dog training

Train Your Dog to Stop Doing These 3 Common Habits—A Guide

by DOTBdrl • December 18, 2020 • 0 Comments

If you own a puppy, then you immediately look up to them as your best friend. You spend most of your time with them, showering them with treats, attention, and unconditional love. As they grow older, they start showing unnecessary behavior that can sometimes be too hard to control!

Dogs tend to do things on their terms, learning to find their way in the world as part of growing up. In the beginning, they will chew everything they see, make a mess of your house, and will give you a hard time trying to catch their attention.

But you shouldn’t give up training them because it’s all part of having a dog! Instead, it would be best to begin your puppy’s obedience training and teach them a few commands to improve your relationship with your dog and maintain their safety. Keep reading below to find out the typical dog behavior you can expect to encounter and how to stop them.

Your Dog Always Tends to Jump on People

Dogs that are always excited tend to jump on people to try and catch their attention and receive their affection. It usually happens when you come home to your dog, and you’re all excited that your dog ends up responding to your excitement in their own way by leaping onto you.

To prevent unnecessary jumping from happening, you need to learn how to train your dog properly. First, you arrive home and skip the grand entrance by luring them with a treat to keep your puppy calm. You should direct the food to their nose until they notice it and stop jumping, with your dog’s attention now focused on the treat in your hand. Once you lead your dog to the sitting position, you can reward them with the treat and praise your puppy gently for doing a good job.

Another thing to try is showing your dog who’s the master whenever they jump on you. You can take up their space by walking a few steps towards them while they’re in motion. The moment your dog stops and stays on the ground, lead them into a sitting position with a treat in hand, give it to them, and praise them quietly for it.

Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety

Similar to humans, dogs are capable of feeling separation anxiety too. The separation anxiety you think your dog has may be just anxiety from having unreleased energy. If they don’t always get the opportunity to exercise outdoors and are locked in your house most of the time, it’s possible that your dog needs to be taken on more walks.

For best results, make time to walk your dog twice a day until it’s instilled in your daily routine. All dogs require to be exercised, or else they will feel anxious and act out—eventually releasing their destructive behavior if left unattended!

If you have no choice but to leave your dog home for a short while, you shouldn’t make a big deal about your departure and arrival to reduce the chances of developing separation anxiety. Learn to ignore your dog a few minutes before you depart and after you get home to remove the emphasis and calm your dog.

Your Dog Doesn’t Listen to You When Called

Calling your dog by their name and having them obediently come to you each time is an essential puppy training command you need to teach. It’s a safety issue that they should come immediately when called—or else your puppy can end up hurting themselves from the distractions around them.

You should start their training at an early age. Remember never to chase your puppy around the house, as they will eventually grow bigger and get used to running circles to get your attention! You can use a leash instead and let your puppy drag it along with them. Each time you call them, you can stop what they’re doing by stepping on the end of the line with a treat in hand.

More often than not, dogs will listen to you so long as they have a reward coming for them. You can use your puppy’s food to lure them to follow your command and come to you when calling their name by letting your dog earn their keep. You can give them treats each time they respond to you correctly, and it won’t be long until they perfect the command of coming when called.

Conclusion

Dog obedience training will require a lot of time and patience. It’s necessary to remain determined to learn how to train your puppy at an early age to improve your chances of controlling their destructive behavior and witnessing them become well-behaved as time progresses. If they tend to jump on you, have separation anxiety, and won’t come when called, you can try out the tips above until your dog gets the hang of it and starts obeying your every command!

Are you looking for the best dog training blogs to help you take care of your new puppy? Dog Obedience Training is an online platform dedicated to providing readers with information regarding dog obedience training. Browse through our articles for more helpful tips!

dog chewing

A New Dog Owner’s Guide: How to Stop Puppies From Biting

by DOTBdrl • December 10, 2020 • 0 Comments

You’ve just welcomed a new furry friend into your home, and while you are overcome with joy, you may also feel a little lost. Don’t worry; learning how to communicate effectively with your puppy has a slight learning curve, and not everyone gets it right away. Some new owners may even feel dismayed that their puppy appears to be displaying aggressive biting behavior.

