The heel command is another very important and popular command for your dog along with many others listed on www.dog-behavior-training.co.uk, taking the time to teach your dog this command will save you hours of getting annoyed when your dog doesn’t behave on long or short walks around your local area.

The reason dogs are so ‘badly behaved’ when it comes to going for walks can be for many different reasons but the most common in many homes is the excitement of wondering the streets with all the new smells, tastes, and other local dogs to discover.

The best times to train your dog and get them to do exactly what you want without too much fuss is before feeding times, if your dog wants something they will give you a lot more attention than normal. Also puppy’s and younger dogs are better to train, even with them getting over excited over everything, puppies and young dogs will be much better behaved and easier to train when they get older.

The heel command, when performed well and properly is used to stop your dog or puppy in their tracks, drop everything and return to your left hand side. Any distractions should be left alone and your dog should carry on walking closely by your side.

To begin with you will need to go in a fairly open space with enough room to move around and walk around properly, and you will need to use a lead to gently correct your dog in this exercise.

Begin by tapping your thigh saying ‘heel’ to get your dogs attention and them to come towards you, when they are by your side wait a couple of seconds then start to stride forwards, at this point your unknowing dog or puppy will try to run off ahead. If this happens you should turn in the opposite direction letting the lead go slack for 5-10 feet, start to walk in the opposite direction and as soon as the slack goes in the lead your dog will realise you have gone in the opposite direction and run towards you again.

At this point repeat the first step of commanding heel to get your dog by your side. Continue doing this exercise for 10 – 15 minutes and about 2-3 times a day. Before long your dog will become used to coming to your side and obeying you whenever you command heel.

When your dog gets used to doing this command try going in circles, in figure of eight, and changing directions suddenly, if the command is still working then try your dog on short walks and then build your way up to longer walks as you progress.

Never use the lead to discipline and roughly tug on, if you feel yourself getting annoyed then you should stop and continue at a later date when you are calmer. Keep repeating the process and your dog will eventually come to respect you. Some dogs take longer than others to train so be prepared for this behavior.

When it comes to dog obedience training, the “recall” command is quite important. In fact, some dog trainers would argue that it is the most important of all the commands. This is the process by which the owner calls back the dog, and asks the dog to return to them. Now, if you’re training the dog for the first time, it is likely that the dog will not respond. When this happens, the owner should not become upset or punish the dog. The thing the owner must perform is a correction. The owner should always approach the dog, and they should not punish the dog under any circumstances.

The correction process is another important part of the dog training method. Under no circumstances should this process involve physically abusing the dog. The use of force in dog training has been the subject of a great deal of controversy. Even if the owner can stop the dog’s bad behavior by striking them, this will cause stress to the dog, and the dog will naturally lose the necessary enthusiasm to continue with the task. The dog may also become aggressive. Ultimately, it is up to the person training the dog to decide how much force they should use, but many experts agree that the dog should never be hit.

One technique that is sometimes used to stop bad behavior is to quickly pull on the dog’s leash and lead the dog as a result for not following through on a specific command. Another method that is used to correct bad behavior is isolation. When a dog does something wrong, the owner/handler can simply take the dog to an area and leave it there alone for a set period of time, where it will be isolated from anyone it wants to interact with. The process of teaching puppies is also a prominent part of dog obedience training.

While the puppy prenatal phase has been traditionally overlooked by dog trainers, many experts are now taking a second look at it. A puppy will react to the touch of the mother’s abdomen. Some do trainers believe that the dog’s sense of touch can be developed before the dog is even born. The process of dog training can sometimes be tedious, but in the end, it can also be quite rewarding. There are a number of useful guides and books which can assist you in the dog training process.

The question is just who needs dog agility training? Isn’t it true that dogs are just naturally fit and agile, able to run, jump, chase Frisbees and balls.

The simple fact is that dogs are naturally gifted

athletes by their very nature. Most dogs have very muscular bodies in proportion to their weight. Because of this they are able to run very fast, jump high (you ought to see Mandy, our German Sheppard), and perform many types of spectacular stunts. The fact is, however, that dog agility training involves more than just training a dog to run or jump.

Dog agility training involves teaching your dog how to perform particular stunts and tasks on your command. It may include improving their time over an obstacle course. You can also teach them how to perform certain stunts in a special manner.

The type of dog agility training to which I refer would typically apply to show dogs. Show dogs need to run, jump or keep a certain pace according to to the show’s requirements. Besides that, those dogs also need to keep in step with their owner or trainer. They have to be able to follow an obstacle course in a specific order.

Your dog being able to learn how to perform all these things is only half the experience. Your dog needs to learn how to do these skills in a certain way, at a specific speed and when give a hand signal or a vocal command.

It is a pleasure to observe dogs that have undergone dog agility training. Before you embark on training your pet this way or consider enrolling them into a school for such training you should stop and consider certain things.

