Dog Training - The 4 Quadrants of Operant Conditioning - What They Are and How They Are Used

Like people, dogs are motivated by gain and to avoid pain. Hence, to train a dog, reinforcements or punishments can be used.

So What Are Reinforcements and Punishments?
Reinforcements are anything that increases the probability of a dog repeating a particular behaviour. Similarly, punishments are anything that decreases the probability of a behaviour being repeated.
What may not be too clear though is that there are 2 kinds of reinforcements and likewise, 2 kinds of punishments. Here's why...

The 4 Quadrants of Operant Conditioning
To reinforce a dog for a particular behavior, you can give it something it likes (e.g. a treat) or takeaway something it does not like (e.g. an aversive). Both ways, the dog is rewarded to repeat the behavior. The former is called positive reinforcement (R+) and the latter negative reinforcement (R-).

And to punish a dog for bad behaviour so as to decrease the probability of the dog repeating that behaviour, you can administer something the dog does not like (e.g. physical punishment) or simply take away something it likes (e.g. a withdrawal of privilege say in the form of a time out). The former in this case is called positive punishment (P+) and the latter negative punishment (P-).

As can be seen from the above examples, the word positive and negative is simply used to indicate if something is being administered or taken away. And because you can reinforce or punish a dog by adding or taking away things, we end up with 2 distinct types of reinforcements and punishments each or in short, the 4 Quadrants of Operant Conditioning.

Examples of the 4 Quadrants Being Used in Dog Training
Here are common examples of the four quadrants in action during dog training:
Positive Reinforcement (R+): Asking a dog to sit and giving it a treat when it sits
Negative Reinforcement (R-): When teaching a dog to retrieve, to pinch the dog's ear (aversive) and releasing it (taking away aversive) only when the dog retrieves the object.

Positive Punishment (P+): Using a leash pop to correct a dog for an undesirable behaviour.
Negative Punishment (P-): When a dog is happily playing with another dog, to Instituting a time out by taking a dog to a boring corner (taking away play time) the moment it becomes too rough or aggressive (undesirable behaviour)

Clicker Vs Compulsion Dog Trainers and how they use the 4 Quadrants
Clicker and another positive rewards based trainers generally apply lots of R+ in their training. On rare occasions where punishment is required, they typically administer P-. In clicker training, dogs are frequently set up to succeed, giving trainers the opportunity to mark, reward and reinforce desired behaviours. Such training is therefore generally termed as more humane and dog friendly.

Conversely compulsion trainers focus a lot on using P+ and R- to get the job done. Dogs are at times deliberately set up to make mistakes, giving the trainer the opportunity to correct the dog. Hence the term correction and compulsion are commonly associated with such form of dog training.

The author of this is article, Andrew Koh, is one of the top obedience competitors in Singapore. He believes in the clicker method of dog training and his dog, Rufus CDX, is the 2009 Singapore Kennel Club Reserve Obedience Dog of the Year. If you enjoyed this article, why not visit our Singapore Dog Training website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Jit_Kwang_Koh

Potty Training An Older Dog - 7 Practical Tips

While some people prefer getting cute, huggable, and adorable puppies, other people like getting a full grown dog instead. Older dogs tend to be more mature and perhaps better companions, the best friend that a human would need.

However, some people have qualms about getting an older dog because of the common notion that people cannot teach old dogs new tricks, especially potty training. But this is not actually the case, older dogs can still be potty trained with some important things in mind.

Here are some tips for potty training an older dog:
1. When potty training an older dog, your focus should be teaching the dog to eliminate outside, instead of teaching it not to eliminate inside. It is easier to teach an older dog to DO something instead of NOT DOING something.

If the dog already has an old habit of doing it inside, it would be hard to focus too much on eliminating that habit. It is rather easier to help it learn a better alternative to an old bad behavior.

2. Select a spot where you want the dog to do its business, such as a small corner in the lawn. It would be easier to potty train an older dog, if you are consistent about where you want it to poop. Going to the same place, over and over again, would help the dog learn the right place faster. It also helps if you do not clean the spot much until your dog learns to go there when it needs to go potty.

3. Use the same words in referring to potty. An older dog might get confused if you use different phrases to mean the same thing. When you want it to go potty, use the exact same phrase so that it would somehow become like a command to do the behavior you want it to do.

4. Remove every trace of potty accident inside the house. Dogs' sense of smell are very keen and the smell of urine or excrement in your house might make it think that it is the place to go potty. Use a deodorizing cleaning solution to eliminate odors that might stick to your floors and carpets.

5. Keep your dog's sleeping area as tight as comfortably possible. Dogs do not want potty in their sleeping quarters and by keeping the area just enough for it to sleep and, maybe, turn around, there would be no space for it to go potty. Ever morning, when the dog wakes up, take it to its regular potty place so that it would do its business there.

6. Lessen your dog's food and water intake before it sleeps. This prevents accidents from happening because when your dog is full of water or food while sleeping, it might not have the capacity to control the call of nature.

7. Make it easy for your dog to go outside through a doggie door or leaving the back door open. If this is impractical in your area, leave a bell for your dog to reach. Take the dog out each time it rings the bell so that it would know that ringing is a signal for going out.
Whoever says you cannot teach your older dog new tricks might just be too lazy. Potty training an older dog is indeed possible if you know these tips and if you just have the right amount of patience.

For step-by-step training instructions you can learn immediately, please visit http://www.dog-training-techniques.info/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Lee

3 Dog Training Tips That Work - See a Difference Today

Do you think your dog needs obedience or some help calming down? Well I am going to help you solve these problems with a few Dog Training Obedience Tips.

Whether you have a puppy or an adult I can help. For example, if you have a puppy and you are trying to house train him you never want to rub his nose in his urine if he pees on the floor. This is a big DON'T! If you do this the dog doesn't learn anything. It will actually frustrate and confuse the dog more and this then leads to a stunt in the dogs learning. If this happens you are only making the training process harder for yourself.
All dogs want to learn, but the trick is teaching your dog the correct habits to learn.

Without the guidance of their leader (you), dogs learn bad habits because they have never been told different. That is where you come in at. You need to be the aplha male for your dog to follow.
You can help your dog learn good habits from my Dog Obedience Tips.

Always be firm when you are training your dog. Be specific and make sure your dog knows what he/she is supposed to be doing and also make sure that the correct way to be doing whatever you want them to do is obvious.

The last thing you want to do is confuse your dog. Dogs know only "dog language" and when training them you have to be patient because we have to convert them to our language. The most important thing that you need to remember when training your dog is to stay calm and don't get frustrated. Even if you don't know what you are doing put on a front for your dog and act confident because they will notice that.
If you act like your lost your dog won't trust you or rely on you for help.

Also if you are going to get on to your dog make sure you get on to him whenever he is doing something wrong. Don't punish him twenty minitues after he has made a mistake. That is like putting your kid in time out when you don't even know what he or she has done. So remember these tips when trying to train your dog because Rome was not built in a day and neither was training your dog. Trust me, it's easier than you think!

I wish you the best of luck with the new tips and techniques I have given you. If you give up you will never get anywhere and your dog will never learn anything. If you think you need more information on dog training I have a helpful website that gives great information on dog training that you can vist by clicking on this link. http://squidoo.com/dog-training-techniques-101

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clay_M_Harris

Traditional Dog Training Versus Positive Reinforcement Dog Training - A Comparison

Every dog owner wants a dog who obeys. But these days, it's hard to own a dog or a puppy without getting overwhelmed by all the different training methods available. Traditional dog training methods (which usually use a choke chain, prong or electronic shock collar) have been used for generations, and the "tried and true" can be a very attractive notion to a new dog owner. Positive reinforcement methods (which usually use praise, treats, and sometimes clickers, head halter collars, or no leash at all) can be daunting and even scary for a new dog owner who is afraid his dog will never obey without a cookie.

How do you decide which method is best for you and your dog? Read on. You may have to un-learn some ideas that are based in traditional dog training, things you've heard from your family, friends or neighbors, or from traditional dog training or breed books.

Traditional dog training is probably what you (or your parents) used with your last dog. It generally involves the use of a leash "jerk" on the collar to correct a dog's non-desired behavior (such as pulling on the leash on a walk). The "jerk" can be substituted with a "choke if using a prong collar or a shock if using an electronic collar, both of which will greatly intensify the effect of this method. This type of training can be highly effective when both of the following are true:

• the "jerk", choke or shock is administered at the instant of the infraction/undesired behavior, and
• the "jerk", choke or shock is strong enough to act as an effective deterrent.

