Just because some dogs are hard to train doesn't mean that there is something wrong with them. Contrary to what most people believe, these dogs are not in any way stupid. In fact, these dogs might even possess quite a high level of intelligence - high enough to let them get what they want when they want it!
Aside from independence and dominance, there are some other traits that might get in the way of your dog training efforts. A dog with a high level of intelligence and determination may also be hard to train. Here are the reasons why:
Smart Dogs Are Hard To Train Intelligence, not stupidity, makes dog training quite a difficult task. Why? This is because most of the hard-to-train breeds are natural born hunters and fighters. They must rely heavily on their brain power in order to survive.
These dogs might be too intelligent for our own good. They can easily see through us - they know our moods and know just how far they can push us around. Intelligent dogs can easily manipulate things and even us owners to get just what they want. You can tell whether your dog is a genius if he or she displays these characteristics:
.Intelligent dogs find a lot of new ways to get into trouble
.They quickly find an exit even when presented with a see-through barrier such as a chain-link fence
.They have the ability to understand your words quickly
.They respond to your commands based on their evaluation of your moods
A Dogged Determination Can Also Hinder Your Dog Training Efforts
Determined dogs can be difficult to train especially when they have already set their hearts and minds on something. Once this happens, say goodbye to your dog training efforts for the meantime - you would find it quite difficult to divert your dog's attention to the exercises anyway!
How would your know that you have a determined dog? Here are some signs that will tell you whether your dog has this trait:
.Your dog's attention might be temporarily diverted by a special treat such as a toy or a cookie but once he or she is through with it, the dog will return to fulfilling his or her original goal. Whether it might be digging flower beds or anything that might be buried underground, munching on your sofa or chewing cords, you can count on your determined dog to get what it wants and have it his/her own way no matter how long it may take!
.Your dog shows a marked obsessive behavior and ignores physical correction.
Dog Training Techniques For These Types of Dogs
If your dog shows any of these traits, training can be difficult but not at all impossible to accomplish. You just need to know what attitudes and exercises work with them best. For example, in working with intelligent dogs, be sure to include a lot of variations in your dog training sessions. Also include activities that will stimulate your dog's brain. You should devise new ways of hiding toys and following trails to encourage the animal to use much of his or her brain power and keep his/her interest in your dog training sessions.
For determined dogs, however, you should do just the opposite. These animals get the most from their dog training exercises if there are fewer variations and more repetitions of the same routines. Showing that you are having fun during your dog training sessions may likewise do determined dogs a lot of good!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Hard-To-Train Dogs
Not all dogs are created equal - some are born to lead while some gladly follows the commands of the pack leader. Consequently, not all dogs respond to training in the same manner - some gladly do their tasks and exercises without giving you, the owner, a hard time while others will test your temperament to its limits.
Hard-to-train dogs are by no means the lesser beings as compared to their more subservient counterparts. On the contrary, these dogs often possess several positive traits that interfere with your dog training sessions. Two of the qualities that get in the way of dog training the most are the animal's independence and dominance. Let's see how these qualities might jeopardize your dog training efforts.
Independence
Independence is by far the most commonly demonstrated trait by hard-to-train dogs. An independent dog can be viewed as a renegade who never needs to please anybody. While independent dogs unquestionably love their owners, their drive to please them is not as strong as those of other more compliant dogs. This trait often gives the owner or the trainer a more difficult time during their dog training sessions.
How could you tell that your dog is independent? Here are some telltale signs: .Independent dogs may exhibit a marked indifference to other people or animals. .They may not like being petted and disdainfully resents grooming. .They may prefer being alone. .They turn away when reprimanded.
However, independent dogs are not at all impossible to train. You just need to know what works with them and what doesn't so that you may get the best out of your dog training efforts. A word of caution - it is a big mistake to apply force in correcting the habits of your hard-to-train dog. Physical corrections such as hitting and yanking will only lead to passive resistance on your dog's part and make your dog training sessions close to impossible. Once your dog takes on this stance, it would be very difficult to make him or her obey your commands.