While biting is certainly a nuisance, it is not always a display of aggression. Puppies bite owners and fellow canines to express certain things. Here are some reasons why they do so and how you can train them to communicate their needs in a less disruptive manner.

Their needs aren’t being met

Some puppies bite their owners to communicate that their basic needs are not being met. This includes food, water, shelter, love, and play. To minimize their biting tendencies, look at their daily schedule, and see how you can make it more physically and mentally enriching for them.

You can review their feeding times, increase their training sessions, and give them more opportunities for physical activity. Once they are comfortable with their daily routine, the likelihood that they will bite you to communicate a shortage of stimulation is also lessened.

This behavior is reinforced

Puppies use biting to signal that they need attention or want to play. It could also express their desire to explore the world or minimize some teething frustration. When you continue to react to your dog’s biting, you’re reinforcing the behavior and giving them the idea that they can continue doing it even after they’ve grown up. Actions that set clear boundaries for us, such as yelling “no,” running away, or pushing them away, can be considered fun for your dog—which may obviously send the wrong message.

To avoid sending the wrong message, find the least dramatic way to communicate that biting is wrong. This includes ignoring your dog when they start biting, crossing your arms and refusing to engage them with your hands, or removing yourself from the situation entirely.

This behavior is inherent to their breed

Some dog breeds are predisposed to certain behaviors. This is why there are shepherd dogs, police dogs, and guide dogs! If your canine enjoys biting, it does not necessarily mean that they are aggressive—it could be that they just enjoy the process of chasing, biting, and tugging.

We don’t recommend ‘training away’ these instincts because it could be difficult for your pet and eventually become a wedge in your relationship. Instead, look for outlets that they can use to safely channel their predatory instincts into. This includes flirt poles, which you can make or buy online, or tug toys.

Flirt poles encourage dogs to chase after a fast-moving lure, and it’s the best toy for dogs that enjoy chasing and biting. To signal the end of the game, try teaching this drop technique to your dog.

Tug toys can be used to teach your dog how to differentiate between biting a human and biting an inanimate object. If they bite your hand and not the toy, it’s game over! Use a sturdy toy that can keep up with your pet’s energy levels and teach them to drop the tug when asked.

Conclusion

Becoming a puppy parent is a big responsibility, and sometimes, you may get frustrated when they display unwanted behavior. When you do, take a moment for yourself and remember that dogs do not communicate the same way we do—and some see biting as a natural part of expressing themselves. You’ll need to prepare yourself for both the ups and downs of watching your canine buddy grow up.

Are you looking for more information on how to house train a dog? Dog Obedience Training is a website that is dedicated to providing helpful information for training your beloved companions. We cover a wide range of topics, from behavioral training to teaching your dog tricks and learning how to bond with your dog. Head over to our website today to learn more about taking care of your beloved pets!

agility training, dog training

The 3 Most Direct Things That Make You Proficient in Dog Agility Training

by DOTBdrl • August 4, 2013 • 0 Comments

The 3 Most Direct Things That Make You Proficient in Dog Agility Training

: me’nthedogs / Foter / CC BY-NC

When it comes to agility training for dogs, the concept is always to start slow and simple and then proceed to fast and complex. You may wonder what agility training is all about, but when you finish reading this article you should have a better understanding about this form of dog obedience training. Agility training is a competitive dog sport found in many cities. It offers an opportunity for dog owners to spend more time with their pets in a constructive way. On one hand, the owner trains the dog to follow commands and make accurate maneuvers around obstacles; on the other hand, it is just one of the best ways for keeping a dog busy and healthy. Here is a detailed description of dog agility training and its importance.

1. Basic Requirements

The basic requirement for agility training is a dog that can follow instructions and has the strength to complete the assigned challenges. Based on this requirement, you can go ahead and agility-train your puppies, but because of the development stage, you will have to go gentle with them. They really need to understand the task ahead, more than they need the actual obstacles; therefore, only work with dogs that are at least a year old when you are using contact obstacles, jumps, and tunnels. For puppies, just concentrate on obedience challenges. In fact, this is the best time to teach them about rewards for good performance by using various treats and encouraging words as well as expressions when they perform a task satisfactorily.

