The younger the dog is, the easier it is to train him. If you don’t feel confident to tackle it yourself, there are professional trainers who’ll do it for you. You will have heard the saying, it’s the owners that need the training and not the dogs. My friends had a very boisterous German Shepherd dog that they couldn’t do anything with. In despair, they handed him over to the Air Force for obedience dog training and he became a member of the squad. There usually isn’t a need for drastic measures like that.

One of the most annoying things is for a dog to bark constantly. This can often happen if the owner is away at work. You’ll get to know about it because the neighbors will complain. It sometimes helps to leave some background noise in the room, from a radio or television. This is company for the dog. If you’re present at the barking, tell him to stop in a firm voice, make a loud noise yourself or snap the leash (not too hard!).

Digging the garden is another instinct that you’ll want to stop. Again, communicate your displeasure with a firm command or loud noise. Puppies urinating in the home is another problem which might require obedience dog training. This tends to happen if the puppy is frightened or over excited, especially if he is reacting when greeting the owner after a long absence. Pay no attention until the dog is calmer, then speak in a reassuring tone and allow him to smell you. Puppies also like to chew. This habit can be overcome with good obedience dog training by being firm, and also providing the puppy with lots of toys he can chew. He will grow bored of your slippers.

If you want to avoid begging, then never feed your dog at the table and make sure that family members and visitors know the rule. Don’t let the dog pester you at meal times and don’t feed him between his set meals except to praise a particular display of good behavior. Obedience dog training is all a case of letting the dog know what is unacceptable and what the limits are.

Post from: Dog Training Innovations Blog

Obedience Dog Training

After careful consideration, we decided that dog training books would be a better option than obedience classes for a few different reasons. For instance, we wanted our son to develop a strong bond with his new pet and figured that using dog training books instead of obedience classes would allow him to spend more time with the puppy. In addition, our son would get a bigger sense of accomplishment from teaching his puppy basic commands through techniques learned in dog training books. He would be doing everything on his own and could take full credit for the way the animal turned out. And finally, we thought it would be handy to have dog training books around the house for a quick reference should any behavioral problems come up.

There were so many dog training books at the local bookstore that it was pretty overwhelming trying to sort through all the choices. I didn’t really know anything about dogs, so had no idea which trainers or methods were successful and which weren’t. Before making a purchase, it was imperative for me to find out more about how to train dogs in general. So I went online to do as much research as possible in the time I had before my son’s birthday. Once I had some good information to work with, I felt comfortable enough to choose several dog training books that were appropriate both for my son’s age and for the dog’s breed. I also decided to buy a couple of the trainer’s aids recommended in the manuals, including a special leash and collar.

As I said before, it’s been a few weeks since we brought the puppy home. I’m proud to say that my son has been holding up his end of the bargain admirably and is really making progress thanks to the tips and advice in the dog training books. We’re sure that he’ll continue to do exceptionally well in teaching his pet basic commands and more, and we’re looking forward to watching this new friendship blossom!

Post from: Dog Training Innovations Blog

Looking for Great Dog Training Books

You can find obedience dog training as close as your community. There are normally programs in every town or city that specialize in obedience dog training. You will find that these courses vary in price, and are run by different types of folks. Some are conducted by those trained to help dogs, and others are run by those who have just had great success in the past with obedience dog training, and want to help you learn what they know.

In other cases, you may find obedience dog training available through your local pet store. Many chains have these classes, and they may offer them throughout the year. These will also vary in price, and you will want to call ahead to schedule the best classes to fit your life. Obedience dog training classes are many times held during the day, but you can also find ones that are run in the evening hours and on the weekends.

When you find the right obedience dog training course for you and your pet, you may be wondering what to expect. The trouble is, you never know what you are getting unless you ask. Many courses cover the basics of teaching your dog to heed your command, no matter what that command may be. They may teach the basics that most of us are familiar with, including sitting, heeling, and to stop barking. You may also find out secrets on how to stop aggressive behavior against other dogs and human beings.

If you and your dog have gone through obedience dog training, but things are still looking dim, you may need to find someone to work one on one with you and your pet. This type of obedience dog training may cost you a little more money, but you may end up with more bang for your buck this way. The trainer can then zoom in on your dog’s specific problems, and also help you where you are lacking. Dogs look to their human friends for guidance, almost like you are their pack leader, and you need to know how to assume this role effectively.

Post from: Dog Training Innovations Blog

Obedience Dog Training

Providing random positive stimuli during the day is a great way to keep the interest of the dog. Doing things the dog enjoys, like walking in the park, riding in the car, and playing with other dogs, is a great way to keep the dog’s attention and reward him for small successes. 

For instance, in order to reward the dog for coming to you, for instance, ask the dog to come to you, without giving any clues about a walk, a car ride, or other treats. After the dog has come to you and obediently sat down, attach the leash and start the reward. This can be either the aforementioned walk in the park, ride in the car, or anything else the dog likes to do. 

