Dog Obedience Classes – The Key to a Happy Dog/Person Relationship
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You may not think your pet needs dog obedience classes, but you would really be doing the two of you a big favor if you signed up for them. These classes teach you and your dog how to live and work together in relative harmony, so that your relationship is a smooth and happy one. Dogs need to know who is in control, which means they must be able to identify YOU as their pack leader. Then, they will respect and obey you. These classes help you put yourself in that position.
Without dog obedience classes, you’re on your own as far as training your dog to learn acceptable behavior. While you may be able to train him yourself with the help of books and DVDs, you will need to be very determined and patient with the process, as it can take a while for a dog to catch on to what you want. With dog obedience training classes, you’re all learning together, in a group, and so it doesn’t seem like such a tedious chore, especially with a professional instructor there to help you. It may even seem like a fun time out with your pet and a chance for the two of you to bond without you becoming impatient with him, as you’ll see everyone around you learning at the same pace.
Dog obedience training will teach you how to control your dog, and will teach your dog that you are in the top spot in the household and are to be obeyed. Your dog will become a well behaved dog that is pleasant for other people to be around when you invest the time and effort into these classes. In fact, many animal shelters automatically refer you to the nearest obedience class when you adopt a puppy or an adult dog, because they know that taking your dog to such a class is going to be a big factor in whether or not the two of you stay together. Dogs that are well trained usually end up being dogs that keep their homes and enjoy close, loving relationships with their human companions.
Finding the Right Breed of Dog For Children With Allergies
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Before you take home a puppy for your child, you may want to check if your child has an allergy to dogs. Dogs are so lovable, but if you happen to have a child who is allergy-prone and may be allergic to dog dander, you have to avoid the dog breeds that will most likely cause some allergy problems with your child.
Usually allergies to dogs are caused by dog dander and saliva. If a child is highly sensitive to the allergens found in the dog’s dander and saliva he will always be miserable every time he gets near a dog. You can help your child cope with dog allergies by making a list of hypo-allergenic dogs or dogs that do not shed a lot of dander.
Poodles, Schnauzers, Portuguese water dogs and Kerry blue terriers are just some of the dogs found to be good matches for children with asthma or allergies because they don’t shed a lot of fur.
If your child is really serious on owning a dog, but you are worried that his allergies may become more serious, consider the following suggestions. Here are some tips on helping your child cope with allergies to dogs:
1. Don’t let the dog sleep inside your child’s bedroom.
2. Give your dog a regular bath, at least twice a week.
3. Remove floor carpets especially where your dog would often walk or lie down on.
4. Vacuum regularly to collect any fur that your dog sheds.
5. Make sure your child take his daily asthma or allergy medications.
If nothing seems to work, it might be better to move the dog out of the house. What might be even better is to just choose another pet for your child.
It may be a little traumatic, especially for a little child, but if this is the best option, then you don’t really have a choice.
Why Dog Training Behavior is Essential for Your Dog
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Dog training behavior helps humans and dogs live together in harmony. Without it, your dog would be running wild throughout your house and you would have no control over him whatsoever. This does not make for a harmonious relationship, and it could even lead to the two of you breaking up. That is always a sad situation when it happens for behavioral reasons, as nearly all dog behavior problems can be easily corrected simply through some basic training techniques. If you value your relationship with your dog, then you will take the time to train him properly.
The first dog training behavior your pet needs to learn is how to relieve himself appropriately. You don’t want your dog going just anywhere on the floor of your house, so you have to train him to go where you want him to go. It’s not hard to do, and there are plenty of books on the subject. The main thing to remember is that the earlier you start teaching your dog about house training, the easier and quicker he will learn it. If you have a doggy door and a fenced in yard, you can even teach him to just go outside on his own whenever he feels the need.
Next, you’ll need to invest some time to teach your dog good behavior that makes your dog more controllable. This means teaching him to obey commands such as “sit”, “heel”, “stay”, “no”, and “lay down.” For variety and amusement, you can also teach him tricks, such as “roll over”, “play dead”, and “shake hands.” However, the more control commands you teach him, the easier it will be for the two of you to get along, and the more he will recognize you as pack leader.
