“If he ever grows into those paws”, how many times have you heard this about your puppy, or said it to someone else about theirs? There is a lot of truth to the statement, you can tell a lot about a puppy adult size by the size of his paws. Do not wait until he is so large that he takes you for a walk instead of the other way around. It is necessary to establish control when they are small.
It is imperative to train a dog at least the basics before he gets too large, a dog can start his training as soon as he is weaned. If you cant control him at 2 months and 6 pounds, how can you expect to when he is nine months and 50 pounds, you may end up with your arm out of joint every time you try to walk him. These are the dogs that usually end up relegated to the back yard on a chain, and become aggressive and mean.
Start training your puppy by putting a collar on him, he will scratch and try everything he can to get it off. When he has become used to the collar, add the leash, allow him to drag it around for a few minutes at a time until he no longer objects to it.
When you begin walking him on a leash he will pull against it, this is to be expected. When you can get him to walk on the leash without pulling him along you can start his training. Leash training should never be longer than 15 minutes at a time, 3 or four times a day.
To begin his training approach on the right side and attach the leash, get his attention and begin to walk slowly, keep his right shoulder close to your left leg. If he pulls ahead, give a sharp tug on the lease with the command heel, bringing him back to the shoulder to knee position. When he obeys the command properly give him praise.
Do not get frustrated, if he does not learn the first time always end the training session with a command you know he will follow. Training your dog also involves training yourself, you need to be consistent with the method of training, changing in the middle will only confuse him
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
House Breaking Your Dog
One thing I believe is that rubbing a dogs nose in poop does not do anything but cause him to be afraid of you, and to hide his mistakes. Yes, there will be mistakes, they are part of raising a dog, and the key is to make those mistakes as few and far between as possible.
I have found amazing success with the method I use, and it does not cause any pain or fear in the puppy, which is important. Here are the steps I use to housebreak a puppy.
*Always let your new dog go to the bathroom outside before he ever goes in the house. This establishes in his mind where he can go to the bathroom. The next step is to establish where he cant go, which is in your home!
You have to stay in the yard with him until he goes to the bathroom for the first time; this can take a while, but is absolutely necessary in this training method. I do not know how many times I have been asked how to housebreak a puppy that goes outside to play
then comes in the house to use the bathroom.
*When you are in the house, pay close attention to what your puppy is doing, this will take the whole family. If the puppy begins sniffing around, take him outside again until he goes to the bathroom. This can be difficult as a puppy will automatically sniff around a new home.
*When you go to bed at night or leave for any length of time put your puppy in either a kennel, or a box that is just the right size for him to lie down in. A dog will not use the bathroom where they have to sleep. Last thing at night before going to bed, take him outside. First thing in the morning take him outside, the same thing applies when you leave the house.
This is a lot of work, because you have to spend so much time with your puppy, but it is well worth the time. Having a dog is a responsibility and a serious one, take the time to train him and you will have a dog that everyone enjoys being around.
For more detailed tips, please visit.. House Breaking Your Dog
I have found amazing success with the method I use, and it does not cause any pain or fear in the puppy, which is important. Here are the steps I use to housebreak a puppy.
*Always let your new dog go to the bathroom outside before he ever goes in the house. This establishes in his mind where he can go to the bathroom. The next step is to establish where he cant go, which is in your home!
You have to stay in the yard with him until he goes to the bathroom for the first time; this can take a while, but is absolutely necessary in this training method. I do not know how many times I have been asked how to housebreak a puppy that goes outside to play
then comes in the house to use the bathroom.
*When you are in the house, pay close attention to what your puppy is doing, this will take the whole family. If the puppy begins sniffing around, take him outside again until he goes to the bathroom. This can be difficult as a puppy will automatically sniff around a new home.
*When you go to bed at night or leave for any length of time put your puppy in either a kennel, or a box that is just the right size for him to lie down in. A dog will not use the bathroom where they have to sleep. Last thing at night before going to bed, take him outside. First thing in the morning take him outside, the same thing applies when you leave the house.
