• The first technique includes the idea of positive reinforcement. This is where those training treats come into play. Always remember that your dog wants to please you, so let him or her know when they’re on the right track by giving them a treat when they keep the leash loose. As the dog learns over time, slowly taper the use of treats until you aren’t giving any at all on your strolls about the neighborhood.

• The second technique involves you!  Any and every time that your dog pulls on the leash, you must stop walking.  Refuse to budge until the dog loosens the pull on the leash.  (And remember when he does to reward him with a treat and lots of praise!)  In this way, the dog learns that the only way to carry on with the walk is to maintain a loose leash.

• With the third technique, you’ll be watching for any time the dog makes a move to begin walking in front of you.  As he does, simply turn and walk in the opposite direction.  Some people believe that this method is the fastest way to leash train, but it may be inappropriate for dogs that are nervous because they can develop emotional issues.

The best part of a dog’s day can be the walks they take with you, so successful leash training enhances the overall experience for you and your canine domesticus!  Remember to be consistent and patient in whichever technique you choose.   See you on the trail!

Most importantly, your training and interaction with your puppy should remain kind and humane.  Employ positive-reinforcement methods in your training, lots of praise and treats.  Keep your obedience sessions upbeat and fun so that the training experience is pleasant for you and your dog.  Training your puppy doesn’t have to be hard work.  Incorporate games that are fun but constructive to the dog’s obedience at the same time.

Be sure that every time you give a command that you are prepared to gently enforce your dog’s compliance with that command.  Repeatedly giving a command is generally not effective.  Firmly state the command once, twice at the most, and if the dog doesn’t respond,  gently show him what you want him to do for you and follow that with lots of praise.  

Start with some easy tasks, and if your dog seems to have difficulty learning, it may be adviseable to seek out an expert.  It could be a sign of illness, or you may need an expert obedience trainer. 

Overall, always maintain a positive environment for your dog to learn.  Be patient.  Your becoming angry and frustrated only results in a “stressed-out” feeling for you and your dog, which will get you nowhere.  Remember that your dog really only wants to please you, so be on the lookout for good behavior and reward your dog handsomely! 

Another command that is used in conjunction with the sit command is the lie-down command. This control allows even more control over the standard sitting.  Even people who aren’t dog owners are familiar with this command and can use it when dogs are troubling them.  The better your dog is at it, the better it can get along with unfamiliar persons and guests.

By using click training, you will be easily able to teach your dog how to sit.   Check out the article on this website for the basics of click training for more information.

First, persuade the dog to sit by holding a training treat or plaything just in front of the dog’s nose. Move it on top of and at the back of the dog’s head, enticing the dog into the sitting position. Click and give the dog the treat if he sits. 

Do this again several more times until the dog begins to sit effortlessly and quickly when enticed into the sitting position. After that, begin giving the sit command just prior to inducing the sit position.  As soon as the dog starts to sit to your command, stop using your lure and just simply positively reinforce the behavior with a treat and lots of praise.

Clicker training involves the use of a small plastic noisemaker called a clicker and is based on the concept of operant conditioning, which essentially means to associate a behavior with a consequence.  This method was originally used in training dolphins and pigeons and is currently used to also train horses.  The clicker is used to reinforce the behavior that your dog is displaying at the precise moment of the correct response to your commands. 

First the clicking sound must be associated with something the dog really loves, like some small training treats.  To begin, all you really want to do is combine the click with the giving of the treat, leaving aside any commands whatosever.  Once the association between click and treat is made, you’re ready to begin with some simple commands, such as teaching your dog to sit.  Once the behavior is learned, you no longer need the clicker until you want to teach your dog something new. 

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First you’ll need a collar on your dog and a standard leash connected to it.  Begin by taking a stroll about the yard while maintaing a loose hold on the leash.  Once your dog becomes interested in something on the ground, call your dog’s name and then say “Come.”  At the same time, give a slight tug on the leash in your direction.  Take a few steps backwards, and as the dog begins to come towards you, verbally praise him as he’s coming your way.  Once he’s at your feet, reward him with lots of praise and a treat.  After he’s mastered this, practice the same procedure while standing still rather than moving backwards.

If you call your dog and he doesn’t come, you might want to try crouching down and calling your dog enthusiastically while gently tugging on the leash, or perhaps simply turning and running in the opposite direction while calling him to come.  Dogs love to chase! 

Remember to make each time you call your dog a positive and fun experience!