Providing some kind of reward, whether a treat, a special outing, or just a scratch behind the ears, every time the dog does something you want, is a great way to keep your dog motivated. If the dog knows something great is going to happen every time he obeys your command, he will be motivated to please you every time.

Distraction training 

When training any dog, it is important to not let distractions disrupt the training. The dog must be taught to ignore distractions, such as other people, other dogs, other animals and loud noises, and focus on what is being taught These types of distractions can even be used as rewards when training the dog to come when called.

For instance, if your dog enjoys playing with other dogs, whether in a local dog park or with the neighbor’s dogs, let him play freely with those other dogs. Then go into the park or yard and call your dog. When he comes to you, provide lots of praise, treats and other rewards, then immediately allow the dog to go back to playing with his friends. Repeat this several times and praise the dog each time he comes to you. The dog will quickly learn that coming to you means good things (treats and praise) and not bad ones (being taken away from the park).

If the dog does not master this particular type of training right away, try not to get discouraged. So called distraction training is one of the most difficult things to teach. Dogs are naturally social animals, and breaking away from the pack is one of the most difficult things you can ask your dog to do. Most dogs will be understandably reluctant to leave their canine companions, but it is important to persist.

Training the dog to come to you may require some creativity on your part at first. For instance, waving a favorite toy, or a lure, is a great way to get your dog’s attention and put the focus back on you. If your dog has been clicker trained, a quick click can be a good motivator as well.

Post from: Dog Training Innovations Blog

Keeping your Dog Motivated

Dogs that display excessive fears or phobias such as these can be a danger to themselves and those around them. Dogs may manifest their fear in self-destructive ways, like slinking under the couch or the bed and getting stuck, for instance. They may also react in ways that are destructive to the home, such as urinating or defecating on the carpet, chewing up favorite items, or barking incessantly. These reactions are often worse when the owner is not at home.

One thing that is hard for many dog owners to understand is that soothing or stroking a dog that is displaying fear is exactly the wrong thing to do. While it is natural to try to calm a fearful dog, to the dog you are rewarding it for being afraid. The dog likes the sound of your voice, likes your petting, and concludes that he has done the right thing by acting afraid. This only makes a bad situation worse.

The best strategy when the dog displays fear when there is a thunderstorm or a fireworks display is to simply ignore the dog. It is of course important to watch the dog to make sure he does not hurt himself, but otherwise just ignore him and let him work through the fear on his own. When you go away, be sure to make sure there is nothing the dog can get stuck under, since fireworks or a thunderstorm can pop up at any time.

A dog that is severely afraid of thunderstorms and other load noises may need to be confined to a single room, or even a crate, for a period of time. After the dog feels safe in his “den”, he may be able to deal with his fears a little better. It can be quite a struggle to teach a dog not to be afraid of thunderstorms, firecrackers and other such noises, but it is important that the dog at least be able to control his fears without being destructive to himself or his environment.

Using distraction 

Much as magicians use sleight of hand to hide their tricks, so dog owners practice the art of distraction to take their dog’s mind off of their fear. For instance, if your dog is afraid of thunderstorms and you know one is on the way, gather some of your dog’s favorite toys and get ready for the misdirection.

Of course, your dog will probably know the thunderstorm is on the way before you do. When you see your dog start to display fear, take a few of his favorite toys and try to get him to play. Very fearful dogs may be reluctant to play, but it is important to try nevertheless. Often a few treats can be a good distraction as well. Try buying one of those balls that you can fill with treats or biscuits, and encourage your dog to chase it.

Try playing with your dog every time a thunderstorm is in the forecast. This can start to implant good memories, and these can sometimes replace the fear memories that caused the dog to be afraid of thunderstorms in the first place.

Desensitizing your dog’s fear 

Desensitization is a highly effective way to deal with phobias and fears in humans, and it can be very effective for dogs and other animals as well. Desensitization involves introducing the dog to small amounts of whatever noises frighten him. For instance, if the dog is afraid of thunder, try tape recording your next thunderstorm and play it back slowly when the dog is relaxed. Reward the dog for not showing fear responses. If he does show fear responses, do not comfort or soothe him but just ignore him.

This kind of desensitization training can be remarkably effective for some dogs, but it will take lots of patience and hard work. Fears of thunder and fireworks are not always easy to cure.

Post from: Dog Training Innovations Blog

Training your Dog to NOT Fear Loud Noises

You can find obedience dog training as close as your community. There are normally programs in every town or city that specialize in obedience dog training. You will find that these courses vary in price, and are run by different types of folks. Some are conducted by those trained to help dogs, and others are run by those who have just had great success in the past with obedience dog training, and want to help you learn what they know.

