Doggy Mentor

Posts Tagged ‘dog behavior’

One of the tell tale signs as to whether your dog training will succeed or be an absolute failure is the attitude with which you and your dog approach the training. While you may feel it is hopeless based on the level of serious behavioral issues your dog presents, having the right attitude with respect to training will help overcome any bad dog behavior. However, you are ultimately in complete control of your dogs attitude. You need to train your dog into the family member you want him to be, where obedience and instant response will allow a relationship for you and your pet that is free from stress and frustration.

Since a puppy under the age of six months needs an entirely different approach to training, we will only be dealing with the training techniques that are required to train a dog over six months of age. Teaching a six month old dog with kindergarten methods would be an insult to its intelligence, much like a college student would be offended if the instructor talked using child like teaching techniques. Similarly, a six year old child would achieve nothing sitting in a classroom listening to a professor explaining the theory of relativity.

Setting Positive Attitudes While Training Your Dog

If your dog’s training periods each day consist of nothing but commands, a negative attitude will develop from your pet. Its daily routine is now being changed to include training sessions and its up to you to make these training periods something that your dog will enthusiastically look forward to.

You can achieve this simply by communicating verbally during your dog obedience training. Here lies another key that will spell the difference between mediocre and excellent performance from your dog. By communicating verbally doesn’t mean the usual ‘Heel’ and ‘Sit’ commands. Quite frankly, speak to the dog. You need to say aloud with enthusiasm phrases such as “thats a good boy/girl, good dog”.

While it may be true that your pet does not literally understand the words coming out of your mouth, two things take place when you speak. Your dog will be motivated to please you and with your praise based on your warm and encouraging tone, will present a very positive environment.

Second, this motivation then triggers a positive attitude in your dog. Commands, on the other hand, should be given in a completely different tone of voice. They should, in fact, sound like commands and not requests. They are then followed up with encouragement and praise whenever the dog has successfully followed the command or after the dog is shown the correct response. These simple commands make for easy DIY dog training.

Keep in mind that the most important key to the success of your dog’s training is communication. If you talk to your dog in a very positive way showing a supportive attitude, your dog will also respond with a positve attitude that will be evident in his exctiement to start daily training. Positive communication is just one of the ways to start easy dog obedience training.

Wanting to keep your dog happy and healthy is probably one of your main goals.The main influences on your dog's health and well being are a nutritious diet and getting enough exercise.  This could also affect the way your dog behaves and could be a cause or a cure for problem dog behavior.

Some foods might affect dogs in the same way that they affect humans.There are people who are allergic or sensitive to food additives and some foods.There are different reactions to this sensitivity, an example is hyperactivity in children.  It is a possibility that if you have dog problem behavior, and training does not seem to be working, that your dog could be sensitive to something that it is eating.Think back to the last time that you ate something that didn't agree with you.Did you feel good?  What if you had no other choice but to eat it?Dogs have to eat what their owners feed them, they don't have the option to change their food.

Carbohydrates, fillers and additives make up a large part of the commercial dog food available today.  The high carbohydrate concentration alone can cause wild swings in blood sugar levels and can in turn, cause dog behavior problems.The dogs evolution can be traced back to primitive wolves, but they are not exclusively carnivores.The prey of wild wolves eat plants and the wolves will eat the stomach contents of the prey.You have probably seen your dog eating grass or other fruits and vegetables.Your dog would probably choose to eat food that it could digest easily if it was making the decision.A lamb and rice diet is often prescribed by veterinarinas because of this.

Food that is high quality, protein based and that contains the essential nutrients that an animal would derive from sources such as plants, roots and berries should be chosen to assure that your dog gets the proper nutrition.It might be hard to find a product that has these ingredients in today's market place, but they do exist and you should be able to find one with some research.To help your dog to be healthier and possibly even improve its behavior, proper nutrition is essential.

You can your dog can reap many rewards when following a high quality training program. Canine behavior training is possibly the most important part of owning a dog, because it will help prevent negative behaviors. It is important to deal with dog aggression issues by training dogs to interrelate appropriately with other dogs and especially people. In order to know how to effectively train your dog to be a loyal and eager pet, it is important to know where dogs came from, and how their interaction with each other can affect training. The first domesticated dogs were likely abandoned wolf puppies taken in by early humans. These wild dogs were taught to perform tasks that the humans needed assistance with, like guardian territory and frightening potential predators. Humans in turn provided sanctuary to the dogs, in addition to food, winter dog boots and companionship. This is a kind of connection that continues today.

