Dog Obedience Training - is your Dog Getting Out of Hand?

December 21, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Dog Training


With dog obedience training, you are essentially instructing your dog to carry out specific activities and commands. Some of these commands are the time-honored ones like sit, stay and heel. The importance of dog obedience training is placed on quick, accurate execution. While there may be quite a few general advantages to dog obedience training, it is usually not always the “end all” for controlling dog behavior.

Obedience trained dogs will conduct specific instructions because their master is commanding them to do it. The reason why some people think that dog obedience training is not “all that,” is because while your dog may learn some of the obedient behaviors, that does not mean he always acts appropriately. Case in point: some dogs are predisposed to being rescue or herding dogs. You can teach them to sit and stay, but at times their instincts will override those obedient behaviors. That is why you sometimes see dogs trying to “rescue” their masters when they are swimming, or a dog “herding” children who are running all over the place (like sheep).

With behavior training, you are essentially becoming the “Miss Manners” for the canine set. Some of the behavior training that is included is house training, crate training and good conduct while on a leash. Many people start on potty training when they get a puppy. They start with spread newspapers like house training and graduate up to leaving by doggie door to eliminate outside. Or you might leash your dog and teach it not to pull you around. Barking is also another behavior that is often tamed in behavior training.

Even though dog obedience training might be the most widely used method to train your pooch, be advised that there is no one way which will work every time on any dog. In fact, many people combine the different types of training to accomplish their goals with their dog. You might even say that certain behaviors a dog exhibits could be solved with a combined training effort. If you plan to be a do-it-yourself trainer, review each aspect of training and pick and choose what you want to concentrate on.

For more information on Dog Obedience Training, including a great resource for training how-to’s and loads of detailed information on preventing and dealing with problem behaviors, please visit www.SitStayNFetch.com



Factors to Consider in Dog Leash Training

October 28, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Dog Training


Walking with your dog is a big part of dog ownership. If you want other people to enjoy your dog while walking outdoors or take him to different places without causing any problems, it is very important to train and teach your dog proper leash behavior.

Dog leash training is one of the most basic methods to control your pooch better and easier. This training method is likewise as popular as any type of dog training schemes within the pet training community because it gets positive results effectively and quickly if done the correct way. Here are a few factors to consider in dog leash training:

1. Choose a dog leash with proper length. Most dog trainers recommend a dog leash that is relatively short. A dog leash that is six feet in length is good enough and can give a good reach and distance between you and your pooch. A dog leash shouldn’t be too long so that it won’t be difficult for you to grab it if you want to stop your dog when he moves to the wrong direction.

2. Make sure the leash fits perfectly. There are many types of dog leash with different designs, colors and materials that you can buy in the market today. But whichever design of dog leash you choose, make sure that it has good flexibility and durability. Bend the leash sideways and in all directions to determine if it is resilient enough to withstand the force given by your dog. Buy a leash that perfectly fits onto your dog’s neck. Take note that it should not be in any way narrow or stiff.

3. Consider your dog’s age in dog leash training. Once you’ve chosen the proper leash for your dog, the next thing to take into account is the age of your dog. Take for instance, a puppy. Puppies tend to get distracted or irritated when you begin to walk him with a dog leash. It is highly suggested that you utilize a harness or a training collar aside from the leash. Be extremely patient in guiding your puppy because, at first, he may attempt to grasp and untie the collar on his neck.

To prevent your pooch from getting irritated with his new accessory, place the collar while he’s eating, playing or doing something else. Afterwards, leave the collar and leash onto his neck for a while until he gets comfortable with it. If you believe your dog is comfy enough with wearing the dog leash, you may take him for a walk outside.

4. Be consistent with your dog leash training commands. A dog leash training can only be successful if you are consistent with your training instructions. Whether it is a walk or heel command, always be coherent with what you are using. Your furry friend will eventually learn to follow your dog leash commands. Don’t switch up the words for it may confuse him.