Archive for the ‘Dog Training Tools’ Category

Are you the type of pet owner who taking care of his dog has taken center stage? Is your furry friend subject to behavior problems? Perhaps you wish he would sit when you asked him to? These are some of the topics modern dog training authors address in their books. More and more books ob dog training appear on store shelves every day, because of the increasing demand for them. Dog training book authors aim to capitalize on the growing niche of pet owners who embark on the task of training their dog all by themselves. However, some unscrupulous writers don’t miss the opportunity to invade the market with anything they can come up with and call it a training book.
The truth is that some training books out there look and feel more like a comic book, since the author never actually had a dog before. These books completely void of substance, stand side by side next to material written by authors with more than thirty years of dog training experience. The use of a printed guide can be a powerful tool for pet owners in search for plan on how to take their dog through the basics of dog training. However, an incredible amount of weeding must be done in order to get rid of the junk that can stand in the way of a good book.
An example of a well written book, might be “Help! My dog has an attitude” written by Gwen Bohnenkamp. It is easy to find substantial information included in this book. One of the things pointed out by the author in this book, is the fact that dogs, like human beings, are subject to every day stress situations typical of modern day life. Incidents like the noise of the ambulance, a car stopping right next to you and honking the horn, are just some examples that can drive any living organism to the top of his nerves! The book gets the reader to think about his surroundings from a dogs point of view, and become conscious of the fact that we are directly responsible for much of it.
Another example of a dog training book is “The Dog Whisperer” written by Paul Owens. His work is completely void of significant information, and could be labeled an example of the kind of book that needs to be weeded out at the library. The book starts off to include a few basic principles on training, and then goes on to talk about love between you and your pet. He also attempts to include spirituality as part of the training, digressing a great deal from the matter at hand. Therefore, in order to avoid spending your money in a dog training book that turns out to be lessons in Yoga, ask around and search online dog forums for worthy recommendations. Although some people may consider yoga the way to go when it comes to teaching your dog a few lessons, this article is meant for those who wish to keep it simple, and within the means of traditional dog training.

A dog training career may be just right for you, if you love working with dogs.  Dogs of all ages, from puppies to older dogs, need training, and their owners often don’t know how to train them.  They look for a professional dog trainer to do the job.If you are thinking of a dog training career, you might want to start by practicing on your own dog.  If you are good at training your dog, you might be good at training other people’s dogs.  But if training your dog leaves you frustrated and drained, then becoming a dog trainer might not be the best career for you.When you are training dogs, you are actually training the owners more than the dogs, so you need to be good with people to consider a dog training career.  People are not at their best when they are frustrated or embarrassed by their dog’s behavior.  Will you be able to deal with these distraught owners calmly, while at the same time tending to their dogs?  Give this some thought.Consider volunteering to help out at a dog training class at your local shelter.  You will get a feel for what is involved in a dog training career.  If you are good, the teacher may let you teach a segment of the class.  This will be your trial by fire. If you do a good job, then you can move forward with your training.You can prepare for a dog training career in several ways.1.    Attend a school specifically for those interested in a dog training career.  There are many schools and seminars available. Be sure to get lots of hands on training.2.    Become an intern or apprentice to a dog trainer in your area.  This way, you can learn dog training on the job.3.    Become a certified dog trainer.  Do a search on the internet for dog training certification programs.Once you have the proper education in dog training, starting your business should be easy.  Decide if you want to work with individual clients in their homes or offer dog training classes.  It is a good idea to offer a combination of both.  By advertising your dog training classes, people who want individual help training their dogs will hear about you too.  Soon your dog training career will be off to a great start.Check around in your area for facilities where you can hold the dog training classes.  Often the local humane society will have space for classes, or you could check with dog day care facilities.  In warm weather, you may be able to hold your classes outdoors.Advertise your services by leaving brochures about your training program with veterinarians, dog supply stores, and pet shelters.  This way, your advertising will not cost you much.Congratulations!  You have followed the steps above and have a thriving dog training career.  You love dogs and are working with them every day.  For a dog lover and a natural teacher, you have found the ideal business to be in.