This is a lot of work, because you have to spend so much time with your puppy, but it is well worth the time. Having a dog is a responsibility and a serious one, take the time to train him and you will have a dog that everyone enjoys being around.
For more detailed tips, please visit.. House Breaking Your Dog
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Stopping Your Dog from Jumping on People
I have always believed, and still do today, that it is never necessary to physically hurt your dog, as a matter of fact, it is against the law to do so. I used to believe that it was alright to smack a dog on the behind with a loosely rolled newspaper, (it really does make more noise than it hurts them) until I did it one day and came home the next day to a shredded newspaper.
It is amazing how far a dog can spread one newspaper in a day. To dogs, they live in a world of giants, and the only way to make eye contact is to jump up, this is not desirable with any dog and can be down right dangerous with a large dog. I have heard many nightmare stories of dogs that jump on people, from the pregnant woman who was knocked down by a Rottweiler to the little girl who was knocked down by a Labrador.
These dogs should have been trainer early on not to jump on people, and were not, at this point it becomes the fault of the owner, not the dog. If you enjoy having your dog greet you in this way, you can teach him later to jump when commanded too, but for now, he must be taught that all jumping is forbidden. I read once about a rattle it is a great training tool which only costs 20 cents and an empty can. Put 20 pennies into an empty can and tape the top shut, this can be used in several types of training situations.
The key to training your dog is to surprise him, using the rattle along with a firm no, will usually redirect his attention to something else, the noise of the can. Keep one at each door of the house and as he gets ready to jump, this is important, shake the can and tell him no in a firm voice.
Using the rattle with no one time and the no alone sometimes will eventually teach your dog to respond to the no rather than the rattle and the no. When he learns to respond to the no only the rattle is no longer necessary.
Obinna Heche is an acknowledged expert in his field and resides in California USA. For more details visit his site at .. http://home-incomeportal.com
It is amazing how far a dog can spread one newspaper in a day. To dogs, they live in a world of giants, and the only way to make eye contact is to jump up, this is not desirable with any dog and can be down right dangerous with a large dog. I have heard many nightmare stories of dogs that jump on people, from the pregnant woman who was knocked down by a Rottweiler to the little girl who was knocked down by a Labrador.
These dogs should have been trainer early on not to jump on people, and were not, at this point it becomes the fault of the owner, not the dog. If you enjoy having your dog greet you in this way, you can teach him later to jump when commanded too, but for now, he must be taught that all jumping is forbidden. I read once about a rattle it is a great training tool which only costs 20 cents and an empty can. Put 20 pennies into an empty can and tape the top shut, this can be used in several types of training situations.
The key to training your dog is to surprise him, using the rattle along with a firm no, will usually redirect his attention to something else, the noise of the can. Keep one at each door of the house and as he gets ready to jump, this is important, shake the can and tell him no in a firm voice.
Using the rattle with no one time and the no alone sometimes will eventually teach your dog to respond to the no rather than the rattle and the no. When he learns to respond to the no only the rattle is no longer necessary.
Obinna Heche is an acknowledged expert in his field and resides in California USA. For more details visit his site at .. http://home-incomeportal.com
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Ways To Check Aggression In Puppies
Dog biting makes up for almost half the claims made under homeowner’s insurance policies. Nearly two thirds of the cases relate to biting incidents that occur with an acquainted dog. At the same time, healthy and well trained dogs are not aggressive and they normally do not bite.
There is evidence of a genetic disposition of dog aggression in certain breeds. However, that is not the only cause of aggressive dog behavior. There are other factors that influence aggressive behavior in dogs and the best way to guard against such a situation is to start dog training when you purchase or accept a puppy.
Select a puppy that suits your family. Puppies that are too shy need large amounts of coaxing in various situations. Shy puppies will need more time in each activity. Before selecting a shy puppy, make sure that you are ready to spend some time with for him.
On the other hand, if you choose a dominant dog, you may require everyone in the family to be authoritative. You can get to know which puppy is dominant or too shy by inspecting the litter. The most dominant will take control of all activity while a too shy puppy will be seen cringing in the corner.
