I’m planning to train my lab mix, Jet, to do agility training. what is a good site that has tips on starting agility training?
http://www.okpetgazette.com/agility.html
http://www.agilityability.com/general_tips.htm
Also look for a trainer in your area!
Good luck i hope this helps!
I found a dog obedience class (beginner) that is 6 weeks long (meets 1 hr a week) and costs $150. This seems to be the average price. I want to know if others have been pleased with the outcome of their dog going through this?
I greatly enjoyed going to my first obedience class, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Today, I’d do things a little differently. I’d go to watch a few classes before I paid my fee, to see if I liked the methods by which the dogs were being trained. For example, does it seem too rough? What is the main training tool, a choke chains, or a clicker? Something else?
It is no secret that I favor clicker training but that is not to say that other methods don’t work, too. I would prefer to keep training as much fun as possible for my dog and I, without using avoidance techniques. You’re entitled to your opinion, too.
I’m thinking about getting a puppy, and I want to train it very well, so I thought I’d buy a book ahead of time. I’ve been looking on amazon.com for a good book on training, but there are so many! I don’t want a book that is so stern that I can’t have fun with the puppy and the training process, but I do want a well behaved puppy that will listen to me–does anyone have any recommendations?
What breed are you getting? I have found "The Complete Idiot’s Guide to (insert breed name)" series are excellent books because they are written with a real knowledge of the particular breed, it’s intelligence and temperament. Most dog training books are boilerplate, same methods for all breeds. I don’t believe all breeds can be trained using the same methods. I once saw a little beagle almost scared into idiocy by an ex K9 cop trying to train it like a police dog.
Good for you for doing your research before deciding on getting a pup. You’ll be happy you did.
Often people wonder exactly when puppy training should take place. Well, the answer is as soon as possible. A puppy is able to learn things as soon as he can walk. And the earlier you start training, the more acceptable to it the puppy will be.
Training introduced at an early age will yield good results and cooperation; at a later age it will prove more difficult and meet with resistance. So, get your puppy started on the right track with some proper training, and he will become a welcome addition to your home.
A puppy’s brain grows and develops dramatically in the first six months of its life. This is a time where you can have an enormous influence on how he develops regarding his learning, socialization and emotional behavior. In fact, a puppy can start training as soon as he opens his eyes. Socialization training is very important to a puppy and it is sensitive to this during the third to sixteenth week of its life. It can prevent behavior problems, presented as aggression, at a later age. A well-socialized puppy will turn into a happy, secure dog. Initially, the puppy is around the rest of its litter. Handling by humans should start early also. As he grows he should be taken out, so he can continue to be around other people and pets. By spending time with your puppy through play, the puppy will develop a bond with you and will want to please you.
It is important to establish who is in control. A puppy that is allowed to roam as he wishes, with no limitations on behavior, will learn he is in charge. He will take signals from his setting as to how he should act. So, it is good to set restrictions. Start by setting up an eating area and his crate area. Get a crate just big enough for him to stand in. Too big a crate will allow the puppy to have an area to use as a potty. And house training is one of the first training areas you should address. Take the dog outside frequently so they have the opportunity to go outside. This way they will sense where they are supposed to go. If he messes in the house, clean it up, give him a firm ‘NO’, and take it outside. This way he will know where it should go. Try to keep his urine smell out of the house, as he will associate that with the potty area.
Puppies also love to chew on things. They will do this when they become bored. So play with your puppy and keep him entertained. Also provide him with plenty of chew toys especially if you catch him chewing on something he is not suppose to. It is also a good idea to start early in teaching the puppy not to bite people. While playing with the puppy, try to get him to bite you. When he does, say ‘ouch’ really loud to startle him and stop playing. After a few minutes go back to playing with him and keep repeating. He will get the idea.
Puppy training should be done routinely on a daily basis. And it should be consistent. Stick to the rules. And make sure the whole family does also. Dogs do have a short attention span; so make sure each session is short. It is also important to never hit the dog when he does something wrong. Instead, reward good behavior. He will get the point. Positive reinforcement for good behavior, and a firm ‘NO’ when he does something you don’t like, should do the trick.
