Dog Training Courses

Dog Training Book

Kevin — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:00:26 +0000

A dog training book is a great tool for training your dog to become the perfect pet. Apart from dog training courses, you always have the option of home dog training. This will take more time and patience on your part but it will also be more rewarding knowing that all the positive things your dog does is because of you.

Once you have decided on the wonderful breed of dog that you are going to bring into your home and life, you’ll need to start preparing for the dog training. This is something that is going to be a critical aspect in both the dog’s life, as well as your own. Nothing can disrupt a happy home more than a disobedient dog, not to mention incredibly frustrating!

Depending on what breed you have chosen, will dictate just how much training and the type of dog training and obedience that will be required. Some breads, such as Golden Retrievers are easier to train than Great Danes. The level of intelligence, brain development, or just “train-ability” are major factors in how well your dog will take to your training. The right book will tell you everything you need to know.

Much like people, dogs have a personality of their own, and while some may in fact be easy to work with there are others that are simple difficult and stubborn. Patience is the key. It will be tempting to give up and just let the dog do whatever he or she wants.. but hang in there.

A great book, and one recommended to me, is from Cesar Millan (aka The Dog Whisperer). It’s a great book and very inexpensive. If you’re looking for a great book for understanding and correcting common dog problems, this is the book for you! Over 750 people who have purchased this book wrote reviews for it. Don’t take my word for it, see what they said.

In Cesar’s Way, Cesar Millan—nationally recognized dog expert and star of National Geographic Channel’s hit show Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan—helps you see the world through the eyes of your dog so you can finally eliminate problem behaviors. You’ll learn:

What your dog really needs may not be what you’re giving him
Why a dog’s natural pack instincts are the key to your happy relationship
How to relate to your dog on a canine level
There are no “problem breeds,” just problem owners
Why every dog needs a job
How to choose a dog who’s right for you and your family
The difference between discipline and punishment
And much more!

Another book by Cesar Millan (he really is great at what he does), is How to Raise the Perfect Dog. This is a newer book with over 55 very positive reviews.

Packed with new information aimed specifically at the particular needs of puppies and adolescents, and written in Cesar’s friendly, accessible style, How to Raise the Perfect Dog answers all the most commonly asked questions and guides you towards a loving, satisfying life-long relationship with your best friend.

#1 New York Times bestselling author, Cesar Millan shows you how to raise the perfect dog and prevent behavior issues before they start, including:

what to expect from each stage of your puppy’s development
quick and easy housebreaking
the essentials of proper nutrition
the importance of vaccinating–and of not over-vaccinating
creating perfect obedience from day one through rules, boundaries, and calm-assertive leadership
how to avoid the most common mistakes owners make raising puppies and young dogs
how to correct any issue before it becomes a problem
unique exercises and play to bring out the best in every breed

A great book for when you’ve covered the basics or you just want to do something fun with your dog is 101 Dog Tricks. I have run out of fun tricks to teach my dog several times and spent hours surfing the internet for other things to teach my dog… if I only had this book earlier! At the time of writing this, 135 people gave it 4-5 star reviews. 101 Dog Tricks is the largest trick book on the market and the only one presenting full-color photos of each trick and its training steps? The step-by-step approach, difficulty rating, and prerequisites, allow readers to start training immediately. Tips and trouble-shooting boxes cover common problems, while “build-on” ideas suggest more complicated tricks which build on each new skill. No special tools (such as clickers) or knowledge of specific training methods are required. Trick training is a great way to bond with your dog and help him integrate into your family. It keeps him mentally and physically challenged and helps to establish paths of communication between you. Many tricks build skills needed for common dog sports, dog dancing, and dog therapy work. It’s every dog lover’s privilege that Kyra and Chalcy took time from their performing schedule to share their secrets in 101 Dog Tricks.

One last book to recommend looking at is Dog Training for Dummies. I know… for dummies? I didn’t even want to pick up the book based on the fact that it said for dummies… and I am not dummy! That being said, this book has amazing tips and tricks, and is written very well. It’s easy to understand and covers all the basic stuff you need to know.