You can find out most anything you need to know about top dog training behavior at an obedience class. These are often given at pet stores, and even local colleges in the area, so try to get your dog signed up for one as soon as you bring him home. It will make your lives together so much happier.
Dog Behavior Training – Where to Start
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How soon should you begin dog behavior training after you bring home your new pet? The answer is “right away.” The only exception to this is if your dog is younger than 8 weeks old when you bring him home, as dogs are dependent on their mothers until that age, so if he is younger than that, you will mainly be filling in the mother role by nurturing him. Once he is 8 weeks old, however, training should begin without delay. The sooner he learns how to behave in your home, the better the two of you will get along.
The first thing you need to remember is that dogs need to respect their leader. Since the leader is, theoretically, you, you need to get your dog to respect you as such. This means you must act like the leader of the pack. Be commanding, be firm, and accept no nonsense in certain areas, but be gentle and loving at the same time. Never, ever hit or yell at your dog, because then he won’t respect you, he will just fear you, and you don’t want that. You’ll never be close that way, and damage done early to your relationship might not be able to be reversed.
When you start dog behavior training, you’ll want to begin with house training, as this will be a big key to your ability to live happily together. Once you’ve accomplished that, you can move on to simple commands like “sit”, “stay”, “speak”, “shake hands”, “heel”, and “lay down.” These tricks are all fairly easy for most dogs to learn, and you can re-enforce the behavior with lots of praise and a treat whenever the dog does it correctly.
Finally, you’ll want to teach your dog to follow any rules that are specific to your house. For example, some people don’t want their dogs on the furniture, while others don’t care. Some people allow their dogs to sleep in the bed with them, while others insist the dog sleeps in a bed of his own. Dog behavior training for your pet must include specific things you want him to learn, and then the two of you can be happy together.
Basic Dog Agility Training – Get Your Dog Started on Agility Training
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Agility training in dogs can provide the challenge and exercise that your dog needs. You can start conditioning your young pup to do agility training by taking him on regular walks when he reaches the age of four months. As your puppy matures, you can turn his walks into longer ones and even encourage him to run or chase Frisbees. It may all start as a game or a form of exercise, but as your dog’s agility training progresses, you will see how your dog will benefit with a stronger, leaner body as well as a more developed behavior.
As you train your pup for agility, make sure that you practice some precautions especially for very young dogs. Don’t try to make your young puppy jump too high as its forelegs may not be properly developed yet. He may easily be injured if he lands on the wrong side. Make sure that you conduct his training gradually so that he can develop strong muscles through time.
Agility competitions may include different phases such as getting on the balance beam, jumping and climbing obstacles. These obstacles can build up your dog’s confidence once he successfully passes each one.
Your dog may start out scared, so it is your duty to motivate him to try each obstacle. Do it in a way that your dog will not feel pressured, but instead in a way that will also be enjoyable for him.
Since you do not use a leash nor a collar on your dog during these trainings, your dog must learn to obey your commands to successfully negotiate each obstacle. Practice will condition your dog to hear your voice and respond as you expect him to.
Almost any dog, big or small, and of any breed can try dog agility training and excel. Your dog will enjoy the challenge that agility training provides. At the same time, you will also benefit from the opportunity to bond with your dog as you guide him in mastering the skills needed to overcome each hurdle. Once he masters the skills for agility training, he will stay in better shape and will live longer.
All it takes is your determination and patience to train your dog to go through each challenge and succeed.
What You Should Tell Your Child About Owning A Dog
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Puppies are favorite gifts for children all over the world. Most children easily warm up to puppies and would often ask for them as gifts for their birthdays or for Christmas.
If you’re thinking of giving your child a puppy for a gift, think of these guidelines below as the 8 commandments of dog care, which you could pass on to your child:
1. A puppy is not a toy. Your child must know that even though the puppy is given as a present, he is not an ordinary toy that your child can play with and then leave somewhere unattended later on. Taking care of a puppy is a big responsibility. Most parents would want to give their kids a puppy to teach them how to be responsible. Well and good, but if you don’t set rules on how your child should handle a puppy, you may end up frustrated and regretful that you got your child a puppy in the first place.
