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Author: Mark S.

  • How Do I Teach My Dog To Obey Commands?

    Most people want their dogs to behave when walking on a leash. It is essential that your dog come when called. Staying when told is also very helpful. But how do you teach your dog to do these things?

    The key to success is understand how your dogs mind works, and then incorporate that with proven training techniques, a few training aids, and consistency. Dogs do not understand every word in the human language. Instead, they learn a few words that they are told repeatedly and associate with a specific activity or task. For example, your dog may recognize the word “out” and associate it with going outside. However, if you change the word you use, he will no longer understand what you are saying or what you mean. It is important that whatever word you choose to give as a command, you stick with that same word each and every time.

    A word that often confuses dogs is ‘down’ because people use it to mean ‘lie down’ which is the correct usage. However, the dog also often hears it with the meaning of “get off the couch” or “don’t jump at people”. When the word is used to command all three things, your dog will remain unknowingly clueless. Persistent training in this situation means that you would use “down” to mean only “lie down” and nothing else. If you want your dog to get off the couch, you would use the command ‘off’ rather than ‘down’ and if you want your dog to quit jumping on people, you would use a command like “floor” or “no jump” instead of “down”.

    Pack Leader:

    Before you begin training your dog, you must set the ground rules that you are the master and he is the follower. In some breeds you will need to work 24/7 to remind your dog that you are the pack leader for example a Doberman, while in other breeds for example, a Golden Retriever will only need to establish your “leader-follower” relationship at the very beginning.

    Find the key to being your new pack’s leader. Encourage and help all your family members to become pack leaders for your dog. If you are not the pack leader, your dog is. The pack leader trains the pack members. Become the pack leader. Turn your out of control dog into an obedient pet.

  • Why Oh’ Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?!

    Do you have a puppy or older dog that has taken a fancy to eating their feces? This filthy habit, also known as “Dog Coprophagia” is one dog problem, we as owners… HATE! This is generally more common in puppies up to a year old, but can occur at any stage throughout your dog’s life.

    There is good news for us dog lovers though. Several proven techniques and training methods can be called upon for correcting this before it can become a permanent habit.

    *NOTE* If your dog has this problem (Coprophagia), ensure that all dog vaccinations and worming treatments are current or up to date. The reason for this is that various diseases and internal parasites can be passed from dog to dog due to the eating of their feces.

    Possible Causes:

    Sadly, in most cases, your dog just thinks poop tastes fantastic. Just the thought of this alone is absolutely disgusting and I’m sure most would agree.

    Your dog may have a mineral or vitamin deficiency and they will eat their feces in an effort to help compensate and restore this balance.

    It may be a sign or symptom of anxiety, stress or your dog is just suffering from plain old boredom. Certain medications or antibiotics for your dog have even been known to cause this habit to form.

    This can be the result from over-feeding your dog. This will not allow for the proper digestion of food, which means his feces will still smell and taste the same as when it was consumed. With this being said, its also a possibility due to feeding your dog too little, such as once a day, some dogs become very hungry and will scavenge around for any kind of food.

    Possible Solutions:

    Feed your dog twice a day as appose to only once.  Try to get your dog interested in a nutritious and well balanced meal.

    If you catch your dog in the act red handed, try to provide him with a distraction. Call him over to you right away with a reward in hand to praise him with. This should be sufficient enough to break this habit, but you must stay consistent when doing this.

    You must enforce your strategy every time and stick with it. The longer you let your dog do this, the harder it will be to break the habit.

  • Easy Dog Training & Tips

    Dog training has long evolved from its roots as simply a way to get your k9 to perform acceptable behaviors. It has become a full fledged science. This particular topic has been well studied and researched to create several known aspects about the art of dog training. Here is a list of several dog training facts that are interesting to know about dogs and their behaviors.

    According to their size, larger dogs age faster than smaller dogs (large dogs at 7 years per human year, small dogs at 5 years per human year). However, all dogs age roughly 12 years per year over the first year of life. By 2 years old, all dogs are roughly the equivalent of 24. But at 12 years old, large dogs are 94, while small dogs are only about 74.

    Dog tricks are more effective when you use a single syllable command (Sit, Stay, etc.) rather than a two syllable command. On the flip side, however, your dog is more likely to know its name if its name consist of two syllables. “Marley” is easier for the dog to understand than “Spike” if you want your dog to know you are referencing to him with each use of the name. When your dog knows its name, training is much easier. Training is more effective when you use your dog’s name before the command, instead of saying “Sit!,” say “Marley, Sit!”