First, many schools that specialize in this type of training will only accept dogs that are at least 18 months old. There is a good reason for this. Younger dogs are still growing. If you try to force them to learn advanced or difficult tricks or routines, it is possible that you will stunt their growth or cause some long term damage.

The second thing is that it is important to keep the dog’s physical makeup in mind. Obviously, small breed dogs with their shorter legs cannot always perform jumps. Larger dogs, on the other hand, may have difficulty with tunnels. When you find a good school that provides dog agility training, they will take all of this into account. A good school will provide a curriculum that is appropriate to your dog’s breed and size. It is important for owner’s attemptimg to train their own dogs to take this same factors into consideration.

It is a common mistake to assume that dog agility training includes punishment for your dog when they do not perform as expected. Many experts say otherwise. It is much more effective to reward your dog when it performs well. Different trainers use various methods when training dogs. You can use clickers, treats or positive reenforcement for training your dog. Do your research and discover which method appeals to you. Keep in mind that dog agility training should be fun for both the dog and the owner. Dog training should not be a chore or a trauma for either one of you.

Keep in mind that not all dogs will respond in the same way to dog agility training. The plain truth of it is that some breeds are simply too skittish or hype to respond to commands. It is important that you do not allow your expectations to spoil your friendship with your dog.

Dogs scratching and licking themselves can drive dog owners mad with frustration of trying to discover what is causing the terrible itching your dog is feeling. Dog skin problems are not uncommon in dogs and no matter how much you look for fleas, ticks, and other pest you may not find anything but bad dog skin problems.

It certainly is a worry when your dog spends most of their time scratching, itching and licking themselves to try and get rid of the annoying tingly burning sensation they are feeling, when all it’s doing is making it worse for them. There is no way to make it better for them but taking them to the vet and seeing what the skin problem is.

There are many different suggestions that could be made about your dogs skin problems and only after studying your dogs skin and possible other tests could an expert tell you the problem that your dog has

Possibilities of dog skin problems:

Parasites are a possibility for you dog itching and scratching, there are many different types of pests that cause your dog to itch but generally they are either ticks or fleas, easily found by rubbing the dog’s skin for lumps or looking for flea faeces in the fur.

Dog allergies are also another common cause for itchy rashes on your dogs’ skin, once you find the cause witch could be something in the dogs’ basket or sleeping place, the remedy is easily solved by removing the offending product from reach of the dog.

Bacterial and fungal skin infections are last on this list of common skin problems for dogs these can be found by either loss of hair in areas of your dogs’ body with dry skin in the centre and a general soar look to the skin, or by ulcer like patches on your dogs skin also looking soar and painful.

And that completes the main categories for dog skin problems, please remember to always consult your vet about your dogs’ skin issues to help ease the suffering and pain for your dog.

Dog crates can be utilized for a variety of purposes, the most popular use for a dog crate is within the home but they are often used for transporting dogs by car or in a dog show environment.

The imperative rule to remember when dog crate training is under no circumstances whatsoever allow your dog to view the crate as punishment, they should never feel that they have been banished to their dog crate. Dogs need the crate to feel welcoming, to be a place of safety, their own little haven.

Dog crate training is generally easier with a puppy as they have no bad experiences to recall when you are enticing them into the crate. Adult dogs can be trickier, especially rescue dogs as you may not possess a lot of knowledge pertaining to the dog’s history. For all you are aware the dog may have been traumatised during its past by being forced into a crate, or confined to a restricted area & abandoned.

Without intending to you could be asking your dog to relive a nightmare, this is where the magic word in dog training comes in “patience”. You have to be respectful of your dog at all times & be tuned into their way of thinking. You will become accustomed to the signs they display when they are becoming agitated, sad, happy or playful - be sure to watch your dog closely.

When dog crate training, either a puppy or an adult dog, the method is very similar. Initially just simply place the dog crate on the floor, preferably in the location that it is to remain. Pop a lovely, cosy dog cushion inside & an item of your clothing. All dogs love to snuggle up with something soft with their owner’s scent on. Along with these items also place one of the dog’s favourite toys inside the dog crate. Then leave the door open & walk away.

Allow your dog the opportunity to explore the dog crate on its own with no pressure from anybody, pay no attention to the dog crate yourself, pretend it is not even there. This way your dog is not sensing any negative thoughts from you regarding the dog crate; it is so insignificant to you that you have not even noticed it.

Leave the dog crate like this for several days. Eventually your dog will give into its curiosity & feel compelled to investigate, when he/she does praise them & offer them a small reward. The first time your dog feels safe enough to enter the dog crate is an important step forward in the dog crate training regime.Therefore you really need to encourage the dog through praise & attempt to persuade them to possibly sit inside the dog crate, even just for a second. If they complete this task then really accentuate your pleasure with them.