2. Treat your new puppy as if he is a little baby. He will depend on you for all his needs – food, water, shelter and most of all, care and affection. If you have received the puppy while he is less than 8 weeks old, remember that he may be suffering from separation anxiety from his mother and so you would have to do your best to help him get used to his new environment.
3. On your puppy’s first day at home, make sure you had prepared a comfortable bed for him. If you plan to let him sleep outside, make sure you have a weatherproof doggie house for him. Let him stay in a place that is not too hot nor too cold. If he is sleeping indoors, you can use a crate or a wooden box with a small door.
4. Number one on your list should be how to housetrain your puppy. Potty training is a critical issue and you need to get your pup started on this as soon as possible. You must provide a regular schedule for him where he can go out to poop as well as a good place for him to do his thing. Take him to his spot right after eating and within 2-3 hours before his next meal. There may be some trips to the bathroom during the night as well. Do not punish your puppy if he gets into accidents by hitting it or making him smell his urine or poop. Instead, look for signs that he is about to go and take him to his special place when he looks like he’s about to go.
5. Give your pup a regular feeding schedule as well. If your puppy is less than six months old, feed him balanced solid meals 3-4 times a day. Let him finish what he can in 30 minutes and then give him water.
6. Provide your puppy with a lot of chewing toys from your local pet store. Your dog may resort to chewing when he’s bored or when he’s feeling some anxieties from his new environment. A good chew toy will provide a better alternative than your sofa!
7. Reward your puppy for good behavior. Remember that part of teaching your dog to be obedient is the positive reinforcement in the form of treats, play time or a simple hug that should encourage him to repeat the desired action. He will enjoy obeying you more knowing that there is a treat waiting for him afterwards.
8. Finally, smother your new pup with affection and treat him like a new addition to the family. Teach your kids not to rough handle your puppy whenever you’re not around. Let your kids remember that puppies need a lot of care and attention and that they are just as fragile as little babies. If your puppy gets injured from rough play, treat him right away – remember that the responsibility of taking care of your puppy rests on you first, before your child’s.
Pet Dog Training–What Should Your Dog Learn?
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Pet dog training is a staple of dog ownership. You can’t just let your dog run wild, or he will tear up the whole house and run your life, rather than you running his. Dogs are pack animals, and they will naturally follow the clear leader of the household. However, if there IS no clear leader, don’t be surprised if your dog decides that HE is the leader. If he comes to this conclusion, believe us, he WILL bend you to his will, whether you realize it or not. That’s why training him right away is essential to a good relationship between the two of you.
Pet dog training should begin as soon as you bring home your new pet. This is true whether he is a puppy or a grown dog. Contrary to the old saying, you CAN teach old dogs new tricks. The key with any dog is to be firm and commanding, but gentle, and to never frighten or hurt the dog in any way. Instead, you will be teaching your dog to obey you by earning his respect, rather than his fear. You want your relationship to be close, so don’t do anything to mess that up during your training sessions.
You can often train your dog on your own, using tips and tricks found in books on the subject. Most dogs learn very easily. If you need help in getting your dog to accept you as leader of the pack, you should probably watch some episodes of “The Dog Whisperer” to help you learn what to do in that area.
If your dog just isn’t getting it, then you may want to accomplish your pet dog training through obedience school. This is where both you and your dog go to a training class together with other dogs to learn to behave as a group. Not only will your dog learn how to behave around humans, you will learn how to relate to your dog better and to establish the camaraderie you want to have with him. However you accomplish dog training, be sure you do it, and your life with your dog with be smooth and happy.
Is Dog Obedience School Right for Your Puppy?
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Most people want their dogs to learn how to behave properly in a human environment. It makes things so much easier for both dogs and humans alike, to be sure. Some dogs are very smart and intuitive and seem to have no problem picking up the right behaviors from their human overlords. Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of gentle instruction to have your dog living like one of the family in no time. There are plenty of dog training books available that can show you just what you need to do to teach your dog quickly and easily. However, some dogs need special assistance…remedial learning, if you will…and these are the pups that can benefit the most from dog obedience school.
