‘Labrador Retriever Training’

How You Can Successfully House Train Your Dog

Wed ,10/03/2010

Widely recognized as the most popular and effective way to house train puppies the crate method utilizes your dog’s natural instincts. Dogs are naturally clean animals and will not by nature relieve themselves in the area where they sleep.

Knowing how to communicate properly with your dog lies at the heart of the house training process. Lecturing, yelling or other forms of punishment will not achieve the desired result. The key is to reward good behavior. Puppies are like babies, much too young to be held responsible for their bowel movements. Punishments are not the way to get through to your puppy. If you are going to use the crate method it’s vital that you learn about the proper, humane method to house train your dog.

Choosing the right crate

This is very important when it comes to the humane treatment of your puppy. A crate that is too small is very cruel. The puppy should have enough room to maneuver around and be comfortable inside. If the crate is much too large – the puppy might even relieve himself inside the crate.

The plastic varieties of crates are much easier to clean, durable and easier to carry around than the metal varieties.
It is also cruel to leave your puppy inside the crate for too long. Night time is crate time and often even very young puppies can go the entire night without soiling their crates.

You will want to slowly get the puppy used to the crate. The idea here is to create a positive feeling about the crate. Put a nice soft blanket inside and your puppy’s favorite toys too. You can also put some yummy treats inside to entice your dog.
Never, ever force your dog inside the crate. It is his sanctuary within your home.

Tips for house training

- Prepare the area that your puppy will spend most of its time in with a layer of newspaper.
- Designate an official toilet area for your puppy
- Supervise (or have the children do it) until the puppy has relieved himself.
- If your puppy starts sniffing or circling pick him up and get him outside fast!

Golden rules for house training your dog using the crate method:

- Take your puppy out first thing in the morning
- Take your puppy out directly after meals
- If your puppy has had an accident be sure to clean the area thoroughly. Use a product that will remove the odor.
- Never punish your puppy for accidents. You would never yell at your baby and put her nose in her mess. Rather use positive reinforcement when your puppy does her business outside.
- Take your puppy out just before bedtime and make sure he does his business.
- Give praise freely where it is due. Treats, walks and positive reinforcement will go a long way toward getting your puppy to understand that eliminating outside is the goal.

Housetraining your puppy will take time and patience. The kind of dog and your methods will greatly influence how long it takes for your puppy to be fully house trained.

There is a reason that the crate method is the most widely used house training method. It works well. Of course house training your puppy isn’t your only concern when it comes to raising a well behaved dog. You will also want to set some distinct boundaries. Puppies should not be allowed free reign of the house; at least not until they are fully house trained. Your puppy is a sponge and above all – keen to please you. You are the pack leader and the puppy will look to you to figure out what is and isn’t acceptable in your home.

By deciding early what your puppy may chew on and what furniture he is allowed on you can eliminate confusion and behavioral problems later in life.

Learn more about citronella dog collar. Stop by our site where you can find out all about obedience training for dogs and what it can do for you.

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The Way The Citronella Collar Works

Sun ,07/03/2010

Endless barking can be a very annoying thing. If your pet’s barking starts to bother you, imagine what it makes to your neighbors. In addition, your dog’s constant barking can transform a quiet get-together with your friends in a struggle to understand that each other is saying. Luckily, companies and dog schools have come up with different methods for reducing a dog’s barking and making life easier for the dog owner. Oral training should always be your first choice, but if you are not getting good results or you just don’t have the time to implement it, you might consider making a small investment in a solution.

One of the cheapest, yet effective ways of handling the problem is getting a citronella collar. This collar is one of the most popular ones because it’s very gentle on the dog when correcting it.

The Citronella Spraying Collar

The biggest advantage of the citronella collar is that it’s effective and soft on your dog at the same time. The collar works by relying on the dog’s highly developed sense of smell. It’s designed to spray a small dose of citronella essence in front of the dog’s nose whenever the dog barks. This method doesn’t hurt the dog, but surprises it into silence with the introduction of a sudden smell.