How you train and handle the puppy in the initial weeks is likely to determine whether he will grow up to be aggressive or not. The period from six weeks to eighteen weeks is crucial for all puppies. It needs indulgence on your part in the shape of gentle but firm handling and hand feeding. Teach him to accept food without snapping or lunging even if it amounts to feeding him in your lap.
Initially most puppies tend to jump on people, walk between legs and go after running children or growl excessively. Physical punishment usually proves to be counterproductive in such cases. Instead deny affection by not interacting for some time or scold verbally with an emphatic ‘NO’.
Early socializing is an important part of training. Puppies start developing sensitivity to other dogs and people almost as soon as they open their eyes at three weeks. The next fifteen weeks are crucial and they need to learn socializing skills. During this period they need to be exposed to other dogs and people in a positive manner so that they develop the required skills to be comfortable with people and dogs.
Puppies brought to a new home after ten to twelve weeks find it difficult to adjust to the new family. They tend to be more fearful and fear can lead to aggressive behavior. As new bonds are not developed, the puppy may try to exert dominance over the family as he grows up. The best time to bring a puppy home is in the middle of the learning period.
The teenage years for a dog begin at sixteen weeks. At this age the hormonal surge makes dogs become more protective and assert territorial dominance. If you bring a puppy home near about that age, his inherent breed specific disposition would have already taken root.
In such instances special care is required while handling. Ensure that you or your family handles him frequently but gently. Resist any temptation to release him if he squirms. That is for showing him that you are the master and he cannot dominate you.
Certain breeds evolved as aggressive dogs due to typical jobs they were required to perform in the early stages of domestication. Before bringing home such puppies, realize that they may require professional training.
Obinna Heche is an acknowledged expert in his field and resides in California USA. For more details visit this link ... Checking Aggression In Puppies
There is evidence of a genetic disposition of dog aggression in certain breeds. However, that is not the only cause of aggressive dog behavior. There are other factors that influence aggressive behavior in dogs and the best way to guard against such a situation is to start dog training when you purchase or accept a puppy.
Select a puppy that suits your family. Puppies that are too shy need large amounts of coaxing in various situations. Shy puppies will need more time in each activity. Before selecting a shy puppy, make sure that you are ready to spend some time with for him.
On the other hand, if you choose a dominant dog, you may require everyone in the family to be authoritative. You can get to know which puppy is dominant or too shy by inspecting the litter. The most dominant will take control of all activity while a too shy puppy will be seen cringing in the corner.
How you train and handle the puppy in the initial weeks is likely to determine whether he will grow up to be aggressive or not. The period from six weeks to eighteen weeks is crucial for all puppies. It needs indulgence on your part in the shape of gentle but firm handling and hand feeding. Teach him to accept food without snapping or lunging even if it amounts to feeding him in your lap.
Initially most puppies tend to jump on people, walk between legs and go after running children or growl excessively. Physical punishment usually proves to be counterproductive in such cases. Instead deny affection by not interacting for some time or scold verbally with an emphatic ‘NO’.
Early socializing is an important part of training. Puppies start developing sensitivity to other dogs and people almost as soon as they open their eyes at three weeks. The next fifteen weeks are crucial and they need to learn socializing skills. During this period they need to be exposed to other dogs and people in a positive manner so that they develop the required skills to be comfortable with people and dogs.
Puppies brought to a new home after ten to twelve weeks find it difficult to adjust to the new family. They tend to be more fearful and fear can lead to aggressive behavior. As new bonds are not developed, the puppy may try to exert dominance over the family as he grows up. The best time to bring a puppy home is in the middle of the learning period.
The teenage years for a dog begin at sixteen weeks. At this age the hormonal surge makes dogs become more protective and assert territorial dominance. If you bring a puppy home near about that age, his inherent breed specific disposition would have already taken root.
In such instances special care is required while handling. Ensure that you or your family handles him frequently but gently. Resist any temptation to release him if he squirms. That is for showing him that you are the master and he cannot dominate you.
Certain breeds evolved as aggressive dogs due to typical jobs they were required to perform in the early stages of domestication. Before bringing home such puppies, realize that they may require professional training.
