Welcome To How To Train A Dog
Our aim at How To Train A Dog is to provide you with information and advice on the best ways to Train A Dog and some of the techniques available.
There are virtually as many approaches to How To Train A Dog as there are dogs to train! It seems as if every day new systems and techniques are announced or older methods are resurrected. Check a bookstore shelf or do a quick internet search and you will be overwhelmed with the number of ways people may advocate training a dog.
Despite the tremendous diversity of methods, almost every successful dog training system is premised on positive reinforcement techniques. Enjoy your time at How To Train A Dog.
How To Train A Dog - The Poll!
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How To Train A Dog - Start Young!
We've all been told a thousand times "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." That popular old saying, of course, is not entirely true. Any dog, regardless of age, can learn new things. However, like most old adages, it has been remembered because it contains a kernel of truth. Dogs, like humans, are much more receptive to learning new behaviors when young. The earlier you are able to start training your dog, the more effective the training will be.Puppies will learn at a much faster clip and do not have ingrained behaviors that must be un-learned. Thus, any training regimen is sure to be more successful when conducted with a puppy for a subject instead of an older dog.
If you weren't able to start training a particular dog when he or she was younger, don't fret. Training is still effective for older animals. However, if you do have the chance, start training early and you'll reap the benefits of increased effectiveness.
How To Train A Dog - Emphasize Prevention
Too often, training a dog devolves into a series of constant corrections for behaviors the owner finds unsuitable. This reduces the pleasure found in dog training as well as its overall effectiveness. A strong emphasis on preventing inappropriate behavior reduces the need for correction efforts and can help spur quick progress.
The basic goal of prevention is to intervene before a problem is created instead of simply responding to the problem. Instead of waiting for the dog to make a mistake to correct, the prevention-minded owner will keep close watch to see imminent difficulties and will intervene early to prevent them from arising in the first place.
This technique allows one to avoid spending undue time on correction and to emphasize real positively reinforced training methods, keeping a program on track and accelerating its successes. It also decreases frustration throughout the training process making it more enjoyable for both the dog and the owner.
Although there is a multitude of training strategies form which one can choose, all of them can have their effectiveness increased by adhering to the aforementioned principles. By starting early, remaining gentle and emphasizing prevention, any reasonable method of dog training can garner better results. These three secrets, if always operating in the background, serve to push the effectiveness of any training technique.
The basic goal of prevention is to intervene before a problem is created instead of simply responding to the problem. Instead of waiting for the dog to make a mistake to correct, the prevention-minded owner will keep close watch to see imminent difficulties and will intervene early to prevent them from arising in the first place.
This technique allows one to avoid spending undue time on correction and to emphasize real positively reinforced training methods, keeping a program on track and accelerating its successes. It also decreases frustration throughout the training process making it more enjoyable for both the dog and the owner.
Although there is a multitude of training strategies form which one can choose, all of them can have their effectiveness increased by adhering to the aforementioned principles. By starting early, remaining gentle and emphasizing prevention, any reasonable method of dog training can garner better results. These three secrets, if always operating in the background, serve to push the effectiveness of any training technique.
How To Train A Dog - Remain Gentle
Dogs are social animals and develop a real attachment to their owners. That attachment, in large measure, is at the heart of successful dog training. A dog who trusts his owner and who sincerely wants to please his companion is far more likely to remain attentive and compliant during the training process.A failure to act gently jeopardizes the training program by undermining the quality of the dog/owner relationship.
Of course, aggressive behavior also runs contrary to the very foundations of most dog training techniques. Dog training is premised on the notion that positive reinforcement techniques best modify dog behavior. The interjection of inconsistent activity frustrates that process. Furthermore, there are ethical and moral concerns about mistreating an animal, in addition to the practical concerns. By making a commitment to retain gentleness throughout the training process one can insure they are consistently treating their dog appropriately.
A gentle dog owner will find himself with an ally for a trainee rather than a rival. Instead of a battle of the wills, training can become a cooperative exercise. Under those conditions, training tends to take less time and be far more effective.
Do you want your dog to be well behaved around people and other dogs? AND have them obey all of your house rules...... even when you're not around!