In other cases, you may find obedience dog training available through your local pet store. Many chains have these classes, and they may offer them throughout the year. These will also vary in price, and you will want to call ahead to schedule the best classes to fit your life. Obedience dog training classes are many times held during the day, but you can also find ones that are run in the evening hours and on the weekends.

When you find the right obedience dog training course for you and your pet, you may be wondering what to expect. The trouble is, you never know what you are getting unless you ask. Many courses cover the basics of teaching your dog to heed your command, no matter what that command may be. They may teach the basics that most of us are familiar with, including sitting, heeling, and to stop barking. You may also find out secrets on how to stop aggressive behavior against other dogs and human beings.

If you and your dog have gone through obedience dog training, but things are still looking dim, you may need to find someone to work one on one with you and your pet. This type of obedience dog training may cost you a little more money, but you may end up with more bang for your buck this way. The trainer can then zoom in on your dog’s specific problems, and also help you where you are lacking. Dogs look to their human friends for guidance, almost like you are their pack leader, and you need to know how to assume this role effectively.

Post from: Dog Training Innovations Blog

Obedience Training Can Enable your Dog to Control Aggression

Another skill that must be completely mastered before the dog can be taken off the leash is the come when called command. Even if the dog can heel, sit and stay perfectly, if he cannot be relied upon to come when called, he is not ready to be taken off the leash.

Taking any dog off the leash, especially in a busy, crowded area, or one with a lot of traffic, is a big step and not one to be taken lightly. It is vital to adequately test your dog in a safe environment before taking him off his leash. After all, the leash is the main instrument of control. You must be absolutely certain you can rely on your voice commands for control before removing the leash.

After the dog has been trained to understand the sit, stay and come when called commands, it is important to challenge the dog with various distractions. It is a good idea to start by introducing other people, other animals, or both, while the dog is in a safe environment like a fenced in yard. Have a friend or neighbor stand just outside the fence while you hold you dog on the leash. As the friend or family member walks around the outside of the fence, watch your dog’s reactions closely. If he starts to pull at the leash, quickly tug him back. 

Repeat this exercise until the dog will reliably remain at your side. After this, you can try dropping the leash, and eventually removing the leash and repeating the distraction. It is important to vary the distractions, such as introducing other animals, other people, traffic, rolling balls, etc.

After your dog is able to remain still in the face of distraction, start introducing the come when called lessons with distractions in place. Try inviting some of the neighbors, and their dogs, over to play. As the dogs are playing in the fenced in yard, try calling your dog. When the dog comes to you, immediately give him lots of praise, and perhaps a food reward. After the dog has been rewarded, immediately allow him to go back to playing. Repeat this several times throughout the day, making sure each time to reward the dog and immediately allow him to go back to his fun.

After the dog has seemingly mastered coming when called in his own yard, try finding a local dog park or similar area where you can practice with your dog. It is important to make the area small, or to choose a fenced in area, in case you lose control of the dog. If you cannot find a fenced in area, choose an area well away from people and cars. Practice with your dog by allowing him to play with other dogs, or just to sniff around, then calling your dog. When he comes to you, immediately reward and praise him, then let him resume his previous activities. Doing this will teach the dog that coming to you is the best option and the one most likely to bring both rewards and continued good times.

Only after the dog has consistently demonstrated the ability to come when called, even when there are many distractions around, is it safe to allow him time off leash. Off leash time should never be unsupervised time. It is important, both for your well being and your dog’s, that you know where he is and what he is doing at all times. It is easy for a dog to get into trouble quickly, so you should always keep an eye on him, whether he is chasing squirrels in the park, playing with other dogs, or just chasing a ball with the neighbor’s kids.

Post from: Dog Training Innovations Blog

Taking your Dog Training off Leash

Just as the name says, it is a collar for your dog that can be seen in the pitch black dark. Made of a glow-in-the-dark type material, lighted dog collars are perfect for many reasons. Aside from pet owners, a lighted dog collar can be widely used by K-9 law enforcement, search and rescue, and are recommended by both vets and trainers. If you care for your dog, you’ll realize that a lighted dog collar can show that love above all.

Since they are lighted, these collars will help ensure your pet’s safety. No matter how hard you try, sometimes your stubborn pooch manages to slip out of the house on occasion. If you live near a road or in a city, there’s a good possibility they could be hit by a car, especially if it’s night time, and you don’t get to them in time. A lighted dog collar is bright enough for a driver to see, and then in turn be able to avoid hitting your pet.

Regardless if you have an inside or outside pet, it is a smart and safe buy since accidents do happen. You can find a lighted dog collar in either your local discount store, or online. Depending on the brand, size, color and style you choose for your perky pooch, the price will vary.

Another nice benefit that they provide, aside from safety, is identification. Not only are you able to hook your tags on, but since the lighted dog collar is generally very noticeable, if your dog happens to get loose, you’ll have an easy way of informing people of something specific about your pet. This is highly beneficial, especially if your dog is a mixed breed because mixes are more difficult to describe.

