to observe the class.

To learn more about  dog training and teaching consistency in rules, read Give it Up-Teach Consistency.

 

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