So, what is the best thing to do in training your independent dog? Utilize the "cookie power"! In other words, find out what rewards elicit a positive response and take advantage of it. With an adequate reward, your dog will surely let you have it your way!
Dominance
A dominant dog is one who explicitly shows you that he or she cannot be bossed around. While an independent dog will simply ignore your commands, a dominant dog will show you his or her discontent in being ordered around.
Dominant dogs are natural leaders. With these dogs, you need to prove yourself first before he or she recognizes your authority or else, your role will go further down the pack pecking order. Some signs of dominance may include the following: .Displays defensive behavior when guarding territory, foods or toys .Shows readiness to launch into a fight .Growls or snaps when they are not allowed to do what they want
Dominant dogs are trainable. Despite their fearsome and irritable nature, you can make them obey your commands during your dog training sessions and beyond. All you need to do is establish your role as the one who holds the alpha position. You need to establish your authority through reasonable actions and you will see that everything else will follow. Once the leadership issue is clearly established, your dog training sessions will go on smoothly without any troubles!
Hard-to-train dogs are by no means the lesser beings as compared to their more subservient counterparts. On the contrary, these dogs often possess several positive traits that interfere with your dog training sessions. Two of the qualities that get in the way of dog training the most are the animal's independence and dominance. Let's see how these qualities might jeopardize your dog training efforts.
Independence
Independence is by far the most commonly demonstrated trait by hard-to-train dogs. An independent dog can be viewed as a renegade who never needs to please anybody. While independent dogs unquestionably love their owners, their drive to please them is not as strong as those of other more compliant dogs. This trait often gives the owner or the trainer a more difficult time during their dog training sessions.
How could you tell that your dog is independent? Here are some telltale signs: .Independent dogs may exhibit a marked indifference to other people or animals. .They may not like being petted and disdainfully resents grooming. .They may prefer being alone. .They turn away when reprimanded.
However, independent dogs are not at all impossible to train. You just need to know what works with them and what doesn't so that you may get the best out of your dog training efforts. A word of caution - it is a big mistake to apply force in correcting the habits of your hard-to-train dog. Physical corrections such as hitting and yanking will only lead to passive resistance on your dog's part and make your dog training sessions close to impossible. Once your dog takes on this stance, it would be very difficult to make him or her obey your commands.
So, what is the best thing to do in training your independent dog? Utilize the "cookie power"! In other words, find out what rewards elicit a positive response and take advantage of it. With an adequate reward, your dog will surely let you have it your way!
Dominance
A dominant dog is one who explicitly shows you that he or she cannot be bossed around. While an independent dog will simply ignore your commands, a dominant dog will show you his or her discontent in being ordered around.
Dominant dogs are natural leaders. With these dogs, you need to prove yourself first before he or she recognizes your authority or else, your role will go further down the pack pecking order. Some signs of dominance may include the following: .Displays defensive behavior when guarding territory, foods or toys .Shows readiness to launch into a fight .Growls or snaps when they are not allowed to do what they want
Dominant dogs are trainable. Despite their fearsome and irritable nature, you can make them obey your commands during your dog training sessions and beyond. All you need to do is establish your role as the one who holds the alpha position. You need to establish your authority through reasonable actions and you will see that everything else will follow. Once the leadership issue is clearly established, your dog training sessions will go on smoothly without any troubles!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Dog nutrition benefits
Dog nutrition must be complete and balanced, but it's also important to switch dog food brands now and then. This might sound like a trivial point and merely a tactic to appease our human desire for food variety. However, there's more to dog nutrition and switching that you should know.
When your dog receives the same dog food month after month, year after year, you are exposing him or her to any problems that might exist with that particular brand. Had pet owners switched their dog food brands prior to the recent dog food recalls, they could have avoided the dangers posed.
For instance, giving your dog one brand for a few weeks or months means he will be constantly exposed to those dangers. By switching, the concentration is diluted, thereby preventing a build-up of exposure which can result in an eventual weakening of your dog's ability to ward off the danger.
Dog nutrition is never guaranteed, despite all the efforts made by dog food manufacturers to provide quality products. There are circumstances beyond their control that can significantly reduce the actual nutritional value. In addition, problems with the ingredients can arise that were previously unknown.
