Dog Training

Introduction to Dog Training - General Information

"Good training needs a kind heart as well as a cool and well-informed head."
- Konrad Most

If you own a dog you want him to be a civilized companion. A dog that hasn't been given any instructions, training, or boundaries can't possibly know what you expect of him. By teaching your dog how you want him to behave, you'll not only have a saner household, but a healthier and happier dog as well because a trained dog requires fewer restrictions. The more reliable your dog, the more freedom he can be given.

A successfully trained dog can be taken anywhere and behave well with everyone - the earlier you train and make lifestyle rules the easier your dog will be to handle and the fewer problems you will have. Additionally, if you do encounter problems, you will be much better able to resolve them. Training greatly facilitates and enhances the relationship of your dog to you and to the rest of society.

The fundamental rule of dog training is to be clear and consistent in the words you use
for commands and in your rules for appropriate behavior. Effective communication is necessary to instruct your dog about what you want him to do. And, the single most important aspect of training is rewarding your dog for good behavior. The more times the dog is rewarded, the quicker he will learn. Therefore, it's essential that you set up situations repeatedly in order for your dog to get plenty of practice at doing the right thing. In addition, you'll want to praise your dog for good behavior instead of taking it for granted. It's easy to forget to praise good behavior because it goes unnoticed. Praise and reward are the most important part of maintaining good behavior and preventing problems from arising.

Universal Tips for Successful Dog Training

- Use your dog's name to get his attention. Do this randomly 10 times a day. Never call your dog to you and then punish him.
- Always enforce commands that you give, and don't constantly repeat commands. Don't let your furry friend ignore a command. If you're not serious about enforcing a command, don't give it.
- Use timing as a form of communication with your animal. Timing is one of the key elements of canine education. It does not matter what teaching method you use, work at developing the proper timing for each technique.
- Reinforce desirable behavior. Use rewards and praise. Don't ignore good behavior.
Do not reward undesired behavior. Never punish undesirable behavior. Don't blame a sick dog for undesirable behavior. Have a veterinarian examine him to rule out medical problems.
- Do not punish desirable behavior. For example - when your puppy eliminates outside, you take him inside and then leave him alone. If the puppy wants to be with you, you will have just punished the pup for doing the right behavior.
- Timing is critical to successful training. Praise your dog whenever he is doing something right. As expected, reprimand him on the spot and to the point whenever he misbehaves or fails to response to your command. Praise and reprimand that happen later will have no effect on your dog. Connect the action (your praise or correction) to the event.
- Interrupt the behavior pattern you want to change. Make corrections short, sharp, and well defined. Name a behavior - associate words with your dog's actions.
- Dog training is a lesson in self control. Control yourself and you'll effectively be able to control your dog.
- Never punish your dog if you're mad at him. Put him away and come back to training when you have a clear head and can fairly administer training techniques.

Basic Dog Training

1. Functional obedience. Be well-mannered and respond to basic commands such as sit, down, stay, come, no, heel, etc.
2. Housetraining. Puppies do not soil the house out of spite or because they are stupid; they soil the house because they have not been taught to do otherwise. After your dog has the idea of what's expected of him, you can teach him to signal you when he needs to go by barking, going to the door and scratching, or even ringing a bell.
4. Kennel or Crate training for car rides, airplane travel, overnights at the veterinarian, and housebreaking.
3. Socialization. Good manners when he's around children, adults, and other dogs.
4. How to behave during nail trimming, brush and combing, bathing, etc.
5. Problem prevention and problem solving. Teach him not to jump on people, eliminate phobias and fears, separation anxiety, destructive chewing, excessive and annoying barking, aggression, submissive urination, car chasing, etc.
6. Leash training. As his owner, you'll need to know how to hold a leash, and how to use
a leash for obedience training, casual walking, and off-leash freedom.
7. Traveling. Teach your dog not to fear car rides and how to behave in a car.

Advanced Dog Training

1. Agility
2. Dog Sport Training. Flyball, Frisbee, Canine musical freestyle, etc.
3. Schutzhund (obedience, tracking and protection).
4. Tricks just for fun. Fetch, roll over, take a bow, shake paws, etc.
5. Hunting, bird dog retriever training from basic obedience through advanced field training, etc.

Miscellaneous Dog Training information

The two most popular training styles are leash/collar training (hard training) and reward training (soft training). However, there are many styles of dog obedience training - for example clicker training, eclectic, lure, play training, reward, or a combination of methods and techniques. Keep in mind there isn't any one training approach that is right for every dog or every dog owner.

Various types of equipment are used for dog training: collars, harnesses, halters, training leashes, crates, doggy doors, and more.

Different dog breeds have different physical, mental, and emotional characteristics.

Dogs are very sensitive to facial expressions, body language, posture, and eye contact. Learn how to make your tone match your body language.
Classes and formal instruction training sessions include: Basic obedience, advanced obedience, show dog conformation, trick training, agility, guarding and protection, guide dogs, military dogs, hunting, basic and advanced problem solving and more.

The Bottom Line:

The easiest way to have training be a joy for both you and your pooch is to build it into his everyday life. Make the sessions fun because you want the time spent training to be the most fun your dog has with you, not the time he dreads.

Lots of praise vs. corrections - at least 2 to 1. If your dog is confused, go back to something he does well so that you can praise him. Put him away and try again later.

Don't train when you are in a bad mood and try to keep training sessions short. Such as 10 - 15 minutes, 1 or 2 times a day, 4 or 5 days a week. Always end on a positive note.

Your dog's entire world rests on his ability to get your attention. He wants you to notice him, so whatever causes you to pay attention to him is what he'll do again and again.

Your job, as the dog's owner, is to essentially trick him into thinking that something is fun to do. Successful dog owners have companions that are well-mannered, love nail trimming, bathing, grooming, walking on a leash, etc., because they've "tricked" them into thinking it is the most fun in the world.

A well trained dog…

1. Has good manners, so he can spend most of his time indoors with his people
2. Allows you to handle every part of his body for basic grooming, checking for injury or illness, and give him medication.
3. Wants to stay near you, listening for instructions and praise.
4. Will walk or run beside you on a leash without pulling, dragging, or strangling so you and he can get more exercise and spend more time together.
5. Knows phrases that mean business, and will respond accordingly.
6. Will "sit" immediately, simply because you say so.
7. Understands his boundaries, knows what's expected of him and has fewer anxieties. Less stress means a healthier dog.
8. By training your dog, you can help prevent problems and develop a better relationship with him.

Obedience training fulfills some of your dog's basic needs such as exercise, the security of knowing what's expected, a feeling of accomplishment, and constructive social interaction. Obedience training will give your pet a job to do and can be useful in redirecting some of the mental energy of an animal that was meant for work.

It's important to start dog training as early as possible, so your dog can learn good manners now before he has the chance to develop bad habits, and it helps you to bond faster. The more you train him, the more he will understand you. And the more you work and play with your dog, the more you will understand him. Enjoy your friend and keep a sense of humor.
Feel free to explore the different topics on Dog Training by clicking on the links. Each topic provides comprehensive information, practical advice, and tips. Enjoy your visit and happy training!

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