Previous dog owners are all very well aware of the unique bond that can be formed between master and dog. Previous dog owners could also tell you about the responsibility, the long term commitments, and responsible consideration for society and the people in it, when it comes to your dog. Of course most people, whether they have owned a dog or not, realize what a loyal and affectionate friend a puppy can be if treated properly and taught the difference between good and bad behavior. Choosing a new puppy, is not just a matter of the heart, but firstly a matter of the head when making this important decision. You need to logically consider things like how big the puppy will grow to, what potential health issues there could be, what the temperament of the dog will be, and how well that will fit into you and your families life style. Of the many important questions you should ask yourself before choosing a new puppy as a pet, probably the most important question is one you should ask yourself.

Puppy Expectations

That questions is, what exactly is it that you want from a dog. Or perhaps what are your expectations for this new member of your family. Your dog will in essence become a new member of your family. Are you willing to share your home, and your life with this very new, very dependent family member? Some people expect a dog to carry out a specific task as a new member of their family. Such as expecting the dog to become a watchdog. Dogs, regardless of size will almost definitely sound some kind of warning, when your home or family members are approached by a stranger. Of course if you have more exacting requirements, than just having a poodle that barks at the mailman, then there are several things to consider. Certain breeds are excellent for guarding family and property, but specific training and handling are required to train and teach a dog to behave in this manner. Perhaps your expectations revolve around competing in dog shows and other competitions. If so, consider why you would enjoy this, and perhaps talk with someone who has done this type of thing before. Perhaps you looking for a dog that can be a playmate, and confidante to younger members of your family. Having a dog can be a great way to teach responsibility to young and growing members of your family.

Do Some Doggy Homework

These are only a few of the possible expectations you may have for a dog in your life. The best thing you can do at this point, would be to sit down and carefully consider all the reasons why you want a new pet, and all the expectations you will have for the dog. Once you’ve done this, then you can start looking at the different types of breeds, and find the dog that will be right for you, your lifestyle, and your family. Happy puppy hunting.

Read more great information on your puppy dog and puppy breeders, or visit: http://foolishmumbles.com/category/puppy-dog/

Taking your pooch for a walk can be a struggle. He pulls your arm out of its socket and then abruptly stops to smell and sprinkle every bush and tree as you trip over him.

In my 31 years of veterinary practice and as a dog owner, I have found that using a little dog psychology and some practical techniques will help you during your next walk around the block.

Always use a leash, or you may discover your pooch following the glorious world of smell from one interesting place to another, and by the time he raises his head to check his bearings, he is clueless.

Use ID tags with your current phone number on your dog’s collar and/or a high-tech chip ID that is implanted under the skin. That’s without a doubt the quickest way to get your buddy back if he gets off the leash and makes a run for it. The implanted chip is backup in case the collar slips off.

Try to remember that dogs are like kids. If they get off the leash and run for it and you chase them, they’ll think it’s a game. So don’t chase. He is likely to return on his own. If he doesn’t, act like you have his favorite treat or toy. Use any trick you can think of to get him to return short of “the chase.” Once he has returned and you’ve praised him for returning, try this: Tie a 15-foot nylon line to your dog’s collar. Securely fasten the other end to yourself or something nearby that will not give. Just before your pup reaches the end of the line, say “Whoa” or “Stop.” Be consistent using one or the other. Never switch back and forth as that will confuse him. When the line brings him to an abrupt stop, tell him to sit and praise him for being such a good dog.

Using whistles, voice patterns, intonations and body language are much better than specific words. If you want to train your dog to respond reliably, be consistent and firm in how you command him, and never be abusive.

Carry “poop bags.” Cleaning up after your dog will ensure you don’t step in it on your next trip around the block and your neighbors will appreciate your common courtesy. Those bags the paper boy uses to cover your paper in bad weather make great cleanup bags. Considering the content of most of the papers, you might leave the paper in the bag with the newly acquired fertilizer.

Know that your dog is territorial, and every tree, bush and post needs a sprinkle.

Brush or bathe your dog before coming back into the house to get the pollen out of his coat if you have allergies.

Barking at a passerby can be handled by only allowing two or three barks, and then say “Quiet.” Immediately interrupt his barking by surprising him. You can shake a can of pennies or use a squirt bottle or squirt gun filled with [water or] Listerine and squirt it at his mouth. Then, while he’s quiet, say “good quiet” and pop a tasty treat into his mouth.