Discover how you can achieve that with Dog Training Secrets Course
How To Train A Dog - Avoid Being Inconsistent
Dogs thrive on predictability. In fact, their ability to grasp cause and effect is at the very root of training. Operant conditioning is predicated on the fact that dogs will begin to associate events with consistent outcomes. This notion of consistency's importance must be extended to the overall process of dog training.
A dog is likely to best respond to a system in which regular actions produce regular results. Too often, dog owners fail to be entirely consistent. In the dog's mind, these lapses in regularity convey a sense of randomness to the process and make it difficult for the pet to associate his specific behaviors with specific results-the key to training. Dogs will excel when they are taught that things happen for specific reasons. When surprises occur it undermines the whole of the training process.
A successful trainer will retain consistency and will not deviate from an established course.
A dog is likely to best respond to a system in which regular actions produce regular results. Too often, dog owners fail to be entirely consistent. In the dog's mind, these lapses in regularity convey a sense of randomness to the process and make it difficult for the pet to associate his specific behaviors with specific results-the key to training. Dogs will excel when they are taught that things happen for specific reasons. When surprises occur it undermines the whole of the training process.
A successful trainer will retain consistency and will not deviate from an established course.
How To Train A Dog - Avoid Becoming Impatient
There can be a great deal of frustration in dog training. Concepts we believe dogs should be able to grasp easily often escape them completely for quite some time.
We live in a world that is so often focused on immediate results. We learn to expect that our actions will be met by prompt, anticipated responses. Dog training runs counter to this societal trend toward speedy, immediate gratification. Training is an extended process that can require a great deal of patience from the trainer.
Impatience results in unpredictability on the part of the owner as they hastily cease a training session or abandon positive reinforcement techniques in hopes of finding a shortcut to desired results. Patience is, indeed, a virtue when one considers the role of the owner in a dog training situation.
A successful trainer will master developing a patient outlook throughout the extended process of dog training.
We live in a world that is so often focused on immediate results. We learn to expect that our actions will be met by prompt, anticipated responses. Dog training runs counter to this societal trend toward speedy, immediate gratification. Training is an extended process that can require a great deal of patience from the trainer.
Impatience results in unpredictability on the part of the owner as they hastily cease a training session or abandon positive reinforcement techniques in hopes of finding a shortcut to desired results. Patience is, indeed, a virtue when one considers the role of the owner in a dog training situation.
A successful trainer will master developing a patient outlook throughout the extended process of dog training.
How To Train A Dog - Treat The Dog As A Partner
Dog training requires two participants: the dog and the owner. Frequently, however, owners tend to perceive the process as being uniquely about them. They fret over their techniques, equipment and strategies without giving real consideration to their training partner, the dog.
When an owner approaches the dog as a simple subject for experimentation, they lose track of what makes the dog unique and denigrate the always-important dog/owner relationship. Training becomes a chore, rather than a joint activity. What might have been a pleasurable chance for interaction becomes an unenjoyable task.
Dogs are sufficiently intuitive to be attuned to a trainer's attitude and are less receptive to learning when they are treated merely as a subject instead of as a complete being. Owners who fail to see their pet's identity during training are unable to pick up on subtle clues and possible means to improve their techniques.
The successful trainer will treat his dog as a full partner in training, not merely as a subject.
When an owner approaches the dog as a simple subject for experimentation, they lose track of what makes the dog unique and denigrate the always-important dog/owner relationship. Training becomes a chore, rather than a joint activity. What might have been a pleasurable chance for interaction becomes an unenjoyable task.
Dogs are sufficiently intuitive to be attuned to a trainer's attitude and are less receptive to learning when they are treated merely as a subject instead of as a complete being. Owners who fail to see their pet's identity during training are unable to pick up on subtle clues and possible means to improve their techniques.
The successful trainer will treat his dog as a full partner in training, not merely as a subject.
How To Train A Dog - The Curious Dog
For Curious dogs, it is quite easy to train in all manner or tricks and behaviors. These dogs are naturally inquisitive and can be taught such tricks as opening and closing doors or fetching cold drinks from the refrigerator.An easy trick for this dog is fetching ones slippers or even bringing you the food dish at your dog's meal times. These dogs love to perform so give them lots of chances to do so. They are most easily trained by giving them a challenge to work out.
