Dog Training Revealed

Your Dog Is Talking To You, Are You Listening?

Michael — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:42:12 +0000

Dogs actually have the ability to signal to us precisely how they are feeling at any given time. If we are attuned to their signs we will know what their emotional state is. Dogs can display various emotions including: happiness, sadness, boredom, excitement, and fear.

If you closely watch your dog you will notice that his eyes, ears, body, and tail are in an almost continuous, though subtle movement. This is his way of communicating his emotional feelings. Studies are confirming the fact that animals use a very inconspicuous and refined system of communication. The good news is that with a little effort we can learn to understand our domesticated dogs.

In studies conducted by Jane Goodall and Dr. Michael W. Fox, recognized authority on canine body language, confirmed that wild dogs of Africa and wolves communicated a wide range of attitudes to each other, including affection, dominance, submission, interest, disgust, joy, disappointment, and fear. These emotions were communicated using the slightest body movements.

Although our dogs have lost some sensitivity to the language that would be used if they were living in the wild, they still use much of this inherited form of communication. Learning to read your dog’s body language will require a keen eye and close observation over what is happening at the time that your dog is displaying any given movement.

There are some basic things you can look for but like everything else, not every dog follows the same pattern as the others. Here are a few typical guidelines to get you started. Dogs use their tails to signal that they are happy or afraid. If their tail is wagging they are happy. If it is tucked down they are showing fear and submission. When their tail is proudly held high they are feeling good about themselves. Ears are also very telling when it comes to signaling emotions. Dogs sometimes perk their ears in an adorable quizzical fashion as if to ask a question. They may also tilt their head to the side when puzzled. The ears may be held in a backward direction against the head when the dog is angry.

As you become increasingly skilled at reading your dog’s emotional language or identifying his moods, your bond with him will deepen and grow even stronger. Many professionals that have lots of experience in working with dogs have developed the ability to read canine language very well. This is true of dog behaviorists, dog trainers, veterinarians, groomers, breeders, and even life-long dog owners.

It seems that dogs are able to recognize and appreciate when you correctly read their emotional language. Perhaps this is why dogs seem to automatically like certain individuals. Maybe the dog immediately recognizes when a person

What Does it Mean to be a “Good Dog”?

Michael — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:02:31 +0000

Your dog may be friendly and affectionate toward you. It may even listen to your commands and be obedient. But if your dog is aggressive around other people, eliminates on the carpet, and destroys furniture, it can hardly be said that your dog is a “good dog.” A well trained dog should also be able to control itself in all aspects.

The major problem is that many owners are not sure what it means to have a “good dog.” Their dogs might scratch up furniture, tear up clothing, and act wildly around the house, yet the owners may not see this as being a major problem, or a problem worth spending time to correct.

Then there are other owners who have such a strong relationship with their dog, that they have completely forgiven anything and everything that the dog does. Like the loving son who gets into trouble a lot, they feel no need to discipline the dog, but rather allow the dog to do practically what it wants since it shows them so much affection.

The dog might occasionally leave droppings in the house, bark/be aggressive around children, bark during the night, and have other behavioral problems. The list is practically endless, but it is up to the owner to recognize these bad behaviors and correct them.

There are a number of things that a truly good dog should do. It is important to know what a well trained dog is capable of doing, so that your expectations of your dog are correct.

A good dog does not ever soil in the house. If there is an illness causing the problem, then the dog should be checked by a veterinarian. Otherwise, the dog should always use the bathroom outdoors and not ever on the carpet. Many dogs are capable of holding the urge to use the restroom for 8 or more hours. These are the best trained dogs. If you notice your dog having nighttime elimination problems, it may be a good time to take him/her to the vet to be checked out.

A good dog can meet new people without being aggressive and showing dislike. They should not jump on strangers, growl, bark, excessively sniff, etc. Your friends might not say anything, but the chances are that they don’t like an aggressive dog.

A good dog can walk without pulling you on the leash.

