Dogs are not people. It may seem like an obvious observation, but so many people make the mistake time and time again of expecting their dog to act and think like a person. They attribute human traits and emotions to these noble animals and thus undermine their whole relationship, sending confusing signals and stressing the dog.
Remember, the dog is an animal. Yes, even your cute little friend who curls up on the sofa next to you and loves to have his tummy tickled. He's an animal, and he MUST be treated as such to give him a healthy, fulfilling life. Small dogs are particularly prone to being treated as children or babies and this can lead to a multitude of behavioral problems, not to mention confusion and misery for the dog.
Firstly, let's look at the exchange of love between ourselves and our dogs. Most of us love our dogs and can feel a warm spot in the middle of our chests when we see them or think of them. Does the dog feel that too? We have to assume not. He loves us, but he loves us in a different way. He relies on us for his well-being and survival. He looks to us (if we are successful) as a leader of his pack and he trusts us in our decisions.
He is happy to be with you because he is a pack animal and his attachment to you may well be very deep. But he doesn't have the complicated love-psychology of a human being. He doesn't have the same concept of ethics and morality and he certainly doesn't know anything above and beyond what his animal instincts tell him. If a friend of yours enters the house and your dog doesn't like him, he's not going to “be nice” to the friend for your sake! Conversely, he doesn't misbehave or sulk to get attention or “pay you back” for something you did. These are human emotions and motives that we attribute to our dogs almost unconsciously.
We should also look at the concept of praise and punishment in training. On the whole, I advocate praising good behavior and ignoring misbehavior. I do not believe in punishing a dog for bad behavior, but sometimes a short, sharp shout can be a good reminder to a dog that is doing something he knows he shouldn't. It is essential to remember that you can only praise or give correction to your dog AT THE VERY MOMENT he is exhibiting the behavior in question. He is not a child and will not know nor remember what he did five minutes ago. This is a fundamental difference between people and dogs and if remembered, will make training a much easier task.
So the key to this is “think like a dog”. Imagine you are a pack animal like him. Don't ever think of him as a human, still less a child or a baby, whatever his size and however cute his face. You have to hard-wire this concept into your relationship with your dog and he will only thank you for it. He is a dog, an animal, and only by truly understanding this will you be able to fulfill his needs and form a meaningful, satisfying relationship for both of you.
Showing posts with label Small Dog Training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Small Dog Training. Show all posts
Teaching Your Dog To Sit
Have you been putting it off because you think your dog will never be able to learn a new 'trick'? Don't put it off any longer. Start teaching your dog how to sit today.
Use some of these tips to teach your dog to sit:
You are going to need some treats; unfortunately this is always the best way to get a dog to do something you want! You can use anything you know your dog enjoys: biscuits, chewy treats or household items.
The main goal is to get your dog to sit when you use the word. One way you can gradually get your dog used to the word is by saying the word when the dog is sitting anyway. Dog sits down - you say "sit" and praise them.
You will also need to practice this every day by doing the following:
- Call your dog and offer them the treat. Let them sniff the treat and get excited first!
- Slowly move the treat until it's over the dogs head. The dog will naturally move into the sitting position.
- It's important that the dog associates the activity of sitting with the treat, the praise and the action of sitting. Try to get your timing right.
- Keep bribing the dog and gradually decrease the size of the treat. Keep enthusiastically praising the dog.
- Repeat this exercise a few times a day. Don't overdo it - you want your pet to think of it as fun.
- Try to practice around mealtimes when your dog is hungry; this will make him keener for the treats.
- Have the treats easily accessible, don't fumble around - the treat needs to happen as the dog is sitting.
- Don't push your dog’s bottom down; this won't work because your pet will associate the action of sitting with having you push his bottom to the ground. If this really isn't working you might want to consider obedience classes with other dogs.
- End each training session on a positive note.
Teaching your dog to sit using these positive reinforcement techniques will strengthen the bond between you. Consider it time well spent.
Once you have mastered the basic command 'sit' it should be quite easy to train your dog the other basic commands. "Sit-stay", "down" 'heel' and 'come are some of the most useful commands. Use the treats in a similar way. Training your dog is an ongoing process. You want to keep praising your dog regularly and never associate anger with the dog’s reaction to your command.
Make use of every new situation to train or put your training into practice. The most important part about learning how to sit - is that the dog sits under a variety of conditions. Sitting in new environments, around other dogs, around new people, when the doorbell rings etc.
Training your dog well is one of the most important things you can do for your dog. Besides having a well behaved dog you will also have an obedient dog. Dogs function as part of a pack - and you are the leader. Your dog will be better adjusted and happier if they know their place in the pack. Your dog is by nature keen to please you. Be a great pack leader and start teaching your puppy to sit today!
Small Dog Training Resources
Small Dog Licking Problem
1. Your dog might have developed an unrelenting licking habit because he needs a bath.
If your dog spends alot of time outside, romping through the woods, tramping in the mud, rolling in the grass or wading in the nearest stream or pond, he is probably dirty. So, your dog may be constantly licking himself because the dirt is irritating him! Plus, all that outdoor activity may have gotten him infested with ticks, fleas, mites, or lice. Your dog’s incessant licking may be an attempt to rid himself of those nasty varmints!
Give him a bath with a veterinarian-approved flea and tick shampoo. Before bathing him, make sure you brush out all the mats and tangles from his coat or the bathing will make them worse.
2. Your dog might have developed a chronic licking habit because he has a skin disorder.
Some common skin disorders that a dog may develop are mange or dermatitis. Mange is a skin disease in dogs that is caused by various types of mites. The dermatitis could be caused by an allergic reaction to fleas, dust mites, mold or a certain brand of dog food. If you suspect that your dog has a case of mange or dermatitis, your veterinarian will be able to diagnose what the disorder is and
prescribe a course of treatment.
3. Your dog might have developed a persistent licking habit because he is under stress.
The stress may be a result of a new adoption, physical abuse, separation anxiety, or even a reaction to a new food. If you think separation anxiety might be the cause of his stress, there are several methods for solving the problem. Try exposing your dog to being alone for very short periods of time. When your dog has adjusted to being alone for that duration of time, gradually increase your departure period. If you must be away from your dog for a long period of time, while you are away at work, try to find a friend or neighbor who could come over and take him for a walk a couple of times during the day.
Perhaps a new dog in the family is causing the stress? It is very common to experience a period of stress and adjustment when a new dog is brought into a household that has an established pet. One way to help make the transition a little easier is to give your older dog alot of attention and love. It will let him know that he's still a vital part of the family. Just remember that it will take time for your dogs to adjust to one another and be one happy dog family!
Changing your dog's diet can also cause stress. If you're thinking of feeding your dog a new brand of dry dog food, do it gradually and over a period of four days or longer. On the first day that you change the food, feed your dog one quarter of the new food with three quarters of the old food. Add in another quarter of the new food after a couple of days or so. After another two days, add in another quarter of the new dog food. Finally, after another couple of days or so, you will be able to leave out the old dog food entirely!
If you cannot determine the cause of your dog's stress, talk to your veterinarian. He'll be able to refer you to a dog behaviorist who will be able to determine the cause of your dogs stress. If your dog has severe separation anxiety, an anti-anxiety medication might be considered to alleviate the anxiety. Drugs are not a complete solution, however, and should be used along with a treatment program.
4. Your dog might have developed an incessant licking habit because he has an injury that has resulted in an open wound.
A dog that has developed an injury that has resulted in an open wound will lick himself incessantly in an attempt to clean the wound and keep it free from bacteria. Dog saliva has been proven to kill some germs and when your dog licks an open wound, it will aid in keeping the wound infection free.
Veterinarian treatment may be required if your dog appears to be in pain, the wound contains a foreign material and is deep enough to require stitches, is bleeding excessively or becomes infected.
5. Your dog might have developed a relentless licking habit because he has developed the bad habit of doing so.
Some dogs develop the habit of licking their paws incessantly despite them being clean, uninjured and parasite-free!
Your dog may develop the habit of constantly licking himself because he has alot of nervous energy and no way to alleviate the stress. He also may have learned this behavior because he is bored and this is a way to entertain himself!
Give your dog lots of time to play and run and work off any excess energy. If your dog is well-exercised and happy, he won't feel the need to relentlessly lick himself to relieve stress or boredom!
The information detailed above will help you discover and correct your dog's habit of chronic licking. With careful observation and a little attention to proper grooming, training, along with regular veterinarian visits, you can 'lick' your dog's incessant licking habit!
Small Dog Owner Training
Like many dog owners I didn't know the first thing about training a dog. Well, we think we do because the dog sits or offers us a paw when we have a treat in our hands but those are just party tricks.
Then I bought my very own dog when I got a place of my own. As she grew she changed from loveable pup into a liability. She wandered off, never came when called and turned into the Tasmanian Devil whenever anybody called around. The final straw came when she tore into the room and scrambled up to sit on the shoulders of a visitor who had come to assess me for a voluntary position. He was not a dog lover and I can still remember the look on his face now...
Trouble was, I had always treated dogs as furry friends, always giving in to those sad-looking eyes and never realizing that the dogs saw me in a totally different way. Dogs are pack animals and as such they are acutely aware of their position in the pack – and you and your family are its pack, even if there's just the two of you.
Grasp that little fact of dog psychology and you are well on your way to a happier dog. From now on you are going to make it plain to your dog that you are the Alpha male or leader of the pack and what you say goes. See that furniture? That's mine. You lie on the floor or in your dog basket. Don't feed the dog tidbits from the dinner table – in fact the dog should be in his basket while you eat, and he only gets fed after everybody else has finished.
But isn’t that just being mean and taking all the fun out of owning a dog?
The leader of the dog pack eats first. He sleeps in the best spot. The Alpha male takes no notice of subordinate dogs fussing around him when he returns from the hunt. When you consistently act as leader you are communicating to your dog in a language he understands.