The main problem here is that we humans are rarely perfect - so we can rarely deliver the aversive consequence (the "jerk") with adequately precise timing. Further, humans differ dramatically in physical strength. So while a healthy 200 lb. man can often administer a jerk with adequate strength to be effective, a healthy petite woman may not be able to do so.

If your timing is not absolutely perfect, or your strength is not sufficient to administer a strong enough deterrent, the dog could be feeling the punishment of the jerk too late or not strongly enough. Rather than a learning experience, this simply becomes a painful and confusing experience. Over time, continued "jerk" or "choke" training teaches your dog that walking on a leash hurts, and that his owner is untrustworthy and unpredictable.

Another problem is that even people with great timing and strength may be asking too much of a younger dog. Let's say you're taking your 6 month old Lab out for his first "heel" session, and he's never really been out of your fenced yard other than for veterinarian visits. It's likely that he will be pulling madly in all directions and possibly even tangling you up in his leash. Alternately he could be so scared of the "outdoors" that he moves too slowly or not at all when you try to get him to walk nicely by your side. What do you do?
If you're expecting this Lab to exhibit a perfect heel, you may end up administering your perfectly timed and effective "jerk" almost continually, because he is almost continually NOT heeling. So the poor dog goes out for his walk and quickly learns nothing more than this: Walking on a leash with you is painful. Most new dog owners do not know how to distinguish between what's a "jerkable" offense and what's not, because it really depends on what that particular dog is truly capable of at that particular time, that particular day, that particular level of distraction, etc.

Lastly, a choke or prong collar can seriously injure the neck of a puppy under six months of age. This is why traditional training normally can't be started until the dog is 6 months of age or older; his neck must be strong enough to withstand the jerks. And as any dog owner knows, a 6 month old untrained dog has learned a multitude of bad habits already - pulling on leash, jumping on people, barking for attention, ignoring "sit" and "stay" commands, chewing on you or your furniture, and much, much more. As a matter of fact, waiting until a dog is 6 months old dramatically increases the likelihood that you'll need painful aversive consequences to extinguish the bad habits he's already developed.

Positive reinforcement training teaches that certain behaviors result in a pleasant consequence and all the other behaviors result in no consequence at all. (Notice that I didn't use the word "dog" in that sentence; positive reinforcement training can be used on any animal or human... Heck, plants grow as a result of positive reinforcement from the sun!) This method often starts out with pretty heavy usage of food as the pleasant consequence, whether you're using a clicker, halter, or just a happy "Good girl" as your good behavior marker. Over time and depending on the practice frequency, dog's accomplishment level and owner's satisfaction with the dog's behavior, the food consequence is phased out while praise and verbal commands and/or hand signals remain.

What are the advantages of positive reinforcement dog training? First, positive reinforcement training can (and should) be started the day you bring your puppy home. Any pup can handle eating and getting praised. There are so many things a very young pup does right as he rambles through his day, and the informed and aware dog owner can both identify those behaviors, name them, and then quickly reward him for them.
There is no need to wait until his neck is strong enough to endure traditional jerk-and-pull training. Now how does that compare to letting a pup run haywire with bad habits for months and then punish him for them when his neck gets strong enough? How great is it when a 6 month old dog is completely trained - and even better, the dog loves training and completely trusts his owner? (For more information, go to http://www.dogdaysUSA.com.)

However, if you are suddenly the owner of a completely untrained adult dog - let's say 4 years old - positive reinforcement dog training still is your best bet to get this nutcase under control. So yes, it is much easier when you start very early, but all is not lost if you start positive reinforcement training later in life.
Next, your timing need not be perfect when you're just delivering food. As a matter of fact, what positive reinforcement dog trainers call a "variable schedule of reinforcement" is actually more effective than predictable reward delivery. So your imperfect timing is actually an advantage!

Another great advantage to positive reinforcement dog training is that it makes it so easy for a pup of any age (6 months or not) to pay attention in an otherwise distracting environment. Which dog do you think will "obey" better: The one on a busy sidewalk getting his choke chain pulled up repeatedly, or the one on a busy sidewalk with a liver snap in front of his nose who keeps hearing his owner say "good sit!"

Further, because positive reinforcement training requires only trust and fun, it greatly enhances the dog-owner relationship for a lifetime. A solid trust between you and your dog means you almost never have to worry about him turning on you when you encounter a difficult or unusual situation. It also means he's much more likely to trust humans in general (unless someone in particular is abusive). You don't have to worry about punishing your dog, and your dog never has to develop fears and fight-or-flight defense tactics to deal with his owner's bizarrely random administration of painful consequences.

Finally, anyone can train a puppy using positive reinforcement - you, your toddler, the frail and elderly and handicapped can all be good trainers from Day One. No strength required.

So how did your parents and all those other people do so well using traditional training on their dogs? I strongly believe that the few who use traditional methods with true success also dole out plenty of praise and treats when the dog does right. But most dogs trained with traditional methods ended up (and still do) being euthanized for biting humans - a predictable behavior by a dog who receives pain from his owner one too many times.

Remember too, that many dogs were more "outside" dogs years ago and didn't have to learn all the indoor etiquette dogs now need to know. We expect more of our dogs today than ever before: To be sociable with every human, young or old, tall or short, nice or mean. (Years ago, a dog was expected to be vicious to outsiders). To be sociable with every dog they meet. (Years ago, most dogs didn't meet other dogs in social situations like dog parks or daycare.) To be good in the house and outside the house. To bark when they need to go out. Not to bark when they want to come in. To live walk nicely on a leash when 99% of their life is in a fenced yard. To share their food and toys with the boisterous toddlers from next door. (Years ago, it was considered absolutely normal for a dog to guard his possessions to the point of attack if approached too closely.) The list goes on and on.

The point is this: Think about what you're doing, how it's going to affect your long-term relationship with your dog, and what your dog is really learning. Then make your decision... and get some good treats!

For more information, go to http://www.dogdaysUSA.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Harris

Training Your Dog to Good Feeding Habits

It is highly important that dogs be fed regularly, on a schedule, rather than have the food available for them on a self feeding basis. There are many good reasons for this. For one thing, this is the best thing for their digestion and can help you to be aware of the health of your pet. Dogs who go off their feed are recognized more quickly when the feeding is done on a regular schedule and not "on demand".

Also, feeding dogs on demand does not allow for a period of rest for their digestive systems. The digestive juices within a dogs stomach are stimulated by the sense of smell, thus if a dog is constantly exposed to the smell of his food, even though he may not be eating it and it is just there for him 24/7, his stomach does not have a chance to rest.

Training a non-aggressive approach when around food is also important and this can not be done successfully unless you are the one to offer the food to the dog and thus can control his eating. When a dog is eating, you will be present and can train him to allow people to approach his food bowl. It is a good idea to pick his food bowl up while he is eating, stir your hand around in it, then set it back down. Occasionally you can also add a small tidbit of something special. this will teach your dog not to bite the hand that feeds him (or anyone else's hand).

Dogs need to be able to eat in different places. Feeding them on a regular basis but moving their food bowl to different areas of the living quarters, outside, inside, in the garage, etc., will be helpful should you ever take your dog with you on a camping trip or trips of an overnight nature.

Training the dog to sit or stand or wait or even do tricks is much easier when you are the one to set his food in front of him. If you are working on a particular skill with your dog, you can ask him to perform it and then set his food down. Teaching the "down" and the "sit" become much easier when you use the feeding time as an incentive for practice. A dominant dog learns that he is still subordinate to you, his human leader, when you are the one offering the food and providing it only after he has worked to get it.

Lastly but still important, there should be times during the feeding of your dog on a daily basis that you do have other people feed your dog. What if you should become ill or not able to be present? One of the important benefits of your dog being fed on a regularly scheduled basis is that he will be used to eating at a particular time and is much more likely to eat when a stranger might have to feed him.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Dog Training

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Dog Training - Top 10 Dog Games That Will Wear Him Out

I can just see you sitting there scratching your head and wondering why I refer to dog training when writing about dog games. Well, this is because I am a dog. I know from personal experience that all dog games are really training and all dog training is really games. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Valentino Spock Bone. You can call me Valentino for short. My human has quite a sense of humor. But that is another story. Oh, by the way, the title about games that will wear HIM out is a pun intended because dog games will wear out a dog or a human! I guess it depends on who is reading this article!

