Author Archive
Hunting Dogs Training
The Training of Hunting Dogs
In the long history of the relationship between dogs and humans, the idea of the dog as pampered house pet is a rather new idea. Dogs were partners in some of the most important jobs that our ancestors had to accomplish. Assisting on the all important hunt for food was one of those jobs. Until the very recent past in the time line of humans and dogs, failure on the hunt meant more than simple disappointment at a recreational activity that was not as satisfying as it could have been. It meant starvation.
Hunting is for recreation now, and the dog has become more of a companion and pet than an essential element to our survival. Yet deep inside many humans and inside their dogs is still this primal urge to hunt. There are many theories on the proper training of a hunting dog, and debate rages about such diverse issues as the best breeds and if the hunting dog can also double as the family pet. Many people claim that the training should start as early as possible while others swear that it is better the let the animal get the “puppy” out of himself before he can even begin his training as a hunter.
Overweight Dogs
Overweight Dogs – Health Issues
When we think of dogs we tend to think of agile creatures that love to exercise and play, have speed and power, and are sleek or cuddly. However, just like humans and other animals, dogs are creatures that can be prone to weight problems, some breeds far more than others.
Most dogs love their food and treats, and although most love to exercise and play there are also those that are quite happy to toast their paws in front of the fire and play the “couch potato” whenever given the chance. And, of course, the combination of lack of exercise and over-feeding can lead to a very fat little dog.
Clicker Training
The Theory behind Clicker Training
Operant Conditioning is the name given to the way that an animal interacts and learns from its environment. This applies to any animal including human beings. Put simply, it means that they will repeat an action that results in a positive consequence and not repeat an action that results in a negative consequence. This principle can be applied to the training of your dog in both ways. If you reward the dog, he will do it again. This is positive reinforcement. If you punish the dog, he won’t do it again. This is punishment.
Most training professionals suggest positive reinforcement or reward as the better method of training. In either case, the problem is that the dog does not understand English, and so you can not sit him down and have a long talk explaining the reason for the reward or the need for punishment. The only way either is effective or understood by the dog is if it takes place at fairly close to the exact time the behavior takes place.
Dog & Puppy Training DVDs & Videos
Training DVDs & Videos
We live in a media driven world today, and it has reached into the area of dog training. Dog training videos have become a popular form of passing on basic training advice to dog owners. The videos are usually available in either VHS or DVD format. There are thousands of titles to chose from and they cover every aspect of dog behavior and training.
The first major group is usually called puppy videos. These videos give the essential early training steps for a new puppy including house breaking and basic obedience. The next group is the obedience videos that cover all aspect of basic training of the household pet and include leash training. Other videos deal with such special areas as proper nutrition and breeding.
Barking Dog
Barking
While there are many different reasons that dogs bark, it is agreed upon by all that most barks are uninhibited and unnecessary. It is within your dog’s nature to bark and in most cases he will feel that he is simply doing you a favor in warning you about the boy playing on his bike outside.
Most barks are simply in reaction to a strange noise, a knock at the door, or people walking outside. While a majority of the time this can be assumed, it is important not to forget that he may in fact be trying to tell you something.
Your pup may need to go outside, or he may simply need water or food. It is also likely that he may be bored and wanting some attention or playtime. After checking that all of these needs have been satisfied, it is usually safe to assume that your dog is simply barking to hear himself bark.
Chewing and Digging Dog
How to deal with chewing and digging
Dogs have the innate sense to chew and dig, thus demolishing some of your most precious possessions. Chewing and digging are activities that help your dog relieve stress or anxiety and combat boredom. This behavior is normal, but can be stopped with simple preventative measures.
For the young puppy that is teething, be sure to have a lot of puppy bones and toys on hand. Teething puppies also love chewing on a frozen washcloth and they even make puppy teething rings that owners can freeze. If you catch your pup chewing on a shoe or other inappropriate item, promptly take it from your dog and replace it with a suitable toy. Once you teach your dog what items he can and cannot chew, it is important to switch up his toys so that he does not get bored with the ones that he has.
Leash Training
Train your dog to walk on a leash
For a new puppy or an aged dog, pulling on a leash can be one of the worst and most difficult habits to break. Dogs naturally get extremely excited to be outside, going for a walk, taking a hike, or whatever the activity may be. With time and persistence, your dogs leash pulling days will be over, and your arm will return to its socket, where it should be.