When you come home, ignore your dog's frantic attempts at attention seeking until he calms down – then you praise him. It won't be long before your dog realizes he's gone down a few notches in the pack hierarchy and acts accordingly. You'll soon find that your dog greets you quietly and quickly settles down as he's worked out that is when he receives praise from you.
Still not convinced that training your dog makes him a happier dog? Look at it from the dog's point of view. He's living in a human world full of confusing things and behavior he can't understand. By not teaching your dog his place in your pack he will feel it's his place to take charge. But this leaves him feeling stressed, resulting in an unruly and confused dog constantly trying to make sense of an overwhelming world it cannot understand.
But when you assume command as leader of the pack, you take that responsibility off his shoulders. Just like a well-trained soldier, he will be happy knowing his place, his role in the pack and what's expected of him – and happy to defer to your leadership knowing you'll take care of the "big stuff".
Dog Sports
Engaging in sports is not only for humans. It is also well-loved by our best friend, the dog. Dog sports do not only make a dog's life fun, but healthy, as well. Here is a list of dog sports that you may want your dog to get involved into depending on his breed, of course.
Agility
This is when a dog moves through an obstacle course, i.e., contact obstacles, tunnels, jump, etc., as guided by his or her handler. What controls the dog is only its handler's voice and body language. Without a leash, obedience training is the major requirement for a dog to enjoy this sport. Speed and accuracy are the names of this game.
Carting
Large breeds usually participate in this dog sport. It mainly involves the dog pulling a cart filled with supplies like firewood or other farm goods, sometimes even pulling people. It is also known as dry land mushing and sulky driving and is well-known and practiced all over the world.
Frisbee Dog
Commonly known as disc dog, frisbee dog competition is about a dog and a human disc thrower competing in events such as a choreographed freestyle catching and distance catching. The division of events on this kind of dog sport depends on the handler's skill and experience. What makes this one of the most popular dog sports is that any kind of dog can participate.
Flyball
This dog sport is a relay wherein teams of dogs race against each other leaving their handlers. These teams need to surmount four hurdles that are placed 3 meters apart from each other. Then, they have to reach a box that will release a tennis ball that needs to be caught when the dog presses the pad which is spring-loaded. Then, they have to go back to their respective handlers while carrying the ball.
Scootering
It is a sport where one or more dogs pull an unmotorized scooter in which a human is riding. It is similar to another dog sport done in the winter known as mushing, only dog scooter involves fewer dogs and instead of a dogsled used in mushing, a scooter is used. Like sled dogs, dogs that are doing scootering wear harnesses and are hooked to the scooter using a gangline.
Sheepdog Trial
Also known as "dog trial", this is one of the competitive dog sports in which breeds that are into herding move sheep around a field, gates, fences or enclosures as directed by their handlers. Think of "babe" the movie about a pig. This is more popular in UK, Canada, Ireland, the USA, New Zealand, Australia and other farming nations.
Agility
This is when a dog moves through an obstacle course, i.e., contact obstacles, tunnels, jump, etc., as guided by his or her handler. What controls the dog is only its handler's voice and body language. Without a leash, obedience training is the major requirement for a dog to enjoy this sport. Speed and accuracy are the names of this game.
Carting
Large breeds usually participate in this dog sport. It mainly involves the dog pulling a cart filled with supplies like firewood or other farm goods, sometimes even pulling people. It is also known as dry land mushing and sulky driving and is well-known and practiced all over the world.
Frisbee Dog
Commonly known as disc dog, frisbee dog competition is about a dog and a human disc thrower competing in events such as a choreographed freestyle catching and distance catching. The division of events on this kind of dog sport depends on the handler's skill and experience. What makes this one of the most popular dog sports is that any kind of dog can participate.
Flyball
This dog sport is a relay wherein teams of dogs race against each other leaving their handlers. These teams need to surmount four hurdles that are placed 3 meters apart from each other. Then, they have to reach a box that will release a tennis ball that needs to be caught when the dog presses the pad which is spring-loaded. Then, they have to go back to their respective handlers while carrying the ball.
Scootering
It is a sport where one or more dogs pull an unmotorized scooter in which a human is riding. It is similar to another dog sport done in the winter known as mushing, only dog scooter involves fewer dogs and instead of a dogsled used in mushing, a scooter is used. Like sled dogs, dogs that are doing scootering wear harnesses and are hooked to the scooter using a gangline.
Sheepdog Trial
Also known as "dog trial", this is one of the competitive dog sports in which breeds that are into herding move sheep around a field, gates, fences or enclosures as directed by their handlers. Think of "babe" the movie about a pig. This is more popular in UK, Canada, Ireland, the USA, New Zealand, Australia and other farming nations.
Housebreaking Your Puppy
Are you ready to find the puppy housebreaking solutions you have been searching for? I'm glad you found my article. Sit back and relax and I believe you will learn a thing or two.
Housebreaking is the most indispensable thing your puppy needs to learn. Ordinary sound judgment ought to reveal to you why. Do you hope for your home to stay spic and span' Take care of your puppy's housebreaking thoroughly. Besides the preservation of your general domestic hygiene, trained dogs are contented dogs. As creatures of habit, it's in their make-up to maintain schedules as pack animals. Here is how you ought to housebreak your puppy:
Best Housebreaking Age
At the time your puppy attains the age of 8 to 12 weeks old, it's highly appropriate to start housebreaking. Bear in mind that slogan that old dogs can't learn new tricks' It is accurate so why take a chance?
Using a Crate Helps
Dog trainers recommend using a crate in housebreaking your puppy. A crate is similar to a cage, having you can see through bars and a locking door that locks. Its area ought to fit sufficiently the dogs dimensions for it to move about in. It ought to be utilized similar to a dog's bedroom. It is advised to not confine your puppy in his crate for longer than two hours at a time.
The thinking supporting using a crate in housebreaking your puppy is that dogs would not foul their areas where they sleep areas. Nevertheless, he may do so if you confine him in somewhere for longer than he can keep it in. At no time use a crate to penalize your dog, it would boomerang. Usually, pups that are three-months old have to deal with nature's needs every 3 hours, so you ought to lead him to a special out of doors comfort location more frequently.
Teach Your Puppy To Learn Routines
An additional tip is to exit the residence through one way out exclusively. This way out ought to be the one that you desire your dog to scratch to advise you concerning his being called by nature.
Taking your pup out at approximately the identical times every day would be extremely useful for the both of you. This would assist in establishing a habit, and would force him learn to keep it in waiting for you to become ready to accompany him out.
Watch For Clues
If your un-housebroken dog is used to roaming unrestricted about the home, look for signs that indicate to you he needs to do it. Be absolutely watchful enough of his behavior, i.e., a lot of sniffing, circling an room, staring at the door with a strong expression on his face, etc. If you discover him as he is relieving himself, halt him using a rapid snatch of his collar and draw it up at the same time asserting "No" using your bass, strict tone (don't forget to use a deep, surly speech as you state stating commands). Subsequently, accompany him into the outdoors and let him conclude what he had started. Afterwards, pat him on his head while stating "Good (his name)!" It is a must to have your dog get accustomed to getting praised whenever he does anything that makes you pleased. Offering him treats as a bonus whenever he does his business in the appropriate place can be very useful, too.
Being Patient is a Big Asset
Similar to any disciplinary endeavor, housebreaking requires a lot of tolerance. If you absolutely hate washing your dog's leavings off your Persian carpets on an hourly basis and having your entire residence smell similar to a community rest room, you want the housebreaking to be a success in a wink of an eye, if not sooner.
Common Sense Makes a Lot of Sense And Is the Way To Go
The use of common sense will aid you big a lot in handling your puppy's housebreaking. Thinking logically ought to let you know you to not give your dog water previous to bedtime if his inclination is to pee frequently at during the night time. Following his timetable as top priority should turn out to be extremely useful in having it slowly switch into yours.
Besides tolerance and common sense, regularity is likewise one of the significant factors of this dog disciplining exercise. If you suddenly draw a blank concerning the routines yourself, don't criticize if your dog if he starts committing accidents more frequently. Bear in mind that the stakes are significant (dirty and foul-smelling house). If you would prefer to succeed in this housebreaking achievement or nearly about in any additional disciplinary drills, don't handle it as a an amusement. Allocate sufficient time and dedication on your side.
Good luck!
Housebreaking is the most indispensable thing your puppy needs to learn. Ordinary sound judgment ought to reveal to you why. Do you hope for your home to stay spic and span' Take care of your puppy's housebreaking thoroughly. Besides the preservation of your general domestic hygiene, trained dogs are contented dogs. As creatures of habit, it's in their make-up to maintain schedules as pack animals. Here is how you ought to housebreak your puppy:
Best Housebreaking Age
At the time your puppy attains the age of 8 to 12 weeks old, it's highly appropriate to start housebreaking. Bear in mind that slogan that old dogs can't learn new tricks' It is accurate so why take a chance?
Using a Crate Helps
Dog trainers recommend using a crate in housebreaking your puppy. A crate is similar to a cage, having you can see through bars and a locking door that locks. Its area ought to fit sufficiently the dogs dimensions for it to move about in. It ought to be utilized similar to a dog's bedroom. It is advised to not confine your puppy in his crate for longer than two hours at a time.
The thinking supporting using a crate in housebreaking your puppy is that dogs would not foul their areas where they sleep areas. Nevertheless, he may do so if you confine him in somewhere for longer than he can keep it in. At no time use a crate to penalize your dog, it would boomerang. Usually, pups that are three-months old have to deal with nature's needs every 3 hours, so you ought to lead him to a special out of doors comfort location more frequently.
Teach Your Puppy To Learn Routines
An additional tip is to exit the residence through one way out exclusively. This way out ought to be the one that you desire your dog to scratch to advise you concerning his being called by nature.
Taking your pup out at approximately the identical times every day would be extremely useful for the both of you. This would assist in establishing a habit, and would force him learn to keep it in waiting for you to become ready to accompany him out.