Several steps along the way between product development and the retail store can present an issue that affects the dog food's nutritional value.
Research into dog nutrition is an ongoing science. Lab experts are revealing problems that once didn't exist. As scientists study the nutritional needs of dogs, they discover facts and issues that must be addressed to assure dog health.
As well, they are constantly learning about the true nutritional value of the dog food ingredients. As environmental factors change, so does the quality of the food being produced. For instance, if soil loses its nutritional value through overuse and other factors, the food grown in that soil loses it's nutritional qualities. Scientists continually discover problems in this area.
Dog nutrition relies on products outside the control of the dog food manufacturer. Some ingredients are provided from outside sources. Brand manufacturers have no control over the quality or safety of those ingredients.
Despite all their efforts to produce quality dog food, brand manufacturers can and do slip up now and then. Tests are missed and levels of important nutrients like calcium and magnesium don't always meet the required amounts for ideal dog nutrition.
On the other hand, vitamin and mineral supplements are sometimes added in higher quantities than the dog requires. Or the required nutrients become diluted or otherwise weakened during the manufacturing and storing process. Over time, stored foods will lose their nutritional value.
These are just some of the reasons you would be wise to considering switching the brand of food you are feeding your dog. While one manufacturer is missing some points along the dog nutrition trail, others will take up the slack.
It's more than just providing your dog with variety to stimulate his taste buds. Switching brands will help alleviate finicky eating which can happen when a dog gets the same food every day for months on end.
Seek out quality foods by reading the labels to ensure the proper nutrients are included and filler is at a bare minimum. Look for quality products at the top of the list, like chicken and beef. Choose several excellent brands and alternate between them every month or so. This will help you to avoid any dangers accidentally posed by one brand while ensuring that your pet receives the absolute best dog nutrition.
When your dog receives the same dog food month after month, year after year, you are exposing him or her to any problems that might exist with that particular brand. Had pet owners switched their dog food brands prior to the recent dog food recalls, they could have avoided the dangers posed.
For instance, giving your dog one brand for a few weeks or months means he will be constantly exposed to those dangers. By switching, the concentration is diluted, thereby preventing a build-up of exposure which can result in an eventual weakening of your dog's ability to ward off the danger.
Dog nutrition is never guaranteed, despite all the efforts made by dog food manufacturers to provide quality products. There are circumstances beyond their control that can significantly reduce the actual nutritional value. In addition, problems with the ingredients can arise that were previously unknown.
Several steps along the way between product development and the retail store can present an issue that affects the dog food's nutritional value.
Research into dog nutrition is an ongoing science. Lab experts are revealing problems that once didn't exist. As scientists study the nutritional needs of dogs, they discover facts and issues that must be addressed to assure dog health.
As well, they are constantly learning about the true nutritional value of the dog food ingredients. As environmental factors change, so does the quality of the food being produced. For instance, if soil loses its nutritional value through overuse and other factors, the food grown in that soil loses it's nutritional qualities. Scientists continually discover problems in this area.
Dog nutrition relies on products outside the control of the dog food manufacturer. Some ingredients are provided from outside sources. Brand manufacturers have no control over the quality or safety of those ingredients.
Despite all their efforts to produce quality dog food, brand manufacturers can and do slip up now and then. Tests are missed and levels of important nutrients like calcium and magnesium don't always meet the required amounts for ideal dog nutrition.
On the other hand, vitamin and mineral supplements are sometimes added in higher quantities than the dog requires. Or the required nutrients become diluted or otherwise weakened during the manufacturing and storing process. Over time, stored foods will lose their nutritional value.
These are just some of the reasons you would be wise to considering switching the brand of food you are feeding your dog. While one manufacturer is missing some points along the dog nutrition trail, others will take up the slack.
It's more than just providing your dog with variety to stimulate his taste buds. Switching brands will help alleviate finicky eating which can happen when a dog gets the same food every day for months on end.
Seek out quality foods by reading the labels to ensure the proper nutrients are included and filler is at a bare minimum. Look for quality products at the top of the list, like chicken and beef. Choose several excellent brands and alternate between them every month or so. This will help you to avoid any dangers accidentally posed by one brand while ensuring that your pet receives the absolute best dog nutrition.