By leaving your dog to its own devices it does not feel forced & will view the dog crate as simply a place to sleep. Dogs are fastidious creatures by nature & so will very rarely relieve themselves in their sleeping area.

If you wish to have the door closed eventually, perhaps overnight if you are potty training a puppy, then incorporate this into your dog crate training gradually by pushing the door further & further shut a bit at a time.

Do not alarm your dog to the fact that you are shutting the door just casually push it closed a tiny bit further each evening. When you have achieved actually closing the door always ensure you are present for the first several times as your dog may awaken & go into a panic if it cannot exit the dog crate.

Above all else, always be mindful of the golden rule never make the dog crate a place of punishment for your dog. The process of dog crate training need not be stressful for you or your dog, the calmer the approach that you adopt the better for both you & your canine friend.

A lot of people who have dogs, suffer dogs’ behavior problems. Some people hire super trainers with hope that afterwards they will see a great change in their beloved pet. Very often after good spent money and lost time dog is not really further. The point is that 99% of trainers’ methods are ineffective. Besides, your dear dog’s nervous system gets damaged. There are enough opportunities nowadays to find a common language with your dog and to start understanding each other.

The main key to solve by yourself the problem with your pet is to let him understanding Your language. Because dogs speak DOG’s language. They are born like that. You have to teach them Yours language. The method SitStayFetch , which is one of the most popular nowadays, gives best results in this direction. It takes time, it needs a great patience, but it solves your problem.

Remember, the real obedience of your dog is in each day exercises.

You take a high responsibility when you take a decision to have a dog and it is logical that each dog needs a good training.

A lot of people start complain that their dog jumps on everyone, shows the aggression towards other dogs, doesn’t walk calm on the street, it is impossible to take him anywhere, he barks at home no end and a lot of other things. Do you ever asked yourself why it is like that, and what YOU did wrong? Because it is exactly your mistake. You didn’t find a common language.

When you know the reason, why your dog behaves like this and that, you will find the best key to your friend. Always try to understand the reason, what stands really behind disobedience of your dog. It is very important.

I know a couple, which has an old cat, but they decided to have also a dog. And, of course, some problems appeared very quick. They tried SitStayFetch program, and their pets now are able to eat calm together, and they are best friends. I talk once again about this course, because it really provides great results.

I have a dog, who was scared of his own shadow, and it was quite difficult to go for a walk with him. He had a very unexpected behavior. Besides, he is so big (his father is an English dog), that each time he pulled the lead I was close to fall down. I took me certain time to train him by SitStayFetch methods, and he improved much in his behavior (he is 10 years old) and improves each day, because we keep on going each day. It is very visible that he likes it by himself. A LOT OF headaches are gone.

A lot of people don’t believe that it is possible to teach something an old dog. They think that if you didn’t train him from puppy’s age, the chance is gone and it is too difficult now. And I must tell you. that it is not true. You can teach and train your dog at any age. I checked it on my own experience. Your friend will be only thankful. You will start feeling that you get a real soul mate, because you speak the same language.

It is possible to teach your dog at any age to stop barking, to stop pulling on the lead, to stop jumping up and a lot of other things.

If you are looking for that, have a look here:

 

http://www.pets9.co.cc

I wish you to improve your relationship with your dog.

Many dog trainers are firm believers in crate training. The great advantages of crate training a puppy are that it provides a safe place for the puppy away from the routine daily activity, prevents you from attempting to over-train your puppy, and teaches your puppy to hold its stools and urine until you provide him with the appropriate elimination spot.

Crates come in a variety of styles. Wire collapsible crates are popular as well as the plastic airline-type carriers. There are advantages to both: the wire crate offers better ventilation and visual freedom. The wire crates also usually break down and are easy to store when not in use. Many wire crate manufacturers produce a commercial divider to allow you to make the living space larger as your dog grows in size and responsibility.

Plastic crates are usually airline approved and are necessary for dogs traveling by plane. Puppies of the large-breed variety may need several of these crates during their growth and development. They are difficult to section off and make smaller, but they tend to be a bit less expensive than some wire types. I have found the plastic airline crates more difficult to escape from and easier to clean.

Crates should be placed in an area of your home that is frequented by your family. Dogs do not fare well when isolated, thus the kitchen seems to be a popular spot. Kitchen floors are usually easy to clean, so this is a good reason for containing a new dog here. So the kitchen is a good spot, if you have space for the crate.

Toys

Puppies love toys, so if you provide them they will play with them forever. I have seen dogs who were deprived of toys as puppies, and they tend to look at these playthings like they were the man on the moon. Toys play a big part in training dogs. When your dog’s drive for play has been reinforced then your formal training will look crisp, versus the dog whose obedience is correct yet appears flat from lack of play reinforcement.