Watch For Clues
If your un-housebroken dog is used to roaming unrestricted about the home, look for signs that indicate to you he needs to do it. Be absolutely watchful enough of his behavior, i.e., a lot of sniffing, circling an room, staring at the door with a strong expression on his face, etc. If you discover him as he is relieving himself, halt him using a rapid snatch of his collar and draw it up at the same time asserting "No" using your bass, strict tone (don't forget to use a deep, surly speech as you state stating commands). Subsequently, accompany him into the outdoors and let him conclude what he had started. Afterwards, pat him on his head while stating "Good (his name)!" It is a must to have your dog get accustomed to getting praised whenever he does anything that makes you pleased. Offering him treats as a bonus whenever he does his business in the appropriate place can be very useful, too.
Being Patient is a Big Asset
Similar to any disciplinary endeavor, housebreaking requires a lot of tolerance. If you absolutely hate washing your dog's leavings off your Persian carpets on an hourly basis and having your entire residence smell similar to a community rest room, you want the housebreaking to be a success in a wink of an eye, if not sooner.
Common Sense Makes a Lot of Sense And Is the Way To Go
The use of common sense will aid you big a lot in handling your puppy's housebreaking. Thinking logically ought to let you know you to not give your dog water previous to bedtime if his inclination is to pee frequently at during the night time. Following his timetable as top priority should turn out to be extremely useful in having it slowly switch into yours.
Besides tolerance and common sense, regularity is likewise one of the significant factors of this dog disciplining exercise. If you suddenly draw a blank concerning the routines yourself, don't criticize if your dog if he starts committing accidents more frequently. Bear in mind that the stakes are significant (dirty and foul-smelling house). If you would prefer to succeed in this housebreaking achievement or nearly about in any additional disciplinary drills, don't handle it as a an amusement. Allocate sufficient time and dedication on your side.
Good luck!
Start Training Your Small Dog Early
By the time you have your dog its behavior will have already been greatly influenced by his mother and his siblings.
Here’s an example: If his mother barked to attract some attention, her puppies will probably behave in the exact same way. The experiences that occur between three and twelve weeks of age are crucial in the development of a dog’s personality.
The best time to get a puppy is when it is about eight weeks old. By making sure that it has as much varied experience as possible during the month that follows, you will lay the groundwork for easier, more productive, and rewarding training.
Meeting New People
You need to make sure that your new puppy meets as many different people as possible while it is still young. If you can, take him to work, take him out in the car, and take him to your friend’s homes whenever possible. Let the puppy play with dogs that you know are healthy, and introduce it to children and other adults.
Personal Investigation
Playing with toys will provide the puppy with mental and physical stimulation. Find out which toys the puppy likes (they often have favorites), but you need to make sure that the toys are unlike other domestic items, such as shoes. You can use his favorite toy as a reward during training.
Play Constructively
You can play active games with your puppy, but you need to make sure that it is you who is in control and ‘dominant’ in the puppies eyes. While you play, watch the puppy’s behavior, and if it is about to sit, issue the “Sit” command. This gives the puppy some early association with basic commands and what they mean.
Give Immediate Rewards
When the puppy obeys a command, you should offer an immediate reward, such as stroking or praise with words. Remember: You’re the dominant member of the pack, which means you should always be in control.
Early Habits Can Last A Life-Time
If you carry a puppy constantly when it is very young, it will expect similar treatment when it feels insecure as an adult. Bear this in mind.
Give Mental Stimulation
Puppies that are actively stimulated between the age of three and twelve weeks grow into adults that are good at both learning and problem solving. A puppy learns best by observing its mother’s behavior.
Understanding Fear
You must try to keep an eye on all of your puppy’s activities, to ensure that any frightening situations he may encounter are kept to a minimum. Fears learned at an early age can become lifelong phobias unless they are overcome with training.
Gatherings
All dogs must learn to behave properly, both with their own species and with others, especially people. This isn’t always an easy task, so the best time for them to learn is when they are still very young – less than four months old is best.
When it’s possible, make sure that the puppy meets other species such as cat’s horses when it is very young.
Here’s why: Early socialization to other species reduces the likelihood of future problems. With the advice of your vet or local dog training club, it’s a good idea to participate in supervised weekly puppy evenings. At these gatherings, puppies learn how to respond to other dogs and to strangers in a controlled way.
Social Deprivation
Dogs that lack early social experiences can sometimes become more difficult to train. Restricted contact with people when the puppy is young can cause limitations in the dog’s ability to obey commands.
Before getting a dog, find out as much as possible about its early experience. The more a puppy has been handled while young, the more likely it is to respond well to obedience training.
Puppies raised with hardly any contact with people can be very difficult to train for the average person without the help of a professional dog trainer. So remember to ask questions about the puppies experience with being handled.
Here’s an example: If his mother barked to attract some attention, her puppies will probably behave in the exact same way. The experiences that occur between three and twelve weeks of age are crucial in the development of a dog’s personality.
The best time to get a puppy is when it is about eight weeks old. By making sure that it has as much varied experience as possible during the month that follows, you will lay the groundwork for easier, more productive, and rewarding training.
Meeting New People
You need to make sure that your new puppy meets as many different people as possible while it is still young. If you can, take him to work, take him out in the car, and take him to your friend’s homes whenever possible. Let the puppy play with dogs that you know are healthy, and introduce it to children and other adults.
Personal Investigation
Playing with toys will provide the puppy with mental and physical stimulation. Find out which toys the puppy likes (they often have favorites), but you need to make sure that the toys are unlike other domestic items, such as shoes. You can use his favorite toy as a reward during training.
Play Constructively
You can play active games with your puppy, but you need to make sure that it is you who is in control and ‘dominant’ in the puppies eyes. While you play, watch the puppy’s behavior, and if it is about to sit, issue the “Sit” command. This gives the puppy some early association with basic commands and what they mean.
Give Immediate Rewards
When the puppy obeys a command, you should offer an immediate reward, such as stroking or praise with words. Remember: You’re the dominant member of the pack, which means you should always be in control.
Early Habits Can Last A Life-Time
If you carry a puppy constantly when it is very young, it will expect similar treatment when it feels insecure as an adult. Bear this in mind.
Give Mental Stimulation
Puppies that are actively stimulated between the age of three and twelve weeks grow into adults that are good at both learning and problem solving. A puppy learns best by observing its mother’s behavior.
Understanding Fear
You must try to keep an eye on all of your puppy’s activities, to ensure that any frightening situations he may encounter are kept to a minimum. Fears learned at an early age can become lifelong phobias unless they are overcome with training.
Gatherings
All dogs must learn to behave properly, both with their own species and with others, especially people. This isn’t always an easy task, so the best time for them to learn is when they are still very young – less than four months old is best.
When it’s possible, make sure that the puppy meets other species such as cat’s horses when it is very young.
Here’s why: Early socialization to other species reduces the likelihood of future problems. With the advice of your vet or local dog training club, it’s a good idea to participate in supervised weekly puppy evenings. At these gatherings, puppies learn how to respond to other dogs and to strangers in a controlled way.
Social Deprivation
Dogs that lack early social experiences can sometimes become more difficult to train. Restricted contact with people when the puppy is young can cause limitations in the dog’s ability to obey commands.
Before getting a dog, find out as much as possible about its early experience. The more a puppy has been handled while young, the more likely it is to respond well to obedience training.
Puppies raised with hardly any contact with people can be very difficult to train for the average person without the help of a professional dog trainer. So remember to ask questions about the puppies experience with being handled.
Puppy Agility Training
You may be thinking, "When can I start agility training with my new puppy?" You can start immediately, with certain recommendations. Puppies are always learning, so every time you are with your pup you can be playing and socializing with agility in mind. Always remember, if you can control your puppies environment, you can teach and train the behaviors you want, left on their own, even in a fenced yard, puppies will learn and develop behaviors that later we may want or need to extinguish.
Expose your puppy to different surfaces. One of the first behaviors we teach our pups is "Box" or "Table". This behavior transfers to the agility pause table. Lure pup up on a low pause table, treat them on the table. You can call the pause table anything you want. (If I was starting over I would name the pause table "Box" instead of "Table" for my dogs because on the agility course there is the potential to have too many "T" words, i.e. tunnel, tire, table, and teeter. The problem is I am also a creature of habit, and under pressure revert back to my default words, "table" would be one of them.)
Teach your pup to "Box", meaning to get up on a variety of obstacles. In our training field we use "Box" for upside down kennel tops, the bottom of barrels turned upside down, bird crates, and more. Be creative with your pup, get them to get up on all kinds of surfaces, exposing them to different shapes, sizes, and textures. Once your pup is comfortable getting up on a "Box", then you can begin to ask them to sit on the box also.
You can also begin to use Buja boards for motion training. Buja boards are generally made from plywood, 36" x 36" with a painted surface or covered surface. On the underside, there is a 2x4 box where a partially deflated ball is placed. This enables the Buja board to rock gently. At first you can reward your pup for getting one paw on the board, then reward for two feet and eventually all four. Depending on your pups temperament will determine how fast they get comfortable on the Buja Board.
Perch training can also be started with young pups. The Perch is generally a 1'x1' wood surface that is raised by 2"x4"'s underneath. So the Perch is about four inches in height. The Perch helps teach pups rearend awareness. Again, you can reward your pup for getting one front paw on the perch and then the other. Perch training is mostly used with just the front paws on the Perch.
These are just a few behaviors you can teach your young pup. Exposure to a variety of surfaces and heights will help your pup build confidence in his future agility training.
Find Great Agility Training Supplies At Our Amazon Store.
Expose your puppy to different surfaces. One of the first behaviors we teach our pups is "Box" or "Table". This behavior transfers to the agility pause table. Lure pup up on a low pause table, treat them on the table. You can call the pause table anything you want. (If I was starting over I would name the pause table "Box" instead of "Table" for my dogs because on the agility course there is the potential to have too many "T" words, i.e. tunnel, tire, table, and teeter. The problem is I am also a creature of habit, and under pressure revert back to my default words, "table" would be one of them.)