Simple commands such as “sit”, “stay”, “down”, “come” and “no” can be taught the first year sometimes even by the 8th week. Their brains are like sponges in the early months of their lives. Say their name and commands often. They will learn through repetition. Reward them with treats initially to get them to follow a command. Later you can withhold the treats and instead offer a ‘good dog’ as a reward.
It is important during your training process, to have a great deal of patience with the puppy. You should never yell or hit your dog. Instead reward good behavior. They will respond better to this, than harsh words. Through proper training, and lots of love, your puppy will grow up to be a well adjusted, sociable, happy and obedient dog. And you will be a proud owner.
Matthew Hick
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/puppy-training-basics-essential-guide-125203.html
Obedience Training is a very important excersize for both you and your pet. It not only gives the pet owner peace of mind, but also helps to establish a strong bond between you and your pet.
It is best to do dog obedience training after you and your dog have had a chance to bond. Obedience training doesn’t solve all behavior problems, but it is the foundation for solving just about any problem.
Training a dog to obey your commands can be an ongoing and lengthy process depending on the dog, the methods used, and the skill and understanding of both the pet and its owner.
Although dogs love us, and some of them are very smart for their breed, they don’t have the brain capacity of humans. And as much we treat them as our children (yes I’m guilty), we have to tailor our training to a dog and not a person. The first thing to do is to choose one person to do the training, usually the master (or alpha leader in dog speak), this is the person (most probably you) who will train your best friend. If you’re asking why, it’s simply to avoid confusion and help your puppy or dog learn to recognize your commands, inflections, and instructions.
With time, dogs have become an important part of human households, where they are seldom treated as working mates. Unlike people of the 18th century, dog owners of today consider their pets as one of their family members and go out of their way to provide the latter with the best of training, diet, grooming and care.
Your dog provides you with love and companionship, but chances are he also provides you with some unpleasant surprises from time to time-a mess on the carpet or a slobbery pair of slippers, for example. While dogs seem to offer their people love and friendship almost immediately, learning how to live by the rules of a human household does not always come so easily.
Recognize that dogs, no matter how smart for their breed, are not as intelligent as humans. And while multitasking in today’s environment is expected of homosapiens, such is not the case in the dog world. Teach them one thing (thing=command) at a time, otherwise your training session may be confusing and not achieve the results you’re hoping for. Realize that even if you only teach one command at a time, it will very likely require multiple training sessions.
Solving your dog’s behavior problems may take a renewed commitment on your part, but it can be done. And it’s worth it. After all, research shows that most dogs and cats are relinquished to animal shelters-or otherwise given up-because of common behavior problems their families didn’t know how to solve.
To find how to combat this check out The Kingdom Of Pets here!!
http://rabdogobediencetraining.blogspot.com
Robert Buford
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-obedience-training-is-necessary-675007.html
Having the right dog training tools will make a huge difference in your success as a dog owner. Choose the wrong tools, and you can end up with more dog problems. The wrong equipment or tools used the wrong way can make your dog uncomfortable and distressed, which is not conducive to training.
There are some things to consider first.
1. The breed of dog (size, strength, physical peculiarities)
2. Your dog’s level of training
3. The purpose (walking, playing, unsupervised restraint)
Most likely, you will need more than one leash and collar. If in doubt, ask your dog supply provider which is best for your needs. For specialized collars as those needed for agility training, seek the advice of a dog training professional to be sure you get the right information.
Flat Collar
These come in varying styles and are made from leather, nylon or other fabric. A proper fit allows you to slide two fingers between the dog’s neck and the collar. This particular style does not give you much control and can be slipped off easily by dogs that are determined to be free. It is the best choice for young puppies because they are not yet at the stage when strong correction or restraint is necessary.
Choke Chain
The choke chain is usually made from links of chain with a large ring on each end. The chain is slipped through one of the rings to form a loop that is then slid on over the dog’s neck. When the chain is pulled, it tightens on the dog’s throat encouraging it to stop pulling. It’s effectiveness lies in how the handler applies any correction. However, as a training tool, it is one of the worst choices.