Obinna Heche is an acknowledged expert in his field and resides in California USA. For more details visit this link ... Checking Aggression In Puppies
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
How to Keep Your Dog off the Furniture
This is a problem that is usually started by the owner, who thinks it is so cute to teach the cute little puppy how to jump on the couch, not even thinking of the day when that cute little puppy becomes a 70 pound dog. At that point, since he has been taught that it is alright to jump up, it is really difficult to teach him not to.
I can't tell you how many times I have been dressed up to go somewhere and stopped at a friends house only to sit in a chair covered with dog hair, at least it was covered with dog hair when I got there. There is also the situation of company coming over and the dog wont get off the couch so they can sit down without a battle. Even small dogs can be a problem when they claim a particular piece of furniture as their own, ever try to remove a Chihuahua from a chair that he thinks is his? It can be a very frightening experience.
My Labrador retriever knew she wasnt supposed to be on the couch, and would wait until I was away from home or in bed at night, talk about sneaky. I prefer to use what I call the rattle to train dogs to stay off the furniture, a rattle is simply a can with 15 or 20 pennies in it, tape the top and it is a great noise maker.
I dont remember where I learned this, but it works great. Dogs dont like to be startled, and the rattle works perfectly. If you are fortunate enough to have a dog that jumps up on the furniture in front of you, use the rattle and a firm no, use the no sometimes with the rattle and sometimes without it.
When they learn the no command, the problem of getting on the furniture will end. If your dog waits until you arent around, just put a couple of them along the edge of the furniture, when they jump up they knock off the rattle and it startles them. As with any training for your dog, patience is one of the keys, it takes time, but is well worth the effort.
Obinna Heche: Is an acknowledged expert in his field and resides in California USA. For more details visit his site at http://justforyourdogs.com
I can't tell you how many times I have been dressed up to go somewhere and stopped at a friends house only to sit in a chair covered with dog hair, at least it was covered with dog hair when I got there. There is also the situation of company coming over and the dog wont get off the couch so they can sit down without a battle. Even small dogs can be a problem when they claim a particular piece of furniture as their own, ever try to remove a Chihuahua from a chair that he thinks is his? It can be a very frightening experience.
My Labrador retriever knew she wasnt supposed to be on the couch, and would wait until I was away from home or in bed at night, talk about sneaky. I prefer to use what I call the rattle to train dogs to stay off the furniture, a rattle is simply a can with 15 or 20 pennies in it, tape the top and it is a great noise maker.
I dont remember where I learned this, but it works great. Dogs dont like to be startled, and the rattle works perfectly. If you are fortunate enough to have a dog that jumps up on the furniture in front of you, use the rattle and a firm no, use the no sometimes with the rattle and sometimes without it.
When they learn the no command, the problem of getting on the furniture will end. If your dog waits until you arent around, just put a couple of them along the edge of the furniture, when they jump up they knock off the rattle and it startles them. As with any training for your dog, patience is one of the keys, it takes time, but is well worth the effort.
Obinna Heche: Is an acknowledged expert in his field and resides in California USA. For more details visit his site at http://justforyourdogs.com
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Having Sense of Humor About Your Dogs Training Helps
Trust me when I tell you there are two things you must remember when you are training your dog, these are:
Patience, never get in a hurry when you are training your dog, i guarantee he will pick up on your anxiety and wont learn a thing.
Keep your sense of humor in tact, it will really come in handy during those unexpected training blurbs!
What exactly is a training blurb? Well lets see, its the time when you are teaching your dog to fetch a ball and he brings back the neighbors gardening gloves, with your neighbor still in them. Or housebreaking him and you believe it has been successful, until you walk into the laundry room and realize that he has learned to hide his mistakes, in the laundry pile. These are training blurbs, and you must maintain a sense of humor about them.
You just continue with whatever lesson you are working on, or go back to the one he didn't really learn the first time, like being housebroken. Never loose your temper with him when he makes a mistake, it just reinforces the bad behavior and he will pick up on the anger and frustration you are feeling. If you get mad and chase him, he probably thinks you are playing.