    Dogs are more prone to learning behaviors when they have received a sufficient amount of exercise. If you want your dog to learn a new trick, make sure you are taking your dog on frequent walks. Dogs learn in context. As a result, if you only train your dog inside, your dog may not understand the commands if you try to do them outside, because the context of the command has changed. It is best to train your dog in multiple locations to help make the training more context neutral.

    If you own more than one dog, you should know that it is healthier for your dogs if you do not treat them all as equals. Every dog pack has a hierarchy, and dogs that know their place suffer from less anxiety (reducing illness) and exhibit more desirable behaviors. Watch your dogs closely, figure out where each of them appears to fit in the pack, and treat them as such. This greatly improves your success with obedience training.

  • General Guidelines for Effective Dog Training

    No matter what type of dog training you prefer, it is important to know the general rules and policies for dog training. Knowing these rules does not just entail effective training but also make the process a whole lot easier. Below are some useful examples that every dog trainer should learn to follow for effective dog training.

    -Make sure that every dog training session is short and fun. Animal behavior experts say that short periods of training is always better than long periods of time.

    -Reward your dog. Give him treats or chew bones every time they follow your orders and commands.

    -Try not to punish dogs by shouting or yelling at them if they don’t follow what you want them to do. Doing so will only make them aggressive.

    -Be consistent. Remember that your dog will never learn the things that you teach them right away. Consistency is the key here. Do the same thing again and again until they’ve learned your orders and commands by heart.

    -Teach him tricks and commands one at a time and make sure to start from the simplest one before moving on to more complicated ones. Teach them a new trick or command only if they’ve mastered the previous one.

    -Learn what motivates your dogs to behave and be obedient. It can be in the form of dog food, treats, or toys.

    -Never hit dogs every time they do something wrong or unwanted. Ignoring them is the best way to let them know they will never get anything if they keep on doing whatever it is that they’re doing.

    -Test their obedience in various situations. This is the best way to ensure they still follow your commands and orders even when they are outside and around people.

    Whatever dog training method that you may go with, it is critical that you make them feel you are the leader in your dog-owner pack. It is also important that you make them understand what are good and acceptable behaviors and what are not. Training your dog to become a good and well-behaved citizen may not be easy, but all your time, efforts and patience will certainly pay off. Remember that there’s nothing better than a dog that knows not just how to protect their owners but also follows orders and commands and knows how to behave in different surroundings and situations.

  • Fictitious Dog Training Myths

    Dogs can not comprehend earning food as a reward for training and good behavior. This myth is false. Researchers have proven that dogs understand that their behavior influences their environment. If their behavior causes a change in their environment that pleases them, they won’t forget the behavior. If your dog grabs something and you chase after him, this is misconstrued as fun for him. Even though it may not be fun for you, your dog will remember how to get this attention. In the same way, if your dog’s behavior earns him a treat, or some of his dinner, he will learn to repeat these acceptable behaviors.

    Using treats to train your dog increases your dog’s chances of becoming ill, or makes your dog unreliable around food. This myth is false. Your dog will only be reliable when you have food. All dogs should be taught a command, such as “off” or “leave it”. Dogs should not be left unsupervised in any area where they can be offered food by strangers. When food is properly used as a reward, not as a bribe, dogs will begin to learn to work for long periods of times before wanting a treat. How many of us get paid every hour, or expect to be paid every time we complete a task? Dogs learn to wait for their pay and continue your command while waiting. Properly trained dogs will learn to ignore food over time, whether it is on the kitchen table, the floor or from someone’s hand.

    One major myth that is false is that dogs will generally misbehave because they are trying to be dominant and seeking higher rank. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s (AVSAB) recently released statement. The use of this dominance theory in behavior modification of animals, this theory has limited use in animal training and rank is rarely the motivation behind your dog’s bad behavior or actions.

    In vice versa, there are a lot of myths about a need for dominating your dog. TV shows promote this false idea. When owners use forceful tactics to dominate and punish their dogs, the dog will generally shut down. What the dog has learned is to suppress their way of signaling they are uncomfortable in certain situations. This may cause a dog to escalate its behavior to lunging, biting, showing it’s teeth or growling.

