I have also produced an award winning dog training video. The video was rated 'Outstanding' by Parents Choice Awards and was chosen by the National Association of the Deaf to be open captioned for use in their national library for the hearing impaired. This 'pet' style of training is a little more common than it was when I began my business many years ago, but unfortunately many dog training facilities across the country still use harsh techniques. I urge you NOT to train your pet in any harsh manner. Training is vital to the well being of our dogs, but not in a harsh manner. Locate a trainer that uses respectful training techniques.
Pet Training Tips...
One of the first things I always tell my students, is "unless your dog makes your house payment, it's not their house, it's yours!" (Which has been a point that my own dogs continue to argue with me about - they actually DO help make my house payment!) The point, is that you should set the rules. It is your house. Our pets should enhance our lives, not control our lives.
Training a dog is not all that difficult - it just takes a little determination - and understanding. You need to realize that dogs do not think or learn like humans - they are pack animals. Meaning - under their system - there is a pack leader - and pack mates. The pack leader is the decision maker - the provider - and the protector of the group. The pack mates eat after the leader, sleep on a physical level lower than the leader, and follows his 'lead'. Sometimes - the pack mates challenge the leader to see who really is 'top' dog. And your dog will do the same to you. But you need to take the position of pack leader! I have trained my own dogs to Sit, Down, Stay, and Come to me when called. Those are the basic commands - and will be the foundation for you to build on. My dogs do not beg at the dinner table - they are told to 'Down - Stay' during our meal time. They are taught to greet people by sitting - so they do not jump up on anyone. They do not pull me on the leash on walks - and again - when we are out - if anyone pets them - they have to sit. It's basically teaching them good manners. I never hit or harshly punish a dog! Never! I praise them and give them small treats for good behaviors!
The biggest secret to training a dog…Your object should NOT be to correct them for what they are doing wrong – but to Teach them what to do right – and give them plenty of praise for doing those ‘rights’.
Pet owners are always quick to correct their dog for something they have done wrong – but not as quick to reward them for something they are doing right.
You find your new shoes being chewed on and you immediately begin screaming. But you find them chewing on their toy – and you don’t say a word.
They jump up on you – and you fuss at them again – but you don’t teach them how to greet you properly. There is a dog trainer’s saying – Don’t complain – Train.
Dogs have a capacity to learn 200 to 250 words or commands. In other words – they have a great capacity to learn from you. I always ask my clients to tell me what their idea of a perfect dog is – if they had a magic want they could wave over their dogs head – and turn them into the perfect dog – what would that dog be? And we begin to train from there.
You can have your perfect dog – teach them!
Understanding the 'language' barrier.
As you know, there are language barriers between us humans and our dogs. We speak to them in our language and sometimes the interpretations get confused. Understanding the translation can prevent and cure some behavior problems that a lot of us endure.
For example...Is your dog afraid of storms?
Do you try to console them, but the fear gets worse? It's because of their interpretation of our concern. It is natural to feel sorry and concerned over your dogs fear of storms. And it's also natural for us to try to console them and attempt to let them know 'things' are ok. But their understanding of the consoling, encourages the fear. They are interpreting our consoling as 'good fear, do this again next storm'. You show love to your dog by petting, hugging, and 'nice talk' (you know, that high pitched voice saying 'Good Boy', 'What a good dog') to them. They are interpreting your concern as positive reinforcement for their fear. Instead...even though it is very difficult to do, ignore the fear. Play with them. If you need to, put a leash on them and practice some tricks with some small treats or practice your obedience. Lots of 'Happy Talk' when they are up and moving about. If not corrected, this problem can get way out of hand. I've know a dog that went out of a second story window from the fear of a storm (she did survive the fall).
House Training...
The best way to house train a dog is to not give them the opportunity to have any mistakes. Which means to have him on a leash - room to room with you - whenever you are at home. Except when you are sleeping - he needs to be in a crate at night and when you are gone. Frequent trips outside - using the same phrase each time. For example, "Let's go potty". You should go out with him and the instant he does business outside - you should give him a small food reward! You will be teaching him that going outside is the behavior you approve of. And with the leash on in the house - you are taking away any opportunity to make mistakes. If he begins to go while you are in the house - quickly get him out. Take him out first thing in the morning, right after meals, and every hour when he is very active.
Back Yard Behaviors
As disgusting as it is, some dogs will consume their own stool - or other animals stool. This behavior can start from several different reasons - but the most common is nutrition. Or actually - lack of proper nutrition. When the dog is not getting the nutrients that their body is telling them they need - they try to 'recycle'. And as disgusting as the behavior is - from the dogs perspective - they are just trying to get what their body needs. Another reason that dogs behave in this way comes from Mother Nature. A doggie mom will naturally 'clean up' after her little babies in the litter. Sometimes there is a designated 'cleaner' as well as mom. Regardless of the reason, a change in the animals diet is the first step in correcting the behavior. You must find a food with a quality protein (chicken meal for example) and proper nutrients. I do recommend Life's Abundance found at www.ritashealthypetnet.com. The next step is to limit your dogs access. If need be, keep him or her on a leash in the yard and pick up the stool immediately. You are needing to improve the nutrients they are receiving in the food, and break the behavior pattern at the same time.