Dog training collars
I love my dog! In fact, I actually consider him a family member. If you have a pet, I'll bet you feel the same way. We tend to get attached to our animals like this. They become such a huge part of our lives. At times it's difficult to even recall what it was like without them. My daughter barely remembers life without our black lab. We adopted him when she was three years old, and he's been with us for the past five years. But one thing I've come to terms with is that not everyone likes pets, and not everyone will appreciate your animal like you do. Some might even fear them. This is not so odd. If you encounter a large dog out in a park, who happens to be strolling with the owner, you won't necessarily trust their actions. Not if you have children. A part of you becomes alert. You know in the back of your mind that the dog could possibly react in some negative way toward you or your child. Hey, animals are unpredictable like that. And this is why dog training collars were invented.
You love your German Sheppard or Rot Weller, right? If this is really the case, you'll consider controlling them when out in public. You can do so with dog training collars. If you don't care to put your pup on a leash, you can always purchase a shock collar. These devices work off of a remote control, which the owner keeps in hand. If the dog should decide to disobey, the owner can send a small shock to the K-9 via the collar. In return, the dog will begin to behave. I believe these dog training collars are crucial for the dog and the owners' safety. As far as the dog is concerned, this is the perfect way to keep them from bolting out into traffic. And in regards to the owner, the remote shock collar will grant you the ability to stop your dog if he/she decides to abruptly leap at some other animal, or worse, a small child. Like I mentioned before, animals are unpredictable.
Try your local Pet's Mart for dog training collars. They generally offer quite a selection. This is where I purchased a shock collar for my dog. And if the dog collar fails to work, you can always return it. I did exactly this with a cat shock collar once. Now remember, keeping your animals safe means keeping you safe as well.
You love your German Sheppard or Rot Weller, right? If this is really the case, you'll consider controlling them when out in public. You can do so with dog training collars. If you don't care to put your pup on a leash, you can always purchase a shock collar. These devices work off of a remote control, which the owner keeps in hand. If the dog should decide to disobey, the owner can send a small shock to the K-9 via the collar. In return, the dog will begin to behave. I believe these dog training collars are crucial for the dog and the owners' safety. As far as the dog is concerned, this is the perfect way to keep them from bolting out into traffic. And in regards to the owner, the remote shock collar will grant you the ability to stop your dog if he/she decides to abruptly leap at some other animal, or worse, a small child. Like I mentioned before, animals are unpredictable.
Try your local Pet's Mart for dog training collars. They generally offer quite a selection. This is where I purchased a shock collar for my dog. And if the dog collar fails to work, you can always return it. I did exactly this with a cat shock collar once. Now remember, keeping your animals safe means keeping you safe as well.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Best Dog Training School
There are so many different types of dog training schools that are out there, available to all of you that are proud owners of a dog. It is very important for everyone to remember that taking the time out to find the best training school for your dog, is so very important and can make all of the difference in the world when it comes to how successfully your dog ends up being trained. Every single dog is totally different, some of them might start to catch on very, very quickly while others could probably take quite a bit longer. It does not matter as to which speed your dog successfully gets trained, what matters the most is, did you get your moneys worth from the dog training school that you paid good money for, in hopes of receiving a well behaved dog. Just because a dog training school is not the most expensive one out there, it truly does not by any means, mean that it is not a reputable, good quality and most efficient.
Finding the best dog training school in your area would probably be easiest by just getting online, right from your home computer system, and doing the research on all of the many schools in your area that you might be interested in paying for them to properly and most efficiently train your dog. It is up to you to find the very best school in your area for your special dog, which is why taking some time out to do a little research is of great importance and will help you to successfully find the best school for your little friend, of which you will be so very proud of once this is all said and done. Dogs can be fabulous animals, however, there are unfortunately so many other dogs out there that have not received any type of dog training by anyone and they are about as misbehaved as misbehaved comes, which is what no owner wants to ever have to deal with.