2. What Does Agility Training Involve?

Remember, you get into agility training with your dog for a chance to win the coveted best dog trophy, but the real benefit of the sport comes from the time you spend bonding with your dog. It is the best moment of the friendship that you will have together, so take time to cherish it, and understand this: it’s okay for your dog to fail, just like it would be okay with you as a person. The important thing is to keep working on both you and your dog’s weaknesses as well as learning to recognize when your dog has reached its best. Doing this helps to prevent injuries to your dog.

Agility training is all about teaching the dog to jump through or over bars without touching them to get points. It is also about moving through or over contact obstacles and touching them with paws as instructed. The training will also involve stages where the dog goes over a balance beam structure and through tunnels that vary in length and diameter. Throughout the challenge, the dog responds to the commands of its handler and points are awarded for accuracy and speed. From this description it seems straightforward, but that is where the easy part ends.

3. Dealing with Different Dog Personalities

The hard part of dog agility training occurs when you have to deal with different dog personalities. One dog can be naturally timid, while another can be fearless. You should know your dog’s personality type, as this will help you handle him or her appropriately. Other than what shows from the general behavior of the dog and the reaction to instructions, there is also the hidden personality that determines how well a dog will cope. For example, he or she may be okay with every skill you teach at home or in your regular training area; however, as soon as you take him or her to a different location, you could find that your dog behaves in a very different way due to the change in environment.

Take time with your dog, understand the personality type, and introduce him or her to new handlers and locations just to make sure your agility training is transferable. In the end, dog agility training is all about training your dog to have the necessary strength, speed, and ability to follow instructions accurately. It is the ideal training for dogs needing to stay active to be happy, not forgetting that activity also keeps them fit.

If you find this approach to dog obedience training appealing, now is the time to sign up your beagle or any other type of dog for what could conveniently turn into the best pastime for the two of you. At the same time, you will be joining the millions of dog owners who want the best for their canine pets and a chance to win the lucrative dog agility-training trophy.

Here is an example of an impressive winning performance in dog agility:

dog training, fetch

The Best Way to Teach a Dog to Fetch

by DOTBdrl • August 4, 2013 • 0 Comments

The Best Way to Teach a Dog to Fetch

: young_einstein / Foter / CC BY-NC

In looking for a fun way to exercise your dog, one of the first activities to consider is the game of fetch. Some breeds such as Retrievers have natural instincts to retrieve, but most other breeds also love to chase after objects and bring them back. This is a fun way for you to bond with your dog and get in some good exercise at the same time!

Even though the game of fetch is a natural activity, there are some basic tips and guidelines that will help you to enjoy this pastime in a fun and safe way.

Safety Issues
First, be sure to use an object that doesn’t present any type of choking hazard, so make sure the size is sufficiently large. You also want to be sure that the material will not splinter, will not be too hard on your dog’s teeth, and will not be toxic.

Popular items to use in the game of fetch include tennis balls, Frisbees, and sticks. An object such as a KONG toy has irregular bounce patterns that can introduce a fun added level of challenge.

If you use a Frisbee, special dog versions exist that have softer surfaces with less danger of damaging your dog’s teeth.

When your dog is chasing after the thrown object, he will not be paying as much attention to the environment, so be sure to check the area beforehand to ensure that the environment is safe—no broken glass, etc.

How to Throw Object
Some objects, such as Frisbees, have special techniques to launch them, while others such as tennis balls can use a regular throwing motion. If you have trouble throwing a tennis ball a sufficient distance, you can use a special ball launcher, a flexible apparatus that will magnify the effect of your throwing motion. If you have a small area in which to play, you can also use an underhand motion.

Teaching the Dog
Dog behaviorist experts such as Cesar Milan (The “Dog Whisperer”) caution against getting into a tug-of-war with your dog. Playing tug-of-war can unintentionally promote dominance issues, as the one who ends up with the object ends up winning the game of “dominance.” Playing tug-of-war can also damage a dog’s teeth and mouth if things go awry. Also, playing tug-of-war can result in your hand inadvertently being damaged when your dog goes for a better grip on the object.