In dog obedience school, your dog (along with you) is placed in a class full of other dogs and you all learn things together. It is kind of like human elementary school, except the parents are there. The class will be taught by a certified dog obedience instructor, and your dog will learn basic commands like “sit”, “stay”, “heel”, and “lay down”, as well as some other things he may need to know as a member of a human household.
Most dogs do very well in obedience school, since the course is taught by a professional who has had a lot of experience with all kinds of dogs. Yet, just as some children flunk out of first grade, some dogs just can’t make it through obedience school. It’s not because they are bad dogs, it is just that they aren’t as smart as the other dogs. There are varying degrees of intelligence in humans, and the same is true of dogs. Just remember, your dog wants to please you, so whatever he is able to learn, be grateful for it, and try to adapt to what he can’t learn in as positive a way as possible. You can still learn to live with and love your dog unconditionally, even if he ends up being a dog obedience school drop out!
Dog Potty Training–What You Need to Know to Get it Right
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Dog potty training is similar to human potty training in that you need to have a lot of patience. This is something that is a very important milestone in your dog’s life, just like a child’s, and also just like with a child, it can’t be expected to be accomplished in one try. That said, it IS easier to train your dog to relieve himself in one special spot than you might think. After all, cats can do it, and their brains are smaller than those of most dogs, so it should be a snap for your pup to learn.
Here’s a tip on dog training. The main thing with dog potty training is to be sure that your dog knows that he is supposed to relieve himself in one place and one place only when he is in the house. If you take him outside, that’s a whole other story. If you have a doggy door and a fenced back yard, you can actually just teach him to go outside whenever he feels nature’s call. This gives him a lot more freedom and you don’t have to monitor what he is doing as much.
However, if you’re in an apartment, or if you don’t have a fenced in yard, or if your dog is small and you’re worried about him getting taken away by a hawk or owl (it’s been known to happen), then you want him to learn to go inside in a designated area. You’ll usually put newspapers down in this area, to absorb whatever he deposits on them. Whenever the dog relieves himself anywhere but on the paper, you pick him up (without yelling or hitting) and put him on the paper. Do this consistently, every time you see him going someplace unacceptable, and he will eventually get the hint.
When you see him go in the right place on his own for the first time, lavish him with praise. Do this consistently for a little while and the right behavior will be re-enforced and he will always go correctly on his own. Then, your dog potty training will be accomplished!
Puppy House Training-How to Do it Right
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Puppy house training is probably one of the most important things you will ever teach your dog. It will allow him to live happily among humans in a human environment without causing any stress or unhappiness for anyone, including himself. No one wants a dog to go around relieving himself on the floor or carpeting all the time. That would just create an unpleasant living environment for all concerned. The good news is that it IS possible to teach your dog how to behave properly in a house, and to relieve himself in designated locations. You can even teach him how to relieve himself on command.
Let’s face it, dogs are smart animals, so puppy house training, while requiring some patience, will not take long to accomplish. You just have to be sure the puppy knows where he is expected to go. So, designate a space in the house that is HIS spot for this purpose, and whenever you see him relieving himself elsewhere, simply pick him up and put him in the appropriate spot. Never yell or hit him for going in the wrong place, as this will just make him afraid of you. Simply be consistent with putting him in the right spot, and he will get the picture. Once he starts going there on his own, be sure to praise him to re-enforce the good behavior.
If you have a fenced in back yard and a doggie door, you can teach your puppy to go outside on his own whenever he needs to relieve himself. He can then just come back inside when he’s done, and you’ll have no issues other than cleaning up the yard once in a while. Just push him out the doggy door whenever you see him relieving himself in the house, praise him when he goes out on his own, and he will learn where is is supposed to go in no time. You can even re-enforce the location for relieving himself with a command word, and soon, puppy house training will be accomplished and you’ll have a dog who can “go” on demand.
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