Getting your dog properly trained at a very reputable but affordable training school will totally change how your dog and you and your family all get along. Things will be much more peaceful with a fun loving, well trained dog on your hands. This dog could really be around for a very long time too, so keep that in mind when you are putting off getting them efficiently trained at a professional dog training school. Talk to your local vet and see if they can provide you with any helpful information regarding a dog training school for your dog, in or close to the town that you live in. It will totally impress you and when you have seen it all you will then have the chance to show off your dog to everyone else that you know, they will so be very impressed by the dedication that you put forth in order to have a well trained dog for your home.
Finding the best dog training school in your area would probably be easiest by just getting online, right from your home computer system, and doing the research on all of the many schools in your area that you might be interested in paying for them to properly and most efficiently train your dog. It is up to you to find the very best school in your area for your special dog, which is why taking some time out to do a little research is of great importance and will help you to successfully find the best school for your little friend, of which you will be so very proud of once this is all said and done. Dogs can be fabulous animals, however, there are unfortunately so many other dogs out there that have not received any type of dog training by anyone and they are about as misbehaved as misbehaved comes, which is what no owner wants to ever have to deal with.
Getting your dog properly trained at a very reputable but affordable training school will totally change how your dog and you and your family all get along. Things will be much more peaceful with a fun loving, well trained dog on your hands. This dog could really be around for a very long time too, so keep that in mind when you are putting off getting them efficiently trained at a professional dog training school. Talk to your local vet and see if they can provide you with any helpful information regarding a dog training school for your dog, in or close to the town that you live in. It will totally impress you and when you have seen it all you will then have the chance to show off your dog to everyone else that you know, they will so be very impressed by the dedication that you put forth in order to have a well trained dog for your home.
Training And Care For Dogs
People are hooked on taking care of pets these days as they can be considered as one of the most valued possessions of a person. In choosing a pet, we have a variety of choices but dogs are more preferred. One reason for this is the ability of dogs to understand and follow commands from their owners. If given proper training, a dog can understand both verbal and sign commands. However, they tend to learn hand signals easier than words because dogs are very observant of body language.
Since we don’t have an official hand signals on dog obedience training we practice commonly used basic commands and these are the heel, sit, stay, down and come. Through hand signals, you can teach your dog to sit by starting with your arm at your side. You can then move your hands toward your chest, facing your palm upward. This is ideal if you’re inches away from your pet, otherwise try to grab your pet’s collar and gently push its rear into a sitting position.
Teach your dog to heel with your arms coming down in front of your dog with your palm extended forward. You can then command your pet to stay by slowly extending your arm and hand straight down with palm flat landing right next to your pet’s nose without contact. If your dog tries to sniff your hand, you can try to stop your dog in a gentle way. If you want your dog to lay down with its stomach on the floor and its feet in front, do this with your hand open flat, palm facing down and parallel to the floor, with arm bent at the elbow in a downward sweeping motion. Lastly, you can also teach your pet to come near you with your elbow bent and arms outstretched then move your arm to your chest.
It is advisable to combine verbal command with hand signals to enhance your pet’s knowledge about it. They will soon respond to either verbal or hand signal once they learn to relate your hand signal with the desired action. If that happens, it would be easy for the owner to command his or her pet in any way the pet understands. Bear in mind that if you want your pet to impress you then help them enjoy the dog obedience training by giving your pet a treat or some praise that will inspire him to do a good work. If your dog willfully disobeys you, physical punishment is a no-no as there are positive punishments available to increase your pet’s good behavior.
If your dog succeeds in doing these basic hand signals on dog obedience training then your pet is much ready for the advance one. You can try enrolling your pet to learn more of these, though you can also do this yourself for you to have a great bonding with your pet. Equip yourself with lots of information in training your dog by reading books, searching the web or seeking advice from experienced dog owners and trainers.
Since we don’t have an official hand signals on dog obedience training we practice commonly used basic commands and these are the heel, sit, stay, down and come. Through hand signals, you can teach your dog to sit by starting with your arm at your side. You can then move your hands toward your chest, facing your palm upward. This is ideal if you’re inches away from your pet, otherwise try to grab your pet’s collar and gently push its rear into a sitting position.
