Wednesday, January 28, 2009

The Different Phases of Dog Training

It is a common scenario - someone, maybe a single person or maybe a family, walks into a pet store or animal shelter. They hem and haw, pet and cuddle, and make all sorts of exclamations. A few moments later, they walk out with the "perfect" dog or puppy in tow, ready to start out on their new life together. It may be a big dog or a small dog, an older dog or a younger puppy - everyone's idea of the "perfect" dog is a little bit different. However, all dogs, big and small, young and old, can benefit from dog training. Puppy potty training can take your puppy from a cute little mess to an ideal housemate and beyond.
The start: Puppy Training
The majority of training for puppies is designed to make them better household companions. For the average family pet, training will often not extend beyond this phase. Trainng your puppy to use a potty pee pad is one of the most daunting challenges for most new pet owners. For working and competitive dogs, this aspect of training is only the beginning. The most popular type of training for dogs(so popular, in fact, that many people do not even realize that it is training) includes things like training your dog to walk on the leash, house and potty training your dog, and simple commands like "sit" and "drop it," as well as basic social behaviors. It is easiest to begin puppy training at an early age, though if you acquire an older dog, you can train with him or her as well. Dogs are happiest when they know what is expected of them, and training helps to make those expectations clear. Training your dog is also a great way to strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
Competitive Dogs
The next step in training would be for competition. Some owners use dog training to teach their dogs tricks, like catching Frisbees on command, fetching items, or helping them with a freestyle routine. Other dog owners will use training to teach them to run agility courses, pull sleds, or do other activities. This level of training requires a strong bond between dog and owner, as well as a willing subject. Puppy training at this level is not something that you can do once and then go on with your life - it requires daily practice and commitment. Many of the professionals you see competing in agility trials or other competitions have been working with their dogs for years to conduct the training required.
Working Dogs
An even more stringent dog training method is required for working dogs. Working dogs assist people in a variety of fashions - they can be trained to sniff out drugs or contraband in airports, trained to assist the handicapped or disabled, or even trained as members of the police force or military. The dog training required for these dogs often takes months, if not years. Specific dogs are chosen from a young age to participate in this type of dog training, and often specific breeds are preferred due to breed characteristics. Only a few of the dogs that start on this dog training program end up being successful enough to have a career as a working dog. Training can come in a variety of styles for a variety of purposes. Even so, nearly any dog and owner can benefit from dog training.

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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Puppy Training Tips. Basic Puppy Obedience.

Training your puppy may be time consuming, but the rewards will be felt for a lifetime. Any doubters should catch the "Marley and Me" movie for reinforcement of this statement. Your cute little squirming bundle of joy will not be so lovable as an out of control grown and rambunctious dog. Puppy training is a great way to nip behavior problems in the bud as well as developing bonds of respect and love.
We are just going to cover a few simple but effective aspects for training puppies here.
Who am I?
Once you have decided on a great and unique moniker for your new best friend, you need to teach it to your puppy. There is no point giving your pup a great name if your dog never realizes it is his name. After selecting the world's best name you will need to start calling your new puppy by this. If your dog looks totally clueless start by calling "Puppy" as well as the new label. Most pups will happily respond to the word puppy. When you get your puppy's attention with the new name it is important to praise, reward, treat or cuddle. This way your dog understands that when you call his name it is worthwhile for him to pay attention.
If you are going to rouse on your dog just say "No", do not add their name as well. Most puppies should pick up on their new name within a few days to a week. Be sure to use the name frequently when talking to your puppy.
Coming on command.
It is vital that your dog will eventually come every time you call him. Once your dog recognizes his name it is time to start teaching him to come . Call your dog's name in a friendly voice. For example "Rover come here". When your dog comes over reward with praise, food or a cuddle. Your dog needs to associate "Come" with pleasant things. If you call your dog over for a beating or a rousing he may never come again when you call him.
Sit.
Another extremely important concept for your dog to understand is "Sit". This can be a lifesaver later on when your overgrown pup is jumping on everyone in sight. It will also be easier for you to leash train when your dog understands the meaning of the word "sit". Luckily, teaching "sit" is relatively simple.
Start off by saying "Sit" and pushing gently on your dog's butt. Your pup will naturally be forced to sit. At this moment reward your pup. Try this technique a few times at a go. It will not be long before your puppy totally understands the meaning of the word "sit". Once your puppy has learned this trick be sure to keep practicing a few times a day.
Training a puppy need not be frustrating. Use puppy training time as an opportunity to build love and respect between you and your puppy. Dogs need boundaries to keep them as man's best friend. Puppy obedience is as important to your dog's well-being as food and shelter.