Playing dog games is one of the most effective and fun ways to give your dog the physical and mental exercise he needs. It also provides a personal way to get to know your best friend in a casual environment. Unlike standard training routines that I will discuss in future articles, this article is just for fun, but in a healthy training-type way.

The thing is that I get bored with just plain old "fetch" or "Valentino come", even if it is for a treat. I'm very intelligent and so is your canine pal. He wants variety and lots of excitement. Even experts agree that in order to keep your pooch happy, you need to provide exercise and a challenge along with positive reinforcement...my favorite is those little treats that are soft and look like a tiny t-bone and they just tingle in my mouth and make me want to do cartwheels and run around the block...Sorry, I sometimes get carried away by the thought of another treat.

So here goes:

1) Fetch: Try to think out of the kennel and get creative with a ball or favorite toy instead of a stick. My human does not let me chew on sticks but she does let me chew my toys, so I get to use safe items to play fetch. I know this sounds funny, but not all dogs are created equal. Some dogs just don't like to play fetch! If not, keep reading because there are plenty of other dog games to play. Oh, I am sure that your dog already knows how to bring it back to you and to "drop it" before you start playing fetch.

2) Backyard Bobbing: We do this in the summertime using a small inexpensive wading pool that fits me to a T! All you have to do is fill it with a few inches of water and place a rubber toy in the middle and watch your dog have lots of fun getting into and out of the pool! If your dog gets too excited doing this be sure to let him calm down by getting his attention on something else or by emptying the pool and putting it out of his reach.

3) Mystery Tour:You can create a maze of boxes and other simple shapes in the back yard and use those treats to get your dog to run through the maze with you at his side, or not. He may want to go by himself while you watch. This is really great for helping your dog learn to move with fluid motion and it helps him to be OK with new and different shapes and situations, giving him confidence and mental balance. You can also purchase equipment for this, but simple is usually best unless you are training for obstacle course trials. Sometimes I just get all goofy and just jump ON the boxes in the maze...it drives my human crazy!

4) Hide and Seek: I love using my awesome natural ability to follow scents and with just the right amount of encouragement your dog will be an expert at finding you or whatever toys you hide in this game. If you and your dog are new at this, give him the stay command then hide yourself or a toy where your dog can see you, then give a come and get it or find me command. When he finds whatever you hid give him a nice treat and praise him like silly. After you get used to this, your pup will be able to find you or the hidden object by scent alone, even if he cannot see you. Start simple then get more complicated by adding more distance. Did you know that tracking dogs will sometimes track a scent by walking several feet away from where the trail is?
The nose knows.

This is a great way to spend time indoors on those cold winter days or just rainy days when inclement weather prevents you from taking your best friend outside. Please be sure to keep those treats close by. And, be sure to give the "stay" command before you hide, otherwise, he'll be right behind you!

5) Swimming: I know this may be hard to believe, but some dogs do not like water! If your dog thinks that water is evil, do not force him. But if he does love water, please take him now! Swimming is great exercise and you can have lots of fun watching him do the dog paddle! Remember to take lots of towels and dry him off afterwards to keep him from catching a chill.

6) Frisbee: Ah, catch. Catching a flying object is almost too exciting for me to talk about. I'm young, though and this is easy for me. If your dog is older this may not be so good for him as it is very physical and requires lots of movement and jumping and sliding all over the place. You will want to throw the Frisbee a short distance to start and then you can throw it farther and farther when fido gets the hang of it. This reinforces the "fetch" instructions of going after something, bringing it back and then "dropping" it so you can repeat the process for him. Did you know that there are actually Frisbee competitions? It just doesn't get better than this.

7) What's That?: I just can not get enough of this one. My human sits in her easy chair and out of nowhere, she takes a rapid breath IN and says in her most inquisitive voice, "What's That"? My ears perk up and I'm off and running in the direction of wherever she points her finger! OK. I know there's nothing there but she gets me every time. This is good for getting my attention and it helps me focus on whatever my human wants me to focus on. Then when the game is finished, she uses other commands to end the game; come, sit and stay. Oh, and sometimes, she stands up or moves around when she does this. So many ways, so little time.

8) Saddle Bag: This one is really cool. This is when I get to carry water and snacks for my human. If you don't already have a saddle bag you can make one with a nice piece of fabric that fits around your dog's belly and chest...and it has to have a pocket on each side to carry the water and snacks...my human uses it to carry my treats, too. This is so cool because I just look cute and gets lots of praise and treats for just walking! And, of course, it's good for me to walk quietly by her side for exercise. If your dog has been used to wearing doggie sweaters and coats, he will ease right into this. If not, just give him time to adjust to the feel of doggie clothes before you expect him to be comfortable with it. My human started by dressing me in sweaters because I was such a wiggle worm. After I calmed down and didn't mind the clothes, she gave me a saddlebag to wear. She started by putting small items in the pockets and then she added her water bottles after I was OK with the extra weight.

9) Horse and Buggy: No, I don't mind being thought of as a horse pulling a buggy. People also call this carting or pulling in some circles. This requires practice to get the hang of it, but once you do it can be a lot of fun, great exercise and it helps build stamina. My human uses a little red wagon. She removed the handle and added a fabric hitch that fits over my back and attaches to two round dowel rods that she got at a craft store. You could also use a sled or cart. I have to walk steadily and pull the wagon that usually contains a child or just stuff like groceries or debris in the yard that she wants to get rid of. It makes me feel like I'm part of whatever my human is doing at the time.

10) Leave It: I really love this because I don't have to do anything and I always get a treat! At first you just hold a favorite treat in your hand and say "leave it" and let your dog sniff at it but don't give it to him...the minute he stops trying to get it, you give it to him and praise the heck out of him. I'm guessing that your dog will get it by day two. After he really gets it, you can use it for almost anything such as leave the cat alone, leave the rug alone and leave anything alone that has his undivided attention.

11)Grand Ole Opry: I have one more, well, actually two but since I can't really count. My human gets up and 1)starts twirling around and 2)starts singing at the top of her lungs! All I want to do is be part of this madness so I stand up on my two hind legs and I howl! It is truly a sight to behold and afterwards I feel exhausted! So this is probably good for those days when your dog hasn't had as much exercise as he should have. A little goes a long way with this one. If you are not able to twirl, then just sway a little side-to-side is sufficient. And, if you can not sing, all the better 'cause it will drive your puppy into howling heaven.

Dog games are so good for your dog and with a little time will have both of you in sync with what makes your best friend happy and healthy.

You've tried everything and nothing seems to work. My human was the same way at first, but now she listens to me and she has helped me put everything I know in writing so you can understand what your pooch is trying to tell you! For more details about dog training... RUN, don't walk on a leash to the Dog Training Academy! [http://www.k9dogtrainingacademy.org/]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leona_Berrian

Dog Training - 10 Secrets to Create a Positive Bond

It is essential that you develop a close, positive bond with your dog, and to do that you must know how a dog thinks. Your dog will view you and your own family as his new family. It's important to make sure your new dog or puppy feels like he is part of it.

If you do a good job bonding with your dog, you'll be well on your way to having a well-adjusted, well-behaved pet. Good bonding means that your pet understands that he is part of your family and will want to please you. Here are seven secrets trainers use to create a positive bond with dogs:

1. Spend time with your dog. When the dog comes into your home, someone ideally should be within his hearing distance 24/7 for at least a week. If you can, take a vacation from work when you get your new dog. Spending a lot of time with him initially will get you both off on the right foot.
2. Use baby gates rather than closed doors. If you don't want your puppy in a room with you, at least let him be able to see and hear you through a baby gate.
3. Use a crate. You'll be using a crate to housebreak your puppy, but even older dogs find the security of their own "den" comforting. You can also move a crate from room to room so the dog can be around the family.
4. Let the dog sleep next to your bed. Your dog or puppy will smell you even while you are both sleeping, which helps with the bonding process.
5. Tether your dog to you while you're doing chores around the house. Simply hook a leash to your belt loop and go about your business. Try to do this for at least an hour every day. Not only will your puppy bond with you, you'll be able to keep a close eye on him to make sure he doesn't chew your favorite shoes! This works well with an older dog coming into your home, too. The dog gets to know your routine without being the center of attention.
6. Brush your dog daily. Most dogs love to be brushed, and it's a good time to pet and talk to your dog.
7. Limit speaking to your dog. One expert suggests not speaking to your dog for a week once you get him home so he'll listen to you when you begin training. Silence works as a signal that things are changing with an older dog that need obedience training whether he's been in your home six years or six hours, and it's a great way to start. Most dog owners find it impossible to do, though!
8. Take your new dog with you anywhere you can. If the weather is cool enough to leave him in a car, take him with you on errands. Take him on walks, visits and to work if you can. Expose him to new situations and people occasionally.
9. Play with your dog for at least 15 minutes every day. Your dog relies on you for his social stimulation, especially if he's an "only dog." Social stimulation is as important as food and water!
10. Give your dog down time. As important as bonding is, you need to remember that your dog is looking to you to find out where he fits in your family. Making him the constant center of attention leads him to believe he is the leader in your household. Put your dog in his crate while you are eating meals or after your children go to sleep.