Instead, teach your dog to lay the object down at your feet when he brings back the toy. Refuse to engage in the game until he lays the object down. You can use treats for positive reinforcement when your dog does the desired behavior and lays the object down.

Here are some steps to teaching your dog the game of fetch.

Step 1: Interest Your Dog In the Object
Get down on your dog’s level and introduce the object to your dog. Show your enthusiasm about the object, and move it around to arouse your dog’s chase instinct.

Step 2: Reward Your Dog’s Interest
Once your dog picks up the toy, reward his interest by giving him a treat and/or clicking with a clicker (if you’re using clicker training). Awarding the treat will automatically get your dog to drop the toy if he hasn’t already done so. Give extra verbal praise for a quick drop. Gradually increase the amount of time your dog holds the toy before awarding a treat.

Step 3: Fetch! Show Dog They Must Return Toy to Get Treat
Use body language and move away from your dog to encourage him to bring the toy to you. Reward him when he drops the toy.

A nice YouTube training video can be seen here:

By following the guidelines set forth in this article, you and your pet dog will enjoy a safe way to bond while reaping the benefits of exercise in a fun activity.

dog barking, dog begging, dog chewing, dog digging, dog training, dog urination

Learn The 5 Most Common Dog Behavior Problems And Tips On What To Do About Them

by DOTBdrl • August 3, 2013 • 0 Comments

Learn The 5 Most Common Dog Behavior Problems And Tips On What To Do About Them

: CaptPiper / Foter / CC BY-NC

A dog with behavior problems can easily drive even the most experienced dog owner crazy. Most dog owners want their dogs to be happy and healthy, and to exhibit the best behaviors. But even the most disciplined dog will once in a while demonstrate a dog behavior problem. This is because dogs are not moral–they do what they do to suit them, not because that thing is right or wrong. In order for you as a dog owner to have the best behaved dog, it is important that you learn to identify your dog’s behavior problems and how to effectively correct them. The following are the 5 most common dog behavior problems and what to do about them.

Barking
It is normal for a dog to bark once in a while, but when the dog barks excessively, or whines and howls without a reason, then that is considered a behavior problem. But before you try to correct this behavior problem it is important to find out the reason for the barking, howling, or whining. For example, a dog can bark to warn or alert you, seek attention, display anxiety, boredom, excitement, or out of a response to other dogs. Therefore, check out the reason why the dog is barking, if possible eliminate the reason for barking, teach the dog not to howl, and if the dog is seeking attention, don’t respond immediately as this will encourage the dog.

: ClickFlashPhotos / Nicki Varkevisser / Foter / CC BY

Chewing
Chewing is considered a natural act for all dogs. But this can be a behavioral problem if the dog causes destruction. Some dogs chew when teething (puppies), when bored, curious, or anxious. In order to address this problem, it is advisable to encourage your dog to chew on acceptable objects. Ensure that your personal items are kept away from your dog. You can also keep your dog crated when you are not at home. One correction technique is to use a sharp noise when you find your dog chewing on the wrong item.

: j l t / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA

Digging
Digging is also another common dog behavior problem that drives most dog owners mad. It is important to first understand that digging is a natural instinct in dogs, but of course this should also be controlled. There are some dog breeds that are prone to digging, for example the Terriers simply because of the hunting history they have. Some of the reasons why dogs dig include excess energy, anxiety, fear, seeking comfort, gaining access to something, or hiding possessions. It is important to find out the cause of the digging and then eliminate the source. You can also exercise your dog on a daily basis to help drain excessive energy, and you can also set aside an area where the dog will dig whenever need arises.

Inappropriate Urination or Defecation
This is among the most frustrating dog behavioral problems among dog owners. This behavior can damage your belongings, areas in your home, and it can also make your dog unwelcome in some areas. Dogs urinate as a way of marking territory, to seek attention, as a result of anxiety, or due to a lack of proper housebreaking. Train your dog where to defecate and where to urinate. You can also train your dog how to alert you whenever they feel like urinating or want to defecate; many people have success training their dog to ring a bell on the doorknob when they need to go outside.