A good dog can respond to obedience commands without you having to show aggression. Many times pet handlers become nearly violent with their dogs in trying to get them to obey. This is not necessary or even effective. When your dog is trained in the correct manner, he/she will respond to you without you having to display any anger.

5 Dog Training Tips You Can’t Ignore

Michael — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:58:15 +0000

Training your dog is a necessity to having a pleasant experience with your pet. The more highly trained your dog is, the better he/she will be able to protect your home, get along with your family/friends, and respond to your demands. For your convenience, here are 5 strategies we recommend for dog training:

1.) Behavior problems in dogs may be changed. There are several dogs who have been retrained after years of being trained one way. Although it may take more time with an older dog to train correctly, it is still possible. Regardless, it is never too early to start training your dog. If you can, start at the puppy age.

2.) There are a variety of training guides that you can use to help you train your dog. When selecting a training guide, be sure that it involves techniques that you would be comfortable doing. The training technique that you select should be natural for you and your dog. You might also consider breed specific training guides.

3.) Have fun while training your dog. Dog training requires a lot of love, patience, and consistency. Try to spend at least 10-15 minutes every day training your dog in a particular technique. The more consistent you are with it, the better. Choose a time when your dog is calmed down and receptive to you.

4.) Be patient and repetitive. Dogs can be similar to people, in that it takes time for them to learn new things. Some dogs catch on faster than others, but either way, if you aren’t patient with your dog, you may be disappointed.

5.) Try to prefer positive dog training. Although extremely dominant dogs may need to be scolded, positive training generally works better for dogs, especially puppies. Be gentle and calm with your dogs, they respond much better to a relaxed owner.

Choosing a new puppy for your family?

Michael — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:15:04 +0000

Before you actually decide to add a new puppy to your home you should consider what your expectations of dog ownership are. All dogs require love, food and shelter, but puppies need more commitment from their owners than adult dogs do. Puppies are more time demanding because they are essentially babies. They have to be taught how to behave appropriately and they go through various stages as they grow. Most puppies go through a chewing phase and at some points in growing up they are very energetic.

Many people want a dog as a means of security or protection. They are looking for a sort of living alarm system, a dog that will bark when someone approaches the yard or the door. The good news is that almost any dog can fill this need. The fact is that even the bark of a toy poodle is usually effective in turning away an intruder.

Of course some people want to go a step farther with that concept and have a dog that presents the physical appearance of a watch dog. In this case people often choose larger breeds such as Doberman Pinchers or even Boxers. Most dogs are protective of their owners and their territory without having any specialized training. The sheer size and appearance of larger dogs is a deterrent to most would be intruders.

If there are children in the home even extra supervision will be required. This is to protect both the child and the puppy. Puppies love to play and their little teeth are very sharp. They can also easily scratch little ones with their claws during play.

Similarly, children are drawn to small animals. They are very likely to hold them and carry them around. Many puppies have been squeezed, dropped or stepped on and injured inadvertently by well intentioned children. Obviously you will have to be diligent in watching over the two when they’re together. Most breeders of small or toy breeds do not sale their puppies to homes with young children because of these risks. If you do have a child in your home insure that the puppy you add is one with a gentle disposition and loving personality.

Dogs are naturally pack animals which makes them a social animal. They love their human family and want to be a part of it. Dogs make excellent companions. Dogs should be included as a part of the family whenever possible. They truly need the interaction and love of their family.

Dogs should not spend their time all alone, living in the back yard. This is especially true of puppies. The younger the pup the more supervision and regular training he needs. Socialization is important for all dogs. In fact, it is the secret to a well behaved dog.

Before you add a new puppy to your home it is important to take the time to consider what type of dog will best suit your lifestyle. If you are the type of person that enjoys sports and the outdoors then an energetic dog may be perfect for you. If you spend a lot of time at the computer you may prefer a small lap dog. And if you live in the city you may want to consider a small dog that does not require a deal of space.

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