  • You, your dog, and the endless possibilities

    Before you can truly have worry-free fun with your dog outside, you must enroll him in an obedience course, or have trained him yourself. Your dog needs to be trustworthy not only at home but wherever you go.

    Here are some great ideas:

    What better way is there for you and your canine companion to spend time together and get healthy at the same time, than to go for a walk? Dogs have a natural migration instinct and need to go on daily walks to mentally compensate for this.

    Many of the hunting breeds and terriers love to play with a ball. Some dogs are more enthusiastic about this toy than others. While one dog may fetch the ball after you throw it, another may look at you like “you threw it, you get it.” Some dogs would rather have a ball that rattles, but I find that the majority like to indulge in the squeaky ones. Your best bet is to let your dog decide the right toy for him.

    Take your dog to a nearby lake, or if your lucky, the beach. Many breeds, such as Labs, love to play in the water. You can incorporate fetching with the water. Throw one of your dog’s favorite toys a short distance in the water so he can rush in to retrieve it. Make sure your toy of choice can easily float.

    Learn to groom your dog yourself. Not only will this save you time and money, it is a good bonding experience for the both of you. You will have also gained the satisfaction of knowing that it was you that made it happen. It’s really not that hard to pull off, as long as you have the right tools of course. Invest in a quality dog grooming set. A pair of clippers that cost less than $100 usually won’t cut well and won’t last very long.

    One of the best things to do with your dog is to simply do nothing at all! They are at your side at almost every moment of the day, when your home. If you’re watching TV our using the computer, your k9 pal is most likely lying at your feet. If you’re in bed, your dog is usually on the floor beside you. Just each others presence can be enough for the both of you.

  • Effective Training Techniques for Dogs of all Shapes and Sizes

    The term obedience training is generally used for the various methods of helping your dog to behave in a more expectable manner. There are many different methods in dog training techniques such as positive reinforcement, reward training, collar and leash, marker training, dog whispering, and clicker training.

    Accomplish the following with the right dog training:

    Your dog wasn’t born programmed to meet your behavioral standards.  So don’t expect your dog to know everything right away!The key to training your dog to respond to verbal commands is repetition and consistency. He is looking to you as a guide to lay a good foundation for behavior.

    The best corrective measures are rewards and praise. Unlike children, dogs don’t have the mental capacity to fully understand the consequences of their actions. Time outs and repeating “NO” may not be as effective as you would like. Instead, praise your dog when he has done what you have asked of him or her, and offer an appropriate reward. When your dog doesn’t follow commands, provide appropriate correction. Balance is a strong key when doing this.

    Don’t punish for unacceptable behaviors your dog has committed when he has no way to know any better. Punishing your dog for a behavior that you have not spent time on or he has not been properly trained to do, if you ask me, this is unfair to your dog.

    Make obedience training sharp and short for the both of you to enjoy. So take things slow. Having your dog to follow commands and respond the way you expect doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time. It’s easier for your dog to master one command at a time then move to the next one, and build on the foundation you all have established. Stimulate and challenge your dog throughout the obedience training process.

     

    The Benefits:

    Effective dog training is the best possible thing you can do for you and your dog. This will allow for a very rewarding relationship. With the right kind of obedience training can make your dog an absolute joy to be around. When well trained, he is more trustworthy, and you as the owner can feel confident in your dog and his abilities as you extend more and more freedoms to your canine friend. Trust, respect, and boundaries are all keys for unlocking a healthy owner-dog relationship.

  • Dog Pregnancy Care Tips

    A pregnant dogs body is going through many changes as the puppies are growing inside her therefore her needs are going to increase. They need special care to ensure they are in tip top shape before the big day. A dog’s pregnancy generally last from 60 to 63 days.

     

    The symptoms and signs of a pregnant dog:

     

    Three weeks after mating, the female dog may have an upset stomach and not want to eat for about a week to 10 days. One way to tell if your dog is pregnant is to check her vulva. The swelling would not have gone down after her heat and looks enlarged. Thirty days after being bred a blood test can be done by a veterinarian to confirm pregnancy. At 21 days an ultrasound can be done to confirm pregnancy and at 45 days radiographs can be taken for an accurate count of puppies inside.

    During the first 30 days of pregnancy she can eat her normal diet, only as long as it is a high quality dog food. This food has plenty of nutrients. During the last month of pregnancy start switching her over to a high quality puppy food, make the diet change over a week’s time. Also, be aware that there are some vitamin supplements that can cause birth defects so check with your veterinarian before choosing the wrong one. Do not give her any vitamin supplements.

