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Dog Obedience Training

Last Wednesday I received an emergency message from a client, Clare, about a dogfight. Normally her two young dogs are best friends, but last week there was a big-time dogfight.

Clare was worries that this wasn’t going to be just a one-time thing, so she called and asked for my help. She told me that she had no clue what might have precipitated the dogfight.

Clare’s impression was that the problem simply “came out of nowhere!”

But when it comes to dog obedience training, in reality there were definite reasons why her dogs lost control, and dog behavior signs that indicated the dogs were getting edgy with each other. (For example, one of her dogs started growling when the other dog came in the room.)

Before I share the rest of the story, I’d like you to go and download this free dog obedience training audio course that I’ve put together for you. This audio course alone can solve some of the most common dog obedience issues most people are faced with, but I’m also going to throw in 16 dog training videos, 5 dog training manuals, and a lot more free stuff to help you out. Please make sure you do that right now.

Back to the story.

When Clare and I spoke, I had to remind her that her house was undergoing a significant renovation. Even when everything goes perfect, having strangers in your house ripping things apart creates chaos.

Unfortunately for Clare things were not going smoothly during the remodeling. Normally quiet and relaxed at home, instead Clare was tense and upset and had unhappy discussions with the subcontractor. And to make matters worse, this had been going on for a long time!

So What Made Clare’s Dogs Do This?

Clare said, “But my dogs like each other! They play together and sleep together.”

The plain truth is… dogs do not live in a vacuum. Dogs can definitely sense what’s going on in their environment and what you may be thinking, feeling, or experiencing. Clare’s dogs:

1.  Watched Clare (who is usually calm) verbally confront a subcontractor many times,

2.  Felt her unhappiness, anxiety, and anger,

3.  Lived in remodeling chaos,

4.  Missed dog classes, and

5.  Lacked regular exercise. (Because it had been so hot for the past few weeks, Clare neglected to take them on their usual walks and simply let them run in her backyard instead.)

Any of those reasons alone probably would not have triggered a fight, but when stacked on top of each other, the increasing level of stress broke down the relationship between two formerly friendly dogs.

Is This A Permanent Rift In The Dogs’ Relationship?

No. The construction project is now over. Peace is back in the house. The dog lessons and the regular walks have resumed. It will take a little time, but things between the two dogs will go smoothly again.

Think About the Hidden Emotional Signals You’re Sending to Your Dog?

If you want to see how your emotions affect your dogs try this exercise from my book, Catch Your Dog Doing Something Right.

Ask the dog to join you in a room. Close the door. Sit on the floor. Do not talk, move, or gesture but think angry and unhappy thoughts for the first minute.

Then add words, sounds, and body language to your feelings.

But, you don’t want to direct them at your dog! During the next 30 seconds… feel the emotion pouring out.

* Does your dog come to you, try and avoid you, get anxious, or not pay attention to you?

* Do you notice that your dog’s reaction changes? Does the dog react more when you add words, feelings, and body language?

Now change and think happy and excited thoughts for one minute. Then add words, sounds, and body language to your feelings. However, do not direct them at the dog! Now for the next 30 seconds or so, use a voice that’s happy…feel those emotions.

* Does your dog come to you, try and avoid you, get anxious, or not pay attention to you?

* Can you see your dog’s reaction differ? Does the dog react more when you add words, feelings, and body language?

This is a simple way to show you just how much of an impact your voice and attitude has on your dog. When you are stressed or upset due to a bad day at work, a fight with a neighbor or son, or an accident where you trip and hit your shin against the table, your dog feels it. Dogs absorb tension.

If you ever see dominant behaviors such as – one dog placing his chin on the other dog’s shoulders, growling or snarling if the other dog comes into the room, toy or food bowl guarding, super erect ears or tail – these are behavior signs that demand immediate action. Search out the reasons behind this assertion of dominance and bring the relationships back into balance with training, food changes, regular exercise, increasing your presence as leader of the pack, and calling a professional when you just can’t figure it out.

Also, be sure to go and download the free dog obedience training audio course (and the videos and workbooks) I mentioned above. These tools have helped many thousands of dog owners understand why their dogs act the way they do, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you!

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Dog Obedience Training

It’s the desire of most dog owners to have a well behaved dog. It’s really worth the time it takes to have a dog that can be trusted and be a part of the family.

Dog training is all about teaching your dog how to act, behave or respond in given situations. The earlier you start this training, the simpler and faster it can be.  But first, as a pet trainer you must figure out your dog and how he learns, so that you can begin to instill correct dog behavior.