Preventing bad habits is better than having to eliminate them, so bond with your new dog so that you can begin his training immediately. Don't allow your puppy or new dog to practice any behavior that you don't want to break later.

Marilyn Burnham
Author: 'Dog Owners Boot Camp'
The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Don't Want You To Know!
For More Information On Dog Training.

Marilyn Burnham was the owner operator of 4 successful dog grooming stores in British Columbia, Canada for more than a decade. To spend more time with her children Marilyn made the desicion to sell her business in the mid 90's. Get a copy of her book: ‘Dog Owners Boot Camp’ The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Don’t Want You To Know!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marilyn_Burnham

Dog Training - 6 Dog Tricks To Impress Friends

In addition to all the commands your dog has now mastered, you may want to teach him a few that will make him the entertainment In the neighborhood. He will be much easier to train for these commands now that he has mastered so many tricks.

1. Dance. This trick may actually be helpful when your dog has a hard time with the "Off" command when he's jumping on people. Sometimes dogs respond well to replacement behavior, and teaching him how to dance is a great way to put all that energy to work.
Each time your pet gets excited and is jumping around you, command "Dance" while you gently take and hold his front legs, forcing him to stand on his hind legs. Sway him from right to left a little. Praise him, give him a treat, and gently put him back on the floor.

2. Pray. The object is to have your dog put his head down between his paws on the command "Pray," or "Say your prayers," and all of your friends and family to say, "Awwww! How cute!"
Begin by sitting in a chair with your dog in the "Sit/Stay" position in front of you. Put a treat on the chair between your legs. Command your dog to "Pray," then encourage him or place both of his paws on the chair while he remains in the "Sit" position.

Use the "Leave it" or "Don't touch" command so he doesn't eat the treat, and then give him the "Pray" command. Your dog should stick his nose down to the treat between his paws. Command the release, "Amen," then give your dog the treat and praise him. For smaller dogs, or if your larger dog doesn't get the chair route, you may want to use a low table. You can stand behind him to guide his paws to the table

3. Sneeze. You can train your dog to sneeze on command. You'll do it with a hand signal, which is cupping your hands around your nose and mouth and commanding, "Sneeze!"
Sit in a chair, and put your dog in the "Sit/Stay" position. Cup your hands around his muzzle, say sneeze and gently blow into his nostrils. Keeping blowing until he sniffles or sneezes, then give him praise and a treat. Some dogs take quickly to this trick, while others may take some time.

4. Turn out the light. Amaze your family and friends with your energy-conscious dog! To prepare for the trick, be sure your dog can reach the light switch on his back legs. If not, you can train your dog to jump on a table under the light switch to perform this feat.

Hold a treat at the light switch, and command "Turn out the light!" When your dog jumps up to get the treat, make sure his paws touch the top of the switch so that when he comes down he turns off the light. Reward with the treat and verbal praise.

Once he gets that down, stand away from the light switch and issue the command. Toss the treat nearby when he jumps up and paws at switch. Be sure to give him lots of verbal praise. Eventually you won't need to give him a treat to perform the trick.

5. Bow. This is a good trick to teach your dog when you're working on the "Down" command. Put your dog in the "Stay" position, and put a treat in your hand. Kneeling in front of your dog, move both your hands toward his front paws while giving the "Bow" command. Your dog will extend his head down to get the treat, putting him in the "bow" position. Work on his bow until you can command him to bow from across the room.

6. Counting: Your dog, with time and patience, can learn to count. Because this is a complicated maneuver, there is a prerequisite - your dog must know the "Speak" trick and be commanded to stop with the release word, "OK." All you do at that point is plug in a number to the command, "What is six, Laska?" When your dog counts to six, you command him to stop with "OK."

There is a catch, however - timing is involved. If you don't combine the "What is" command with a subtle signal, your dog will start to bark before you say the number. When you start training him, make a noticeable signal, like a deep nod of your head, when you give the "Speak" command. Nod your head deeply when you give the "OK," release command, too.

You'll need to practice the trick for some time until your dog is trained to respond to the nods alone. Once he has it down, slowly make your nodding more subtle. Once your dog performs the trick with just the most subtle of nods, you're ready for Broadway.
Marilyn Burnham
Author: 'Dog Owners Boot Camp'

The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Don't Want You To Know!
For More Information On Dog Training

Marilyn Burnham was the owner operator of 4 successful dog grooming stores in British Columbia, Canada for more than a decade. To spend more time with her children Marilyn made the decision to sell her business in the mid 90's. Get a copy of her book: ‘Dog Owners Boot Camp’ The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Don’t Want You To Know!

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Dog Training - Enjoyable Dog Obedience Training Techniques

Most people shy away when they think of training a dog. Unlike human beings who easily grasp ideas, it takes a considerably long time with a lot of repetition to be able to successfully train a dog. If you aren't aware, training a dog is a very enjoyable activity. I know you are eager to know just how to train your dog while enjoying the experience. This is a possibility. Remember, dogs vary in characteristics and the owner is required to employ various methods to gauge the dog's response to the different methods.

One of the most enjoyable methods is reward training. This is a strategy that positively reinforces the training. The method involves giving commands to your dog which are followed by rewards for the ones well followed. It sounds unbelievable that a dog can acknowledge rewards, but this is a reality that anyone training a dog must be aware of. One of the popular examples of reward training is clicker training.

When a dog under training performs an act as commanded by a trainer/owner, a clicker sound is produced acknowledging the action. At the beginning of clicker training, a treat always accompanies the click. This gives your dog knowledge that it's the click he desires to hear. After a while, you can take away the treats and the clicker's sound will be enough to serve as reinforcement. Treats provide great support to the training. To make it more enjoyable and achieve amazing results, patting on the dog's head or producing an excited voice is recommended. Most dog training types use reward training and success greatly depends on treats used. If you use appropriate treats in treat-based training, it will be the desire of your dog to spend more time learning.

Another fantastic training method is the agility training. A good number of dogs enjoy this technique. This is a dog obedience training technique that requires a high level of discipline from the dog to achieve any success. The technique is not favorable for large dogs. This technique involves setting up an agility lesson or course requiring the dog to concur the obstacles in a set time frame. Such obstacles may comprise crawling through tunnels, jumping over fences, climbing walls among other related obstacles. The owner's presence is vital and no other help apart from issuing commands should be offered to the dog. Before the training begins, leasing guidance to your dog is necessary. This instills a high level of obedience in dogs because they realize the importance of listening to their masters and also teamwork skills. This method has gained immense popularity and is now employed by most dog training schools.

Dog obedience training techniques are very necessary to your dog and can be found online. Dog training should not only cross your minds when you realize an unbearable behavior in your dog, but should be taken as perquisite for your dog. The techniques mentioned above are just but some of the most enjoyable dog training methods.

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Guard Dog Training Tips & Tricks Revealed

People buy guard dogs because they want protection. These pets can be very valuable and a great asset to any family. Their training takes special measures and people need to be aware of the best way to train them properly. Here you will find a short guide revealing some of the main considerations needed when training guard dogs.

The first thing you want to do is teach the dog when to bark. It might be when something unusual takes place. When the dog barks at the proper time, you can call it to your side and offer a treat. You might also try to offer a chew toy. You want the dog to understand that when something unusual happens and the dog senses this, it's good to bark and go to a family member.

Some people like to use what is known as "clicker training" to get their dogs to perform properly. When the dog behaves correctly, you make a noise with tiny clicking apparatus that lets the dog know it has done a good job. Give it a treat at the same time. The dog will soon understand that the noise and the action will get it a treat. After the dog gets the hang of this, you can replace the clicker with a treat and a verbal order like "Bark."

