Puppy Power
January 30th, 2011
At first glance this seems like its your classic Christmas morning scene. A big tree decorated with ornaments, a child unwrapping presents. But this dog has other plans…
Duration : 51 sec
At first glance this seems like its your classic Christmas morning scene. A big tree decorated with ornaments, a child unwrapping presents. But this dog has other plans…
Duration : 51 sec
Learn how to choose a dog obedience class that's right for you and your dog.
Duration : 1 min 53 sec
http://secretstodogtraining.org/: Consistency is a key factor in any type of positive reinforcement training, and should be observed by everybody while handing the canine animal. The lack of consistency will only confuse the poor animal, and as it becomes more and more uncertain, it may possibly react and behave in a manner even far more unacceptable than previous to the positive reinforcement training that was undertaken.
Duration : 2 min 30 sec
From the first day you get your puppy you will need to implement obedience. I am not saying that if your dog is not a tiny little pup you cannot train it. I am just saying it is never too early to start training your dog. You must however do it properly or you could be training your dog improperly and may be confusing the hell out of your dog.
Once your dog gets confused it makes for a tough challenge to train it. You become frustrated and your dog becomes frustrated. You know when your dog becomes frustrated when it tries to hide away or becomes shy when you approach. You have the dog totally confused and he or she just wants to go to sleep or just stay away from the grumpy owner.
This frustration can even lead to depression on the dog’s part, well maybe even on the owner’s part as well. For the sake of you and your pet canine, seek professional help. That does not necessarily mean you have to bring your dog to an obedience class or send your dog to a professional trainer. There are perfectly good e-books out there that can give you all the advice you need to get your dog or puppy training off on the right foot. These e-books are relatively cheap for the information they have to offer.
Having a disobedient dog can lead to tragedy. Once your canine pet gets out and decides to enjoy his or her freedom, it may end up being a very terrible scene with cars wandering up and down those asphalt paths they call roads.
If you do own a puppy or a full grown dog, seek help from a professional to keep your pet safe. Your time with your dog can be very enjoyable for you and your pet. Remember an e-book is quite inexpensive and you can get all the information you need from a professional to raise your dog to be a very obedient pet and a good friend.
Ken Bishop
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/puppy-dog-training-109615.html
If there is one thing all dogs respond to no matter what they are doing or how well trained they are its receiving a treat of some sort. This reward based dog training also seems to be a constant theme for the majority of dog trainers everywhere. A reward does not necessarily have to be a food treat either. The type of training may also dictate the type of rewards given.
For instance there are some forms of training, such as police or guard dog training, that commonly use playtime after the training session to reinforce what was taught. For the majority of people who are more interested in just basic obedience training small treats work best as a reward when the dog is responding positively to the training. Of course the oldest form of rewards training involves lots of spoken praise and petting to let the dog know they are doing what they are supposed to.
One thing that all good dog trainers know and understand is the negative impact yelling and losing ones temper can do during dog training. This type of behavior on the part of the owner generally will lead to less then desirable results. Maintaining control with a firm, yet calm demeanor will have any dog learning and responding much quicker then using any heavy handed method.
Dogs have been a part of the human world for thousands of years. In that time they have evolved simply to please those who take care of them. Once they know that what they are doing pleases their owner they will continue to exhibit that good behavior. A dog will respond positively to positive reinforcement and the challenge of obedience training is getting the dog to understand what you want him to do. By having him do the same thing repeatedly and rewarding him each time for a job well done you create an understanding and bond that is hard to break.
Reward based dog training should be fun for the dog and his owner. By creating a positive atmosphere for each and every training session your dog will look forward to doing his best to please you. If you create a negative environment with harsh treatment your dog will be less then happy to attempt to learn anything. His fear of being punished will far outweigh his desire to please you.
Consistency in training and the rewards used will create a well behaved, obedient dog that will be a great companion and friend no matter where you go.
Andrew Bicknell
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/using-reward-based-dog-training-140913.html
The Bedlington Terrier is one of the more distinctive dog breeds you will run across in your search for the perfect pet. The Bedlington Terrier reminds me of a lamb with its fuzzy fur, and interestingly shaped head. They have a very thin, but long tail, floppy ears, and a thickly furred head. Their legs also have the thick curly hair. They have a deep chest, but otherwise they are on the thin side. Most often you will find the Bedlington Terrier is blue, sandy, or liver in color. Their coat is usually soft and coarse in spots. You will find this particular dog is a non shedder.