Teach your pup to "Box", meaning to get up on a variety of obstacles. In our training field we use "Box" for upside down kennel tops, the bottom of barrels turned upside down, bird crates, and more. Be creative with your pup, get them to get up on all kinds of surfaces, exposing them to different shapes, sizes, and textures. Once your pup is comfortable getting up on a "Box", then you can begin to ask them to sit on the box also.
You can also begin to use Buja boards for motion training. Buja boards are generally made from plywood, 36" x 36" with a painted surface or covered surface. On the underside, there is a 2x4 box where a partially deflated ball is placed. This enables the Buja board to rock gently. At first you can reward your pup for getting one paw on the board, then reward for two feet and eventually all four. Depending on your pups temperament will determine how fast they get comfortable on the Buja Board.
Perch training can also be started with young pups. The Perch is generally a 1'x1' wood surface that is raised by 2"x4"'s underneath. So the Perch is about four inches in height. The Perch helps teach pups rearend awareness. Again, you can reward your pup for getting one front paw on the perch and then the other. Perch training is mostly used with just the front paws on the Perch.
These are just a few behaviors you can teach your young pup. Exposure to a variety of surfaces and heights will help your pup build confidence in his future agility training.
Find Great Agility Training Supplies At Our Amazon Store.
Children And Aggressive Dogs
It's terrifying how common tales are of dogs savaging young children. You might think that it’s just Pit Bulls or certain breeds that do this kind of thing but it's common across all breeds. Children have the uncanny ability to make dogs angry without intending.
Most families will luckily never have to deal with anything remotely as traumatic but if you own a dog and have children; or have children visiting often - then you too must take some responsibility for their actions and behavior.
You want to prepare your children by teaching them a few simple rules about playing with the dog.
The first step to understand the aggression. So, what causes dogs to become aggressive? There are a few different kinds of aggression that dogs experience. If they are scared they become aggressive, if something threatens their territory or family and as an act of dominance assertion.
An aggressive dog's ears will pin back; their tail might stand up and they will growl. The growl is a warning.
What’s the best way to deal with an aggressive dog?
If you have the luxury of realizing before something happens that the dog is upset and about to hurt your child or you there are some things you can do:
- It's most important to try to keep as calm as possible; the dog will sense your fear
- Speak in a soft voice - remove the disturbance if possible.
What can you do to prevent an aggressive dog?
- Teach your children that the dogs have feeling too and are to be treated with care. This means no rough playing with the dog. Some breeds of dog become agitated and roughhousing can greatly upset them. Enough to bite your child!
- If your children are very small you will need to take care to supervise them at all times. You cannot leave a toddler with a dog without risking something going wrong. Very young children do not understand how to treat animals yet.
- The importance of having a well trained dog cannot be stated enough. When you get a puppy take them to obedience classes straight away. Even if you don't have children it's important to have a well trained dog. You don't want your beloved pooch to harm someone else's children.
If you have children and are considering buying a dog; there are some considerations that can make it far less likely for an aggressive dog. Choose carefully - some breeds are known to have a low tolerance and others are known to be child friendly.
Dogs have a long standing relationship with humans - dogs love people and visa versa. By following these pointers you should be assured of a happy calm dog that won't harm anyone. A carefully trained dog will give you peace of mind and most importantly - become an important part of your family life.
Most families will luckily never have to deal with anything remotely as traumatic but if you own a dog and have children; or have children visiting often - then you too must take some responsibility for their actions and behavior.
You want to prepare your children by teaching them a few simple rules about playing with the dog.
The first step to understand the aggression. So, what causes dogs to become aggressive? There are a few different kinds of aggression that dogs experience. If they are scared they become aggressive, if something threatens their territory or family and as an act of dominance assertion.
An aggressive dog's ears will pin back; their tail might stand up and they will growl. The growl is a warning.
What’s the best way to deal with an aggressive dog?
If you have the luxury of realizing before something happens that the dog is upset and about to hurt your child or you there are some things you can do:
- It's most important to try to keep as calm as possible; the dog will sense your fear
- Speak in a soft voice - remove the disturbance if possible.
What can you do to prevent an aggressive dog?
- Teach your children that the dogs have feeling too and are to be treated with care. This means no rough playing with the dog. Some breeds of dog become agitated and roughhousing can greatly upset them. Enough to bite your child!
- If your children are very small you will need to take care to supervise them at all times. You cannot leave a toddler with a dog without risking something going wrong. Very young children do not understand how to treat animals yet.
- The importance of having a well trained dog cannot be stated enough. When you get a puppy take them to obedience classes straight away. Even if you don't have children it's important to have a well trained dog. You don't want your beloved pooch to harm someone else's children.
If you have children and are considering buying a dog; there are some considerations that can make it far less likely for an aggressive dog. Choose carefully - some breeds are known to have a low tolerance and others are known to be child friendly.
Dogs have a long standing relationship with humans - dogs love people and visa versa. By following these pointers you should be assured of a happy calm dog that won't harm anyone. A carefully trained dog will give you peace of mind and most importantly - become an important part of your family life.
Dealing With Loose Aggressive Dogs
This can be quite a problem for some dog owners, what do you do if a loose dog comes over to you and your dog, the situation can be quite intimidating especially if you have a small dog and the one coming toward you is much larger or aggressive.
The reason I have written this article is because I was on a dog forum recently and read a hart wrenching post from a lady who held her dying dog in her arms after it was attacked in front of her by a loose dog that snapped it’s neck.
I do not always keep my dog on a lead but I have a rule I always use when I am out with her, if she is off the lead and I see another dog with it’s owner if that dog is off the lead I keep Brandy off hers, I make the assumption that the other dogs owner knows their dog is all right interacting with other dogs, however if the owner has their dog on a lead I then put Brandy on hers. This is because I feel if the owner of the other dog is unsure how their dog will react to mine I should do everything I can to help their dog be compatible, this is just a rule I use when out with Brandy.
There are times when you need to deal with dogs who’s owner is either not responsible or is not around in there situations I believe there are a number of options you might consider taking.
Dog with owner
If you come across an aggressive dog off its leash but with the owner then it might be worth having a quick word with the owner and suggesting he keep his dog on a leash when other dogs are around.
Aggressive dogs
If you are lightly to come across aggressive dogs on your walk then there are three things I would recommend you could carry with you to deter an attack.
Pepper spray
You can get dog safe pepper spray, this will cause the dog discomfort and stop the initial attack, it also acts as a deterrent from future attacks, if a dog recognizes you as someone who has caused him pain he should avoid you in the future. I think this is an extreme measure and I would only use it if there were lightly to be in danger of harm to Brandy or myself.
Ultra sonic alarm
You can buy ultra sonic alarms that can be heard by dogs but not people, this will cause the dog to get distracted and the sound will not be pleasant to him but should cause no permanent harm.
Carry a stick
This is an option you could consider. A walking stick waved at a dog as it starts to become aggressive can often deter an attack, and might stop the situation developing further.
Call the dog warden
Whatever tactic you decide to take you should call the dog warden or animal welfare as soon as you are able to, the dog might be lost and hungry or it might attack someone who is not as prepared so reporting it might help it and save someone the hart ache of loosing a loved pet.
The reason I have written this article is because I was on a dog forum recently and read a hart wrenching post from a lady who held her dying dog in her arms after it was attacked in front of her by a loose dog that snapped it’s neck.
I do not always keep my dog on a lead but I have a rule I always use when I am out with her, if she is off the lead and I see another dog with it’s owner if that dog is off the lead I keep Brandy off hers, I make the assumption that the other dogs owner knows their dog is all right interacting with other dogs, however if the owner has their dog on a lead I then put Brandy on hers. This is because I feel if the owner of the other dog is unsure how their dog will react to mine I should do everything I can to help their dog be compatible, this is just a rule I use when out with Brandy.
There are times when you need to deal with dogs who’s owner is either not responsible or is not around in there situations I believe there are a number of options you might consider taking.
Dog with owner
If you come across an aggressive dog off its leash but with the owner then it might be worth having a quick word with the owner and suggesting he keep his dog on a leash when other dogs are around.
Aggressive dogs
If you are lightly to come across aggressive dogs on your walk then there are three things I would recommend you could carry with you to deter an attack.
Pepper spray
You can get dog safe pepper spray, this will cause the dog discomfort and stop the initial attack, it also acts as a deterrent from future attacks, if a dog recognizes you as someone who has caused him pain he should avoid you in the future. I think this is an extreme measure and I would only use it if there were lightly to be in danger of harm to Brandy or myself.
Ultra sonic alarm
You can buy ultra sonic alarms that can be heard by dogs but not people, this will cause the dog to get distracted and the sound will not be pleasant to him but should cause no permanent harm.
Carry a stick
This is an option you could consider. A walking stick waved at a dog as it starts to become aggressive can often deter an attack, and might stop the situation developing further.
Call the dog warden
Whatever tactic you decide to take you should call the dog warden or animal welfare as soon as you are able to, the dog might be lost and hungry or it might attack someone who is not as prepared so reporting it might help it and save someone the hart ache of loosing a loved pet.
Cultivating Small Dog Obedience
They are man's "best friend", but like your real friends, dogs also have annoying habits that you normally despise. But because you love them, you suffer for it until you can't take anymore. Just as we all try to talk to our human friends about their bad habits, it is also vital that we do the same for our pets. This is not impossible since dogs are proven to be intelligent animals. Experience also proves that they can pick up and understand instructions with proper training. In fact, training your human friends to ditch their bad habits is harder than training your pets.