Some dogs learn to ignore the choking and pull anyway. If the chain is allowed to hang loosely, it can fall over the dog’s head when he sniffs the ground.
It is essential that the choke chain be put on and used correctly, otherwise injuries to the dog’s throat and neck can occur. If it is put on backwards, the chain will not tighten and release properly as it is tightened.
The Halter
The halter is one of the better dog training tools because there is little if any chance of harming your dog. This style fits over the dog’s muzzle like a horse halter, giving you control over your dog’s head. It is great for redirecting your dog’s attention, especially if your dog tends to become focused on what he wants to do rather than on what you want him to do.
There are other collars available that are designed for agility training and other types of activities. You want to make sure you have the right one so there is no risk of your dog’s collar getting caught and causing injury.
As with any dog training tools, a collar alone will not provide training. You must put your dog through the proper lessons and use the collar as a tool, otherwise you will have a dog that walks fine with the collar, but has little to no obedience without it.
Francis N. Tressler
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-training-tools-how-to-choose-the-right-dog-training-tools-697285.html
Dog Training Video – It's great to socialize your young puppy with other friendly puppies. Watch these puppies playing together.
Duration : 2 min 43 sec
How to choose the right obedience class for you and your dog. Discover the different training methods.
Duration : 3 min 4 sec
Puppy training starts as soon as your new puppy arrives at his new home. Before you bring him home look at puppy names and decide what you are callling him. Below is a list of puppy training tips to guide you during the first month of acquiring your pet.
Week One: During your puppy’s first week home (he should be around 8 weeks old), it is important to take him for a vet check up. Sample of his stool is checked for worms and preventive inoculations are given. As I said puppy training starts on day one by calling him by his new puppy name.
Set up his eating area as well as his crate or sleeping quarters. Begin the process of house training as well as collar and leash training. Watch him while he plays by himself and observe his style and personality. Play gently and enthusiastically but avoid rough housing. Say “Ok” whenever you feed him, hand him a toy or a treat as you walk out the door with him. Use plenty of praise all the time.
Week Two: As you play with your puppy, gradually add simple phrases and words into the games. If he is retrieving, say “Take it “as you throw the object. Praise him when he brings the object back to you. Say “Out” as he drops it and praise him again. Continue with “Ok” during meal, for going out, with playing, housebreaking, leash training, and observing.
Week Three: During the third week of puppy training begin to correct him gently for nipping and for chewing on shoes, cords, and furniture. Provide a toy for him to chew instead. Even if he stays inside the house, be sure to walk him around on his leash everyday. Always use eye contact. Say “Watch me” to draw his attention to your eyes. Praise him for looking at you. This method teaches him to look to you for direction.A great leash training idea is to begin tying his leash to your belt and have him trail around wherever you go; starting for a few minutes at a time, working up to an hour as it becomes easier. This will help him bond to you and will also help with his puppy training.
Start teaching table manners, beginning with “No” and “Ok” for food. Initiate the “Sit” and “Stay”, working for no more than five minutes at a time this week. If you are at home most of the time, make sure that you leave him alone for short periods of time during the day to get him used to being alone. Begin to correct the stealing of food and found objects – keeping in mind that prevention is your best correction. Correct excessive barking, noise, and whining.
Week Four: Carry on with all of the above puppy training, adding more time that he walks properly on leash. Continue practicing “No” and “Ok” with food no more than twice per week. Continue to let him explore the house under supervision, both on and off the leash. Initiate the “Come” and “Down stay” to your puppy training program. Work with your puppy no more than fifteen minutes at a time. If he is going out, you may start teaching him to “Heel” but do it very gently. Get him used to grooming procedures such as brushing, nail clipping, and occasional baths. Always make sure that every puppy training session is run as a game that way your puppy will enjoy himself whilst being trained.
John Mailer
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/simple-puppy-training-tips-for-the-first-month-98073.html
A short fun video on dog training