Many dogs still perform a variety of tasks for their masters, including herding, guarding, and hunting. It’s important to know that dogs are pack animals prior to starting a training program. Wild dog packs utilize a ranking system, where each member quickly learns his or her place. Only when the pack leader dies will the lower dogs move up the chain to their respective roles. The alpha dog will carry out the main duties as pack leader, and the lower dogs naturally understand that they should not challenge the pack leaders authority. The other members of pack look to the alpha dog for leadership, food, and protection. With this in mind, it is essential that you show your dog that you are the leader of the pack when you begin training. A dog that submits to his human pack leader will respect his commands without question. Earning your dog’s respect is the first crucial step in effective dog training, and it will lay the groundwork for all succeeding training. There are many reasons to train a dog properly. A calm and well-mannered dog is pleasant to be near, both for the dog’s family, and other people he might encounter. They will also be more willing to try wearing small dog clothes, once they gain your trust.

Additionally, being around an obedient dog assuages people’s fears, especially when it comes to more controversial breeds like Rottweilers and Pit Bulls. Knowing why a dog is exhibiting a negative behavior is important in effectively training and modifying bad behaviors. For instance, separation anxiety may be the root cause of many bad behaviors chewing and destructive behaviors. Solving the root cause of the problem will help to eliminate the peripheral behaviors. When dogs get overly stressed and have a hard time dealing with it, it can lead to negative behaviors. One objective of a high-quality dog training program is to help the dog to endure stress without exhibiting negative behaviors. It is important to differentiate human behavior and dog behavior when training and working through bad behaviors. It is important to remember that your dog is not human, and has very different reactions and motivations to take into consideration. One thing the humans and dogs have in common is their sociability and the need to form close groups and strong bonds. While the bonding is very important to dogs and humans, it has served very different purposes in the evolution of each species over time.

A well-trained canine makes a better companion. Professional obedience classes can help your pooch learn to adopt the behaviors you expect from him. He’ll be able to adapt more easily to his environment within your home as well as interact more socially with your family and friends. A well-trained dog is a joy to be around.

It’s impossible to overstate the value of enrolling your pooch into obedience classes that are taught by a professional trainer. Not only will that person use effective methods that yield long-term benefits, but your canine will also have a chance to interact with other pets and their owners.

There is a lot you can do at home. Below, we’ll provide three dog training basics that you can use to help your canine become a well-adjusted member of your family.

Have Fun

First, keep your sessions short – no more than 15 minutes. Otherwise, your canine may lose interest and begin responding poorly to your commands (frustrating you in the process). The key is to create a training environment that is enjoyable for both of you. If you don’t feel like participating, wait until you do. Also, to help motivate your dog for future sessions, end every session by giving him an easy command and then provide him with dog treats when he responds correctly.

Eliminate Negative Reinforcment

Owners often react in a negative manner when their dog fails to respond to commands. For example, they might strike or yell at them. It’s important to realize that positive reinforcement methods are far more effective when you train your pooch. Remember, he wants to please you. If he responds to your commands correctly, give him a treat. If he doesn’t, withhold the dog treats. He’ll get the message loud and clear and modify his behavior accordingly.

Teach The Long Stay

Canines get antsy, especially if you’re nearby. Sitting can prove to be a large obstacle. Your pooch may have no trouble sitting for 10 or 15 seconds when you command him to do so. However, most dogs will fail to sit for longer periods. This is an important lesson to teach your dog to instill self-control.

You’ll need to train him by starting with a short period of time and gradually extending it as he succeeds. For example, start with 20 seconds and give him a treat when he succeeds. Once he has done so 3 or 4 times, extend the time to 25 seconds. Continue doing this until your pooch can sit still with you nearby for 60 seconds. It might also help to teach specific words (like “easy”) that you can say to calm him down.

There are few experiences more rewarding than owning a well-trained dog. While professional training is important, you can use the above tips at home to help your pooch become a better companion.

When left to their own devices, dogs love to engage each other in a bout of playing. To a new dog owner who is first observing the interaction, the behavior might seem cute, then weird, then as a cause for worry. The fact is, canines enjoy this type of contact with each other and rarely does the contact get out of hand. In a way, it is a social dance they perform with one another from the time they are puppies through adulthood.

