Dog Obedience Training

Dog Obedience Training: Being the Boss

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Dogs are naturally pack animals. This means they need an alpha to lead them in their everyday lives, and this also means the owner must act alpha; that the dog should consider you as the boss for the training training to proceed smoothly. Individual dogs vary in submissiveness, and to establish and maintain dominance over your dog, there are a number of exercises you can establish. Do not worry; most dogs are happy to be submissive. Just be sure to show approval at the occasional signs of submission, and assert dominance if it tries to test you.

There are two components of training, one that solves behavioral problems, and there is that one that creates a command-response pattern. The latter type is called “Obedience Training”. However, both need one factor: A good Alpha.

In most cases, people misinterpret adolescent behavior as “dominance” when they are not. Comparing it to a human child testing her parents; she is trying to find out what the limits are rather than actually putting her parents in the little game called “Challenge Me” for leadership, a playful act. Young dogs and puppies do exactly the same. Which is, the trainer must correct them firmly, however don’t go into an all out dominating battle.

It would be very inappropriate for the dog to distrust you, which, in this case can result some sort of “rebellion”. For the toddler analogy, the most one can do is a sharp word, or a small spank on the rear end. You would not pick the child up, and hold her against the wall, then scream at her for the misdeed. Most dogs are still young until they are 2 or 3 years old (in human terms, they are still in the angst, teenage years). In Layman’s terms, do not confuse physical maturity with mental maturity.

As for punishments are concerned, never mistake it with being alpha. An alpha is fair, according to Cindy Moore, author of Behavior: Modifying and Understanding. An alpha leader is fair, and deserves its position. He/She does not use fear, punishment or brute force to achieve, and maintain its position. Instead, it makes it clear what behavior approves of and which it does not. An alpha leader expects its subordinates to follow its lead; it does not force them to do whatever it is. Meaning, the owner or trainer, in order for it to be a good leader, should be calm, focused, and rational.

Just like any other training, praising your pet boosts a lot of good egos. Always show approval at signs of submission. This helps strengthen your place as the ultimate alpha. Praise your dog when it drops its eyes first. Praise it when he licks your chin. Give it an enthusiastic tummy rub, when it rolls over in its back –as how Cindy placed it. It might sound corny, but it is corny because it works. Life is simple; you just need a bit of loving.

But to be an alpha at your best is to be consistent, and fair in your corrections. One must demonstrate to your pet that it can trust your orders. Do not correct your dog after the fact; such corrections to be arbitrary and unfair to the dog, since it has no associative memory the way people do.

Socializing with your puppy is a good way to gain its trust.

Dog Obedience Training, Dog Training Tips

Dog Training And Socialization

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It is fun to keep a pet at home but it also calls for a couple of obligations to fulfill. Take note that what your dog does is always out of habit. Thus, if you tolerate his bad habits, he will not be able to outgrow them. It will be you who will suffer in the end. So, it is best to start early with the dog training lessons.

Puppies are but young and don’t have a mind of their own. They are simply dependent on you so it is your task to assist them let go of their bad habits and develop the good ones. You and your leadership skills will therefore guide your dog towards the right path in terms of honing his behavior, habits, and temperament. This is the main reason why dog training and socialization trainings are very much necessary.

Training Your Dog at Home

Separation anxiety often attacks young dogs. So, they normally cry, bark, chew, and do a lot of annoying things. You have to understand that it is also hard for him to adjust to his new environment. Thus, you should start with the house training activities by setting boundaries, introducing new areas, and letting him know those activities that you can tolerate and not.

Don’t be violent when your dog doesn’t seem to understand at once. Potty training, leash training, and the likes are never achieved overnight. You have to use lots of praises, rewards, and encouragement. It is always best to start as soon as possible so his old ways will be corrected. Incorporate fun sessions during the training. Use commands frequently. Whenever necessary, impose a punishment but not something that will agitate him and cause him to fight back. Say for example you didn’t like his behavior, simply ignore him. He will surely try getting your attention but be stern not until he does what he is told.

Leaning the Socialization Skills

The dog’s socialization period is said to fall in his first 16 weeks of puppyhood. It is the time when he develops into an adult dog. Therefore, you must expect that it is also the time frame when he changes his temperament, behavior, habits, and character. The socialization period is also the time that he gets adjusted to his family and the people in the household.