Perhaps hiding a treat under a box or playing games such as hide and seek with them. These dogs are excellent for tracking once they learn to focus their attentions.
How To Train A Dog - The Aggressive Dog
The Aggressive dog can be a bit harder to tame but does have its useful areas. A dog with aggressive tendency will be very defensive of its master, including the master's house and belongings.
This animal should be trained with this thought in mind but it is of great consequence to also teach this animal proper outlet for its aggression and also, when enough is enough.
In other words, clearly and consistently teach the no and leave it commands or you run the risk of finding this dog mauling a neighbor child for getting too close to the fence.
This animal should be trained with this thought in mind but it is of great consequence to also teach this animal proper outlet for its aggression and also, when enough is enough.
In other words, clearly and consistently teach the no and leave it commands or you run the risk of finding this dog mauling a neighbor child for getting too close to the fence.
How To Train A Dog - The Friendly Dog
The Friendly dog is a pure pleasure to train as they truly want to please you and will do almost anything to gain your attention and approval.
These dogs are wonderful companions and are awesome when trained for specialized uses such as visiting nursing facilities or hospitals in a pet therapy usage.
These dogs do require a bit of training in how to contain their sometimes over friendly advances and must be taught the "down" commands and the "lick / no lick" commands as their warm personalities can be a bit overpowering for some peoples liking.
These dogs are wonderful companions and are awesome when trained for specialized uses such as visiting nursing facilities or hospitals in a pet therapy usage.
These dogs do require a bit of training in how to contain their sometimes over friendly advances and must be taught the "down" commands and the "lick / no lick" commands as their warm personalities can be a bit overpowering for some peoples liking.
How To Train A Dog - The Shy Dog
The Shy or Reclusive dog will be in adventure to train, as first you have to find the pet. This animal will make it a point to stay out of your reach and usually out of your sight. These animals can be stubborn during the training process and they must be taught to answer when called.
Leash training most easily facilitates this with a lot of rewards for appropriate behavior. Negative reinforcements rarely work with these animals, as they perceive this is a further reason to avoid your presence.
Leash training most easily facilitates this with a lot of rewards for appropriate behavior. Negative reinforcements rarely work with these animals, as they perceive this is a further reason to avoid your presence.
How To Train A Dog - The Nervous Dog
The Nervous or Easily Frightened dog is very similar in training technique to the Shy pet. They require patience and understanding during training and much in the way of positive reinforcements. Avoid using negative reinforcements unless a particular behavior could prove immediately harmful to you, the pet or another individual.This animal will not respond well to negative reinforcements and these will damage the trust relationship between you and the pet. Trust is a very important issue with these animals and this must be established before any other training will have any effectiveness. These dogs almost always have had prior abuse or neglect issues.
Learn as much as possible about the past of the animal and find what behaviors trigger the fear responses of the animal. For example, if you raise your hand when you say "no" and the dog whimpers, drops to the ground or tucks its tail and runs, you can safely assume someone has struck this dog at least once.
If this is the case, modify your training behaviors and hand movements to be less threatening to the animal. Perhaps, instead of raising your hand with the command, just give the verbal cue. This still implies the same lesson to the animal without producing fear, which is contraindicated in training.
After the dog learns to trust you, hand gestures can be added later at the animal's comfort level.
Do you want your dog to be well behaved around people and other dogs? AND have them obey all of your house rules...... even when you're not around!
Discover how you can achieve that with Dog Training Secrets Course
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- pkmcr pkmcr Dec 14, 2008 @ 3:52 am
- Thanks for the kind comments and I hope that readers are finding the information useful
Take care
Paul
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- Tipi Tipi Oct 2, 2008 @ 8:28 pm
- Very useful information! I'm going to feature it on Snogdog. 5*'s
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- alslad alslad Jul 5, 2008 @ 10:38 am
- Thanks for adding this lens to the Gone to the Dogs group, and for promoting dog training using positive methods.
Darren
Positive Dog Training
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- Gatsby Gatsby Oct 3, 2007 @ 5:54 pm
- 5* Training a dog is absolutely necssary! Dog Whisper With Rena
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- DogWhisperWoman DogWhisperWoman Oct 3, 2007 @ 2:43 pm
- 5* Training a dog is so important. Dog Whisper Woman
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