Essentially, dog training is about communication. It’s getting across to your dog what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior, what you will and won’t allow, and in the end, helping your dog to realize that you are in charge and he must obey your commands.

Housebreaking, leash training and basic dog obedience seem to be the typical aspects of focus when it comes to training, however, problem behaviors such as barking, whining, growling, digging, aggression and chewing are all aspects that can be addressed as part of training your dog. Dogs generally are gentle animals that want to bond with you and your family; they just need some guidance in terms of proper dog behavior so the relationship can flourish.

When it comes to dog obedience training there are a few things that are essential to bear in mind. As stated earlier the first one is the importance of getting the point across to your dog that you are the boss and what you say goes.

Next, when choosing a way to reprimand your dog, ensure it will not cause your dog to be scared of you. Physical punishment tends to be counter-productive and can weaken the bond you are trying to build with him.

To aid in this, an effective training tool has become available - an ultrasonic sound device. This is a device that emits a sound frequency that only pets can hear. The frequency released by the device causes the dog to quite whatever it is he is doing. Thereby in a completely harmless manner, by the simple push of a button to send the signal, while giving a stern voice command to help your dog come to understand that the behavior is unacceptable, you stop an undesirable behavior. And moreover, you can use it with all focus areas of training.

In line with this, is the third point. To speed up your dog training, add in some positive reinforcement. After a few instances of rewarding your dog for what he does properly, he will quickly make the association and will repeat the behavior to earn the reward. Naturally this is going to take some awareness from you, to bolster the good behavior. It’s natural to reprimand him when he’s behaving badly. Remembering to praise his good behavior is one thing you as a pet trainer will need to train yourself to do.

Taking the time and putting forth the effort for dog training is an investment that will pay great dividends. Consider the satisfaction you will have when you’re able to allow your dog to be included in family events, knowing that he knows his place and how to behave properly, or that he will instantly heed your command if an issue arises. And, he’ll behave properly when guests show up at your door. A well-mannered dog also assures the safety of your family and friends. So get on it and become the pet trainer your dog needs you to be.

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This article serves as an introduction to my dog training guide by explaining the basic principles behind all dog training practices and some of the pitfalls that need to be overcome.

Dogs live in the present. Dogs remember things by association not by recall. Dogs do not work things out as we do. They think in concrete terms, it is very much action = consequence for them. As far as dogs are concerned, rewarded conduct is likely to be repeated whereas discouraged ot ignored conduct is usually avoided. This is what all dog training is based upon.

To take a simple example, if your dog sits and you promptly provide a treat or give verbal praise then he will begin to sit on his own in order to receive another reward. Conversely, if your dog jumps up for attention and you completely ignore him, this is a negative consequence and your dog will be less likely to repeat this behaviour in future.

To create meaningful associations you should praise behaviours that you want to encourage and ignore behaviours that you want to discourage. It all seems to be very easy doesn’t it? So why is dog obedience training such a contentious subject?

You only have about two seconds between action and reward to make an association this can be a problem. The consequence of this is that wrong associations can easily be made by an owner who is new to dog training. For example, your dog sits but by the time you give him his treat and verbal praise he is standing up – you have inadvertently praised the stand up rather than the sit. Another scenario would be to find that your dog has messed on the carpet when you come home. Having dragged him back to the crime scene and rubbed his nose in it probably saying ‘Bad Dog’, you throw him outside. All you have succeeded in doing is teach your dog that going to the toilet is wrong.

Another problem is that in the home environment a dog can have too many masters and can end up totally confused by conflicting associations and inconsistent training methods. A dog should only have one master and one trainer.

In this dog training guide I have explained the fundamentals behind dog obedience training. They are very simple but as the saying goes, easier said than done. However, a knowledge of the fundamental principles will always be of help with any particular dog training method.

Go to www.TrainMyOwnDog.com to see more articles on dog obedience training.

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No matter if you have a brand new puppy or an older dog, it makes sense to put in some time training them. Even though there is an abundance of information available about how to train your dog, you can’t go wrong with dog training guidance from the professionals.

1.  Positive reinforcement is important. While there are several theories on the way to train your dog, most dog training experts agree that positive reinforcement is most effective. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog with verbal praise “good dog”, physical praise like a pat on the head and food rewards. It doesn’t involve shouting at your dog, smacking or punishing them.

Positive reinforcement works because it forms a relationship of trust with your dog. Dogs are motivated by rewards especially food rewards.

2. Consistency is essential. If you are working with your dog on a particular skill or trick then try to train them at the same time each day. This helps your dog learn what to expect. Most dogs thrive on structure and will perform and learn much faster when they understand what’s expected. If you are training using food rewards, make an effort to train your dog before mealtime so they are a little hungry and motivated.