Dogs are naturally diggers. It might be some part of their genes that make them such enthusiastic diggers. It is amusing to watch them dig and bury whatever they like. But, it is equally irritating when your pets leave unsightly clumps of dirt on your manicured lawn. Other than the cartoon tradition of burying bones, there are other reasons why your pets dig. These reasons also differ depending on their breed and age. Younger and more "macho" breeds like Great Danes or Rottweilers dig because of pent-up and excess energy. If this is the case, frequent exercise, walks, and training release these energies. Your pets are likely to be too exhausted to think of digging and your lawn efforts are not wasted. However, if your mutt is of the breeding age, the most likely reason behind its digging is a female. Your pet is probably digging to reach the next door bitch. Having your pet neutered is the only solution. However, there are cases when your pets dig because they just want to. In cases like this, your best bet is to train your dog not to dig by spraying the grass with non-toxic repellants. You can set aside a portion of the yard in which your pets can dig as much as they want. Remember to find them a spot in your backyard and not on your front lawn.
Other than lawn-digging, destructive chewing is a common problem of most pet owners. There are three reasons why mutts engage in this activity: attention, boredom, and teething. Neglecting your pets' play time but chasing them when they got hold of your shoes are common scenarios. Scenarios like these teach them that chewing stuff is a way to frolic with you. Bored pets also have strong inclinations to be chewers. Teething is also a likely cause of chewing problems especially with younger pets. A way to stop your pets' chewing habits is to spend time with them through playing. Provide dogs with chewable toys and play catch. They will soon understand that these chew toys are the only things they are allowed to chew.
These problems are easily prevented if you make it clear to your dogs that you expect obedience from them. There are dog training camps for unruly pets and lots of articles in the internet for personal dog training. Dogs are not problems at all if you cultivate obedience in them.
Dogs are naturally diggers. It might be some part of their genes that make them such enthusiastic diggers. It is amusing to watch them dig and bury whatever they like. But, it is equally irritating when your pets leave unsightly clumps of dirt on your manicured lawn. Other than the cartoon tradition of burying bones, there are other reasons why your pets dig. These reasons also differ depending on their breed and age. Younger and more "macho" breeds like Great Danes or Rottweilers dig because of pent-up and excess energy. If this is the case, frequent exercise, walks, and training release these energies. Your pets are likely to be too exhausted to think of digging and your lawn efforts are not wasted. However, if your mutt is of the breeding age, the most likely reason behind its digging is a female. Your pet is probably digging to reach the next door bitch. Having your pet neutered is the only solution. However, there are cases when your pets dig because they just want to. In cases like this, your best bet is to train your dog not to dig by spraying the grass with non-toxic repellants. You can set aside a portion of the yard in which your pets can dig as much as they want. Remember to find them a spot in your backyard and not on your front lawn.
Other than lawn-digging, destructive chewing is a common problem of most pet owners. There are three reasons why mutts engage in this activity: attention, boredom, and teething. Neglecting your pets' play time but chasing them when they got hold of your shoes are common scenarios. Scenarios like these teach them that chewing stuff is a way to frolic with you. Bored pets also have strong inclinations to be chewers. Teething is also a likely cause of chewing problems especially with younger pets. A way to stop your pets' chewing habits is to spend time with them through playing. Provide dogs with chewable toys and play catch. They will soon understand that these chew toys are the only things they are allowed to chew.
These problems are easily prevented if you make it clear to your dogs that you expect obedience from them. There are dog training camps for unruly pets and lots of articles in the internet for personal dog training. Dogs are not problems at all if you cultivate obedience in them.
Small Dog Crate Training Tips
A crate is a valuable and useful training tool. Its main purpose is to provide security, safety and protection for short term confinement while training a puppy or new dog about its own and house boundaries.
A crate may look like a jail cell, but when used properly is your dog’s natural den – a personal space where he’ll feels secure and comfortable. The best place to place a crate would be where your dog can see the environment and family members, hear and smell your house - the kitchen is usually a good spot.
An ideal crate should be large enough to allow your dog to stretch out, stand without hitting his head and be able to turn around. The crate should not be so large that your dog can relieve himself in one corner and play move away to play and sleep in another. If your puppy is still young and is not fully growth, try to block off certain section of the crate with cardboard or wood boards.
To encourage your dog to “like” his new den, you should preferably equip it with soft bedding a bowl of water and a toy that he likes. (You might want to remove the water at night when you are potty training your dog)
You must introduce the crate slowly to your dog. Crate him in smaller interval, about 10 minutes, and gradually increase over time. Your dog need time to get used to being crate. Never crate him for more than 30 minutes or longer for the first time.
It is not advisable to crate a young puppy for a long period of time – about 2 hours and your puppy should always be exercised before being crated.
It’s quite normal for dogs to kick up a fuss, bark and moan while in the crate. If these things happen, do not give your dog any attention! Yes! Do not even look in his direction.
Dogs are intelligent animals – Don’t let him know that he’ll get your attention when he kicks up a fuss. Simply ignore him! Let your dog out only when he settles down.
Lastly, dog should not be crated for too long day after day. He’ll develop destructive behaviors and anxiety problems. If you notice that your dog displays hyper active behavior compared to before, you might be crating him for too long!
Most important of all, never ever punish your dog in the crate, he’ll dread going back to the crate. It is meant to be a comfortable and safe space, not where he’ll get punish.
A crate may look like a jail cell, but when used properly is your dog’s natural den – a personal space where he’ll feels secure and comfortable. The best place to place a crate would be where your dog can see the environment and family members, hear and smell your house - the kitchen is usually a good spot.
An ideal crate should be large enough to allow your dog to stretch out, stand without hitting his head and be able to turn around. The crate should not be so large that your dog can relieve himself in one corner and play move away to play and sleep in another. If your puppy is still young and is not fully growth, try to block off certain section of the crate with cardboard or wood boards.
To encourage your dog to “like” his new den, you should preferably equip it with soft bedding a bowl of water and a toy that he likes. (You might want to remove the water at night when you are potty training your dog)
You must introduce the crate slowly to your dog. Crate him in smaller interval, about 10 minutes, and gradually increase over time. Your dog need time to get used to being crate. Never crate him for more than 30 minutes or longer for the first time.
It is not advisable to crate a young puppy for a long period of time – about 2 hours and your puppy should always be exercised before being crated.
It’s quite normal for dogs to kick up a fuss, bark and moan while in the crate. If these things happen, do not give your dog any attention! Yes! Do not even look in his direction.
Dogs are intelligent animals – Don’t let him know that he’ll get your attention when he kicks up a fuss. Simply ignore him! Let your dog out only when he settles down.
Lastly, dog should not be crated for too long day after day. He’ll develop destructive behaviors and anxiety problems. If you notice that your dog displays hyper active behavior compared to before, you might be crating him for too long!
Most important of all, never ever punish your dog in the crate, he’ll dread going back to the crate. It is meant to be a comfortable and safe space, not where he’ll get punish.
Small Dog Clicker Training
If you are looking to train your dog you might consider using the 'clicker training' method, which has recently become popular amongst dog trainers all over the country. In this method the trainer has to make use of a clicker, a tiny plastic box with a metal button which makes a distinctive click sound once the button has been pressed. The training method is simple and is in many ways parallel to the positive training method. Here is what you have to do. Decide on a certain behavior which you want to teach or reinforce your dog to do. A number of behaviors/actions come naturally to the dog like sitting, eating, standing, barking etc. and these need just to be reinforced so that your dog knows when you want him to do what. Various other actions like acting dead, shaking hands, rolling over etc. do not come naturally to the dog and need to be taught. Clicker training can be used to do both.
Clicker training works according to the basic principles of operant conditioning, by associating the sound of the clicker with a food item which the dog particularly likes. Now all you have to do is use the clicker to command the dog to do something, the dog, given that he associates the sound of the clicker with the food, immediately obliges and the training is complete.
Let us take an example to illustrate the method better, suppose you want to teach your dog to sit, you put a cookie on your dog's nose playfully and then move it upwards, the dog will obviously follow the movement of the biscuit with its nose and will then naturally rest its posterior on the floor, thereby putting himself in a sitting position. Now time your clicking to be so accurate as to occur right as the dog seats himself, now give him the biscuit and praise him. Continue doing this for sometime till the dog begins to associate the clicking with the food until the click makes him sit without you luring him with treats. Now teach him another behavior, but remember to attach the clicking cue only once the animal himself offers you the behavior otherwise the clicking will not be connected to anything in the dog's head and he will be confused regarding what it means.
Your dog is one smart little animal and it's time you gave him due credit for that. A number of trainers have been known to use negative reinforcement techniques alongside the clicker method but this simply doesn't work because punishment at all times creates a number of unwanted behavior even if it serves the primary purpose of teaching the dog to not do something temporarily.
Any kind of training is a strenuous and rigorous process and needs time and patience. Although clicker training method has a high success rate it might not work for certain types of dogs, if you see that it's not working for your pet you would be well advised to use some other technique to teach it tricks.
We have a great clicker training resource on our small dog training resources page. Check it out.
Clicker training works according to the basic principles of operant conditioning, by associating the sound of the clicker with a food item which the dog particularly likes. Now all you have to do is use the clicker to command the dog to do something, the dog, given that he associates the sound of the clicker with the food, immediately obliges and the training is complete.
Let us take an example to illustrate the method better, suppose you want to teach your dog to sit, you put a cookie on your dog's nose playfully and then move it upwards, the dog will obviously follow the movement of the biscuit with its nose and will then naturally rest its posterior on the floor, thereby putting himself in a sitting position. Now time your clicking to be so accurate as to occur right as the dog seats himself, now give him the biscuit and praise him. Continue doing this for sometime till the dog begins to associate the clicking with the food until the click makes him sit without you luring him with treats. Now teach him another behavior, but remember to attach the clicking cue only once the animal himself offers you the behavior otherwise the clicking will not be connected to anything in the dog's head and he will be confused regarding what it means.