At the same time, there are dogs that bark too much. Then you will have to teach them a "quiet" order. When you want them to be quiet you might have to shake a can full of coins or say "Quiet" and squirt their mouth with some water. The dog will quit barking in order to suck up the water. Follow this by letting the dog have a treat. Soon the dog will learn to respond to the word "Quiet" and you won't have to give it a treat or squirt it.

Guard dogs may get aggressive about protecting their territory. You may need to put up a "Beware of dog" sign. Good guard dogs don't need to scare people. They can be trained to be obedient to commands.
Although guard dog training can work well with older dogs, it's best for the dog to learn these skills while they are young. That's because you don't want them to get training that might interfere with the guard dog training. For instant, if you teach your dog not to jump up on people, the guard dog might be hesitant to jump up on a trainer that is supposed to be an intruder.

Guard dog training is something you can do yourself or let a professional trainer do. There are a couple of fantastic guard dog training guides available which you can read about in more detail using the links at the bottom of this article. If you prefer to let a professional trainer train your dog, you should be able to find a one by asking at your local vet clinic or pet shop.

In a good training program, the guard dog will first learn some basic obedience lessons. Those lessons will be very rigid. Guard dogs must learn to follow each and every command instantly. These dogs also get trained to only obey commands or take treats from owners and handlers. This is important because nobody wants an intruder to have power over the guard dog.

When the owner wants a dog to alert them if an intruder enters the property, the dog must be trained to spot strangers. This is usually accomplished through barking and going back to the owner. Barking and returning to the owner's side can be repeated often, until the owner recognizes the stranger and the dog knows he successfully finished the job.

Sometimes the guard dog is actually trained to attack an intruder. This is done for protection purposes. After this kind of training, the dog shouldn't be left alone. The dog might perceive a movement by a visitor as a reason for attack. Dogs trained to protect owners are not as sensitive to noise or threatening movements. This is to help the dog respond properly to loud noises or strange gestures used by intruders.

The guard dog must be taught how to properly respond to all family members. The dog should know all the children in the family, as well as other family members. The dog should also be familiar with other household pets. This is how to make the guard dog an agreeable member of the family.

Guard dogs make gentle and sweet companion dogs. They enjoy having company, but they will put up a fierce face when intruders arrive. Owners will feel secure having these dogs in the house. Training them can the beginning of a fabulous relationship. Don't forget to praise them when they do a good job, and you will be rewarded with lots of love.

A couple of links are provided below which you can use to find out more information about dog training and in particular guard dog training.

Craig Clemins is a long time dog enthusiast who has a wealth of experience in guard dog training. To find out many more tips and tricks about dog training visit http://www.dog-solutions.com/.

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7 Dog Training Tips You Must Teach Your Pet

Responsible dog owners will often look for dog training advice. This is available from a variety of sources including the internet, books and DVDs. The following dog training tips are designed to help dog owners understand what is needed of them to create a strong bond between themselves and their pets, as well as creating a safe environment for the dog and all those around it.

1. Establish leadership and boundaries - Dogs are pack animals and respond to the leader of the pack. If the owner of a dog is seen to have moments of weakness, the dog will assume that it they who are in charge and all future commands from the owner will be wasted. It should be clear from the very start who the leader is and what is expected of the dog.

2. Be patient - When teaching a dog a new command, it is important to be patient. Shouting or punishing the dog by hitting them will only serve to confuse and scare the animal. If an owner can feel their patience slipping, it is time to end the training session.

3. Reward and correct - Dogs do not automatically know what a command is. By showing them what is expected of them and rewarding them, owners are giving the dogs a reason to do what is asked of them. If a dog does not respond correctly to a command, the owner should correct their behavior.

4. Consistency is key - Once the boundaries have been set, it is imperative that the owner keeps maintains the course of action which has been set. If a dog is rewarded one minute for behavior and then the next time it is ignored, they will become unsure of what they are supposed to be doing.

5. Keep sessions short - By doing this, dog owners are less likely to become impatient and dogs can quite often be very similar to small children in that their attention span is not as great as the trainer might like. A few minutes of dog training each day is more than enough for both parties.

6. Practice somewhere quiet - Whilst the goal may be to go into a park and be able to retrieve the dog no matter how many other distractions are around, it will take time to get to this point. In the early days especially, it is essential that dogs should be trained in a quiet place with as few distractions as possible. After training is finished though, it is a great idea to take them out somewhere and have a play with them as a final enforcement for their good behavior during training.

7. Start as early as possible - Dog training should begin as soon as possible after the dog has become a member of the family. Whilst it is easier to teach puppies, those people who rescue dogs which are older will be able to achieve the same results, even if it takes a while longer. The key is to be patient but persistent.

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Dog Training Tips That Work Best For Smart Dogs

Just because some dogs are hard to train doesn't mean that there is something wrong with them. Contrary to what most people believe, these dogs are not in any way stupid. In fact, these dogs might even possess quite a high level of intelligence - high enough to let them get what they want when they want it!
Aside from independence and dominance, there are some other traits that might get in the way of your dog training efforts. A dog with a high level of intelligence and determination may also be hard to train. Here are the reasons why:

Smart Dogs Are Hard To Train Intelligence, not stupidity, makes dog training quite a difficult task. Why? This is because most of the hard-to-train breeds are natural born hunters and fighters. They must rely heavily on their brain power in order to survive.

These dogs might be too intelligent for our own good. They can easily see through us - they know our moods and know just how far they can push us around. Intelligent dogs can easily manipulate things and even us owners to get just what they want. You can tell whether your dog is a genius if he or she displays these characteristics:

.Intelligent dogs find a lot of new ways to get into trouble

.They quickly find an exit even when presented with a see-through barrier such as a chain-link fence

.They have the ability to understand your words quickly

.They respond to your commands based on their evaluation of your moods

A Dogged Determination Can Also Hinder Your Dog Training Efforts
Determined dogs can be difficult to train especially when they have already set their hearts and minds on something. Once this happens, say goodbye to your dog training efforts for the meantime - you would find it quite difficult to divert your dog's attention to the exercises anyway!

How would your know that you have a determined dog? Here are some signs that will tell you whether your dog has this trait:

.Your dog's attention might be temporarily diverted by a special treat such as a toy or a cookie but once he or she is through with it, the dog will return to fulfilling his or her original goal. Whether it might be digging flower beds or anything that might be buried underground, munching on your sofa or chewing cords, you can count on your determined dog to get what it wants and have it his/her own way no matter how long it may take!

.Your dog shows a marked obsessive behavior and ignores physical correction.

Dog Training Techniques For These Types of Dogs

If your dog shows any of these traits, training can be difficult but not at all impossible to accomplish. You just need to know what attitudes and exercises work with them best. For example, in working with intelligent dogs, be sure to include a lot of variations in your dog training sessions. Also include activities that will stimulate your dog's brain. You should devise new ways of hiding toys and following trails to encourage the animal to use much of his or her brain power and keep his/her interest in your dog training sessions.
For determined dogs, however, you should do just the opposite. These animals get the most from their dog training exercises if there are fewer variations and more repetitions of the same routines. Showing that you are having fun during your dog training sessions may likewise do determined dogs a lot of good!

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dog Training

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The Importance of Dog Training

Dog training is an important aspect of owning and raising a dog. However many people do not fully understand the importance of dog training. It is not meant to turn your dog into some kind of robot who follows commands accurately and mindlessly. It is also not aimed to make your puppy into a show dog that can do tricks to amuse your friends. Dog training is all about making the bond between you and your dog stronger. It is about teaching your dog the basic rules to make him a safer pet as well as a pleasant companion.

Dog training is not about subduing your dog to follow your every whim; it is about communication. Regardless of your purpose for owning a dog, whether it is for company or for protection, you should train your dog so that you will not have any behavioral problems with it in the future. Dog training will turn your frisky puppy to a more docile dog that will obey your command and stay away from trouble.
Dog training is highly recommended regardless of your lifestyle or the breed of your dog. It is also recommended to start training your dog while still a puppy. This is because older dogs are more difficult to train. Sometimes, different dog breeds may require different dog training techniques. For instance, you can't use the same technique to train a large Great Dane and tiny Chihuahua.

Simple dog training starts with obedience training. First, your puppy must recognize his name and be responding to it every time you call it out. You can then start to train him to come to you whenever you call him. Use the verbal commands come and here when you are calling him. Then you can start introducing some other techniques such as the sit command. You should start with the simple commands first and gradually advance to more complicated commands.