3. Show patience. Dogs tend to learn in waves. Sometimes they pick things up easily and then the following day it appears as though you have to start over from the beginning. Be patient. Begin each new trick with tiny steps and be very clear about what you expect. Even with the smallest tricks like “sit” you should break it down into smaller steps.

4. Use hand cues in addition to verbal cues. A number of dogs have an easier time comprehending and remembering hand signals than they do with verbal cues. Assign a hand signal to each trick or behavior you are training.

5. Train in small increments. Dogs have short attention spans. Trying to train them for twenty or thirty minutes isn’t likely to work. They’re likely to get frustrated and lose focus. Instead, keep training sessions to no more than five minutes.

Initially, you may want to train for just a minute or two until your dog learns to look forward to training. Dogs can learn to dislike training. Keeping the training sessions short will help them learn to enjoy the process.

6. Always finish on a positive note. Learning a brand new trick is hard work. Conclude every training session, no matter how frustrating, on a positive note. Always give your dog a trick or behavior to perform that they know how to perform and end with a food reward and plenty of praise.

7. Keep your dog healthy. Finally, one of the most important dog training tips from the experts recommends feeding your dog good quality dog food, giving them sufficient fresh water and making sure they get sufficient sleep. A healthy dog is a more content dog and will understand desired behaviors far more quickly.

For more dog training tips, visit Dog Obedience Training.

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Dealing with an aggressive dog can be a major problem especially if you have children around. If your dog is acting aggressive then there are a couple of ways to handle the problem.

The first of your options would be to just get rid of your dog (this is not recommended). While most people view their dogs as part of the family and would never want to get rid of them, for some this is the option they choose.

If you do choose to get rid of your dog make sure you take him somewhere safe. You should never just let your dog go out the door. Dogs have had the wild breed out of them so the great outdoors is very unsafe for them out on their own.

A better option would be to get your dog trained or train him yourself. There are many different classes you can take your dog to and most everywhere has dog trainers. If you decide to train your dog yourself, do not worry if you encounter some dog training problems. This is normal and you and your dog will be able to overcome the dog training mishaps.

One type of dog training is clicker training. When done properly, clicker training can help you see a major improvement in your dog’s behavior. The beauty of clicker training for dogs is that after a while of using the clicker you will have a dog that listens to your commands without the need of using the clicker or dog treats.

When using a clicker it is all about timing. If you do not get this right then you will be basically wasting your time and effort.

When your dog follows your command you need to immediately click your clicker and administer a treat to your dog. If you wait to long the dog will not understand what behavior got them the treat he will just know that he is very lucky because you are excited and feeding him yummy treats.

You also should keep the clicker tucked in your hand so your dog can not see it. You can also click with your tongue instead of the clicker after your dog has gotten used to the clicking.

No matter how you are going to train your dog make sure you are using positive and safe dog obedience training methods. Not only will negative methods hurt your dog but he is likely to become worse behaved over time.

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Dog Obedience Training - Shih Tzu

As a companion dog, a Shih Tzu dog is usually pretty easy to train. Shih Tzu training does not need to be as vigorous as Doberman training, for example, because Shih Tzu dogs are generally not used as guard dogs or for protection. A wide range of dogs are kept as pets for their companionship, not just Shih Tzu. Other typical companion dogs, (which may or may not be “toy” breeds), are the Indian Spitz, the Japanese Chin, Chihuahuas, the Alaskan Klee Kai, and the American Hairless Terrier. Because they are not working dogs, Shih Tzu obedience training focuses on making them better pets rather than training them specific skills such as droving, hunting, foxing, or retrieving. Show dogs, however, will require special show-related training.

For additional information about dog training, take a look at this website: dog obedience training

Puppy potty training is another important component of training Shih Tzu dogs. Like many smaller breed dogs, Shih Tzu generally need to go potty more often than larger dogs. Shih Tzu dogs are also somewhat excitable, which can cause them to have “accidents” in the house if you do not properly potty train a puppy.

Puppy Potty Training Tips from Top Trainers: Patience is certainly a virtue when it comes to puppy toilet training. It may take a couple of weeks before your pup is comfortable in their new home. And it can take at least that long before they are thoroughly potty trained. Also remember that you should never, ever hit your dog. So often, novice dog owners get upset when puppy eliminates in the house or somewhere he or she is not supposed to. Shoving your puppy’s face in “it” will NOT help you potty train your puppy. This will only confuse your puppy and can be detrimental to training your Shih Tzu. When puppies and dogs are physically punished, often they are not clear WHY they are being punished and they may start to be frightened of the person doing the punishing, (in this case, YOU). Shih Tzu dog training should never include physical punishment. Another helpful puppy potty training tip is to avoid giving your pup food or lots of water close to bedtime. This will help your Shih Tzu puppy “hold it” a little longer and hopefully give you a better chance to sleep longer.