Dog Training for Dummies, 2nd Edition, shows you how to select the right training method for your puppy or adult dog, based on his unique personality, to reach your desired goals. Whether you want to teach Spike to sit, or want to help Rover master retrieving, this book gives training for you and your dog—to ensure a mutually respectful relationship with your four-legged family member.

Discover how to:

Understand your dog’s mind
Recognize why positive reinforcement training is key
Master basic training
Survive the puppy period
Deal with doggie don’ts
Seek expert outside help
And much more

Dog Training Techniques

Kevin — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:20:22 +0000

If you’re looking to properly train your puppy or older dog yourself at home, then finding the right dog training techniques for you and your dog is crucial.

You’ll find a huge collection of dog training techniques (proven and not) and tips used by professional dog trainers on the internet. The trickiest thing is sifting through what works, what doesn’t, and why just isn’t for you. There are so many theories and so much conflicting advice regarding the various ways to train our dogs. I can’t tell you how many times I have been at a public dog park when someone’s dog did something and I heard advice (good and bad) from another dog owner. It’s hard to know who to trust and what to believe. This is what I personally consider to be crucial, and always strive for when training my own dogs:

To build a strong owner-dog relationship, based on trust and mutual respect.
To have confidence in, and control of my dogs in any situation.
Most importantly to have happy, outgoing dogs that are properly socialized.
To work with my dogs natural drives and instincts.
Absolutely no cruelty or harsh “old school” training techniques. I certainly don’t believe you have to “break a dogs spirit” in the training process.

The most important thing to do when searching for dog training techniques is to remain patient. There is a lot of information out there and it takes time to find things that are appealing to you. Another option I have found is buying a good book to assist you in training your dog. I have included an Amazon ad on this page to give you some ideas.

There are a number of great websites out there and I have included some links along the side of this page that are related to this topic.

Puppy Dog Training

Kevin — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:16:39 +0000

Training your dog when he or she is a puppy is the best time for effective and life long lessons to be imprinted.

When should you start training your dog?

The best time to start training your dog is the minute you first bring your dog home. Amazingly, dogs are able to start learning the first day you get your new puppy, but be patient. When a puppy reaches seven weeks of age, his or her brain and response patterns are almost identical to that of an adult dog’s brain. Although a puppy’s brain may be fully developed at a very young age, his ability to learn and his coordination skills must be practiced repetitively over time, just like any motor skill.

The best time to start taking your dog to dog training courses is between 7 weeks and 18 weeks old. Keep in mind, the training doesn’t stop there, and it’s not just for your puppy! As I mentioned in an earlier article.. In general, puppies that have had obedience classes with other puppies have less behavioral problems than those without any training at all. Why? This is because dogs are natural pack animals and need to learn how to act with other pack members. Within the pack there are higher ranking (alpha) and lower ranking members. In a one dog household, the other human members are seen as part of the pack from the dog’s point of view. Often though, we don’t know what our dogs are telling us and we wonder how to get them to understand or listen. This is why a course with other dogs, humans and a good trainer eases the communication between everyone, and the end results are amazing.

The best dog training courses are group classes where you are present with other dogs and their owners. The dog learns how to act with other dogs, with you and other dogs, and with many different distractions. These courses are designed to simulate the distractions that dogs experience all the time, but your dog learns that you are its anchor no matter what is going on. You become the top dog, the pack leader, alpha etc., and your dog should always listen to you regardless of what is going on around him or her.

There are so many theories and so much conflicting advice regarding the various ways to train our dogs. I can’t tell you how many times I have been at a public dog park when someone’s dog did something and I heard advice (good and bad) from another dog owner. It’s hard to know who to trust and what to believe. This is what I personally consider to be crucial, and always strive for when training my own dogs:

To build a strong owner-dog relationship, based on trust and mutual respect.
To have confidence in, and control of my dogs in any situation.
Most importantly to have happy, outgoing dogs that are properly socialized.
To work with my dogs natural drives and instincts.
Absolutely no cruelty or harsh “old school” training techniques. I certainly don’t believe you have to “break a dogs spirit” in the training process.