This type of dog collar can be as unique as your own pet. Some styles can have paw prints all the way around the strip while others might have various items all around, such as bones and treats. These designs in a lighted dog collar can give your pet a very cute and innocent look, gifting them a style all to themselves. While style and fashion are generally not one of the most important assets to a dog, they sure can make you smile. But more importantly, the safety and security that a lighted dog collar provides makes everything else just an added bonus.

Post from: Dog Training Innovations Blog

Great Gadgets - Lighted Dog Collar

Jumping up on people 

Jumping up on people can be a cute trick for puppies, but it quickly becomes a problem behavior as the dog gets older, larger and heavier. A very heavy dog can easily knock a child or even a small adult of his or her feet, so jumping on people can be a dangerous problem as well as an annoying one.

The reason puppies and older dogs jump on people is obvious – they are excited and happy to see them. Many people are reluctant to discourage this exuberant behavior, but it is important to redirect that happiness and energy in other ways. Many well meaning owners, family members and friends inadvertently encourage this jumping up behavior by picking the puppy up, kissing it or otherwise providing encouragement.

This type of inconsistency is anathema to proper dog training, and in order for the dog to be trained not to jump, every member of the family must recognize and accept the importance of the training. If one member of the family allows the dog to jump up while other family members do not, the dog will understandably become confused and frustrated. The training must be firm, kind and consistent in order to be effective.

One way to redirect the dog’s happiness and excited ness from jumping is to teach him to lift his paw when greeting you. This “shaking hands” posture is an acceptable way for the dog to show his happiness and his respect. Many people even teach their dogs to do simple tricks, like rolling over, instead of jumping on people.

Escaping and roaming the neighborhood 

A responsible dog owner would never dream of allowing his or her dog to roam the neighborhood freely. Allowing a dog to roam on its own is irresponsible, dangerous (to the dog and the neighborhood), and probably even illegal. Most towns have ordinances which prohibit dogs from being allowed to roam around free, so you could be in legal trouble if your dog is found wandering the neighborhood unattended.

Of course sometimes that wandering dog is not the owner’s idea, and many dogs perform amazing feats of escape when left on their own. The temptations for unattended dogs are many, including passing bicycles, joggers, children, cats and other dogs. It is much easier to prevent escapes than to recapture a loose dog, so let’s talk about some preventative measures every dog owner can take.

Removing the motivation to escape is a big part of the solution. A bored dog is much more likely to spend his day plotting the great escape. A dog that is surrounded by everything he or she needs, like lots of toys, a soft bed, and plenty of fresh clean, water, is more likely to spend his or her day contentedly sleeping or playing with toys until the owner returns.

In addition, a dog with lots of pent up, unused energy is likely to try to escape. Try incorporating several vigorous play sessions with your dog into your daily routine. Make one of those play sessions right before you leave. If your dog has a chance to work of his or her energy, chances are he or she will sleep or relax much of the day.

Of course dealing with the dog is only half the problem. It is also important to make the property as escape proof as possible, through proper fencing and other measures. For dogs that dig, it may be necessary to extend the fence underground by placing metal stakes in the ground every few feet. For dogs that jump, it may be necessary to make the fence higher. And if none of these measures work, it may be necessary to confine the dog to the house when you are not at home.

Post from: Dog Training Innovations Blog

Handling Undesirable Behaviors in your Dog

Would you put one of the new shock collars for dogs on your pet? Maybe you already have one on your dog because he stays outdoors. I think it’s important to address why someone may purchase a shock collar. As we all know, many pets end up getting ran over by cars, trucks and rigs. This could be for any random reason. Maybe they simply aren’t paying attention, or maybe they spotted a rabbit and bolted after it. You have to remember that all of these animals run on instinct. They simply can’t help it. Therefore if you do decide to own and take care of one, it’s your responsibility to keep them safe.

Some times that may even involve measures such as shock collars for dogs. Since I don’t personally own a dog, I don’t have a first-hand take on things. On the contrary, I do own three cats. In fact my wife grew so sick and tired of them going upstairs to sleep under our bed that she purchased some shock collars for cats. To start and sort of test it out, she placed one shock collar on our largest cat. Now, you have to keep in mind that it will only zap them if they go where they’re not supposed to. It works more like a negative reinforcement than it does a literal punishment.

When we watched our cat interact and frolic about with it on, it was sadly ineffective. Either our cat is invulnerable to pain, or it’s simply not strong enough to bother him. In the end you may or may not want to give shock collars for dogs a shot. It all depends on your dog and the situation. If you would like more information, just hop online for the scoop.

Post from: Dog Training Innovations Blog

Shock Collars are Not the first, best Choice for Your Dog