Aggression towards other dogs...
This can happen with little dogs - everything to them is sooo much bigger - it can be a little intimidating. And, a lot of times, what happens - Owners will tend to console their dog if he/she appears to be frightened. And your baby will misinterpret the consoling as positive reinforcement for the behavior. Let me give you an example...
I would guess that when your dog barks at the bigger dogs - he is acting a little afraid of them. Your instinct is probably to pick him up and tell him 'it's ok - they aren't going to hurt you'. When you pick him up - he is understanding that he is doing good by barking and being afraid. He understands the picking him up and talking to him as 'positive reinforcement' for his fear and barking. Your intentions are to console him in hopes of him being friends - but being a dog - he understands it differently. We think and act like humans - they think and act like dogs. Totally different.
So, now for what you should do. Being a trainer - I have worked with many dogs. I have a lot of hesitation telling you to work on him being able to play with other dogs - especially larger ones. A little dog can get hurt very quickly - if a larger dog does not know how to play with him correctly. I have a little Papillion - very similar to a long haired Chihuahua - small dog! But, I also have a 80 pound German Shepherd and a 50 pound Border Collie. My two bigger dogs know how to play with my little guy - they are gentle with him. But I would not let my little dog play with other larger dogs. One mistake could take his life! But I would also not allow him to bark and show bad behavior when we were around other dogs. And - I actually will pick my little guy up if a larger dog comes near if I see that the Owner does not have proper control over the dog. I always play on the safe side with everything!
So, I would suggest you take her with you - don't expect her to play and feel safe saying hello to other dogs. But at the same time - do not allow her to be rude and bark. I always tell Owners - until they make your house payment - it's not their house - it's yours! And you decide what is acceptable behavior. I hope this helps you!
How do you choose the perfect boarding kennel for your pet
Of course you need to visit the facility, long before your trip is scheduled. Holidays, spring break, and summer vacation times can book up months in advance for popular facilities.
The facility should look and smell clean – everywhere. I prefer kennels that separate the animals boarding space with a solid wall – versus separation with chain link fencing that could lead to someone being bullied. Outside areas should again be clean, and above all safe. Look for secure fencing and areas safe from digging out.
Meet as much of the staff as possible – these are the people that will care for your baby. Provide your Veterinary information and ask how they handle a medical emergency.
If you pet is a ‘first timer’ at a kennel – I will suggest you to do one or two overnight stays, before you board for your week long vacation. If the kennel allows – take their bedding from home. Better yet, use an old towel when you shower that morning and send it along with your pet’s bedding. Smells from you will be appreciated.
I also recommend you bringing your pets own food and treats from home. Your pet does not need the added stress of a food change. Separate it into individual servings for the ease of kennel staff.
Household Safety
We love our pets too much to take chances with their well being – and many of us are not aware of the potential hazards in our homes.
Toxic floor cleaning solutions can be absorbed thru your pets paws or be ingested by licking their feet. Household detergents, bleaches, and disinfectants can all be poisonous. As well as mouse and rat poison, ant and roach bates, and moth balls.
Chocolate, coffee grounds, macadamia nuts, alcohol and cigarette butts can cause serious illness.
Properly dispose of razors, soap products and medications. I know you don’t think it could happen – but you would be surprised at how many pets raid the garbage can.
Avoid toilet bowl cleaners that continuously treat the water – use cleaners that can be flushed away.
The garage or driveway has its hazards – antifreeze. A very small amount could be deadly.
Bundle all electrical cords out of site, wrapped in paper towel rolls, heavy tape or even foil.
If you would like a full list of household concerns – visit www. ASPCA.org.
Sit, Stay
Many professional dog trainers teach only the obedience exercises such as Sit, Stay, Down, and Coming to you when called. But that is only part of the story. Just because your dog knows these commands, does not assure you of a well mannered family member. But what does, is applying these exercises into your every day life.
Let me give you an example...
It is 'International Dog Law' that any food that falls to the floor is the dogs! So, it seems that dogs are always under foot when you are in the kitchen cooking a meal. In my house, with 3 dogs, this could mean moving around the kitchen is like navigating an obstacle course. Instead, when I prepare a meal, while we eat, and during clean-up - my dogs are told to 'Down' and 'Stay' out from under my feet.
Before the whole 'meal' process begins, I place the dogs in an off to the side area in a 'Down - Stay'. They are still close just in case any food falls to the floor, and out from under my feet. They are close to the table without being in begging range.
By using obedience commands in every day life, I have a well mannered family member(s). And the bonus from this is that it gives dogs daily practice of these commands. Many pet Owners participate in a obedience training program, only to rarely practice the exercises in the future. When you implement the obedience training into daily life, you are getting daily practice!
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