It is best to let him become familiar with the house and the people around. It helps to expose him to some animals too. This conditions him that it is not only him that exists in that area. Take him out for a walk so he will see what lies beyond the gates of your home. In this way, he will not go wild whenever he sees other objects, animals, and people apart from the members of his family.

During the dog training and socialization training, you should arm yourself with a doze of patience. Your pet lacks maturity so it is your own responsibility to handle the matter really well. He imitates what he sees so you better act accordingly.

Dog Training Commands

Dog Obedience House Training—How To Go about It

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House training is a very important phase in a dog’s life. It secures the tight bond and good relationship between the master and the dog. Experts advice that house training must start while the dog is young. In this sense, your pet’s misbehavior will be corrected at such an early time. Therefore, the sooner that you start with dog obedience house training, the better.

Here are the guidelines on how you should go about dog obedience house training.

Let him have his own space.

The untrained puppies or dogs should not be allowed wandering around the house without any supervision. You may not know it but your pet might already be chewing on things and worse, may get themselves injured or electrocuted. If you are at home, be sure to keep him in a place where you can see him easily. If there will be a time that he will be left alone, better place him in his den or crate. Put a bed of his own that can be made out of a box or towel, some toys, his water and food. Be sure to let him have his own playtime too so he can have enough exercise.

Introduce him to new areas.

After you have taught him how to behave in his own place, it is now time to introduce him to the other areas of your home. Be sure to spend time with him in that area. If you want to show him the new place where he can eat, do it under your supervision. Introduce the places and what he is allowed and disallowed to do in these areas. Do this by leashing him so as to control his reactions. Unleash him when you think he already has gotten himself familiar with the new areas. But, remember to keep watch or else he might get into trouble and cause further damages.

Potty train him.

Show him the area where he can do his thing. Make sure not to confuse him. Never allow him to play in that area or he might get the idea that he can use the same place for all his activities.

Let him understand the “No Chew” command.

By nature, dogs like to chew on things since it aids in the strengthening of their teeth and gums. It is also kind of a healthy exercise for their jaws. Part of your dog obedience house training is providing him with toys that he may chew on and let him understand that not all things can be used to strengthen his teeth and gums. Be stern as you give him the “no chew” command. Praise him when he has done the right thing and give him a reward.

Set off limits areas.

It is always important to keep your dog away from the rooms that contain pieces of furniture and where the electric lines are. Give him the “off” command and when he does follow it, pat him and praise him.

By and large, dog obedience house training will benefit you in the future. So, start early!

Dog Training Commands

Basic Commands For Dog Training

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Are you bored with your dog who knows only three commands? Don’t fret, my friend! You could probably use a little jazz. Specific command words are not that difficult and important. The thing here should be the consistency of its usage. My friend, Wiki, here can give you a bit of a blast. Some of these certain commands are accepted as standard, while others are commonly used.

Here is a list you might find quite interesting:

Let us start off with the basic commands

1.) Sit – it is a mono-syllabic word that requires a bit of an authentic tone that would require for your dog to be in a sitting position.

2.) Down – just like #1, this also requires an abrupt tone for the dog to be typically down when its elbows (front feet) and hocks (rear legs) are touching the ground or floor.

3.) Heel – The dog’s head or shoulder is parallel to the handler’s leg on the left side of the handler.

4.) Come or Here – (referred to as the recall) you just really got to call your dog which equates the whole command.

5.) Stay – another command that requires another snap for the dog to remain in the sitting position (sit, down, stand), and location under which the command was given until it is released by the handler

Those were just some of the basic ones, but wait! Here is something for those who are too hungry to actually stop. The advanced commands are the following (which may need more patience and dedication):

1.) Stop – Wiki says that the dog commanded will simply stop whatever it is doing, and lie down on command no matter how far it is from its keeper is a dog that can be taken anywhere. Some handlers use the German word PLATZ (related to place, i.e. stay in position) for this action. A little bit demanding, but who knows when your dogs needs it.