First and foremost, some puppies have a hard time adjusting to collars and leashes. Many will scratch them and refuse to move, while others ignore it and go on as if it were not there. For new puppies and adults alike, it is important to have a one-length leash rather than a retractable one for training. Training your dog not to pull on a leash is much more likely to be accomplished if he does not have free reign to pull as he pleases.
When you are preparing for your walk, ensure that your dog is sitting and calm before putting on his leash. If he starts out excited, he will remain that way and it will be difficult to calm him down. Even if you must stand for five minutes waiting for your dog to stop jumping up and down, he will soon realize that you are not going anywhere until he sits. Once he calms down, reward him for his good behavior, and continue on your way. It is important to do this each and every time you take your dog out, whether it is for a walk or simply to go to the bathroom.
Dog & Puppy Training Equipment
Dog Training Equipment
In order to determine the proper equipment needed to help train a dog, you first must have a clear idea of just exactly what is going to be the goal of the training. To train a dog simply to be a good household pet is not going to require an excessive amount of special equipment, but to train the dog to be a K-9 attack dog or seeing-eye dog is going to require quite a bit more. The basics for training include the collar and the leash. Most novice pet owners do not take this as serious as they should and tend to select a collar more for its visual appeal than for its training potential.
There are several varieties of collars designed for training. They range from simple snap-on collars to sophisticated electric collars. A general rule of thumb for training collar selection is to select the gentlest collar that accomplishes the goal. Several types of collars, including choke collars and prong collars can cause harm to the dog if not used properly and by an experienced trainer. The leash is another basic equipment item that is often carelessly selected. The leash is the connection between you and your animal and a little investment in the proper size and style of leash for your particular training needs will pay off handsomely.
Dog commands
The Commands
How do you get your commands across to your apprentice?
Firstly there are your voice and language. It is said that there are people bringing home there Puppy, putting them to their designated spot and wonder why the command “down” is simply ignored. Isn’t that inborn?
Canines barely communicate acoustically. For them body language is equal to the human writing and language. To achieve his degree of master your best friend will only have to learn about 10 commands. Most additional are just a needless wastefulness. You may use terms that comfort you, but using the common commands makes sense for many reasons.
Before your dog does, YOU should have a good grasp of the commands you are going to use. First of all the dogs name (disyllabic, preferably with two different vowels, like Bella, Lassie, Ringo). Then “No”, “Come/Here”, “Sit”, “Stay”, “Down”, “Stand”, “Heel”, “Out/Let Go” “Fetch” and “Track”.
Those words are called commands, and maybe this is the reason why most dog owners use them and act like drill sergeants.
br />Your best friend has an excellent hearing. As you use your dog to a soft-spoken voice, it will increase its attention, and a strong voice will serve as reserve in an emergency situation.
Of major importance is the way you give the commands. A military short “Sit” will set your dogs teeth on edge. Do we say it softly and expanding the vowel, this will almost calm down your dog.
The same applies to “Down” and “Heel” and we do call the name first, to attract the dog’s attention. Yelling at your dog will only intimidate it and encourage it to get away from you. The “No” should be use with a calm but yet determined and slightly menacing undertone. Your “Come/Here” should sound as alluring as possible, “Fetch” and “Track” simply encouraging. The “Out/Let Go” command should be elongated, and take your time before taking out whatever of your dog’s mouth.
Conversation between you and your dog should of course not be limited to the commands. When praising your dog, there is no way you could overact, and there is no limitation to your fantasy. Let it sound like your friend found a treasure of gold.
The Puppy’s phases of development
Phases of development
The Puppy passes through several stages of development after birth.
Vegetative phase (1. and 2. week)
In this early stage eyes and ears are still closed, and the sense of smell is poorly developed.
Transition period (3. week)
Now the palpebral fissure and outer acoustic meatus open up, still the Puppy is not able to see. Vision is not developed before the 17th or 18th week. The same applies for the sense of hearing. Did the Puppy so far solely sleep and drink, he’ll now be able to notice his siblings and adjacencies.
Filial Imprinting (4 – 7. week)
Eyes, nose and ears are fully developed. In this period the Puppy ideally becomes acquainted with various impressions like humans, noises or visual impressions. He consciously notices his environment und gets to know his social partners. While playing with his little brothers and sisters he will learn to find his position in the hierarchy and to test himself and the others. This is the period where personality and temper are stamped. Is a Puppy in this period kept isolated and without social contacts, it is very likely that there will be major problems with the dog’s socialization.