Most dog owners wish that they could have more control over their dogs. With dog training collars, however, you can get what you want, i.e., better control with more comfort, and making sure that you are leading your dog more effectively. You will find that there are basically two types of head halters that are available for dogs. One type is known as the gentle leader and the other type is known as the Halti. Though both dog training collars are useful, the gentle leader has an advantage because of its better design that ensures better control. The design is simpler, as it settles behind your dog’s ears and then goes around the muzzle. Under the dogs chin, it is connected with nylon straps. But do not confuse it with muzzle. The dog can be controlled simply by using of general leader to control his nose. This is sure to make your dog follow. The second type of do training collar is the Halti. It has been made following the same type of principles as the gentle leader. However the design is much more complex and this can even cause problems as it might interfere with its functioning. Infact, at times, these dog training collars have been known to cause injuries in the neck and the spine of the dog. There is another type of dog collar available that looks kind of intimidating. This is known as the prong collar which is quite effective for controlling dogs that are large, and have a thick neck. However these are not meant for those that yank in your arms. The collar, that tries to pinch the dog’s neck by using light pressure, may remind you of a torture device used in the medieval times. However, as the pressure is mild, it does not really hurt the dog, and thus it does not cause any harm. It only helps to make sure that your dog moves in the right direction. These dog training collars must not be used for dogs that tend to steadily pull on the leash, since this is essentially a correction device, not a constant collar. This type of a dog training collar should not be used if you have just become a dog owner, and extensive studying on its use is yet to be done. Also, it is always advisable to consult your vet before you fit it to your pet. An old type of a standby, known as the choke chain, is also available. As it comes in last it is definitely not for the novice. There have been many studies proving that a number of neck injuries are caused with this type of collar. Therefore it is not advisable to use these dog collars, unless you are quite an experienced trainer. So, when you are selecting a dog training collar, get some information on their proper use and use some common sense too. You and you dog are sure to make a happy pair!

Dog training is the process of teaching a dog to exhibit certain desired behaviors in specific circumstances. Some examples are:

The specific behaviors taught in each case are different, but the underlying principles are similar.

In the wild as pack animals, canines have natural instincts that favor training. These instincts are manifested when the dog lives with humans as a desire to please a handler, as a dog would please senior members in a pack in the wild. The handler is simply whoever is working with a dog at the time.

Basic training

Most dogs, no matter their eventual advanced training or intended purpose, live with people and therefore must behave in a way that makes them pleasant to have around and for their own safety and that of other people and pets. Dogs do not figure out basic obedience on their own; it must be trained.

Basic training classes

Professional “dog trainers” usually do not train the dogs, but actually train the owners how to train their own dogs. Although it is also possible to send a dog away to a training school, the owner still must at some point learn what the dog has learned and how to use it and reinforce it. Owners and dogs who attend class together have an opportunity to learn more about each other and how to work together under a trainer’s guidance. Training is most effective if everyone who handles the dog takes part in the training to ensure consistent commands, methods, and enforcement.

Formal training in classes is not always available until the puppy has completed all its vaccinations at around 4 months; however, some trainers offer puppy socialization classes in which puppies can enroll immediately after being placed in their permanent homes as long as disease risk is minimal and puppies have receieved initial vaccinations. In most cases, basic training classes accept only puppies who are at least 3 to 6 months old.