For more Shih Tzu training tips and great information about potty training, check out this helpful site:
shih tzu training tips
potty train a puppy

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I don’t suppose you realised that when you brought you dog into your home you had to be a leader.You were looking for a best friend but your dog needs a strong leader - that’s you.The problem is that activities associated with the ‘leadership’ function are completely at odds with those associated with the ‘companion’ function.   So if you are going to have a successful relationship with your dog you need to put the ‘companion’ role in the back seat and take up your responsibilities as a leader.Your dog will become insecure and attempt to assume the leadership role himself If you don’t.   This can lead to a number of different behaviours mostly undesirable.

To stand a chance of becoming an effective leader you must see things as if from your dog’s eyes.There are three principles that you should follow to become an effective pack leader. This dog training guide outlines three principles that you should always follow.

1 Manage your Dog’s Time

Create a schedule and stick to it.   Dogs love a routine.Regularly use a crate to a schedule.   The crate is the safest, most effective form of confinement.You dog will not need any persuasion to go there because he knows that he will be safe and secure.You should get your puppy used to it as soon as possible and carry on using it all through his life according to his particular stage of development.

It is your job to provide consistency in rules and structure and set and maintain boundaries.As your dog proves himself a good leader expands his boundariesof responsibility.If bad behaviours return he is also not bothered about taking away liberties or tightening boundaries.

2 Direct Activities

You should have an activity plan that goes beyond ’sit still and be quiet’ while your dog is outside his crate.You dog must know what is acceptable behaviour in your home so you should actively practice obedience commands.   Praise is what your dog’s world is all about, it is the brightest star in his universe.Part of all dog training schedules is the opportunity to offer him that praise when practising obedience commands.

3 Be Consistent

Without consistency your dog will be confused and frustrated.Always use the same sequence of command words every time that you require a certain behaviour or action.Similarly, the same routine must be implemented by everyone at home.   We all have bad stressful days so make sure that you do not take the stress out on your dog.You dog will get stressed out if you show stressful signs to you dog.Leaders do not act in an inconsistent manner they remain in control of their feelings.

So there you have it - provided you are ready to take up the role of pack leader and all that it entails you will find that your dog becomes everything that you ever wanted including being a wonderful companion.

Follow this link to my Dog Training Guide for more information on all aspects of dog training.

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Puppy Training Lesson

The Importance of Dog Obedience Training and Dog Behavior Workouts

For anyone planning on adding a new puppy or dog to their family, having a well trained and behaved pet is essential for a happy household. If you have you ever viewed the film Marley and Me, then you will know just how important dog obedience training and dog behavior training is. If you did watch the movie, then you have seen how nerve-racking an untrained dog can be. Marley’s the kind of K-9 that any dog obedience trainer would not be too pleased to meet. He pees just about everywhere, chews on the dining room set, and jumps up on folks. Also, his owner, portrayed by Owen Wilson, even brought him to a dog obedience training class to turn him into a well behaved dog. Unfortunately, the dog trainer immediately gave up on him because he was the most terrible dog she had ever worked with. The dog turned the class into complete and utter bedlam, so he was not allowed to end the program. That was type of disheartening on the part of his owners. Now, if you already have a dog like Marley, what will you do? Try these dog obedience training workouts to create a well behaved dog?

Dog Obedience Training - Heeling Your Dog on a Leash

While walking along with your dog, his right shoulder should remain about even with your left knee. Once the leash turns loose, simply call out your dog’s name and give the heel command. Walk forward as quick as you can and then give a hard jerk on the leash. Do not drag your dog when you do this. Once you jerked him into position, praise him with words like Good boy!

Dog Obedience Training - Training Your Dog to Sit

You should note that your dog should always sit at your left side with its shoulder at your left knee. To make your canine obey the sit command, you need to first fold the leash in your right hand. Then you should, call your dog’s name and command sit. Press on your dog’s hindquarters using your left hand while jerking up on the lead with your other hand. When he does carry out the sitting position the right way, praise him and give him a treat.

Dog Obedience Training - Training Your Dog to Stay

If you need to to make your dog stay where he is, command him to be in a sitting position. Afterward, put out your hand with the flat of your palm facing him, then inform him to stay. If he does, again supply him with praise but if not, put him back in position and begin again.