    Try to take her on several daily walks for a good source of exercise. It is important that she does not become overweight during this time and the walks will keep her in shape for delivery. Letting the dog run in the backyard is not equal to a walk, a walk is mental and physical exercise. During the last 3 weeks of gestation do not take her out and do not expose her to other dogs as added protection against disease.

    Never give a pregnant dog any kind of vaccination. Some vaccines can cause still births. Vaccinations should be given prior to breeding so that the protection can be passed to the puppies by the mother’s milk.

    One week prior to birth, start taking the mothers body temperature. A normal bodily temperature for a dog is about 100.5 – 102.5. About 24 hours before giving birth, her temperature will drop a few degrees. This will give you time for necessary preparations.

  • The Clicker Training Method

    Operant conditioning is a scientific description of the way animals learn from the consequences of certain behaviors. In dog training, positive reinforcement is a type of operant conditioning that is commonly used. A system based on sound equals rewards, allows your dog to learn difficult skills, without the use of force or punishment. Your dog will learn to quickly identify what behaviors are desired and which are deemed unacceptable.

    The clicker is typically a small plastic box with a metal strip inside that makes a distinct clicking sound when you press it. To teach a dog the meaning of the click, a treat is given immediately after clicking, resulting in the dog learning the positive effects of the sound. The click is more distinct than verbally praised commands and is much more effective than only giving your dog treats.

    Where did this method originate from?

    At sometime in the recent past, behavioral researchers including Norm Guttman, Marian Kruse and Keller Breland, in a laboratory, were among the first to understand the clicker method. They had realized that rats always stop what they are doing whenever they heard their food dispenser make a sound, which indicates its time to eat. Under the instruction of B.F. Skinner, they decided to try using a sound to correct behavior outside the lab, such as in dogs.

    How to conquer the clicker:

    To get things started, begin teaching your dog basic commands in a quiet area. Make sure to have ready a sufficient amount of your dog’s favorite treats. The treat should be small enough to be consumed instantly. Press the clicker and immediately give your dog a treat. Repeat 5-10 times. You can test your success by clicking when your dog is not paying attention to you. If your dog instantly responds to the click by looking in your direction, then expecting a treat, you’re starting to get somewhere.

    At the exact moment your dog performs the desired action, press the clicker. Follow with a treat and praise. One of the best things about the clicker is the accuracy. The dog associates his action with the click and, subsequently, the reward. Not only does your dog better understand what he is doing, this also makes him more likely to repeat the action when asked in the future. This allows the training process to be totally hands-off, aside from treat giving.

  • Teach Your Dog How to Skateboard!

    Here’s a fun one!

    Generally, when imagining a skateboarding dog, you might be thinking of a movie or commercial. So, what would it take to make this a reality for you and your dog, you ask yourself? To teach your dog a head turning trick like this will require patience, a handful of treats, determination, and a dog who listens well. So get your dog, grab a skateboard and get outside. Don’t be surprised to get some attention from this, who knows, you may even draw a crowd.

    For Starters:

    Try to get your dog to show some interest in the skateboard. Let him investigate by sniffing it and climbing on it. Try encouraging him to sit and stand on the board by giving him a treat. Try not to force your dog on to the skateboard. Work at it and he will begin to associate this with fun. Shaping your dog to do this can be complicated because the skill of riding a skateboard won’t just come naturally.

    First, decide exactly what you want your dog to do. Do you want him to mount the board and just ride along or do you want him to use his foot to move? Give your dog an idea of what he’s up against by letting him watch as you ride around. Keep an eye out, he might be chasing after you.

    How to Get Things Rolling:

    Aim to avoid doing this in the streets. Use sidewalks if possible, just as a safety precaution. Set the skateboard in front of your dog. Place one paw on the board. Offer him a treat if he cooperates. Place second paw on the board until the dog is completely on. If he stays, then reward him with another treat.

    Although, getting your dog to stay on the skateboard is a feat of its own, getting him to feel comfortable while moving, may become quite the task. On your first few attempts, try to keep a slow and steady pace. Then push the dog as far as he we will allow.

    Try not to do more than 4 attempts a day. More than that can result in you and your dog getting burnt out. This can be a positive and fun experience for you and your dog. The both of you may get frustrated at times along the way. When this happens, just take a deep breath and come back to try again later on.

    Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!