Below, we’ll explore why canines play with each other. You’ll learn about their motivations and triggers as well as the types of play in which they engage.

Understanding Motivations

Pack animals play within their group when they are young. Once they grow up they usually stop. Dogs are different. For some reason, they never lose their juvenile tendencies. Even well into adulthood, assuming they are not prevented by an illness or other health issue, canines will continue playing with one another.

Some vets suggest that dogs interact this way because they are rehearsing their roles as adults. For example, you might observe puppies wrestling over resources or with each other – behavior that may be necessary later in their lives. You might also see them biting or humping.

Another motivation is a simple desire to engage their mind and body. Your pooch needs mental stimulation and exercise in order to remain happy and healthy. Playing with another dog is a perfect outlet.

Social Interaction

Just as young people must learn to interact with each other without exceeding acceptable social limits, canines must also learn proper social skills. This type of playing occurs most frequently when they are puppies. They’ll jump on one another, chewing and biting playfully. If one of the “players” goes too far (for example, bites too hard), the other will let him know. This is how they learn what is acceptable.

Sexual Interaction

When dogs play sexually, their interaction usually manifests as mounting. Studies have shown that if a pooch reaches adulthood without having had sufficient mounting experience, his initial attempts at mating can often prove unsuccessful. Dogs will mount furniture or even people’s legs if there is no play partner present. The latter is undesirable in an owner/dog relationship because mounting is a dominant act.

Being A Predator

Canines are, by nature, predatory pack animals; certain characteristics are imprinted upon their brains. These characteristics manifest during play through chasing balls, sticks, and other objects. You’ll often see dogs jumping and pinning things that are moving only to release them before attempting to pin them again. They sharpen their predatory nature in a playful environment.

Your dog has a playful streak that is nearly impossible to suppress. As an owner, try to provide him with an environment that gives him the opportunity to enjoy himself, build his skills, and interact with playmates. Always reward your dog for good behavior with healthy dog chews and dog treats.  Bully Sticks are an all natural treats that your dog is sure to enjoy.

There are several different types of dog behavior problems that exist out there and you are not alone if you’re a dog owner who finds yourself facing one or more of them. You have taken the first step to getting help with your problem by getting more information.

Some people become so frustrated with their dog problems that they see no other option but to get rid of their dog. This is how many dogs and puppies get abandoned. Sometimes.

Some examples of problems with dog behavior include:

· Excessive barking

· Howling, growling and whining inappropriately

· Wetting the house or upon seeing people

· Chewing indoors or out

· Digging holes in the yard

· Digging under the fencing

· Escaping from yard or fence (or house when a door is opened)

· Nipping or biting

· Aggression towards humans

· Aggression towards dogs

· Aggression towards other animals

Each of these behavior problems in dogs can have multiple reasons for why they take place. If you want to be able to resolve these behavior problems, you will need to get to the root of the problem and what’s causing it for your dog.

You should first rule out any health or physical problems that could be contributing to your dog’s problems. Then you will want to look and see that all of his basic needs are being met properly. Then look at how serious the problem is and when it started. It’s important to know if your dog just developed this problem or has always had it since you got him?

You might be doing things which contribute to your dog’s behavior and not even know about it. There’s no reason to be ashamed of this as many people don’t know any better. It’s important that you learn about things that could be affecting your dog so that you can take the right steps to improve it.

If you are unable to solve your dog problems on your own, there are other resources to help. You can try self-help programs at home or attend a dog training class. You can hire a private dog trainer to come to your home and work with you and your dog to improve the situation and there are even dog behavior training camps you can send your dog away to. With so many different help options available to you, it just makes sense to get the help you need for your sake and your dog’s.

Learning how to correct these dog problems will improve the quality of life for your dog as well. Domesticated dogs need discipline. They need rules and boundaries. Your dog would then be free to roam and do whatever they want which isn’t good for them. The rules and discipline you give your dog is actually good for their health because they need the structure.