Dog Obedience Training - Training Your Dog to About Turn

Whenever you turn away from your dog, be sure to do it to your right to reverse your direction. And as you do it, see to it that you keep your eyes on your dog and then give the dog several fast, sharp jerks on the leash.

Dog Obedience Training - Getting Your Dog to Down

Just the way you did with the stay command, you can make your dog or pup to obey the down command by putting it in a sitting position first. With your dog sitting, instantly give the down command, then slowly push on his shoulders and make an attempt to wobble the dog off balance at the same time. But there’s another way attempt this. You can also place the leash between your sole and shoe heel. Then, go ahead and give the down command and pull up on the leash.

So these are merely a few of the dog obedience training exercises that you can achieve to develop a well-trained dog. At first, they might seem tough. But once you have tried some or all of these dog training methods and start to see great results, you will start to realize how rewarding these dog obedience training workouts could be not only for your dog but also for you and your family.

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How To Train A Poodle

As with other breeds of dogs, Poodle training should be specific to their temperament. Poodle puppies bond strongly with their new families and can make great companion dogs. They come in a variety of sizes: standard, medium, miniature and toy, and can play different roles it their owners’ lives. Before you start training a poodle, you need to decide if you are going to show them or work them at all because training for show and work dogs is quite a bit different. A great place to start your training program is with Poodle obedience training and perhaps a puppy socialization class.

If you would like more information about dog obedience training for your Poodle, check out this website: Dog Obedience Training

Poodle training can start as soon as you are ready. But keep in mind that it will take your pup a few days to get comfortable in their new home and environment. The main thing to remember when training Poodles is that they can be hypersensitive. Poodles are infamous for getting upset often. So it is crucial that you never train your Poodle while you are angry and upset because your Poodle will pick up on this, and it can be very upsetting for them. Upset Poodles have a tendency to vomit or urinate when overly stressed. But as long as you maintain a friendly tone of voice and are not making aggressive movements, your Poodle obedience training should be a breeze.

Recently, our researchers have discovered some very useful Poodle training tips in the Dog Training Zone. There are a lot of different dog training guides available both online and in book stores, but the Dog Training Zone had all of the information we wanted and was really easy to follow. Your dog obedience training is more likely to be successful when you have the right information. Because Poodles are so sensitive, (and their coats are so high maintenance), it is important to get the best information from top dog training experts when training a Poodle. Anything less than the best can potentially upset your pup, so be sure to find a dog training guide that is top notch. But don’t take our word for it. Read a Dog Training Zone review or two, (or ten), before you make any final decisions.

Click here for the Dog Training Zone in review or for more Poodle training tips:
Dog Training Zone
Poodle training

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You’ll find 1000s of diverse puppy instruction suggestions you could try out.  The thing is, quite a few of these are nothing but a sham and most puppy owners wind up having to take their particular puppy to a skilled trainer soon after trying with all they have got to teach the puppy independently.  It can be hard to ascertain which doggie coaching recommendations are helpful and will in fact perform from those that are just a fable.  All these are a few of the simplest but crucial doggie training suggestions that you need to be focusing on with your puppy.

Sit is one of the most elementary and yet critical commands a puppy will need to know.  Training a dog to sit down is so necessary so they’ll fully understand never to jump on company at your home and make it less difficult for you to calm them down if getting checked at the veterinarian.  Among the best dog training tips entails teaching the puppy this ability, and begin you ought to have the puppy standing upright.  You may have to convey them an easy push to the behind to help them move their particular bottom down and take a seat on the floor.

After that you should tell them sternly to sit down, and the instant they do you allow them a treat, squeaky toy or pat to the head.  Even just a few moments too late and the dog will be unclear since they won’t understand what you could be treating them for.  Another of the most important pet instruction ideas has to do with potty training a new puppy.  By doing this they will understand what they’re being rewarded for.

Inserting its face in it and also shouting at them are generally certainly not steps that are in fact going to provide you the outcomes you’re looking for, so ensure that this is not how you’re reacting when your puppy has an mishap.  Keeping in constant communication with your puppy is vital if you would like them to be suitably potty trained.  It’s likewise best to make a routine for the puppy, since they will be able to grow accustomed to this.  Let them have their particular meals at the same moment everyday and take them out and about for a stroll around a half hours following each meal.

This approach will almost certainly aid their particular bodies to become accustomed to the itinerary and they’ll be capable to hold it for a longer time till they are let outside.  A dog bark collar for example can function to teach your dog when to start barking and when it is just annoying.  Among the finest dog training ideas for coping with too much barking is to apply a barking training collar.  They’re helpful dog training tips which will get the job done whenever executed correctly and with practice.

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