If you take away something he has chewed and give him a rawhide chew, he has learned that by chewing up your favorite shoe, he can get a treat. Dogs are much smarter than most people give them credit for, and like children they are very literal, we need to be aware of this when we are training them, and keep a sense of humor and patience all the time, even during the worst of training blurbs.
Obinna Heche: LA, CA.
To learn more about dog training, obedience, grooming and dog health visit..
http://biggsmall.com/pets.html
Patience, never get in a hurry when you are training your dog, i guarantee he will pick up on your anxiety and wont learn a thing.
Keep your sense of humor in tact, it will really come in handy during those unexpected training blurbs!
What exactly is a training blurb? Well lets see, its the time when you are teaching your dog to fetch a ball and he brings back the neighbors gardening gloves, with your neighbor still in them. Or housebreaking him and you believe it has been successful, until you walk into the laundry room and realize that he has learned to hide his mistakes, in the laundry pile. These are training blurbs, and you must maintain a sense of humor about them.
You just continue with whatever lesson you are working on, or go back to the one he didn't really learn the first time, like being housebroken. Never loose your temper with him when he makes a mistake, it just reinforces the bad behavior and he will pick up on the anger and frustration you are feeling. If you get mad and chase him, he probably thinks you are playing.
If you take away something he has chewed and give him a rawhide chew, he has learned that by chewing up your favorite shoe, he can get a treat. Dogs are much smarter than most people give them credit for, and like children they are very literal, we need to be aware of this when we are training them, and keep a sense of humor and patience all the time, even during the worst of training blurbs.
Obinna Heche: LA, CA.
To learn more about dog training, obedience, grooming and dog health visit..
http://biggsmall.com/pets.html
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Heeling Your Dog
Having your pet join in your outdoor activities is a great deal of fun when your dog remains obediently at your side. It may be easier to teach your puppy to heel without a lead at first, only you will know which method is best for your dog. Puppies love to be with you and will be willing to follow you in most situations. They will also be easy to lead with the smell of food, so carry treats at all times during training. Keep the puppy on your left side at all times to heel, holding his collar attract his attention with
his name.
While walking in a straight line, hold the reward out in front of him, keep your left hand close to the collar and give the command “heel”. Stop, kneel down and give him the command to “wait”, place your left arm under his belly directly in front of the hind legs to keep him from moving forward. Speeding up you pace and slowing it down while you train him will teach him to remain at heel Continue until he has learned the heel and wait commands, now you can teach him to turn with you as you walk.
To teach him to turn right, bend your knees and hold the food near his nose, turn right and repeat the command “heel”, he will be required to speed up to follow you and will follow the smell of the treat with little or no resistance. Teaching him to turn left is a little different; use your left hand at his collar to guide him to the left use the command “steady” hold the treat low and in front of his nose, the puppy will follow.
While training, if he looses concentration, put your left hand inside his collar and bring him back to the correct position. To avoid his jumping up when you stop, hold his collar with your left hand and the treat low in
front of him.
Obinna Heche: Los Angeles, CA
To learn more about dog training, obedience, grooming and dog health visit..
http://biggsmall.com/pets.html
his name.
While walking in a straight line, hold the reward out in front of him, keep your left hand close to the collar and give the command “heel”. Stop, kneel down and give him the command to “wait”, place your left arm under his belly directly in front of the hind legs to keep him from moving forward. Speeding up you pace and slowing it down while you train him will teach him to remain at heel Continue until he has learned the heel and wait commands, now you can teach him to turn with you as you walk.
To teach him to turn right, bend your knees and hold the food near his nose, turn right and repeat the command “heel”, he will be required to speed up to follow you and will follow the smell of the treat with little or no resistance. Teaching him to turn left is a little different; use your left hand at his collar to guide him to the left use the command “steady” hold the treat low and in front of his nose, the puppy will follow.
While training, if he looses concentration, put your left hand inside his collar and bring him back to the correct position. To avoid his jumping up when you stop, hold his collar with your left hand and the treat low in
front of him.
Obinna Heche: Los Angeles, CA
To learn more about dog training, obedience, grooming and dog health visit..
http://biggsmall.com/pets.html
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