2.) Back up – keepers of large dogs or dogs with reputation (a must quote!) for aggressiveness can make strangers more comfortable by teaching the dog to back up on command. This command might probably be very useful for police dogs.

3.) Growl – now this is what you guys should be talking about. In case you are bullied, this is the inverse of backing up. Some owners teach non-aggressive dogs to growl on a subtle command –not the word “growl”, just usually a small hand gesture –as a way of letting strangers know that you and your dog value being left alone.

4.) Steady – to keep near by. The dog can walk free, but not dash off. This can be very valuable to sport dogs, and/or during competitions.

5.) Stand – on this command, the dog stands still. Funny how this is seems so advanced; it is very valuable for “grooming”. Many dogs are groomed frequently, that they need to stand quietly during the process. You can also use this when you want your dog to wait for you at the park, while lining up for an espresso at Starbucks seven in the morning.

6.) Go to bed, kennel, or get in – this command directs the dog to go to its bed, and remain there unreleased. This is somehow useful to keep a dog out from underfoot, and safe in a busy or complicated situation.

7.) Drop or Drop it – to release something they just picked up; very useful when they’re about to chew your sandals off.

8.) Leave it – an adjunction to Drop, directing the dog NOT to touch an item.

9.) Take it – the dog leaves a desired object untouched until given this command.

10.) Give – a command teaching the dog to be generous, and/or releasing something your pet has placed in his mouth on your hand.

11.) Speak – another way of saying “to bark ONLY when I say so”.

12.) Roll over – can be one of the basic commands; this is when the dog lies down, roll over, and stand back up. Quite a bit of an exercise.

13.) Attack – if partnered with the command “Growl”, you (the owner) will be the king of your neighborhood, though mostly used only on Police Dogs. Common commands are either “Attack” or “Sick’em”.

14.) Fetch – can also be one of the basic commands where the dog retrieves a thrown object, bringing it back to the one who threw it, a nice strategy for luring guard dogs (especially when they’re obsessed with balls).

Dog Training Tips

Insights On Dog Training

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A dog is said to be man’s best friend. Most people like to keep them as pets because they are capable of guarding their possessions as well as keeping them safe at all times. However, what most pet owners fail to understand is that their dogs need to go through the so-called dog obedience training. It is very important because the training itself will educate your pet as to the proper behavior. Chances are, you will be taking your dog for a stroll or to some trips and it will never be helpful if he is wild and unruly. To ensure that he is not going to cause troubles, obedience training is definitely a wise choice!

Dogs Need Social Skills

Generally, dogs are held to be social animals. Thus, their behavior should be shaped. They often get too excited when they see people and other objects so the tendency is for them to get wild when they are able to get out of their homes. The dog training is therefore a must for them. Dog training is not only composed of physical exercises but also some mental activities that will sharpen their minds.

When to do Obedience Training

Most owners ask when the right time is to employ obedience training. Ideally, a new pet needs to be trained. The younger the dog is, the higher chance of shaping his behavior.

Hence, for those pet owners who have not taken the right move as early as possible, you should identify the high time when to have your dog undergo the training. Well, dogs are very playful and they often associate it with ripping or destroying things. What if your valuables fall as the victims? You will surely go berserk!

obedience training is the solution to turn to because it is known to solve almost all behavioral problems that your pet may have.

Necessary Skills in Obedience Training

One of the most essential skills that obedience training calls for is no other than effective communication. The commands such as stay, stop, come, and so on are among the basics to learn. Ensure that the training sessions will not be boring for the dog to take or else there will be very minimal learning on his part.

Type of Training to Get Your Dog

Professionals suggest the use of two of the most essential training styles. The first one is called the reward training and the second one is known as the leash or collar training. The reward training is somewhat less forceful compared to the leash or collar technique. It therefore makes use of praises and rewards for any good behavior displayed by the dog.

Even if you intend to do it on your own, you can still get the help of the professionals by reading a couple of dog training guides online or taking the advice from the published books sold by your local bookstores.

Dog obedience training doesn’t actually cure all types of misbehaviors but it is able to resolve most of the problems. The most important secret is that of directing his attention towards other things and activities so he will forget about his tantrums. After all, a busy and happy dog is never a source of trouble!