You can also talk to your veterinarian about this problem, because sometimes health problems are the cause of unwanted urination.

: Darwin Bell / Foter / CC BY-NC

Begging
This is a very bad habit in dogs, which most dog owners unknowingly encourage. Dogs beg because they love food, but this should not be a reason to encourage this behavior. When encouraged, this behavioral problem can lead to obesity and digestive problems, not to mention the irritating behavior. It is hard to resist when a dog begs, especially with that longing look when the dog begs for food. But giving in is worse, as you will be encouraging this bad behavior. When you are about to eat, enforce your dog staying away from the table where he cannot stare at you. You can only let him eat when you have finished eating. Remember, in nature the leader of the pack eats first.

In summary, for you to deal with the above 5 most common dog behavior problems, it is important to find out the underlying causes of the problems before figuring out how to deal with the problems. Remember, dog training is very important for all dogs in order to have a happy co-existence with humans.

crate training, dog training

How To Use Crate Training For Your Dog with Great Results

by DOTBdrl • August 2, 2013 • 0 Comments

How To Use Crate Training For Your Dog with Great Results

: K. Cagan Photos / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA

Number of Bids:

$300.00

Introducing Your Puppy/Dog to the Crate
The crate should be put in the part of the house where there are people or the family spends lots of its time, such as the living room. Put a soft towel or blanket in the crate and take the dog to the crate while talking in a happy voice or tone. The crate door should be securely fastened to avoid frightening or hitting the dog.
You can encourage your pet to enter the crate by dropping some crumbs of food treats nearer to it and slightly beyond the door and throughout the crate. At first, the dog might refuse to go inside all the way; do not force him. You can toss treats continually inside the crate until the pet has learned to calmly walk inside the crate to eat the food. For dogs uninterested in food treats, a favorite play thing or toy can be tossed inside the crate. For some dog owners, this step can take a couple of days or just a few minutes.
Feeding the Dog in the Crate
Once you have introduced the dog to his crate, start feeding him every meal near the crate. It helps him develop a pleasant association with the crate. In case the dog has already started entering it, the dish containing his meal should be put all the way towards the end of the crate. For a dog that is still uncomfortable with entering the crate, put the food dish as far as the dog is ready to go inside the crate without making him anxious or fearful. Every time he is fed, the dish should be moved a little further inside.
Once the dog has learned to eat inside the crate comfortably while standing, close the crate until he is through with eating. Open the crate door at first after he has completed his meal. After every successful feeding, the door can be left closed for a couple of minutes more until the dog stays inside the crate for about ten minutes after taking his meal. If he starts whining, probably you have increased his time in the crate more than he is accustomed to and you should shorten his time inside the crate next time. However, if the dog cries or whines inside the crate, he should not be let out until he has stopped. Otherwise, you will teach him that to leave the crate he must cry or whine, and he will be doing it everyday. Always reinforce desired behavior, not undesired behavior.
Crating the Dog at Night
To crate the dog at night, put him in the crate using the normal treat and regular command. At first, you can have the crate in a hallway nearby or in the bedroom, especially if it is a puppy. Most puppies have to eliminate outside at night and they usually whine when they want to be let outside. For an older dog, the crate should also be put nearby to avoid associating it with social seclusion. As the dog learns to sleep comfortably all night with the crate near the bedroom, gradually move it to the place of your own liking.

By following the guidelines in this article, you and your dog can reap the benefits of crate training that have produced happy results for many others before you.

dog training, puppies

5 Incredible Tips You Can Use To Train Your Puppies

by DOTBdrl • August 2, 2013 • 0 Comments

5 Incredible Tips You Can Use To Train Your Puppies

: paul+photos=moody / Foter / CC BY-NC

Puppy training requires starting as early as possible. Read this post to learn some effective puppy training tips and tricks that you can use as a guideline.