Author Billy Baker has supplied more detail on puppy training including eleven tips here -http://www.easy-puppy-training-tips.com/Eleven-Helpful-Puppy-Training-Tips.html

Monday, January 26, 2009

The language your dog speaks

RECOGNIZE WHAT YOUR DOG IS TELLING YOU WHEN HE IS BARKING, WHINING, WHISTLING OR WHIMPERING.
If you've seen some of my previous articles you know we have littermate Miniature Schnauzers. A sister, Steffi who started out black but is now morphing into black and silver and her brother, Stanley who is a breed definitive Salt & Pepper.
She is the Alpha Dog.
Stanley was originally Alpha up till they were about eight months old. Then Steffi grew tired of his hassling and beat up on him. The second time she beat him he got the message. He's a surfer dude who cares nothing for the state of the nation so she didn't have much trouble establishing the new hierarchy.
We've gone through it all between the two pups and they each sent a different message. Even brothers and sisters speak a different language.
When he was a pup he whined, whimpered and whistled. When he wanted something for himself he whined. When he thought the world was dumping on him he whimpered and made us feel sorry for him. Although we caught onto that very shortly and let them both know the guilt trip wouldn't fly.
Whistling was Stanley's most interesting phenomenon. It became a mark of fear mixed with what I call 'first call'. As a puppy when he was really confused and frightened he would whistle in panic and console himself and notify us at the same time.
As an adult he does not whistle, rarely whines and doesn't whimper. Occasionally he barks, but he is Omega Dog so he generally concedes that noise is Steffi's prerogative.
Girl dogs evidently do not whistle; at least Steffi hasn't. She made little noise until she read Stanley's beads. Now she does the barking, and when she thinks they need a change of scenery, she whines...which is a mixture of a screech and a whine.
Within the time frame of her epiphany over Stanley she introduced a low, guttural, angry growl. When they are wrestling and she hits those notes Stanley retires immediately to a corner of the couch until her voice comes back to normal.
When Steffi is at our front louvers which open up onto the front communal space she is protecting us from the squirrels. I have verbally chastised her about her frenetic barking, so she has authored this special (for better word) 'utterance'. She sounds a little like a small raptor with a bone caught in her throat; or maybe a rooster who is trying to crow and swallow water at the same time.
We have never allowed uncontrolled barking but it is a continual battle to curb it. The presence of two squirrels on the front lawn is overpowering and so both have to be cautioned in that event.
Steffi, being Alpha always sounds the signal requesting reentry into the house when they have been outside in the patio. Stanley, as befits his status in the hierarchy sits patiently in waiting.
I am still trying to figure out if he has us all fooled and is just letting her do all the doggy work or if he really is subject to her. He grooms her; she rarely him. He drops whatever he has in his mouth when she approaches; never her...so we'll just have to wait...and watch.

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Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Top 10 most popular Dog Breeds as family pets

I know we all love to Dogs because they are like our family members and well known companion but their are some breeds which are most popular they are following.

1- Golden Retrievers :- This breed is most popular in the world. That breed has a status of "true American family dogs". Golden Retrievers are very intelligent and loveable. They are very devoted companions. Golden Retrievers are easy to train.

2- Labrador Retrievers :- This Breed is from Newfoundland. Having very well balanced athletic body. Labrador Retrievers are highly intelligent, loyal, and deeply devoted.

3- German Shepherds :- German Shepherds are also very popular Dogs. they are multipurpose dogs used in Police works, Protection works, Drug or Bomb Detection, Military works and many others. They are also a very good Family pets.

4- Beagles :- Beagles are "Big Dogs" in small size but very loving, kind & gentle dogs. They are also very popular in America. Beagles are not only good Family pets but also Good hunters.

5- Yorkshire Terriers :- Yorkshire Terriers, also called Yorkies. This is smallest in all Terriers. Very intelligent Breed and very quick to learn.

6- Boxers :- This Breed is from Germany. They are very Strong, loyal and used in police work, and military work. They having very low maintenance.

7- Shih Tzu :- Shih Tzu is a Toy Breed. It is very popular in Hollywood celebrities. It is also known as "small lion".

8- Dachshunds :- This breed having Small size. They are also called as "Dachs". They have long body shape but small legs. They love to run & play with their family.

9- Pomeranian :- They are also very popular as Family dogs. They learn very fast. having good loving nature. but needs obersvation with small childrens.

10- Poodles :- They having 3 breed standards one standard & second is miniature & also in toy. They are beautiful, loyal and extremely intelligent dogs.