There are toys on the market that are hollow and can be stuffed with treats, acting as an intermittent reinforcer as your dog plays and chews it. Teething discomfort can be remedied using frozen bagels, ice cubes, or frozen pressed rawhide bones.

Puppies should get used to feeling a wide variety of sensations in their mouths. (Hands are not included.) Hard rubber toys in various shapes are always safe and can be fun. Balls that are large enough not to be swallowed are good entertainment. Rope toys are enjoyable because puppies like to tug. Tug games are not for children to play with the family dog, but if adults have good control of the game it can be terrific fun.

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There are many different punishments for getting your dog to learn the difference between right and wrong, and there are many dog trainers that will tell you that their method is the best way or that a different type of punishment, whether it be positive or negative punishment, is better than the method you’re using now.

Dogs need punishment to keep them in order and to teach them what is acceptable and what is not, without some form of punishment there would be no way of showing your dog these things, and no way of training them.

There are two types of punishment for your dogs; there are positive punishments and negative punishments. Positive punishments are punishments when you give you dog something, for example giving a tug on the leash or verbal correction. Negative punishments are when you take away something your dog needs or expects such as treats or toys or having the dog be taken away from you.

I am a strong believer that positive punishments should only be used in moderation or not at all, serious injuries to your dog’s safety and health may occur by over using or incorrectly using positive punishment. There is no dog training exercise that cannot be accomplished by using the negative punishment.

For dog safety reasons I will only talk about negative punishments and dog punishments that I would use and are fully safe for your dogs. 9 times out of 10 positive punishments cause your dog to react in a similar way towards other people or the owner. If you are going to use positive punishment it is highly recommended that you consult a professional dog trainer before doing so.

The most popular and some of the best negative punishment are listed below and should be enforced within 10 seconds of the crime being committed to have any affect and avoid confusion

Time out:

Take your dog to a room cut off from other family members and any attention for a short period of time.

Take away toys:

Stop your dog from having any toys for a short period of time.

Ignore your dog:

Totally ignore your dog for a period of time so they get no attention, fuss, or eye contact.

No treats:

Don’t give your dog the treat he would have normally had for good behavior

Dog ticks are another one of those terrible little pests that can really irritate your dog during the summer or warmer months of the year, theses creatures hid in grass and other surfaces and insert themselves within your dog’s skin in order to live off your dog’s warm blood.

Ticks are especially bad for carrying diseases and enjoy and can survive in the nice warm heat of your home, ticks get carried into the home on pets and preferably dogs and once they have had their feed, fall off and seek cover in a safe area out of site which makes theses pests hard to find and get rid of.

A tick’s life can be up to around 2 years long, and within that time the tick can live on 2-3 hosts to maintain its feeding habit, this feeding habit only happens at certain times of the year around august to November.

Ticks are a fast growing arachnid that lives and are born on long grassy areas, and climb to the top of leaves and grass to wait for a host to feed off and survive off, theses arachnids can live off many different animals and not just dogs, theses commonly include humans, birds, and mice. Ticks get and carry diseases from theses other animals and can spread them to their next host which may be your dog.

During the summer months it is important to check your dog regularly by running your hands through the dog’s fur and coat to check for small lumps, some pressure is needed to detect these pests and it is wise to check thoroughly every day during the hotter months.

If you detect a lump or suspicious area then you should part the hair or fur to investigate further, you should be able to see a brown tick digging beneath the skin if there is one there. Popular areas to find ticks is in places that do not have much fur for the tick to climb through, these include the face, paws and behind and around the ears.

If you detect a tick, you should notify and take advice from your vet or a professional; if you remove the tick yourself you may leave part of the tick still within your dog’s skin which will be irritating for the dog.

The ‘no’ command is a widely used command throughout dog training and is used to tell your dog not to do something or to stop them in their tracks to avoid dangerous situations or general bad behavior.

I think of the no command as more of a training technique rather than a command and to perfect the technique you will need to be consistent for most of your time with your pet dog. The no command isn’t like other commands and is taught over several years rather than a ‘learn it and forget it’ dog training technique.

You can start to teach your dog the no command as soon as you see your cute little puppy doing something wrong for the first time, to most people the command will come naturally when they see their dog causing terror in the house and it will not be too hard for them to remember how to execute the technique.

The no command should come part and parcel with punishing your dog, the idea behind the no command is to teach your dog that ‘no’ means bad behavior and punishment, after teaching this command the end result will be that your dog should stop whatever they are doing when you say ‘no’.

So to make this command work you will need to enforce and recite ‘no’ in a very assertive way whenever you are punishing your dog or see your dog behaving badly that will result in punishment. By doing this your dog will associate ‘no!’ with being punished and making you the owner, unhappy.

If you do this consistently through your dogs earlier years, especially when your dog is a puppy and very impressionable you will gain respect from your dog and just saying ‘no’ alone will be enough to stop your dog in its tracks and save you punishing your dog.