The importance of dog is to you're your dog a disciplined and docile companion who can follow simple commands and keep away from trouble such as destroying your neighbors flower patch. Also, the goal of dog training is to make your dog safer, not only to you and your family, but also to everyone in your neighborhood. This is especially important if you have a large dog that can be capable of damage or injury. A trained dog will simply not run off to chase a cat and will not be aggressive to other pets, children and adults.
Dog training is not easy. You have to possess patience and perseverance to be always consistent in your commands so that your dog will learn faster and more effectively. You should also respect your dog. Remember that you chose him and he didn't choose you. You should treat him right in the first place, because if you don't you will end up with an unhappy dog who will likely run away from you and be quite difficult to train.

If you are truly determined to train your dog personally, you can find a lot of resource material on dog training in many books, manuals, pamphlets and others. It may be helpful to get some information about dog training even before you get a puppy. Sometimes pet shops will offer dog obedience training either for free or for a fee. Just make sure that it is attuned to the requirements of your dogs breed. You can also hire a professional dog trainer to assist you in training your beloved pet.

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Dog Training Online Review - Learn How to Get the Best Behavior From Your Pet

As the owner of a dog, you'll need to make sure that your pet is well behaved at all times. It is no fun to have a dog at home if it has a whole lot of behavioral issues. You need to read a really good dog training online review in order to find out how to train your dog well. Keep in mind that these are highly intelligent creatures that react very badly to wrong handling.

A badly trained dog is a very big liability to have. Do you really want your rugs and shoes to be chewed on? A bad dog will also bark at all times of the day and night causing a lot of disturbance in the neighborhood. Your problems will get worse if your dog is very aggressive. A powerful dog can cause a great deal of damage with a strong bite. Depending on where you stay you'll need to follow local laws concerning the behavior of your pet.

The process of training dogs is a very time consuming one, especially if you do not know exactly what to do. However, if it is done correctly then there is almost no reason for your beloved pet to behave in an undesirable manner. You need to start by understanding exactly what motivates canine behavior in order to work on correcting it. Merely batting at your pet with a slipper or a rolled up newspaper will not get you the desired results and it will also stress you out very much.

The best way to learn how to train a canine is to learn from the experts. Read a dog training online review in order to find out which one pertains to an expert training course. It should provide you with techniques that include the correct postures and voice commands that will guarantee the desired response from your dog. Irrespective of the size or breed of the dog, you will be able to teach your dog:

- Potty training

- Obedience

- Walking on a leash

- Good manners

- Canine tricks

Read a dog training online review in order to find out which program contains all the information you need. Be wary of buying a program that does not contain any useful information but is merely filled with fluff. If you make a good choice then you will easily get your dog to behave perfectly well.

Read a good dog training online review in order to select a program that will help you train your pet easily. Your beloved pet will have excellent manners once you finish training it in the right manner.

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Dog Training Classes - Dog Training to Unleash Your Dog's Full Potential

When considering training a dog, most owners only give thought to basic dog obedience classes. However in doing so, they ultimately end up limiting what a dog is capable of accomplishing. In addition, basic obedience is the extent of the training offered by many dog trainers. The fact is though, some dog training facilities offer a large variety of dog training classes that teach much more than just dog obedience training. They are looking to provide you as the owner and your dog a much bigger selection. By doing so, knowledge gained from any of these specialty classes will help to bring out the best in your dog and maximize his potential.
Here are some of the samples you'll find when looking into dog training classes.

• Advanced Obedience Training - These courses are fairly self explanatory. They are merely advanced versions of basic dog obedience training. They'll take your dog from the simple obedience commands of sit and stay to more advanced commands which require your dog to maintain training and good manners when left in the care of a trusted person even if you were to leave the room. This is the training required for AKC's Canine Good Citizen Program and demonstrates a level of obedience that will have other dog owners in awe of your pup's discipline.
• Relationship Dog Training Class - A class such as this is designed to help you understand and communicate with your dog on a new level. This course teaches you how to handle any reactive behaviors or aggression issues. It also teaches you how to relate to and communicate with your dog on his level and help build a stronger relationship and powerful bond with your canine friend.
• Disc Dog Sport Training - Dog sports is an awesome field for additional dog training. If your pet loves to retrieve, disc dog sport training would be an ideal course for you. This class would teach your dog to play Frisbee and help you build a relationship with your four-legged friend while he learns focus. Disc dog sports elevates your dog's ability to jump, concentrate on the catch, and build strong physical health through exercise.
• Puppy Socialization - Good dogs are socialized dogs. And to get optimal results, socialization should start at a young age. Puppy socialization classes help to introduce your puppy to new experiences in a safe and supervised environment. Many dogs miss out on this training and therefore deal with issues such as separation anxiety, shyness, or aggression. Early socialization helps teach your dog proper social skills that he can use as he gets older to allow for confidence, ability to be alone without their owner, and get along well with other dogs.
• Nosework Course - Since dogs have such an amazing sense of smell and strong desire to hunt, this class helps develop your dog's natural scenting abilities. You'll learn how to help in that process by using his natural desire to hunt and love of toys, food, and exercise. The benefits of this instruction are that it builds confidence, uses a large amount of mental and physical energy and is a whole lot of fun for your dog. This type of training can lead to unique opportunities just as the elite canines have in police and military outfits.
• Swim and Learn Classes - Many dogs avoid going anywhere near standing water, much less a pool. The avoidance is out of fear. If your pet is around water, whether it's the backyard pool, a pond, swimming hole or whatever the case may be, this class is the perfect opportunity to introduce him to appreciate it and get rid of his fear. You're pet will be given an introduction to water and swimming all at his pace. And for his safety he will learn where to get in and out of the pool. (Interestingly enough, most dogs who are introduced to swimming properly, end up liking it.)
• Agility Instruction - Again, one of the more popular types of training for dog owners who are already familiar with dog sports. Once you've seen these dogs in action, you can't help but be mesmerized by their speed and performance. The training in this class will teach your dog how to maneuver through obstacles such as running through tunnels and tires, walking on a dog walk, and using a teeter. This instruction can be done for fun or to help your pup prepare for agility trials and be one of the elite star performers.
• T-Touch - A unique approach to animal training and dog care that involves a specific form of light touch. This method helps to reduce stress and build confidence while inducing a state of relaxation and increased body awareness in both animals and people. The combination of T-Touch body work with unique movement exercises helps improve focus and attention which allows for optimal learning to take place. It also provides a wonderful means of deepening the bonding you have with your dog. Through T-Touch the deepened bond between you and your relaxed dog will almost have him reading your mind.

These dog training classes are just a few of the opportunities offered by specialized dog training sites to help unleash the potential within your dog. These trainers understand that learning new things with him beyond basic obedience, will enhance his abilities and help bring out his best.

All of the above are Phoenix dog training classes that are offered at Arizona Dog Sports, with several more options available. If you want to learn more about these classes and others that are available, visit dog training Phoenix. Learn what Arizona Dog Sports fans are saying at www.facebook.com/azdogsports.dogtrainingphoenix.

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Professional Dog Training - The Easy Road in Dog Obedience Training

If you are frustrated with the fact that you just don't seem to be able to grasp the art of "Dog Whispering", take heart because professional dog training can help. Kudos to the Bob Villas of this world, but not everyone is cut out to be a do-it-yourselfer. Sending your dog out for training can be faster, easier, and yes, cheaper (in the long run) too.

You can spend a lot of hard-earned dough on videos, books, and gear and still wind up with a less than satisfactory experience. There is a time consideration too. If you are busy with work, friends, and family then it can be next to impossible to set aside the amount of time that you need.

Moreover, professional dog training can take a load off your mind. You can rest easier knowing that a real specialist is giving your dog personal instruction time. Some people just like knowing that they are getting the best, and are humble enough to recognize when they are amateurs.

Think about it this way. If you had to have surgery, would you rather the person holding the scalpel were a licensed surgeon, or just an average Joe who bought a video about how to do it? Of course, you would want the real surgeon, because that would give you the highest chance for success.

Whatever your reasons for considering professional dog training, you must come to terms with leaving your dog. Anytime you trust the well being of your fuzzy friend to someone else, you are taking a leap of faith. Will they be fed, watered, and cared for properly? Will they be punished if they make a mistake? This alone can cause you enough anxiety to rethink your decision.