Teach your dog to heel with your arms coming down in front of your dog with your palm extended forward. You can then command your pet to stay by slowly extending your arm and hand straight down with palm flat landing right next to your pet’s nose without contact. If your dog tries to sniff your hand, you can try to stop your dog in a gentle way. If you want your dog to lay down with its stomach on the floor and its feet in front, do this with your hand open flat, palm facing down and parallel to the floor, with arm bent at the elbow in a downward sweeping motion. Lastly, you can also teach your pet to come near you with your elbow bent and arms outstretched then move your arm to your chest.
It is advisable to combine verbal command with hand signals to enhance your pet’s knowledge about it. They will soon respond to either verbal or hand signal once they learn to relate your hand signal with the desired action. If that happens, it would be easy for the owner to command his or her pet in any way the pet understands. Bear in mind that if you want your pet to impress you then help them enjoy the dog obedience training by giving your pet a treat or some praise that will inspire him to do a good work. If your dog willfully disobeys you, physical punishment is a no-no as there are positive punishments available to increase your pet’s good behavior.
If your dog succeeds in doing these basic hand signals on dog obedience training then your pet is much ready for the advance one. You can try enrolling your pet to learn more of these, though you can also do this yourself for you to have a great bonding with your pet. Equip yourself with lots of information in training your dog by reading books, searching the web or seeking advice from experienced dog owners and trainers.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Dog Training Collars
I love my dog! In fact, I actually consider him a family member. If you have a pet, I'll bet you feel the same way. We tend to get attached to our animals like this. They become such a huge part of our lives. At times it's difficult to even recall what it was like without them. My daughter barely remembers life without our black lab. We adopted him when she was three years old, and he's been with us for the past five years. But one thing I've come to terms with is that not everyone likes pets, and not everyone will appreciate your animal like you do. Some might even fear them. This is not so odd. If you encounter a large dog out in a park, who happens to be strolling with the owner, you won't necessarily trust their actions. Not if you have children. A part of you becomes alert. You know in the back of your mind that the dog could possibly react in some negative way toward you or your child. Hey, animals are unpredictable like that. And this is why dog training collars were invented.
You love your German Sheppard or Rot Weller, right? If this is really the case, you'll consider controlling them when out in public. You can do so with dog training collars. If you don't care to put your pup on a leash, you can always purchase a shock collar. These devices work off of a remote control, which the owner keeps in hand. If the dog should decide to disobey, the owner can send a small shock to the K-9 via the collar. In return, the dog will begin to behave. I believe these dog training collars are crucial for the dog and the owners' safety. As far as the dog is concerned, this is the perfect way to keep them from bolting out into traffic. And in regards to the owner, the remote shock collar will grant you the ability to stop your dog if he/she decides to abruptly leap at some other animal, or worse, a small child. Like I mentioned before, animals are unpredictable.
Try your local Pet's Mart for dog training collars. They generally offer quite a selection. This is where I purchased a shock collar for my dog. And if the dog collar fails to work, you can always return it. I did exactly this with a cat shock collar once. Now remember, keeping your animals safe means keeping you safe as well.
You love your German Sheppard or Rot Weller, right? If this is really the case, you'll consider controlling them when out in public. You can do so with dog training collars. If you don't care to put your pup on a leash, you can always purchase a shock collar. These devices work off of a remote control, which the owner keeps in hand. If the dog should decide to disobey, the owner can send a small shock to the K-9 via the collar. In return, the dog will begin to behave. I believe these dog training collars are crucial for the dog and the owners' safety. As far as the dog is concerned, this is the perfect way to keep them from bolting out into traffic. And in regards to the owner, the remote shock collar will grant you the ability to stop your dog if he/she decides to abruptly leap at some other animal, or worse, a small child. Like I mentioned before, animals are unpredictable.
Try your local Pet's Mart for dog training collars. They generally offer quite a selection. This is where I purchased a shock collar for my dog. And if the dog collar fails to work, you can always return it. I did exactly this with a cat shock collar once. Now remember, keeping your animals safe means keeping you safe as well.
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