Having a dog as a pet in your house often brings joy in many ways. Basically, dogs are among the most common pets as a result of their many qualities, one of them being their loving nature. Puppies when properly trained at an early stage, can without hassle turn out to be the most obedient as well as loving dogs. Hence, before you grumble and mumble when your puppy chews your socks or slippers for no reason, make use of the tips that are mentioned in this article and train your puppy well.

5 Tips For Training Puppies

Here are some effective training tips that can assist you to not only train your little furry pet the intricacies of socializing and potty training, but enable you to also bond for a lasting relationship that is based on trust and love.

Tip #1: Socializing Your Puppy

This is a process by which the puppy will learn to recognize and interact appropriately with other people, dogs, and other animal species such as cats, as well as the different surroundings. Remember also that until your puppy is fully vaccinated, you must protect him or her from being exposed to other dogs that may be carrying diseases or dog urine and feces.

You can socialize your puppy hassle-free by carrying him or her to various places and allowing your puppy to be exposed to the new things that you happen to find in these places. Basically, whenever your puppy happens to display good behavior, ensure that you reinforce it by praises as well as treats.

Tip #2: Teaching Simple Commands

It is ideal that you start teaching your puppy simple commands such as “no” and “come” as early as possible. However, patience, again, persistence and consistency are requisite requirements. Basically, each time your puppy happens to do something undesirable like chewing up a mat, make sure that you use a firm voice to say “no,” removing the mat firmly.

The command “come” can easily be taught while you’re standing some distance away, calling out “come” in a very friendly way, while also giving visual clues. Also, you can squat down and then clap your hands till the puppy notices you’re calling him or her. It is always essential that you look and sound happy while training your puppy.

Every time your puppy responds as required, praise him or her. However, if he or she does not respond appropriately, be sure to scold him.

Tip #3: Potty Training Your Puppy
Potty training or house training is one of the most essential tasks; it requires a lot of patience, kindness, and a fair amount of time. First of all, you must know that while house training your puppy, you will not get immediate results.

Firstly, decide the specific place that you’ll want your puppy to use as a toilet and then take him or her there once every hour. You must ensure that you praise your puppy when he or she does what is needed in the demarcated area.

However, in case of an accident in the house, do not treat him or her harshly. Just thoroughly clean up the area so that there is no any remaining scent, and ensure that you make a note of the time. Usually, puppies sniff the floor or turn around in circles when they want to pass a stool or urinate. So, ensure that you keep a sharp watch for these signals and immediately take him or her outside once you note them.

Tip #4: Do Not Punish

Generally, positive training tactics, patience, and kindness are the only ways to train the puppy. If you’re harsh on your puppy, he or she will begin fearing you, and in the long run the puppy may be unable to master anything you want him or her to remember.

Tip #5: Using Firm and Friendly Tones

Modify the tone of your voice in accordance to the command you use. For instance, while giving commands such as “down,” “sit,” and “stay,” use a firm voice, whereas while teaching “heel” or “come” use a friendlier voice.

In conclusion, these tips combined with care and love will make the training of your puppy an enjoyable activity. Ensure that you make use of them to experience their effectiveness.

: basykes / Foter / CC BY

bonding with your dog, dog training

Dog Obedience Training – Tips to Create Great Bonding Moments

by DOTBdrl • August 2, 2013 • 0 Comments

Dog Obedience Training – Tips to Create Great Bonding Moments

: Carplips / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

Introduction

Dog obedience training is one of the best things that you can give for your loving pet and yourself. Dogs are social animals and without proper obedience training they will just behave like animals. Obedience training is nothing but simply training your pet dog to be obedient and well-behaved. This type of training is considered highly essential in order to teach dogs to learn basic commands, manners, and socialization skills. Obedience courses basically teach dogs basic commands like sit, stand, heel, lie down, and how to interact with other dogs and other people. Proper training does not solve just behavioral problems but lays a strong foundation for solving just about any type of problem.

