Dog training books

This is an area we have to deal with urgently when a new dog comes to live. For some owners it is a stressful time, because they don't quite know what to do. Now you can be confident, because all you have to do is set up a little routine.

Select a place where you want your dog to do his business.

Somewhere in the garden, perhaps. In a private, sheltered place. Somewhere the kids don't play, at least.

Then, when you see your pup startled as it realises he is about to eliminate take him quickly but gently to that place. Each time walk or carry him by the same route. This teaches him that there is a place for him to be when his bowels vacate.

Stay with him as he starts to do his business and say a word. A command. One that you can use with other people nearby (like in a parking lot, or a busy street). This will become his cue to eliminate.

And finally, reward him when he's done.

Simply by taking there three easy steps most dogs will be taught to eliminate where you want them to. And not on your carpet!

You can find more practical ideas like this in my free book that's available at my dog training books web site. You're welcome to click there now and pick up a free copy of the book.

It's something we all know about.

Scratches on the door. Clothes pulled off the line and dragged through the mud. Carpets chewed. Rugs ruined. A well worn pathway trodden into the carpet.

Dogs do this. And while we probably get used to it, we don't want our dog to destroy our home -- for the sake of our reputation with visitors if nothing else!

But how do we train the dog to be careful?

First step is to realize that dogs have always done this. They can't be stopped from scratching, stretching, digging because, like children, they look for companionship, activity, excitement, change. They are curious and poke their noses into things (sometimes literally!).

Also, sometimes a dog is bored, lonely or hasn't had enough exercise. Then he will chew to relieve tension, to take the edge off stress, or to simply relieve himself.

You can work with these characteristics of your dog by giving him something to chew. Like a dog toy. This will teach him what he should get his teeth in to, and that it's not your furniture.

It will help with a puppy at this time to give him supervised (not unsupervised) play with that toy in a special room or area. In fact, get down there with him and play with the toy with him. And reward him with a morsel or a click each time he chews the right object.

You might like to have a look at my book about this. I'm giving it away free on my dog training books web site. Click over some time and pick up your own, free copy. Readers are finding it helpful.

This is one of the most beautiful things you can have in your relationship with your dog. He comes to you when you call.

And of course, I'm saying "call" but the best tone of voice to call in is a gentle, firm unexcited tone. We all know people who bark orders at their dogs. You can teach your dog to obey with a quiet word of command. Do it. It looks better in public, and it maintains the best mood in your relationship.

There are several ways people do this. A good dog training book will give you at least one good technique.

For myself, I say, start with a long leash. Take your dog to a fenced exercise yard, let him sniff around, then get down the business. Give him plenty of rope, get his attention, and then give him your command. Perhaps just one word. Give it in the tone and strength that you intend to use for the rest of your dog's life. Not yelling and shouting, but calmly, confidently calling in a low voice.

He will probably move a pace towards you when you say this new word. If he does, whip out a reward and give it to him. Enjoy the moment with laughter and enthusiasm for your dog.

Try it again. If he doesn't come, try taking a step backwards. If still he doesn't move towards you, gently pull him in on the leash.

When he's next to you give him the rewards/ laughter treatment again.

Repeat this, and eventually your dog will learn to come when called.