Your dog is one smart little animal and it's time you gave him due credit for that. A number of trainers have been known to use negative reinforcement techniques alongside the clicker method but this simply doesn't work because punishment at all times creates a number of unwanted behavior even if it serves the primary purpose of teaching the dog to not do something temporarily.
Any kind of training is a strenuous and rigorous process and needs time and patience. Although clicker training method has a high success rate it might not work for certain types of dogs, if you see that it's not working for your pet you would be well advised to use some other technique to teach it tricks.
We have a great clicker training resource on our small dog training resources page. Check it out.
Dog Training Is Dog Caring
Dogs are social animals that have worked with humans for thousands of years. They have played an important role in various different cultures. Dogs are highly valued for their intelligence and loyalty, and it is important to train and care for them properly.
Despite the importance of dogs, owners may find that there are many challenges in training and caring for them. While many people want to own a dog, few know how to train them properly. A dog which is not disciplined will not bring happiness to its owners. Too many people allow their dogs to develop bad habits
You want to make sure you purchase quality food for your dog, even if its a bit expensive. Cheap dog food won't give your dog the healthy look it should have. You want your dog to have a shiny coat and bright eyes. Dogs are much like their owners, and will behave in many of the same ways.
Dogs are like small children, and should be treated as such. Dogs should not be left alone for long periods of time, as they are prone to getting into trouble. When dogs are left alone at home, they need to have a designated area with boundaries. Leave chew toys and other things that will keep them occupied.
When your dog behaves properly, you should always praise and reward him. This teaches him that good behavior leads to rewards, while bad behavior does not. When you do this, you will find that your dog behaves properly on a regular basis. When your dog doesn't behave properly, you should also discipline him, so that he understands the difference between right and wrong behavior.
There is a difference between discipline and abuse. There are some dog owners that don't understand this, and hit or kick their dogs in order to train them. This is abuse, and is not an effective way to train your dog, and may even cause your dog to attack you. You want your dog to respect you, not fear you.
A good way to discipline your dog without hitting him is to spray water on him and give him a verbal warning. This will get the message across in a non-abusive way. How you train your dog is very important. You want a dog which you can take out for a walk without worrying about him bothering others. You want a dog that will listen to your commands.
Small Dog Training Resources
Despite the importance of dogs, owners may find that there are many challenges in training and caring for them. While many people want to own a dog, few know how to train them properly. A dog which is not disciplined will not bring happiness to its owners. Too many people allow their dogs to develop bad habits
You want to make sure you purchase quality food for your dog, even if its a bit expensive. Cheap dog food won't give your dog the healthy look it should have. You want your dog to have a shiny coat and bright eyes. Dogs are much like their owners, and will behave in many of the same ways.
Dogs are like small children, and should be treated as such. Dogs should not be left alone for long periods of time, as they are prone to getting into trouble. When dogs are left alone at home, they need to have a designated area with boundaries. Leave chew toys and other things that will keep them occupied.
When your dog behaves properly, you should always praise and reward him. This teaches him that good behavior leads to rewards, while bad behavior does not. When you do this, you will find that your dog behaves properly on a regular basis. When your dog doesn't behave properly, you should also discipline him, so that he understands the difference between right and wrong behavior.
There is a difference between discipline and abuse. There are some dog owners that don't understand this, and hit or kick their dogs in order to train them. This is abuse, and is not an effective way to train your dog, and may even cause your dog to attack you. You want your dog to respect you, not fear you.
A good way to discipline your dog without hitting him is to spray water on him and give him a verbal warning. This will get the message across in a non-abusive way. How you train your dog is very important. You want a dog which you can take out for a walk without worrying about him bothering others. You want a dog that will listen to your commands.
Small Dog Training Resources
Camping With Your Dog
In the U.S. alone, more than 30 million people each year take their pets with them while camping. Yet, when we first started RVing with our dogs, we were unable to find much written on the subject. Sure, there were the occasional articles in magazines that reminded us to use pet ID tags, bring plenty of water, and take their favorite toy. But in terms of providing genuine support or bottom–line information, there was nothing out there. Since it was something that we felt was badly needed, we decided to write this article.
While there are numerous issues to consider while camping with dogs, these are some of the most important.
1. Make Sure that Your Dog Can’t Get Lost
It’s one thing if your dog gets free in your neighborhood. It’s another when you’re at a rest stop, nine hundred miles from home. Either train your dog to come when called or make absolutely sure that they’re on a leash at all times.
2. Get All of their Vaccinations Up to Date
If your dog gets into an altercation with another animal (or a person), the central issue will become their rabies shots. If you stay at a campground that has a demanding pet policy, you’ll need to verify your dog’s vaccination records. If you cross into Canada, you’ll have to confirm that your dogs have had their shots. You get the idea.
3. Make Your Dogs Easy to Identify
If your dog does get lost (unfortunately, it happens all the time), the ability to easily identify them will become critical. For permanent identification purposes, consider tattoos or microchips. At a minimum, make sure they wear tags that show their name, your current phone number, and the date of their last rabies vaccination.
4. Clean Up After Your Dog
The biggest complaint about dogs has nothing to do with their bark, their bite, or their behavior. If you pick up after your dog, you’ll be helping dog owners everywhere.
5. Learn How to Provide First Aid to Your Dog
If a medical crisis occurs while at home, you drive to your local veterinarian. But if you’re heading down a dark highway in a strange town, it will seem like a bad dream. Although there are ways to get help while on the road, it always takes more time. In the meantime, your ability to provide competent first aid could save your dog’s life.
6. Involve Your Dog in Everything You Do
If you really want your dogs to have a good time, include them in your activities. Take them with you on long walks. Buy a cheap plastic wading pool and let them play in the water. Throw a ball. Cook them up a hamburger. If you do stuff like that, they’ll do cartwheels the next time you decide to take them camping.
7. Call the Campgrounds Before You Go
Even if a park claims they’re pet–friendly, always call ahead to confirm their policy regarding your dogs. We’ve arrived at parks (with our two German Shepard dogs) after a long day on the road only to discover that “pet–friendly” meant dogs weighing under 20 pounds.
8. Plan Ahead for the Unexpected
Have a plan (for your dogs) in case of a flat tire, a serious accident, or a fire in your RV. Start with a few extra leashes, a pet carrier, and an extra fire extinguisher. Then have a fire drill to identify potential problems.
9. Learn About Your Camping Environment
The U.S. is a huge country with a vast assortment of dangerous wildlife, treacherous plants, unpredictable weather conditions, and demanding environmental challenges. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you might inadvertently be putting yourself and your dog in danger.
10. Recognize and Respect the Views of Others
While some of us can’t imagine traveling without dogs, others can’t image traveling with them. If you keep your dog under control and clean up after them, you won’t give others much to grumble about.
While there are numerous issues to consider while camping with dogs, these are some of the most important.
1. Make Sure that Your Dog Can’t Get Lost
It’s one thing if your dog gets free in your neighborhood. It’s another when you’re at a rest stop, nine hundred miles from home. Either train your dog to come when called or make absolutely sure that they’re on a leash at all times.
2. Get All of their Vaccinations Up to Date
If your dog gets into an altercation with another animal (or a person), the central issue will become their rabies shots. If you stay at a campground that has a demanding pet policy, you’ll need to verify your dog’s vaccination records. If you cross into Canada, you’ll have to confirm that your dogs have had their shots. You get the idea.
3. Make Your Dogs Easy to Identify
If your dog does get lost (unfortunately, it happens all the time), the ability to easily identify them will become critical. For permanent identification purposes, consider tattoos or microchips. At a minimum, make sure they wear tags that show their name, your current phone number, and the date of their last rabies vaccination.
4. Clean Up After Your Dog
The biggest complaint about dogs has nothing to do with their bark, their bite, or their behavior. If you pick up after your dog, you’ll be helping dog owners everywhere.
5. Learn How to Provide First Aid to Your Dog
If a medical crisis occurs while at home, you drive to your local veterinarian. But if you’re heading down a dark highway in a strange town, it will seem like a bad dream. Although there are ways to get help while on the road, it always takes more time. In the meantime, your ability to provide competent first aid could save your dog’s life.
6. Involve Your Dog in Everything You Do
If you really want your dogs to have a good time, include them in your activities. Take them with you on long walks. Buy a cheap plastic wading pool and let them play in the water. Throw a ball. Cook them up a hamburger. If you do stuff like that, they’ll do cartwheels the next time you decide to take them camping.
7. Call the Campgrounds Before You Go
Even if a park claims they’re pet–friendly, always call ahead to confirm their policy regarding your dogs. We’ve arrived at parks (with our two German Shepard dogs) after a long day on the road only to discover that “pet–friendly” meant dogs weighing under 20 pounds.
8. Plan Ahead for the Unexpected
Have a plan (for your dogs) in case of a flat tire, a serious accident, or a fire in your RV. Start with a few extra leashes, a pet carrier, and an extra fire extinguisher. Then have a fire drill to identify potential problems.
9. Learn About Your Camping Environment
The U.S. is a huge country with a vast assortment of dangerous wildlife, treacherous plants, unpredictable weather conditions, and demanding environmental challenges. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you might inadvertently be putting yourself and your dog in danger.
10. Recognize and Respect the Views of Others
While some of us can’t imagine traveling without dogs, others can’t image traveling with them. If you keep your dog under control and clean up after them, you won’t give others much to grumble about.
Stop Small Dog Barking
All dogs bark, it’s their way to communicate a message. Dog barks for various reasons: to greet, to alert, out of boredom, to attract attention or when they are excited.
Although some barking from is acceptable, too much barking is certainly annoying, especially for your neighbors and eventually leading to complains. The easiest way to stop a problematic barker is to control his barking while you are at home:
1. Set up a situation where your dog will always bark. For example, you can ask someone to ring your doorbell or knock on your door.
2. When your dog charges to the door and start to bark loudly, approach your dog, grab his collar and give the command “quiet” – no shouting please, it doesn’t help.