Importance of Obedience Training for Your Dogs

Obedience training is considered to be a vital aspect as it lays the foundation for solving many other behavioral problems. To actually realize and feel the importance of proper obedience training one should take a look at the consequences of excluding it from your dog’s life – excessive barking, chewing, aggression, and most dangerous of all, biting. Untrained dogs will also soil your house, destroy your belongings, dig holes in the yard, and fight with other dogs. Obedience training opens up a line of communication between you and your dog. Training is important to establish a connection in helping you and your dog to relate to each other and thereby make living together fun and enjoyable. Yes, this special training not only teaches your dog to just sit and stay, but it establishes a positive interaction between you and your dog.

Essential Tips for Dog Obedience Training

Dog training is quite an intimidating and challenging task. It requires immense patience to overcome the difficulties that you may encounter during the training sessions. Dog training can be done at home or you can enroll your dog in an obedience training class. Before initiating dog obedience training, do some research and understand your dog’s behavior.

1. The first and foremost thing to consider is you should never rush the process. Proceed to the next step of training only when your pet has mastered the first one.
2. Begin the training in a place that is familiar to your dog with the least amount of distractions.
3. Start with the basic commands like sit, stand, come, heel, and lie down before proceeding to advanced commands. Use the commands frequently so that your dog will get acquainted with them and remember them well.
4. Special breeds have special traits. Hence, concentrate on honing these unique skills and capabilities as you advance through.
5. Positive reinforcement is an effective training method. Instead of punishing your dog for bad behavior, reward it when it complies with your commands correctly. Punishment only triggers violent or fearful responses and causes dogs to go into “animal” mode. Yes, punishment rarely works well–hence, praise your dog for his good behavior. If you don’t like a behavior, take rewards away. Clicker training is considered as the best way to teach your dog using positive reinforcement.
6. Keep the training sessions short so that your dog will be more attentive and engaged. Too long a session may make your dog lose interest in the training. Remember, their attention span is short and they become tired easily. Hence, keep training short and sweet.

7. Make sure to set a dog training routine for your dog. This will enable your dog to know the difference between play time and work time.
8. Patience is very important in teaching your dog to do what you want. Be very patient even when inevitable setbacks occur. Do not over train your dog and also expect it to learn very quickly. Never force your dog to obey instantly.
9. Make sure your dog is in a good physical condition and well hydrated before starting every session.
10. Never be overly strict with your dog but instead be very understanding that learning takes time.
11. Motivating your dog and praising him by giving his favorite toy or food is an effective approach towards good dog obedience training.

Conclusion

If you learn and apply the above basic tips, dog obedience training can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your dog. The right type of approach will definitely develop a lasting mutual bond between you and your pet dog. With perseverance and positivity, the training process will be more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

dog training, K9, Police Dog Training

What It Takes to Train a Police Dog

by DOTBdrl • August 2, 2013 • 0 Comments

What It Takes to Train a Police Dog

: British Columbia Emergency Photography / Foter / CC BY-NC

Police dogs, commonly referred to as “K9,” usually undergo a specialized training to help the police in enforcing the law. Great care is taken when training these dogs. Police dog training basically focuses on instilling an instinct for protection. The most popular dog breeds for police training are Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd since they are strong enough to endure intense training. This article highlights how dogs are trained to work in law enforcement.

Police Dog Training Tips
Obedience Training
Obedience training is the first step in police dog training. A dog must be trained to follow every command given by the handler before continuing with further training. In fact, this would make the subsequent training steps easier. Some of the commands that a dog is required to follow are “sit,” “come,” “heel,” and “stay.” Obedience training is usually undertaken in both isolation and with distractions.
Agility and Strength Training
Agility and endurance training are an important part of training police dogs. As a matter of fact, police dogs should be stronger and more agile compared to other dogs. Police dogs are required to climb stairs or jump over walls and other related obstacles they may encounter. To undertake such activities, the dog should be agile and strong.
Training the Dog to Attack
Attack training requires an “agitator” and a trainer. The agitator acts as the target that a dog should attack. This training involves arousing and channeling the dog’s inherent aggression to perform the following activities effectively.