This interesting breed has its origins in the 18th century where they were used by the gypsies as vermin hunters and small game hunters. They are considered to have heart of a lion and the head of a lamb. You will find grooming for these lovable dogs to be rather easy since the hair is short and lint like. While they do need to be clipped every six weeks, and brushed on a daily basis the coat tends to look rather nice. You should not bath them unless it is necessary. You will find this breed does tend to have some difficulty with health issues. They can suffer from Copper Storage disease, which affects the liver, thyroid issues, cataracts, and kidney disease.
The Bedlington Terrier has a very lovable temperament. They are usually very happy, playful, and loyal with their owners. They enjoy playing and being around their family so it is good to spend as much time as possible with them to avoid any behavior issues. You will find that they do well with children who are respectful. They can also handle being in households with cats and other animals they have been raised with. Introducing another pet after you have adopted the dog can be a little difficult. Most often they are very good with strangers as well. The Bedlington Terrier makes a good watch dog as they tend to be protective of their family. Although they tend to be very gentle and mild they can develop independence so training is a good option. The Bedlington Terrier will also be confident, spirited, and very strong.
When you are training this breed it is important to remember a gentle, but consistent hand. They need to be socialized as a puppy and have a lot of obedience training to make them the proper pet. They can be a bit vocal as well. They are really good with agility training and playing. You will find they need to have a lot of exercise on a daily basis. They are very active, which means they love to play and go on walks. It is always best to make sure they have a leash when you are out and about with the Bedlington Terrier. It is best to have a fenced in yard and runner if they will be outside while you are a way. They can be good at escaping otherwise. They do okay in apartments, but the Bedlington Terrier really needs to have a small home and yard to excel.
You will find for other care needs that a proper diet and exercise will keep them healthy. It is important to make sure they have their appropriate trips to the vet and of course that you take care to check their teeth, eyes, ears, and feet for any issues after exercise. Any dog will need the proper care. When you adopt a Bedlington Terrier it is important that you make sure you know all of their needs and can provide the proper time and care they will need.
Gen Wright
If you find it necessary to be away from home all day, it does not mean that you cannot successfully housetrain your puppy or dog. You will not be able to take your puppy outside for regular walks or leave him in a crate; however, do not make the mistake of allowing him to roam the house or even a large room at will. Begin housetraining your puppy by confining him to some out-of-the-way comer that is easily accessible to him. You can choose a small room or an area of the house partitioned with baby gates, and cover the floor with newspaper or puppy pads.
Make your dog\’s special area large enough so that the he will not have to relieve himself next to his bed, food, or water. You will soon find that your pup will be inclined to use one particular spot to perform his bowel and bladder functions. When you are home, you must take the dog to this exact spot to eliminate at the appropriate time. If you consistently take your dog to the same spot, you will reinforce the habit of going there for that purpose.
Crate Training
There is another relatively easy method to housetrain most dogs that works well with both puppies and adults-with little, hot-wired dogs, big subdued dogs, and every kind in between. It\’s called the cage or crate training method, which is based very simply on the fact that the average dog does not like to mess near where he eats and sleeps.
I\’ve known first-time dog owners who thought this method of housetraining was cruel initially, but those same people have returned later to thank me for having suggested it in the first place. Interestingly in many cases, dogs will come to think of their crates as their den. All dogs need a place of their own to retreat to and you will probably find that your dog will consider his cage or crate that place.
Wire cages and fiberglass shipping kennels come in varied sizes and can be purchased at your favorite pet emporium. Nylabone makes a Fold-Away Pet Carrier that can be stored and carried around easily. The cage or crate used for housetraining should be large enough for the dog to stand up, lie down, and stretch out in comfortably, but no bigger.
Begin by feeding your dog in the crate. Keep the door closed and latched while he is eating. When the meal is finished, open the crate and, if possible, carry the dog outdoors to the spot where you want him to eliminate. It is important to go back to the same spot each and every time. First, because the dog will get the message that this is the place for doing his “business” more quickly. Second, it will save you hours of clean-up time when droppings need only be collected from one location rather than from all over the yard.
If you are not able to watch your dog every minute, he should be in his cage or crate with the door securely latched. Each time you put your dog inside the crate, give him a small treat. Throw the treat to the back of the crate, and encourage the dog to walk in on his own. When he does, give him lots of praise and perhaps another piece of the treat through the wires of the cage.