Your dog is not human, which means he really does want to please you. Your job is to figure out what his actions mean, to understand that his behavior is just typical of dogs, and offer gentle but firm guidance toward good behavior.

Now get going. Grab a leash and enjoy the benefits of exercise and the pleasure of your pooch’s companionship.

Dr. Gary L. Ailes,

http://www.pawpublishing.com

House Training:

Everybody has experienced a new puppy making a mess on the tiles or carpet; not a pleasant experience but one that allows you to begin training. You should let your dog outside on regular intervals.  He will learn that this is the time to do his business. If he happens to go in the house, let him know that this is wrong by using a familiar word such as “No” and put him in the yard for a few minutes. Do not hit your dog; doing that will only break his spirit and make him nervous of you and others. It can by very frustrating at times, but words work better long term than hitting. Never ever put the dog’s nose into his urine.  So many people do this thinking it is a good way for the dog to learn his lesson, but in actual fact all, you are doing is burning the animal’s nose.  This is just as bad as hitting.

Furniture and your puppy:

Teething can be a bit of a nightmare, but you can eliminate the damage caused by puppies to furniture in a number of different ways. Boredom is a common cause for dogs getting into mischief. Make yourself available for about 20 minutes playtime per day (excluding walking). Playing ball in the yard is a great exercise for the dog, and apart from exercise, it bonds you and him together. Toys are ideal in the house and will occupy the dog.  If there are no toys, such as a chewy bone, the dog will find other ways to occupy himself, especially if you pop out for some shopping and leave him alone – the furniture will get it. Different types of sprays are available to spray on the furniture and can be very effective. Remember to change the toys around from time to time as the dog will become bored with the same toys month in and month out.

Walking:

Starting your puppy on a lead can be comical. It will take some time for them to get used to being on the leash, but once they do, it will be no problem. A dog will try to pull you along as this is in their nature. Do not run with the dog as this is giving in and they will expect this all the time. Put the dog on a short leash (not too short) and it will discourage them from trying to dictate the pace. After a week or so, both you and the dog will be at ease with one another on the walk. Remember to bring the doggy bag with you. Starting off, expect the dog to be curious of other dogs and new surroundings. Do not drag him along on the lead as this is his time for enjoyment.

Feeding:

Your dog has a different intestinal setup than you. So many people feed their dogs the same type of food as they eat themselves along with the dog food. Obesity in animals is commonplace, along with humans. Do not feed your dog chocolate or other sweet foods as this will only lead to bowel problems. Dog food is designed to give the dog all the nutrients he will need to live healthily. Dog treats are available; they do not need our junk food. Check with your local vet or seek advice online for the amount of food your dog should consume on a daily basis.

Dog Treats:

Dog treats should be used as an incentive for obedience. Training a dog can be hard work and patience is needed. Basic training, such as the command to sit, should be rewarded with a dog treat. The dog will begin to understand that this is a good behavior move and will do it more eagerly with time.

Remember:  Dogs will obey you more lovingly if treated properly without hitting.  Simple words will work much better than smacking. Make time for your dog.  Leaving a dog out the back yard day and night is no life.  Do not bring a dog into the house under pressure from children.  It has to be a well-thought-out decision.

Declan Tobin,

http://www.no1-in-pets.com

Conduct “play training” whereby the training tasks are made into fun games and your dog’s play drive is used as motivation. There are a lot of really good books available on this type of training.

Intelligent dogs can also be stubborn, so you may have to outwit them!

While training your dog, you have to make him want to do what you want him to. You can’t make him do stuff unless it is fun. Otherwise you are wasting both your time and his.

Try to make your dog’s training so fun that it becomes his or her favorite activity. This will make learning much easier and more enjoyable.

Most dogs love to play! You can make your dog the happiest just by spending some time with them, giving your undivided attention each day. Without this, your dog will feel ignored, bored, or think they’re in trouble. When this happens, they’re more likely to chew, tear things up, and not listen to you.

Here are some tried-and-true tactics you can use to make your dogs listen to you more:

When playing with your puppy, play at his level. If play is encouraged at ground level, this builds your role as the dominant, or “top dog”, when you are standing and training your puppy. If the puppy is allowed to jump up and initiate play, then this can lead to unwanted jumping up as your dog gets older.

From the very beginning, make sure your dogs know you are the master. This is usually accomplished with simple tasks such as teaching the dog to raise it’s paw for a handshake; kissing your hand; or rolling over on command to show submission.

There is no need for extreme measures to prove you are the boss. Obedience training should be both fun and rewarding for you and your dog.