Chasing: The agitator provokes the dog to attack him and this stimulates the dog’s inner aggression. On the other hand, the trainer incites the dog to attack the agitator. If the dog responds to the command by chasing the agitator, it is praised for the action. However, the agitator stops teasing the canine when it becomes too aggressive. This training basically focuses on teaching the canine how to chase people and not how to attack.
Biting: This training focuses on driving the dog to attack the target. The trainer encourages the dog to attack and bite the arm guard worn by the agitator. The dog should follow all the commands of the trainer. The dog should stop the attack immediately when it is commanded to do so.
Chasing and Biting: This involves training the dog to chase and bite at the same time. To avoid getting hurt during this training, the agitator puts on padded clothing. At this point, the dog has already learned to follow the commands of the trainer. Therefore, it would be easier to control its behavior during this dangerous but important stage.
Exposure to different situations
The dog is trained to socialize with different people in different situations. Police dogs usually work in crowded places, hence they should not feel nervous and intimidated in the presence of many strangers. It must be accustomed to distractions, such as gunfire sounds, to make it tougher. In real life, police dogs usually encounter multiple distractions. The dog should be trained to sniff out bombs, drugs, and other illegal substances. With all of these characteristics in mind, one can see that the achievement needed in the training of police dogs is very high indeed.

: kenjonbro / Foter / CC BY-NC

dog training, Schutzhund

Improve Your Dog’s Skills with Schutzhund Training: An Introduction to the Schutzhund Approach to Training Dogs

by DOTBdrl • August 2, 2013 • 0 Comments

Improve Your Dog’s Skills with Schutzhund Training: An Introduction to the Schutzhund Approach to Training Dogs

: MikeHalesNZ / Foter / CC BY-NC

The Schutzhund dog training technique is simple and effective. In this process, your dog would be presented with different scenarios that require him to make a specific action. He would then be rewarded for making correct choices. The program is designed to motivate and give your canine recognition for being an intelligent, insightful creature that can work well with his master in any situation.

Through constant coaching, your dog would soon develop a happy and positive attitude. He would love to perform simple home duties without being coerced. Schutzhund works by stressing the innate drive impulse of dogs. It’s a procedural manual that teaches owners how to make their pets obedient. Some of the vocabulary that your animal would learn after completion of training includes:
1. Sit
2. Stand
3. Stay
4. Down
5. Fetch

How does it work?

The Schutzhund Approach is based on the principles of operant conditioning. The pet is taught motivational obedience, where following commands earn him an opportunity to fulfill his desire for good food and regular play. Ultimately, the animal should feel comfortable with training by being enthusiastic, alert, and focused.

This program is quite detailed and may also be used to teach your canine simple home manners, such as not barking aimlessly, reduced aggression, and toilet etiquette. Your pet will learn that it’s not okay to relieve itself within the living room. Moreover, owners also learn more about the drive theory and pack dynamics, including how they can be applied at home to make the dog calm, composed, and confident.

Advantages

The rate of violent home break-ins is constantly increasing. Therefore, it pays to coach your dog with Schutzhund for absolute protection. Pets trained with this approach are perfect for high-profile personalities, executives, and young families. The canines can be trained to protect your adorable family members and assets.

Studies show that pets perform better in protection than security guards. This is because they are always alert and obedient to their owners. In addition, burglars would rather go for an unprotected home than that with a vigilant dog. Animals that successful pass through this program are well-tempered, social, and only react when necessary. The Schutzhund approach has been tested and officially registered by canine authorities. In essence, this technique would prepare your dog to be a trusted family companion and loyal protector. Practical guard dogs don’t require any unconcealed stimulation for them to engage potential intruders. Your pet would be equipped with skills necessary for addressing different situations such as:

1. Burglary prevention
2. House invasion
3. Car jacking
4. Manifold threat neutralization

Furthermore, most Schutzhund canines are taught using the popular agitation method. This helps your animal inculcate the ability to handle various stressful situations at once. During the training process, an agitator raises his hand while flaunting a stick. Meanwhile, the dog perceives this action as an impending threat and charges the person. Dogs in training are only trained to bite on the arm so as to bring the aggressor down but not hurt him. The canine would hold and release its victim only on your command.

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