Next article: Dog Training Part II – Age for early training

Is your dog a little bit too energetic sometimes? Particularly puppies and young dogs could be rather hyperactive. Some mental stimulation keeps them more satisfied. There´s a wide range of activity toys and dog training equipments (for example kongs, soft dog toys, hard chew toys, dummies, interactive dog toys) on the market, but you can do without them!One of the most popular dog activity games is surely hiding some food. Dog (preferably hungry) has to use its nose to find tidbits. Remember that food has to be very delicious. Hide tidbits indoors or outdoors (grass, snow, forest etc.) and make it more difficult step by step. You can also make a trail (smell) of blood or food for dog to track, and at the end of the trail is of course lots of food or dog´s favorite toy! If you dont have time to hide some food, give a delicious bone to the dog. Or if your dog isnt so fond of food, but loves his toys (ball, sticks etc.), hide them!Lively dogs will often settle down if they are encouraged to use their brain more. Start putting an empty toilet roll on the floor and hide a tidbit inside of it. Dog has to figure out how to get the food! Make it more difficult step by step (paper roll, yoghurt can, box etc.). Some easy tricks are also very fun to learn. For example, teach your dog to sit, rollover, dance or weave in and out of your legs while you walk.

German shepherd rescue dog training is different from the usual training that you might find or give your dog. This type of training requires more time, effort, know how, patience and consistency. This is due to the fact that you will be teaching your dog more than just the usual every day techniques.

There is no doubt that the training will be somewhat a bit more stressful because of the intensity that it will require, which is why you need to think about things deeply before getting on the program. Also, you will need to take into account the age of your German shepherd as the training will somewhat be stressful if your pet is not mentally and physically prepared for it.

In starting, you might want to take things slow. Basic techniques will still need to be established before any advanced methods are employed. So be sure that your pet learns this as thoroughly as he can. This will also be somewhat of an indicator as to whether you fit will have the behavior and patience to continue on with more intensive training or not. Place into mind that the task you will have on your hand will not be easy, but is not impossible as well.

For most part, you might want to start with “detraining” your pet first before any of the real training can begin. Once detraining of unacceptable behavior has been done next comes the establishment of any lacking skills of behaviors that your dog might need to get through the program successfully.

Once all the needed skills have been established, then comes the more rigorous rescue training process. Swimming, stamina building, strength training, will then ensue to equip your dog with all the skills that he needs to make him more effective.

The process can be somewhat long, and in some cases even continuous depending on the speed of improvement and necessity, which is why you need to be well prepared for it. German shepherd rescue dog training won’t be easy; you will need accurate and up to date information regarding proper training procedures. This can be a challenge in itself because of the more specialized nature of the topic. Thankfully there’s a site that you will be able to count on when looking for the right information. Rescue Dog Training has plenty of informational materials when it comes to German shepherd training, and will surely be able to provide you with the valuable techniques and methods that you are looking for so be sure to visit it.

 

 

What are Therapy Dogs?

I like to think of them as Little Angels of Happiness. Very simply, a Therapy Dog can bring infectious laughter and joy to the people it’s around, perhaps making people forget any issues they may have at the moment. They can also be considered as our Little Helpers. In addition to delivering happiness to the people around them, they can also provide assistance services to disabled individuals as they have been specially trained to be able to perform a number of specific tasks.

What is the required Training for this type of Dogs?

Therapy dog training is something that is quite different from the regular type of training for your dog (i.e. sit, stay & fetch). It requires a completely different set of methods and techniques with some extra effort from its owner. All Therapy Dogs must be housebroken, have proper manners and are obedient. They must not be shy and be able to interact well with strangers and children.

Below are some tips you can follow to train your dog to become one of them:

- Frequent public areas with your dog so he/she can get used to the people and the noisy environment. This will help to train them to remain calm in such a busy atmosphere.

- Teach your dog that certain behaviour is not acceptable regardless of the situation (for example, jumping, barking, growling and even over friendly behaviour).

- Socialize your dog

- Use gentle and positive reinforcement when teaching your dog basic commands

 