3. If he stops barking, praise and reward. He’s a genius and deserves it.
4. When he continues barking, close his mouth with your hand, wrap your fingers around his muzzle – use both hands if needed, and give the command for him to keep quiet. Praise if he stops.
Most dogs would be able to learn the “quiet” command with repeated training like this. Set up similar situations to "lure" your dog to bark and repeat training whenever possible.
If you happen to own a hard-core persistent barker, use this method:
1. Vinegar-Water solution – mix a proportion of 7/8 water & 1/8 vinegar together. Pour the mixture into a water pistol or what kids call “super soaker” for longer distance shooting.
2. Aim and shoot at his chest whenever he can’t stop barking even on your command. Dogs hate the smell of vinegar and would usually back off and stop barking. He’ll even sneeze a few times. It’s harmless so you need not worry.
3. As always, praise him when he stops barking.
For your information, your dog might still be barking noisily and disrupting your neighborhood when you are not at home. In this case, you’ll need a training equipment known as “bark collars” to help train him.
There are several types of bark collars on the market. Some of these collars send an electric shock to your dog when he barks, some make a high pitch sound or emits a squirt of citronella which is annoying but safe for your dog. Usually, these collars can help you solve a problematic barker.
Personally, I’ll recommend the high pitch sound or citronella collars. They are very effective and more humane dog training tools.
Although some barking from is acceptable, too much barking is certainly annoying, especially for your neighbors and eventually leading to complains. The easiest way to stop a problematic barker is to control his barking while you are at home:
1. Set up a situation where your dog will always bark. For example, you can ask someone to ring your doorbell or knock on your door.
2. When your dog charges to the door and start to bark loudly, approach your dog, grab his collar and give the command “quiet” – no shouting please, it doesn’t help.
3. If he stops barking, praise and reward. He’s a genius and deserves it.
4. When he continues barking, close his mouth with your hand, wrap your fingers around his muzzle – use both hands if needed, and give the command for him to keep quiet. Praise if he stops.
Most dogs would be able to learn the “quiet” command with repeated training like this. Set up similar situations to "lure" your dog to bark and repeat training whenever possible.
If you happen to own a hard-core persistent barker, use this method:
1. Vinegar-Water solution – mix a proportion of 7/8 water & 1/8 vinegar together. Pour the mixture into a water pistol or what kids call “super soaker” for longer distance shooting.
2. Aim and shoot at his chest whenever he can’t stop barking even on your command. Dogs hate the smell of vinegar and would usually back off and stop barking. He’ll even sneeze a few times. It’s harmless so you need not worry.
3. As always, praise him when he stops barking.
For your information, your dog might still be barking noisily and disrupting your neighborhood when you are not at home. In this case, you’ll need a training equipment known as “bark collars” to help train him.
There are several types of bark collars on the market. Some of these collars send an electric shock to your dog when he barks, some make a high pitch sound or emits a squirt of citronella which is annoying but safe for your dog. Usually, these collars can help you solve a problematic barker.
Personally, I’ll recommend the high pitch sound or citronella collars. They are very effective and more humane dog training tools.
Small Dog Separation Anxiety
A world without dogs would be crazy. It would be lonely for most of us if we lost our favorite canine companions. Fortunately, almost every household in the US had had at least one dog.
Dogs are animals that need special care and extra attention from us humans. Compared to cats, dogs are more active and showy to their companions. Cats just lie and sleep most of the day. It only moves toward you to get is dose of petting or to ask for food. Most of the time, cats would rather sleep or groom themselves.
Dogs are different. They are playful, they interact with other people and other dogs as well. They show appreciation to their owner, in one way or another. Men and dogs have become ultimate partners, helping each other... enjoying a complimentary relationship.
Dogs are also utilized outside the home, even in law enforcement. The police have canine units that help them in searching for different dangerous substances or objects. Sometimes, K-9 units are also used to search for missing people. If well trained, these special dogs can detect or identify crime suspects by tagging the smell.
Even blind people immensely benefit from dogs. These dogs serve as the “eyes” of their blind master. These dogs enable blind people to live relatively normal lives, allowing them to leave their homes and enjoy the outdoors much like other people who can see.
Dogs have different personalities. It really depends on the breed or the dog's family history. From being a puppy to an adult dog, they are accompanied by their human masters. These people are familiar to dogs and how they live everyday. The dog's everyday routine is usually dependent on their master's lifestyle.
However, some dogs experience anxiety that almost comes instantly when they are left alone by their master. If they are left alone, these dogs can become destructive, which is their means of expressing frustration or loneliness. This is actually called separation anxiety in dogs. Dogs can become restless and bored, and if they see that their master is not around, they may go out to chew on anything that they can get their paws on --- from slippers, to furniture, to other objects found in the house.
In fact, chewing on certain objects that have the master's smell (socks, shoe, the sofa, or even the door) is one of the many symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs. Other symptoms to watch out for would be continuous barking, uncontrolled “pooping”, and various ways to get master's attention.
Probable causes for such behavior often include dogs that were not properly socialized or dogs that have been living in different homes. With this in mind, owners should take a second look at their dogs and see if they exhibit such behavior. This will give them the idea that their dogs might be suffering from separation anxiety.
Dealing with separation anxiety in dogs can be serious if not threatening for your carpet or sofa. Begin with a no “goodbye” technique. Owners should not give their dogs any hugs before they leave the home. This will only make the dog long for more attention from the owner. Another tip would be to leave some toys or goodies that will help your dog consume its time and takes its attention away from its anxiety.
Dogs are animals that need special care and extra attention from us humans. Compared to cats, dogs are more active and showy to their companions. Cats just lie and sleep most of the day. It only moves toward you to get is dose of petting or to ask for food. Most of the time, cats would rather sleep or groom themselves.
Dogs are different. They are playful, they interact with other people and other dogs as well. They show appreciation to their owner, in one way or another. Men and dogs have become ultimate partners, helping each other... enjoying a complimentary relationship.
Dogs are also utilized outside the home, even in law enforcement. The police have canine units that help them in searching for different dangerous substances or objects. Sometimes, K-9 units are also used to search for missing people. If well trained, these special dogs can detect or identify crime suspects by tagging the smell.
Even blind people immensely benefit from dogs. These dogs serve as the “eyes” of their blind master. These dogs enable blind people to live relatively normal lives, allowing them to leave their homes and enjoy the outdoors much like other people who can see.
Dogs have different personalities. It really depends on the breed or the dog's family history. From being a puppy to an adult dog, they are accompanied by their human masters. These people are familiar to dogs and how they live everyday. The dog's everyday routine is usually dependent on their master's lifestyle.
However, some dogs experience anxiety that almost comes instantly when they are left alone by their master. If they are left alone, these dogs can become destructive, which is their means of expressing frustration or loneliness. This is actually called separation anxiety in dogs. Dogs can become restless and bored, and if they see that their master is not around, they may go out to chew on anything that they can get their paws on --- from slippers, to furniture, to other objects found in the house.
In fact, chewing on certain objects that have the master's smell (socks, shoe, the sofa, or even the door) is one of the many symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs. Other symptoms to watch out for would be continuous barking, uncontrolled “pooping”, and various ways to get master's attention.
Probable causes for such behavior often include dogs that were not properly socialized or dogs that have been living in different homes. With this in mind, owners should take a second look at their dogs and see if they exhibit such behavior. This will give them the idea that their dogs might be suffering from separation anxiety.
Dealing with separation anxiety in dogs can be serious if not threatening for your carpet or sofa. Begin with a no “goodbye” technique. Owners should not give their dogs any hugs before they leave the home. This will only make the dog long for more attention from the owner. Another tip would be to leave some toys or goodies that will help your dog consume its time and takes its attention away from its anxiety.
Importance Of Dog Treats When Training
If you have a new puppy and are looking for the secret to training the puppy into the well-behaved dog of your dreams, the secret is simple and easy: dog treats.
All dog owners know the sometimes slow and frustrating process of training, taming and teaching their dog some good behavior and maybe even some fun tricks. The problem for many owners is that they forget about one of the main reasons that any human or dog will act: motivation. Just like you need a little motivation to start exercising more or to get your house cleaned out, dogs need motivating reasons big enough to make them want to stop wetting on your carpet or eating holes into all of your socks. Dog treats can be a sure way to motivate your precious pup to do almost anything you desire.
Dog treats are a great motivator for puppies for the obvious reason that they taste good. Only when dog treats are actually reserved as a special treat will dogs want to do whatever it takes to enjoy the yummy treat. Can't you see how this is true? Imagine these two options in your own life: in the first option, you could eat ice cream as much and as often as you wanted to; in the second option, you could only enjoy ice cream if you had put in a full hour of working out. Now tell me, would you be very motivated to work out under the first option? Of course you wouldn't. Not if ice cream could be a treat whether you exercised or not. I want you to know that your puppies and dogs are no different, and that is why it is vital that dog treats are only given as a reward for performing well.
For you, the dog owner, dog treats are great because they are relatively inexpensive. Before you rush off and spend a lot of money for a puppy obedience school you should try to train your puppy for a considerable amount of time on your own. And use dog treats. Even if the process of training your own puppy is frustrating, it will be better for you and your pup if they received all of their training from you.
Whether you are teaching your pup how to sit down or roll over or how to go potty outside, using dog treats can be an important element of the training. In no time your dog will learn to love the reward of dog treats enough that it will obey every command you give it. Run to a local pet shop, pick up a box of dog treats and let the training process begin!
All dog owners know the sometimes slow and frustrating process of training, taming and teaching their dog some good behavior and maybe even some fun tricks. The problem for many owners is that they forget about one of the main reasons that any human or dog will act: motivation. Just like you need a little motivation to start exercising more or to get your house cleaned out, dogs need motivating reasons big enough to make them want to stop wetting on your carpet or eating holes into all of your socks. Dog treats can be a sure way to motivate your precious pup to do almost anything you desire.