Do not succumb to your dog\’s initial complaints about being in his crate. The puppy must learn to stay in his cage and to do so without complaining. If you respond to the puppy\’s vocal demands to be let out, you are sure to reinforce – you guessed it – barking. Your puppy will very quickly learn to “voice” every single complaint he may have. This is not only annoying, but you will never be. able to determine if there really is a need to go outside. Michelle Spencer
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/puppy-crate-training-tips-691589.html
Depending on the type of dog that you own or the age at which he/she became a part of your family, you may be dealing with behavioral problems resulting from a stubborn breed or a dog that lacked the proper dog training in its former home. Whatever the case, behavioral problems must be addressed immediately and not be permitted to continue. Common troubles include chewing or destructive actions, biting, showing aggression toward familiar people and other animals or simply refusing to obey commands.
In some cases, behavioral problems have been linked with illnesses that should be addressed by a veterinarian. If your dog continues to exhibit aggressive or disturbing behavior or if you feel as though your family may be in danger, consult a veterinarian immediately. If your dog is given a clean bill of health and he/she is not considered dangerous, obedience training should be continued either at home or by a professional dog trainer.
If your dog chews on furniture or other inappropriate household objects, try distracting his/her attention away with the use of a chew toy that squeaks or is otherwise appealing to your pet. Obedience training is all about teaching your dog right from wrong and how to respond to certain commands. If you see your dog chewing on an inappropriate object, say “no” in a firm voice before distracting him/her with a chew toy. When your dog begins playing with the toy, reward him/her with praise.
All dogs like to walk, but some are very strong and have a tendency to pull their owner. If this sounds familiar, your only recourse may be using a harness. These products are designed to gently dissuade your dog from running or pulling away from you. It may take some time for your dog to adjust to the change from a collar to a harness, but he/she will soon begin to walk beside of you instead of in front of you. During a walk, your dog should either walk next to you or behind you as a show of respect. Walking or running ahead shows that your dog believes he/she is superior and is a common display for dogs who need proper obedience training.
Constant barking or aggression is another common symptom of behavioral problems and must be dealt with quickly. Some people may choose to muzzle their dog, but this may be uncomfortable as dogs pant to cool themselves during the warm months of spring and summer. For some, muzzling their dog may be the only answer. For others, try instilling the type of obedience training that will prevent your dog from constantly barking by gently closing their mouth when they bark. If your dog is upset with your or seems especially troubled, this may not be a good idea. If he/she is just barking, however, this may be a good way to let them know that this type of recreational activity is not acceptable. When closing their mouth, say “no” in a firm voice.
For additional dog training techniques for those with behavioral problems, there are a number of terrific books, programs and videos currently available. The best way to learn which are the most effective is through reading product reviews and comparing prices to find the best product to get your pet on the road to obedience.
Brian Dolezal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/obedience-training-for-dogs-with-behavioral-problems-93031.html
Pet agility training can be great fun, whether training for competitions or just looking for a new activity with your pet. Most commonly done with dogs, pet agility training provides structured training activities and exercise for both pets and human companions alike. In agility trials, pets compete off-leash with their handlers on timed courses.
Pet agility training for dogs is based roughly on equestrian stadium jumping competitions, and was first introduced at the Crufts pet Show in England in 1979. Pet agility training was originally intended purely as entertainment for spectators at the show, but interest in competitive pet agility training quickly grew.
Pet agility training equipment includes obstacles such as jumps, tunnels, closed tunnels, weave poles, pause tables, A-frames, pet walks, see-saws and tire jumps. Pet agility training equipment is made from a variety of materials and can be intended for short-term use (for example, backyard fun or if you are just starting out and unsure agility training is right for you and your pet) or competition-caliber equipment. Resources abound to purchase ready-made equipment, or you can find instructions to build some obstacles on your own using common materials such as PVC pipe. Since pet agility training equipment is used in competition, most equipment and instructions to build your own equipment are standard.
In pet agility training competitions, the obstacles are arranged in different order and different configurations for each competition. The pets and handlers have a set amount of time prior to the competition to familiarize themselves with the course. Handlers may give any verbal or hand signals to their pets, but cannot touch the pets or the equipment in any way. The difficulty of the course varies, depending on the level of the competition. Pets are divided into classes based upon the height of the dogs; these classes determine the height of various obstacles on the course. The height of the obstacles are based on the height of the shortest dog in each class.
Whether you want to train your pet to compete or just have fun, pet agility training can provide hours of fun and good exercise for you and your pet. Training a pet to use agility equipment takes time and patience. Be sure your pet is in good physical health before beginning training. Always monitor your pet carefully and take care not to push too hard in training. You will want to be sure you have plenty of treats or non-food rewards to praise your pet for a job well done. Many pets, when rewarded with praise or treats, perform very well with dog agility training equipment.
Larry Volwiler