Clicker Dog Training

Kevin — Thu, 20 May 2010 13:54:22 +0000

A common dog training tool used are clickers. Clickers are a small device that makes a distinctive “click” sound when you push the button. When training your pet to do something like sit, when you get your dog to sit you click and immediately give him or her a treat. Eventually you can stop giving treats and just use the clicker and get the same results. The “click” lets your pet know that they have done something good or desirable.

This clear form of communication, combined with positive reinforcement, is an effective, safe, and humane way to teach any animal any behavior that it is physically and mentally capable of doing.

There are two stories of how the clicker came about, which of the two are correct, I have no idea.

One story says: Clicker training came about when Marian Kruse and Keller Breland, while studying as graduate students of Psychologist B.F. Skinner, taught wild-caught pigeons to bowl while participating in military research, and later was used in training at least 140 species including whales, bears, lions and domestic dogs and cats, and even humans.

The other story says: Modern clicker training originated in the 1960s in big marine parks like Sea World. Trainers like Karen Pryor wanted to move beyond training seals and parrots – they wanted to train dolphins and orcas (killer whales). The problem is conventional training did not work with large, powerful marine species that cannot be restrained or forced to perform.

Regardless of who created dog clicker training, the clicker is an amazing tool which creates a safe and humane environment to train your beloved dog.

The cheapest place that I’ve found them to buy is on Amazon.

Dog Training Courses

Kevin — Thu, 20 May 2010 13:50:39 +0000

Welcome to Dog Training Courses.

Dog Training Courses

You’ve seen those people walking past your home.. dog at their side.. constantly looking at the person, then ahead, then back to the person. If you’re anything like me, at that point you look at your dog and then back at the people outside your home and a wave of jealousy and wonder comes over you. Have you ever caught yourself asking your dog “Why can’t you be more like that?”

How did they get the perfect dog? Why isn’t my dog like that? If you’re thinking you just have a bad dog then you’re wrong.. you’ve just had bad training practices. If you walk out the front door and your dog is pulling, sniffing everywhere, etc… you’ve got a dog that thinks he or she is the pack leader and you are a lower ranking member. What are your options?

Let’s face it, not everyone has the time, patience, or skills to train a dog properly. Dog training courses are an excellent resource for you and your dog to learn the necessary skills to perform various tasks and tricks. One very important thing that cannot be emphasized strong enough is that dog training courses are also people training courses too! It is equally important that you learn from the course, as well as any other friends or family members that will be taking care of the pet. You cannot expect to attend the classes, then return home and go about your regular activities without continuing the same rules and techniques taught to you. For example, if in class you practice walking the dog on your left side and having him/her beside you, but then go home and let him run around in front of you and pull constantly on the leash… well you might as well save your money and cancel your course. The only way for your dog to become the perfect dog is if you learn to be the perfect master.

In general, puppies that have had obedience classes with other puppies have less behavioral problems than those without any training at all. Why? This is because dogs are natural pack animals and need to learn how to act with other pack members. Within the pack there are higher ranking (alpha) and lower ranking members. In a one dog household, the other human members are seen as part of the pack from the dog’s point of view. Often though, we don’t know what our dogs are telling us and we wonder how to get them to understand or listen. This is why a course with other dogs, humans and a good trainer eases the communication between everyone, and the end results are amazing.

Tips for good dog training courses

As a general rule the best time to begin obedience training is when your dog is between 7 weeks and 18 weeks old.
It’s never too late. If your dog is older or you’ve adopted an older dog, your dog can still learn everything a puppy can, it just takes a little more work to undo their bad habits.
Ask others about courses. Ask your family, friends, etc if they know any good dog training courses. Try going to a dog park and asking others who have obedient dogs.
Positive reinforcement.. not negative. Try to avoid courses that use punishment techniques like chain pulling and hitting. Good dog training courses use reward to motivate the dog, not punishment to scare it.
Classes generally last about 1 hour and run for about 6-8 weeks.
Good classes provide homework exercises between classes.