All of a sudden, you can relate to a new mother leaving their child at daycare for the first time. By making sure that you have selected your trainer well, you can feel a degree of confidence that you are leaving your dog in good hands. The good news is that it may not be as hard as you think. Professional dog training often works out great for the dog.

Start with the trainer's credentials. In the United States, anyone with experience can put out their shingle and start a dog training business. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers sets a high standard for evaluating a dog trainer. They focus on not only the applied science of professional dog training, but also on keeping that knowledge current.

In order to become certified, a designation known as CDTP-KA is awarded to those who demonstrate both knowledge and experience in dog training. Candidates must pass a knowledge test and prove that they have at least 300 hours of teaching dog classes, or training dogs in general. They also have a strict code of ethics, and a recommendation from a client, a veterinarian, and a colleague is required in order to sit for the exam. Once the trainer is certified, he or she can consider starting professional dog training.

In order to keep their designation once they have earned it, they must re-certify themselves every three years. A dog trainer can receive other certifications from various programs and educational institutions. The CDIP-KA is the only one that combines animal husbandry, teaching skills, and animal behavior knowledge.
Once you have verified the credentials, you should visit the facility. Check for cleanliness and see how the other dogs look. Check to see if there are vaccination requirements so that you know that your dog won't be exposed to contagious disease. Find out what they do for parasite prevention.

When starting professional dog training, make a list of your biggest fears and discuss them openly with the trainer. Ask what a typical day for your dog would entail. Question them about how specific situations are handled. Bring your dog along and watch how they interact together.

Peace in your house has a price. The cost will vary from trainer to trainer, but it is somewhat expensive at first glance. However, when you consider the exact dollar amount that you spend, spread over the life of your dog, it is a small amount to pay for rewarding relationship. At its finest, dog training is about the way that communicating with your companion will enrich your life. The investment that you make in professional dog training is a fantastic way to instill obedience into your pet, and still make it home in time to put your feet up.

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Dog Training: An Overview

You will discover a number of definitions for the word "training." It is critical to recognize that on what you ought to conduct along with your pet dog. Below are things you ought to ponder on:
Firstly, there exists a so-called "behavior training." This is actually the type of training wherein your dog is coached to become a "decent citizen." Generally, this approach consists of house training, decent conduct near other human beings as well as most dogs, sensible leash etiquette along with other small-scale points that develop a pet dog into a way more gratifying companion. A well-behaved pet dog draws in very little distinctive awareness on the general public.

Another, is this "obedience training," which happens to be typically training your dog learn how to carry out distinct functions. This could certainly contain conventional "compliance" techniques for example heeling. The main focus in this case is about immediate as well as accurate operation. The education is simply towards the training instead of trying to better the pet's conduct. Pet dogs which have been obedience trained will certainly carry out certain duties whenever their particular pet owners make them accomplish something. In some cases, a number of obedience trained dogs may perhaps act inadequately; an outstanding herding dog which will however bark a great deal for no distinct purpose might possibly be a good example.

"Activity training" is the term for instructing with regard to particular functions which consists of herding, hunting, searching and rescuing, lure coursing, any kind of functions intended to highlight the relevant skills of your pet dog and its trainer, especially in exercises in which your pet is carefully bred to accomplish.

A prodigious degree of obedience training can certainly help with good behaviors. By way of example is that a dog that is heeling is not going to yank on your leash. Nevertheless, you would like to take this into account when deciding on any training class in order that it best complements your preferences. For several owners, these behavior-oriented lessons are usually the ultimate approach to discover ways to comprehend as well as take control of your dog. For anyone who wishes to take pleasure in any sports activity or even be competitive on an activity along with your pet dog might want to proceed to a more advanced teaching.
You've got to be mindful of whether or not your pet dog requires behavior customization or simply obedience training. Definitely, both of them are relevant depending on your needs.

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Positive Dog Training

If you have acquired a new canine friend, training him can prove to be quite enjoyable, yet challenging. Traditional dog training uses the help of such implements as dog collar and choke chains. The reliance here is on pain and punishment. However this may cause excessive aggressiveness in your dog and create fear in his mind. Since he is going to be staying with you all his life, you should enjoy each other. So positive dog training is becoming more and more popular.

A friendlier approach!

Positive dog training makes the use of positive reinforcement, praise and rewards to get your dog to obey you. When you have gained a new puppy, dog obedience training becomes the first business of the day. This includes housebreaking, coming when called, walking without leash etc. The first order of the business is to find out what your dog likes. You can use these as his reward. The method relies on rewarding desired behavior. It is also known as operant conditioning. You should ignore the undesirable behavior. Punishment may be used only in the rarest cases.

You should first identify few basic commands which you want your dog to learn. Some basic cues include the following commands
• Sit
• Stay
• Off
• Down
• Come
• Stand

Now you have to communicate your command to your dog. At this time you have to be careful to avoid cross images. When you command your dog to stay while firmly convinced that he will not obey you, he gets a confused signal. He can identify the vibrations in your voice. So be firm and confident while delivering the command. The dog learns to associate a certain sound with a certain command. In positive dog training, he first learns the desired action, and then the command associated with it.

The use of rewards and praise

The entire principle of positive dog training is the reinforcement of the desired behavior. Command the dog, and then reward him when he performs well. In the early days of training you should reward your dog every time he performs a task well. Once he masters a cue, occasional verbal praise is enough to motivate him.
You can use several ways to reward your dog. You can give him treats or toys, physical affection or simply verbal praise. The trick is to find out what he likes. It can then be used to reinforce desired behavior.

In case your dog is not performing on cue, you should ignore his willfulness. If he continues to disobey you can penalize him, but never punish him. Penalties may include anything that your dog does not like. These include a mild leash jerk, not moving when he wants to run etc. But you should not use pain as a punishment.
One major principle to remember while using positive reinforcement is that desired behavior should be rewarded at once and every time it is performed well. If you allow time to lapse between the action and the praise, your dog will be confused as to why exactly you are praising him. Dog training books offer detailed steps to follow during the training regime.

A final word! You and your dog are friends. So the time spend together should not be a chore. Both of you need to enjoy the training process. Positive dog training helps to build up that special rapport which makes the training all the more effective.

Get the best dog training books that promote positive and non-violent training methods for your flurry animal at http://www.dogtrainingclassroom.com/dog-training-books.html.

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Secrets to Dog Training to Stop Your Dog's Behavior Problems

Do you want to put a stop to your dog behavior problems? One top training package, Secrets To Dog Training effectively helps puppy and dog owners teach their dogs good behavior and obedience.
Do you have a generally disobedient dog? Or do you have a puppy that bite, bark, whine, pace and destroy things? Either way, the answer to solving your dog's current behavioral issues lies in giving your dog effective behavior training.

Behavioral science has shown that with good dog training, it will help you and your dog build a better relationship and establish a tighter bond together but more importantly, it will also help your dog suppress any aggressive behavior, become more obedient, confident and less fearful of the surrounding environments.
And when it comes to giving good training to your dog, there are two options that you can choose from. The first option is to either attend a puppy training class or engage in the service of a professional dog trainer which can cost quite a bit. Alternatively, the cheaper second option is to train your dog personally though your inexperience may cause you to do the wrong thing. Yet, problems like these can definitely be minimized by reading and learning from good dog training books.

One such effective dog training guides that has helped over 216,245 dog owners worldwide overcome their puppies and dog behavior problems is Secrets To Dog Training by Daniel Stevens.

Formerly known as Sit Stay Fetch, Secrets To Dog Training is an excellent visual and audio learning tool (with a total of nine chapters and over 261 pages of detailed instruction and multiple real life case studies) to take you step-by-step on how to quickly identify and solve dog behavior problems, such as:

• How to select, buy, raise and care for a puppy or older dog, covering subjects such as diet and nutrition, house training, how to puppy-proof your home, choosing a vet, grooming and general health.
• Fixing common dog behavior problems including biting, nipping, aggression, digging, disobedience, fighting with other dogs, excessive barking, separation anxiety and many more.
• How to train your dog virtually any command and tricks including Come, Sit, Stay, Hold, Leave, Seek, Beg, Catch, Crawl, and even climb ladders!

Additionally, the guide Secrets To Dog Training also comes with extra bonuses including separate books on "A Quick Guide To Dog Aggression", "Tips on Security Training Your Dog", and "Dog Grooming Made Easy", "All the House Training Methods and Tricks", and "Secrets To Becoming The Alpha Dog" which covers more specific training subjects.