Dog treats are a great motivator for puppies for the obvious reason that they taste good. Only when dog treats are actually reserved as a special treat will dogs want to do whatever it takes to enjoy the yummy treat. Can't you see how this is true? Imagine these two options in your own life: in the first option, you could eat ice cream as much and as often as you wanted to; in the second option, you could only enjoy ice cream if you had put in a full hour of working out. Now tell me, would you be very motivated to work out under the first option? Of course you wouldn't. Not if ice cream could be a treat whether you exercised or not. I want you to know that your puppies and dogs are no different, and that is why it is vital that dog treats are only given as a reward for performing well.
For you, the dog owner, dog treats are great because they are relatively inexpensive. Before you rush off and spend a lot of money for a puppy obedience school you should try to train your puppy for a considerable amount of time on your own. And use dog treats. Even if the process of training your own puppy is frustrating, it will be better for you and your pup if they received all of their training from you.
Whether you are teaching your pup how to sit down or roll over or how to go potty outside, using dog treats can be an important element of the training. In no time your dog will learn to love the reward of dog treats enough that it will obey every command you give it. Run to a local pet shop, pick up a box of dog treats and let the training process begin!
Pit Bull Terrier Agility Training
Spending time training your Pit Bull can be very rewarding and fun for you both. It helps build a stronger bond between dog and owner that is important for the happiness of both parties. There are many different types of training that you can choose to do with your Pit Bull, one such is agility training.
Agility training is the process of teaching your dog to successfully navigate an obstacle course. If the training is successful, your pet should be able to do it by only listening to and obeying your commands. During an event, the dogs are timed and to win must not make any mistakes and must have the fastest time. It takes a lot of practice for a dog to be successful at this, but can be quite fun for both dog and trainer. This activity is especially good for Pit Bulls because it gives them a good outlet for all the extra energy they seem to have.
Most experts recommend not starting agility training until your dog is at least one year old, at least not to enter in a competition before that age. Many owners who train their dogs to participate in these events will purchase their own equipment to have at home, so that they can begin training the dog at an earlier age. Agility training equipment can be quite expensive, so some trainers prefer to build their own equipment. Instructions can be found online and in books that should be available either in your local library or bookstore. Owners should be careful to watch the dog for any signs of injury, because occasionally working on agility training while the puppy is still growing will put a lot of strain on joints and bones that are not fully conditioned yet. It is recommended to have your dog cleared by a veterinarian before beginning any type of agility training.
The dog should also understand and obey basic commands before beginning any other type of training. Any type of training helps dog and owner to build a better relationship with each other, allowing them to work better and better together as time goes on. You should also work through any behavior or aggression issues your Pit Bull may have before considering agility training. The results will be less satisfactory and take longer to achieve if the dog is also working through other issues.
Most Pit Bull owners that are serious about their dog competing in agility competitions will enroll him in a training class, at least to help teach him the basics, then work with the dog on their own to enhance what he has learned. Being in a class will also help your dog work on his socialization, which will make him behave better around other dogs. Pit Bulls tend to want to fight when around other dogs, especially those of the same gender.
The most important thing to remember is no matter what type of training you do with your Pit Bull, you both should enjoy it. Spending time together will help build a better bond, leading to a lasting relationship. Whether you want your dog to compete or not, the benefits for both you and the dog are many.
Agility training is the process of teaching your dog to successfully navigate an obstacle course. If the training is successful, your pet should be able to do it by only listening to and obeying your commands. During an event, the dogs are timed and to win must not make any mistakes and must have the fastest time. It takes a lot of practice for a dog to be successful at this, but can be quite fun for both dog and trainer. This activity is especially good for Pit Bulls because it gives them a good outlet for all the extra energy they seem to have.
Most experts recommend not starting agility training until your dog is at least one year old, at least not to enter in a competition before that age. Many owners who train their dogs to participate in these events will purchase their own equipment to have at home, so that they can begin training the dog at an earlier age. Agility training equipment can be quite expensive, so some trainers prefer to build their own equipment. Instructions can be found online and in books that should be available either in your local library or bookstore. Owners should be careful to watch the dog for any signs of injury, because occasionally working on agility training while the puppy is still growing will put a lot of strain on joints and bones that are not fully conditioned yet. It is recommended to have your dog cleared by a veterinarian before beginning any type of agility training.
The dog should also understand and obey basic commands before beginning any other type of training. Any type of training helps dog and owner to build a better relationship with each other, allowing them to work better and better together as time goes on. You should also work through any behavior or aggression issues your Pit Bull may have before considering agility training. The results will be less satisfactory and take longer to achieve if the dog is also working through other issues.
Most Pit Bull owners that are serious about their dog competing in agility competitions will enroll him in a training class, at least to help teach him the basics, then work with the dog on their own to enhance what he has learned. Being in a class will also help your dog work on his socialization, which will make him behave better around other dogs. Pit Bulls tend to want to fight when around other dogs, especially those of the same gender.
The most important thing to remember is no matter what type of training you do with your Pit Bull, you both should enjoy it. Spending time together will help build a better bond, leading to a lasting relationship. Whether you want your dog to compete or not, the benefits for both you and the dog are many.
Agility Training For Your Dog
Is your dog timid around people or other dogs? Is your dog sensitive to sounds? Agility training can provide the environment and structure to build confidence in your dog. Agility classes are a great place for people to learn about the sport and learn how to train, but the timid dog may take a long time before he is ready to venture from under your chair or off your lap.
A timid or shy dog can only learn inside their comfort zone. So, training must begin where they feel safe and behaviors must be taught in very small increments. Home will probably be the best place to train and have learning take place for your dog.
So, how do you train at home? You will need guidelines and equipment. There is a multitude of websites that can give you information on agility training. There are also books and videos that will give details and visual aids and lesson plans for beginners thru expert levels.
There is a variety of equipment that is useful and helpful to have at home. Equipment recommendations are based on your available space and location of training. Do you have a large yard that will hold 10 obstacles? Do you have a small yard where you will need setup equipment and then tear down before you can setup again? Will you be training in your garage or basement, or as some agility addicts, in your living room.
For the timid dogs make sure your equipment is safe and sturdy. The pause table is a good place to begin your agility training. A 12” high pause table, with adjustable legs for later use, is a good starting place for all size dogs. Remember with your shy dog, setup your table in an area that is very familiar to your dog. If your dog barks at anything new, just leave your pause table in your house or yard for several days, let your dog inspect and smell it on his own or with a little coaxing, but don’t push to fast, remember baby steps with the insecure dog. With treats in a dish or his favorite toy placed on the table encourage your dog to get up on the table. This may take more than one lesson, be patient. If your timid dog looses interest in food or toys when you attempt something new, trying holding him and you sit on the table. If your dog is too big to hold, have him on leash and you sit on the table. If he backs away coax him, only treat or reward him when he comes to you, never when he’s pulling back away from you or the table.
Eventually, you want your dog to be able to jump on the table with your cue word, “Table”, “Box”, “Kennel”, whatever word you use, Stay on the table as you back away and then Come when you call. Build your distance slowly so that your dog is not pushed to soon.
From Pause Table to Contact Trainer is a nice transition for shy dog. A Contact Trainer comes in different designs. We recommend a 3-Piece Contact Trainer that has one mini A-frame side, a Pause Table, and then a mini Dog-walk side. Your dog can Sit on the table and then be coaxed down the A-frame side or the Dog-walk side. Just remember with the shy dog, training is done in increments, slowly and comfortably, with a little push to stretch him, but not enough to overwhelm him to cause a shutdown.
You can follow the above techniques introducing new obstacles as your dog is able to succeed. As your dog succeeds on each new piece of equipment you will see his confidence grow.
A timid or shy dog can only learn inside their comfort zone. So, training must begin where they feel safe and behaviors must be taught in very small increments. Home will probably be the best place to train and have learning take place for your dog.
So, how do you train at home? You will need guidelines and equipment. There is a multitude of websites that can give you information on agility training. There are also books and videos that will give details and visual aids and lesson plans for beginners thru expert levels.
There is a variety of equipment that is useful and helpful to have at home. Equipment recommendations are based on your available space and location of training. Do you have a large yard that will hold 10 obstacles? Do you have a small yard where you will need setup equipment and then tear down before you can setup again? Will you be training in your garage or basement, or as some agility addicts, in your living room.
For the timid dogs make sure your equipment is safe and sturdy. The pause table is a good place to begin your agility training. A 12” high pause table, with adjustable legs for later use, is a good starting place for all size dogs. Remember with your shy dog, setup your table in an area that is very familiar to your dog. If your dog barks at anything new, just leave your pause table in your house or yard for several days, let your dog inspect and smell it on his own or with a little coaxing, but don’t push to fast, remember baby steps with the insecure dog. With treats in a dish or his favorite toy placed on the table encourage your dog to get up on the table. This may take more than one lesson, be patient. If your timid dog looses interest in food or toys when you attempt something new, trying holding him and you sit on the table. If your dog is too big to hold, have him on leash and you sit on the table. If he backs away coax him, only treat or reward him when he comes to you, never when he’s pulling back away from you or the table.
Eventually, you want your dog to be able to jump on the table with your cue word, “Table”, “Box”, “Kennel”, whatever word you use, Stay on the table as you back away and then Come when you call. Build your distance slowly so that your dog is not pushed to soon.
From Pause Table to Contact Trainer is a nice transition for shy dog. A Contact Trainer comes in different designs. We recommend a 3-Piece Contact Trainer that has one mini A-frame side, a Pause Table, and then a mini Dog-walk side. Your dog can Sit on the table and then be coaxed down the A-frame side or the Dog-walk side. Just remember with the shy dog, training is done in increments, slowly and comfortably, with a little push to stretch him, but not enough to overwhelm him to cause a shutdown.
You can follow the above techniques introducing new obstacles as your dog is able to succeed. As your dog succeeds on each new piece of equipment you will see his confidence grow.
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