Dog obedience training is not just for pure bred show dogs, or dogs in military missions, public service or police work. Obedience training should be for all dogs. It is surprising that so many owners of mixed-breed dogs feel that their dog isn’t worth giving any formal obedience training. While it is true that many All-Breed Dog Clubs and Specialty-Breed Dog Clubs do discriminate and refuse to allow enrollment of mixed-breed dogs, these are only one place where dogs can receive obedience training.

The yellow pages and online search engines can help you find dog training classes in your area. With the exception of some dog clubs, mixed breed dogs are welcome. The mixed breed dog learns just as fast and just as well as their pedigreed brothers.

Price of dog training is another aspect that has deterred a lot of people. Without actually inquiring, they assume that the price is prohibitive. Formal dog obedience classes are not expensive.

There is a very inexpensive, easy to follow training program. You can have the teachings of a professional at home. Daniel Stevens is the trainer and his program has excellent rave reviews. There are many Secrets to Dog Training Reviews and all agree the small outlay is excellent value for this program.

If a person loves their family dog, the tuition for formal dog obedience training must be considered as the soundest investment that could possibly be made. In less than ten weeks, working with your dog just fifteen minutes a day, your family dog will know and respond to words very quickly.

It will come to you when called, instead of ignoring you or running in the opposite direction. It will sit when you tell it, instead of jumping all over your guests. It will walk at your side instead of pulling you down the sidewalk. It will lie down where and when you tell it to and it will stay exactly where you told it to stay. No longer would your dog have bad dog behavior.

Many people who own watchdogs are forced to confine them to back rooms when visitors come, simply because the dogs have not received formal dog obedience training. They fail to realize that a watchdog confined to a back room is about as effective as a car without a key.

A dog obediently trained knows the difference between yes and no. Not only can this training elevate the status of your family dog, it also instills in it the soundness of character that you never knew possible. A dog with obedience is a welcomed dog anywhere.

Dog obedience training is not just for pure bred show dogs, or those dogs used for services like police work, public service and military missions. Obedience training should be for all dogs. It is surprising that so many owners of mixed-breed dogs feel that their dog isn’t good enough or acceptable for formal obedience training. While it is true that many Specialty-Breed Dog Clubs and All-Breed Dog Clubs do discriminate and refuse to allow enrollment of mixed-breed dogs, dog clubs are simply just one place where dogs can receive formal obedience training.

The online search engines and yellow pages can assist you in finding dog training classes in your location. With the exception of some dog clubs, mixed breed dogs are welcome. The mixed breed dog learns just as well as a dog with papers.

Price of dog training is another area that has stopped so many people. Without actually inquiring, they assume that the price is prohibitive. The simple fact is formal dog obedience training classes are not expensive.

There is an easy to follow training program that is very inexpensive. You can learn from a professional at home. Daniel Stevens is the trainer and his program has excellent rave reviews. There are many Secrets to Dog Training Reviews and all agree the small outlay is excellent value for this program.

The tuition for formal dog obedience training is a sound investment for all dog owners. In a short period of time and only fifteen minutes a day, your dog will learn and respond to words very quickly.

It will come to you when called, instead of ignoring you or running in the opposite direction. It will sit when told, instead of jumping up on people. It will walk at your side instead of pulling you down the sidewalk. It will lie down when and where you tell it to and it will stay where you tell it to. No longer would your dog have bad dog behavior.

Many people who own watchdogs are forced to confine them to back rooms when visitors come, simply because the dogs have not received formal dog obedience training. They fail to understand that a watchdog confined to a back room is about as handy as a car without the key.

A dog obediently trained knows the difference between yes and no. Not only can this training elevate the status of your family dog, but it will mold sound characteristics in your dog. A dog with obedience is a welcome addition to any household and these well trained pets are not ‘just a dog’.

Dog Behavior Video

When you get a puppy, you might not think immediately about dog training, but you really should. Having a well trained dog can mean the difference between a alm and settled household and a chaotic one.

Dog behavior is directly impacted by how much training he has. He needs to have structure and limits in his life. If you don’t provide this, he will, and that can create significant behavior problems in your dog.

Why Train Your Dog?

No matter what your dog’s breed is, he is descended from wolves and his instinct is to be part of a pack. In the dog pack, there is a hierarchy, with clear dominant roles and submissive roles. If you don’t become the leader of the pack, your dog will make himself that leader. That’s not good and creates all kinds of dog problems.

Training reinforces and establishes the hierarchy concept for a dog. It teaches him that someone in the household is in control and that he must submit to that person.