Make sure your dog always eats after you do. This is one of the easiest ways to show your dog who is the boss. This is especially important if you share your food with your dog, because if you let them eat while you are, they could develop the habit of taking food right off your – or someone else’s – plate. You may need to train your family to follow this rule too… and that could be harder than training the dog

Very active young dogs have short attention span, and some breeds are worse than others. So it’s best to have several short 5-10 minute training lessons instead of one long one.

Start the training at quiet places familiar to your dog, and be sure there are very few things and people around to distract him. Gradually move the training to places with more and more distractions so he will learn to obey your commands despite those distractions.

Speak to your dog strongly but not in an angry voice. Be kind but be firm while training and never give in to what they want. It seems cruel but in the long run you will have a much better relationship with you dog.

Celebrate after every training session for a good job done. Have a big play by running and throwing his favorite toys. If you give them a lot of playtime with yourself they’ll listen to you more.

Don’t confuse your dog by trying to use different words for one command. One word commands work best, and they should always be consistent. For example, when your dog gets on the lounge with you, say “sit” and he should sit. Then if you want him to lay down, say “lay” and he should do so.

Also note how well your dog seems to understand your command words. Some dogs may not be able to distinquish between two words that sound the same. For instance: “lay” and “stay” sound very similar. With one of my own dogs, I’ve had to use the word “sleep” in place of lay, in order for him to understand me fully.

To keep your dog from charging the front door each time it opens, try putting up a door or gate that he can’t see through or hop over. Have him wait until people enter and come up the stairs. Then give him a treat for waiting.

In closing: no matter how well-trained you think your dog is, he usually has an attention span of seconds. So be careful not to let him run away, because some dogs will simply keep going and going as they find new things to chase.

Always keep your dog leashed securely when they’re outdoors, unless you have a secure fence. Beware though: Some dogs can actually jump fences, even when you think they’re high enough, and some even climb trees, too. And most dogs run much faster than any human can, so if your dog gets loose, it could be quite dangerous for him.

Amy Howells

http://www.dog-owner.net

Puppy crate training is one of the most effective ways to housebreak your new puppy.

Puppy crate training takes a little patience, but it’s a good way to set your puppy on the right path. This method has an impressive track record.

Be sure to prepare everything ahead of time. Even before you bring your new puppy home, have the puppy crate ready and waiting.

The size of the crate is important. For proper puppy crate training, you should have plenty of room in the crate for the puppy to turn around, stand and lie down, but don’t get one that’s too big. Puppies feel uncomfortable in a crate that’s so big they rattle around in it.

If your puppy is a breed that will grow large, it’s okay to buy a bigger crate for him to grow into, but make sure it has an adjustable partition in the back. This lets you keep his living space comfortable and cozy, but you can still expand it by moving the partition back as your puppy grows to full size.

When you are ready to begin puppy crate training, place your new puppy gently in his crate. Make sure you’ve also put a towel or small blanket and a treat or toy in the crate. If you’re using a wire crate for puppy crate training, always remove the puppy’s collar first so it won’t get snagged on the wire.

You may hear some whining or even crying at this point. You need to ignore it. Sometimes it helps to cover the crate with a blanket so his home feels a little cozier. Remember, dogs are not claustrophobic. They like an enclosed space. It’s their den.

After your puppy has remained in the crate for about twenty minutes, remove him from the crate and take him outside. As soon as he goes potty, praise him, pet him and make him feel loved and close.

The next step in the puppy crate training process is to bring your puppy back inside and play together for twenty to thirty minutes. Then it’s time to put your puppy back in the crate. You’ll be able to gradually increase the crate time to two hours.

Puppies will not usually go potty in their crates. If your puppy has an accident, never scold. They really don’t understand the idea that going potty is bad, so scolding doesn’t help. It only confuses them.

For best results with puppy crate training, you’ll need to have a schedule. And when you take your puppy outside, always make sure you take him to the same spot each time. Especially at first, every time you remove him from his crate, you’ll want to take him outside. This builds a clear association in his mind.

As your puppy begins to get the hang of puppy crate training you’ll be able to leave him in the crate for longer periods. Eventually he’ll feel so at home in the crate that you’ll be able to leave the crate door open overnight and for short periods during the day.

Successful puppy crate training has two simple requirements: patience and a regular schedule. With those two things, your new puppy will soon be a happy, well-adjusted member of the family.

Charles Burke
http://www.petcaretips.net/puppy-crate-training.html