So if you are a dog owner who has a new puppy or owns a older dog that has some kind of behavior problems, then you should at least check out Daniel's Secrets To Dog Training guide. The information within is comprehensive and yet so simple to comprehend that you would certainly benefit and experience tremendous improvement in your dog behavior after reading and following the advice in it.

To find out more on what the book has to offer, please read the full review: Secrets To Dog Training or visit DogTrainingClassroom.com for additional information about tips on dog training.

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Top 5 Dog Training Tips

Your approach to dog training has a big impact on the actual training results that you will get. As long as you have the right mindset about dog training, you can be sure that your puppy will grow into a well-mannered dog that you can be proud of. Aside from having the right mindset, you would also do well to follow the most useful tips and tricks of dog training. Here are the top five dog training tips that will help you mould your dog into a positive addition to your family.

 1. Show your dog that you are the pack leader.

Dogs are pack animals and naturally look to their pack leader for guidance. Therefore, you will have to establish your role as pack leader in order to gain control over your dog's behaviour. Pack leaders normally control the food supply, so a good way to establish leadership would be to always feed your dog only AFTER you have eaten. You should also set a feeding schedule and stick to it.

2. Use positive reinforcement.

Dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. One of the best ways to ensure success in dog training is to reward good behaviour and ignore unwanted behaviour. This will encourage your dog to repeat those behaviours that earn him praises and treats, and refrain from exhibiting behaviours that get him nothing in return. Be careful not to use punishment in training your dog, as this will only alienate him and make him regard you as an adversary. Rewards and positive reinforcement not only help ensure success in dog training, but also helps strengthen your bond with your dog.

3. Set realistic goals.

You can't ensure the success of your training unless you have a concrete goal to start with. Of course, you will have to keep your goals realistic; otherwise, you will just be setting yourself up for failure. For example, it is okay to expect your dog to master the "sit" command in two to three days, but you can't expect him to jump through hoops within the same timeframe.

4. Learn proper timing.

Proper timing can spell the difference between success and failure, where dog training is concerned. When you see your dog sniffing and circling around, immediately give a firm NO and then lead him to the designated elimination area. If you wait until he has done his business before scolding him, he won't understand that he is not supposed to make a mess inside the house. In the same way, you should praise your dog or give him a treat the very moment he exhibits a good behaviour. This will make him understand that he has just done something that pleases you.

5. Be patient and consistent.

Stay calm even when your dog makes mistakes. Yelling and showing impatience will get you nowhere. Give your dog enough time to learn each command, and always use the same words and hand signals when you give these commands. Consistency and patience are the keys to successful dog training.

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Dog Training Tips - Training A Dominant Dog

Who's the Boss?

YOU ARE! It is very important for your dog to know "who's the boss". If your dog is showing aggressive behavior towards the family, you have to make sure he knows his place in the house. If he doesn't your dog will get confused and a confused canine is an unhappy canine. An unhappy dog will affect everyone in the household and might even cause arguments within the family. If your pooch tries to take food from you, display destructive behavior or even being too demanding or pushy then you have to start taking action.

There are a few ways to show your dog clearly who the pack leader is. I will be stating a few here:

1. Play games which encourage teamwork

If you are an ordinary dog owner then playing games that encourages your dog to work with you are usually the most effective. The best examples of this are Fetch and Frisbee. It encourages your pet to work with you and not against you. Those games teaches your dog subconsciously to work for you and it will be clear to your dog that you are the leader of the pack.

2. Take a walk

Not just any walk. A walk where anything you say, goes. Your pooch needs to heel beside you or behind you in order to show you are leading the way. Your dog can only do the things you allow him to. ex: Do not let your dog sniff anything he wants. Your dog will slowly realise that you are leading and he is following. This is very important to both the dog and the trainer as it clears the status of your relationship with your pet.

3. Territory

Tell your dog he's not allowed to go on stuff that belongs to you. ex: bed, couch. If your dog wants to be on your bed/couch, you have to be clear to him that it does not belong to him and he is not allowed to use it. Use a stern voice but do not yell or hit your dog. A dog should appreciate being allowed on a furniture, and not consider it a normal activity.

4. Be the First to Go

If you're dealing with dominant dogs then you HAVE to keep this important tip in mind: to always go first. If you're going through a doorway with your dog, make sure you're the first one to enter and exit. If you're walking you're walking up the stairs with your dog, make sure you walk up first. If you're going to feed your dog snacks, make sure you eat first. In the canine world the leader always gets the good stuff first and you must portray this to your dominant pup to make him not so dominant anymore. This isn't degrading your pup, just to be clear, this is teaching your pup that he must accept and respect you as pack leader. If your dog attempts to go first, you must command him to stay and come after all humans have walked ahead. If your dog tries to block pathways you have to prevent him from doing it by stern commanding. Do not walk around the dog. Either make the dog move or step over the dog. This behavior should never be allowed.

5. No "Free" Stuff

Before a fun time with your pet, you should always give a command to your dog beforehand. Give a simple command like sit, lie down or roll over. If your pooch does not follow your orders do not reward him in any way. Only if he carries out your orders, he can have play time or snacks. This tells your pooch that he can't get free stuff. He will then gradually drop the dominant behavior as your pooch will realise he can't get anything out of it. This is a really effective way to show your dog who's boss.

OPTIONAL

Looking back at number 1 you can try another technique. It might work and it might not: a double-edged sword. You can choose to play tug-of-war.Hold It! I know what you're thinking. I just advised you to not play games that is you vs your dog but there are some benefits of playing tug-of-war. You have to make sure that you always win(maybe not 100% but... 80%). This will show your dog that you are stronger. If you chose to follow this technique then here's a few things to keep in mind.

-Be the one who initiates it (important!)

-No rough stuff allowed! (when your pup(or you) starts to become aggressive, end the game abruptly)

-Use a tug or chew toy

 -Make sure you are able to end the game WHEN you want too

Well, looks like I wrote a lot and there are still so much things to write about! Remember that this does not mean your dog will fully stop his dominant behavior but it will give him a clear idea to "WHO'S THE BOSS"! See you next time!

Well, that was a lengthy article! Good news is that you can get a FREE full dog care eBook, that includes dog training of course, on my website, http://www.wagwagtail.com! Just visit my site and sign up to receive your very own copy of my eBook, Dog Owner's Delight!
If you decide that you want a more advanced(with basics for beginners!) dog training eBook, you can go to my Reviews page at, http://www.wagwagtail.com/ryans-review/, to find out more about the dog training eBook.
Thanks for reading! All smiles to you!

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Free Dog Training Tips - Expert Advice

Often times when a new pet is introduced to the family, there are some issues that will need ironing out. This is especially true if you get a puppy that hasn't been trained for anything and just wants to play all the time. In order to get your new friend to be obedient and enjoy life with moments of lucidity, you'll need to look into free dog training tips. Often times, you'll find that experts write blogs, post articles, and try their best to communicate ideas for pet lovers that are looking to train their latest addition to the family. If you or someone you know is in search for some ideas, consider the following free advise as some of the highlights that you might see from online forums and more.

Never Stop Training - The first thing that you'll need to know in regards to training your pet is that you never really stop. You need to continually shape your dog's future by showing them lessons and when they accomplish the tasks, give them a treat. You'll be able to first train them, then reinforce rules, introduce them to other things, and have a best friend that is well behaved. However, there are going to be times when there is a relapse of old behavior, and to curb that, you'll need to remember to not throw in the towel, but to continue to train as time goes on.

Exercise - When you're seeking out free dog training tips, you'll probably see experts recommending that you exercise with your pet. This is a great idea, and the more you exercise with your friend the closer they will become to you and will be more prone to obeying your commands. They'll naturally turn submissive and will be confident at your side because you are sharing a special designated time with them. Reward them at the end of your exercise routine, and they'll be docile and loyal over time.

Play Time - Make sure that you don't spend all your time trying to train your pet. You might find that this method is a bit out of the ordinary in some eyes, but it truly does help them out. As the old adage says, "all work and no play... " the same can be true for a puppy. Don't just train all the time when you're with them, take some time to play and have fun, let them know that you care and treat them with great care.

The aforementioned free dog training tips are just a handful of ideas that you can take with you in the process of teaching your pet new ideas, reinforcing old ones, and simply loving them. You will find that there is nothing quite like having a newfound friend joins you in this world. You can have an obedient companion that looks out for you and is truly loyal. It starts with training them from the first time you bring them home, through their adult years. With time, and effort you will find that you can train them to be quite fun.

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