Although some people say they prefer to not provide any dog obedience training, that’s a mistake. Puppy training – it’s best to start them young – can do much for your young dog, and will only help him as he gets older.

Where to Get Training?

You have a few choices:

1. You can hire a professional trainer to come to your house
2. You can attend dog obedience training classes
3. You can buy an online ebook and CD or DVD (the cheapest and preferred option)

Whatever you do, it’s important that your dog’s first (and future) experience with training is successful.

Crate Training.

When most of us think about dog training, we think first and foremost about dog obedience training. Dog obedience training is really about the basics of training and includes learning commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “heel.”

Even if your dog only learns the most basic of dog training commands, his knowledge of just a few basic commands is immensely useful to you as the dog sowner.

A dog that’s received some dog obedience training is also much more pleasant to strangers and other dogs. You can control his behavior when necessary and he will also develop the inner discipline that will help him make right decisions even when you’re not around.

Dog House Training

Dog house training is something you can do yourself. You don’t need the experts for this, though a little advice from a dog training expert certainly can’t hurt.

Your dog should be house trained so that he can understand the basics of his needs. That is, he should understand, through some consistent dog house training efforts on your part, that there are certain needs he has that must be met appropriately.

If you have never done any puppy training before with potty issues, you might look in the following places:

* Books, online ebooks and CD or DVD
* You Tube videos
* Friends with more experience than you
* Dog training experts

Crate Training

The concept of crate training is lost on many dog owners, but it’s a concept and a behavior that should be encouraged.

Crate training dogs gives them a sense of safety and security. While initially, many dog owners will use crate training as a puppy training method, the older dog benefits greatly from using a crate as well.

Crate training can be used to reinforce house training, or it can be used as a tool to teach a dog to sleep in a particular place at night, to keep the dog away from strangers, or transport the dog in the car.

There are so many essential uses for crate training, in fact, that dogs suffer from not having this kind of dog obedience training in their lives.

Basic Dog Obedience Training

Dog training tips run the gamut from “be sure you use a firm voice” to “let your dog lead the way.” The reality is what works for you might not work for someone else and a different dog might respond differently to training.

Find your own path with your new dog. Keeping in mind that:

* He needs structure and discipline and dog obedience training gives him that
* He will respond to firm direction from you that’s given lovingly and consistently
* Both you and he will be happier in your relationship if your dog has even the most rudimentary of dog obedience training.

Dog training is an essential part of owning a dog. It’s worth whatever effort you are willing to give it.

It can be a very positive experience to have a dog as a companion and if you have kids they can grow up with affectionate four legged friends. A well behaved dog will be recognized as real family member. You can only fully enjoy your dog when you have learnt to control its chewing. 

A chewing dog requires the consideration of a number of aspects. The most effective way to stop your dog from chewing is to look at the dog’s environment. Could your dog be anxious or perhaps bored? Is teething the problem? Chewing behavior could be the result of any of these factors. Read my review of Puppy and Dog Training Online to explore how to control dog chewing.

Here are some steps that you will need to remember in order to stop your dog from chewing:

You control your dog’s behavior and your dogs will look to you for direction. You must ensure that your dog knows this. Your dog is naturally a pack animal and you are the leader of the pack.

First question, what is your dog chewing? If shoes, clothes etc are being chewed your dog thinks this is Ok. A young pup without maturity or self control can be helped by the removal of tempting items to chew. {Sometimes spraying an object with an unpleasant taste will stop your dog from chewing it}. Future chewing may be reduced by the creation unpleasant memories.

Next we need to understand why your dog is chewing? Could it be that teething is the problem? A teething puppy will appreciate something it is allowed to chew on to help its painful gums. Dogs are able to distinguish between objects they are allowed to chew and objects they are not. For sore gums you could try a hard rubber ball, puppy teething rings or some frozen dog chew toys.

Next, is your dog chewing because it’s bored or stressed? Your new family member is going to need a fair bit of stimulation to keep it entertained. Dog toys that take persistence to master can help if you are away all day. Being out of the house all day could be causing stress. You could try leaving without your dog knowing, to reduce the separation anxiety. Including your pets in your activies when you are at home ensures they don’t feel ignored. Your dog may try to attract your attention in a way that is unacceptable if it is bored.