There are many ways that a dog can cause problems for you as an owner. One of these is when he causes damage to both property and people. The least a dog can do is intrude on another person’s property and start attacking their plants or clothes. The worse it can do is to bite other people, which could be a cause for a serious lawsuit for compensation and damages.
As an owner, the dog is your responsibility. If it does something damaging to someone or something that other people own, you are liable for it. Thus, it is your obligation to yourself and your neighbor to make sure that your dog does not do anything like that. The least you’ll suffer is to pay for liabilities; the worse, you can get is to have your dog taken away from you and be killed.
The Dog Training Fence Is Your Answer
Nowadays, the need for keeping the dogs fenced in is so real that there have been several means developed for meeting that need. Physical fences are always an option, but they could affect the aesthetics of your property because of their unsightly appearance.
Nowadays, however, there is now the electric or wireless dog training fence that anyone can use to rein their dogs in. These fences eliminate the need for one to construct a concrete or steel fence that will enclose these canines within your property, where they can’t cause any damage that you have to be answerable to.
It Is More Effective Than a Physical Fence
In the old days, the fence has done a good of keeping the dog contained–to some extent. There are stubborn or more intelligent dogs that are still able to find ways that they can escape out from the property. They can simply dig below the fence or jump over it if it is still too low to do the job of stopping them.
The dog training fence, however, is far superior than the old methods. A lot of people now realize that the fence can do a better job of convincing the dog that they should stay inside the property and that there is nothing good about even trying to do so. The fence has a lot of ways to do just that, and the dog soon has nothing else to do but abide by the rules.
How does the fence do that? It disciplines a dog through the use of stimulations or electric currents. When a dog tries to overstep his limits, the system sends a static correction signal through the dog’s body via the contact points in his receiver collar. Of course, it isn’t strong enough to hurt your pet. No one wants to be cruel to a dog, after all.
The effectiveness of a dog training fence has been gauged at two weeks’ maximum. With proper supervision and use, the dog training fence can make a more obedient pet out of your dog in as little as two weeks. By then, you won’t have to get headaches from the formerly belligerent behavior of your pet.

From Publishers Weekly

Millan, television’s “Dog Whisperer,” says that “Even the most unobservant person can see an owner’s own issues totally mirrored in his or her dogs’ problems,” and in this follow-up to last year’s bestselling Cesar’s Way, he makes that connection more explicit and exploitable. Every dog wants a “clearly defined social framework, with a fair, consistent pack leader”; chances are good, then, that behind every unruly dog is an inconsistent human. To become the (more…)

When your dog starts gnarling, biting or exhibiting hostile and intimidating behavior, chances are, you might have a dangerously aggressive animal. But there is no need to jump the gun right away.

 

Dogs, no matter what their breeds are, will always have the tendency to bite, or display hostility, given certain circumstances, like, being faced with a stranger, or with another dog. So how do you know if your dog is dangerously aggressive?

 

Some owners may not acknowledge that their dogs are aggressive, due to monetary, or variety of other reasons. Some may even shrug it off, and think of it as a defense mechanism, against a perceived threat. Others think their dogs will grow out of it eventually. But if this is not addressed right away, it could pose a possible risk to your family and neighborhood.

 

Here are some signs you might have a dangerously aggressive canine:

 

The most obvious signs include gnarling, snapping, biting, mounting people or animals, curling of lips, lunging, incessant barking and blocking your path.

 

Some aggressive dogs will not display this behavior all the time.

 

Territorial tendencies. Although this type of behavior is good when you are looking for a guard dog, it could wreak havoc when you are walking this dog around your neighborhood, and can be detrimental around your kids.

 

Tendencies to be over-possessive. Aggressive dogs tend to be over protective over their possessions, whether they are their toys, food, or their owners. It will snap or growl at anyone that attempts to get near them.

 

Unprovoked attacks on anything that moves, humans included.

 

Snapping or gnarling when touched or petted. Dogs can be touchy when they are injured, or when a part of their body is sore. But aggressive dogs will snap, growl, or bite anyone who pets them or attempts to touch them. It can also grab their owners\’ hand, if they want more affection.

 

Attempts to break free from home and roam the streets.

 

When you think your dog displays any of these possibly aggressive behavior, you need to address this issue right away.

 

Aggressive dog training, is one of the best ways to curb their hostility, but, attempting to administer aggressive dog training without proper knowledge, or without supervision, by a professional, can be dangerous. You may also need to take your dog to a veterinarian first, before attempting aggressive dog training, for sedatives and other tips, in dealing with a hostile canine.