Dog’s natural curiosity will make them try to find out why this strong smell appeared out of nowhere. After a while, dogs will start making the connection. Of course, the exact mechanism is beyond their comprehension, but they will understand that the smell appears in front of them every time they bark. Citronella esscence, in case you were wondering what it is, is the same essence that is used in mosquito repelent oils.

The Premier Spray Sense Anti Bark Collar is one of the best choices. It is available through all pet supply stores and is affordable to boot. It is one of the simplest to operate bark deterrents on the market today. The best part is that it will start working right away. Some dogs take a bit longer to get used to it and understand that they need to stop barking to stop the spray but it always works.

There are other options but the citronella collar usually tops the list for most dog owners. You love your dog and do not want to see them get hurt. At the same time you do not want to have to deal with their incessant barking. This citronella collar offers you the best of both worlds and it is easy to refill.

Once you have a citronella collar on your dog you can start enjoying your time with your dog and not dreading coming home to them.

If you want to reduce your dog’s barking to normal levels, then the citronella collar is the way to go. This type of collar gives results without punishing your dog severely. The citronella collar can be found in pretty much every pet store there is.

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Dog Behavior Problems: Help! My Dog Is A Nuisance When He Misbehaves!

Fri ,05/03/2010

How many times have I hear fellow dog owners say, “I hate it when he barks non stop… or he utterly embarrassed me when he mounts people’s leg”. Dog owners usually have no problems to fill in tons of their dog behavioral problems into the above statements.

I have to admit that I feel disappointed, even sad whenever I hear dog owners say that statement. Why? Because, these owners have failed to see things from their dog’s prospective! To put it simply, I should say that they don’t understand their dogs at all.

Dogs do not misbehave because they’re spiteful, or are out to annoy or anger you. They just behave in a manner which is expected of a dog!

The fact is that dog behavioral problems that we can’t stand are not problems at all to the dogs. In fact, do you know that dogs “misbehave” for a reason or two? To list a few:

1. Dogs bark because they have something to say, something to tell you.

2. Dogs dig because they smell something underneath the ground.

3. Dogs chew because they are teething and are feeling uncomfortable.

4. Dogs chase after moving objects because they are following its instinct.

5. Dogs turn aggressive because they want to protect you.

For your information, most dogs actually misbehaved (in our eyes) because of the lack of care, concern and training from their very own owners:

1. Health Issue – Many behaviorists & dog trainers believe that at least 20% of all behavior problems are related to the dog’s health in some way or another. For all that you might know. Your dog could be misbehaving because he is sick or in pain. Bring him to the vet for a thorough check-up if he misbehaves suddenly when he has always been a good dog.

2. Imbalance Diet – Feeding your dog the wrong food, with too high in protein, fat or carbohydrates is known to cause hyperactivity. Sugars, starches and many other factors in your dog’s diet can also cause behavioral problems in your dog. Always read the label of the food before you feed him, seek advice if necessary. Remember that dogs need different type of food in different stages of their life.

3. Exercise – Lack of exercise also cause plentiful of problems. A dog that doesn’t get enough exercise is unhealthy and tends to be hyperactive, and display destructive behaviors. Dogs depending on breed type need plentiful of exercises – Do consider this factor before you get a puppy.

4. Lack of Leadership -I can’t stress enough on the importance of the leadership issue. Dogs display TONS of behavioral problems when they lack a leader. Aggressive & destructive behaviors, leg lifting, marking, mounting, barking & etc… It’s very important that you assume the role of the alpha leader!

You must understand that all dog develop behavior problems. These dog behavior problems never develop in a vacuum. They are always the outcome of the interaction between a dog and its environment, including you! Most canine behavioral problems can be controlled if not solved completely. You just got to put in some effort and understand that prevention is better than cure.

Lastly, do try to see and comprehend things from your dog’s prospective the next time your dog misbehaves. You’ll soon find that you love him even more!

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Training Your Puppy To Be A Dependable Citizen

Tue ,02/03/2010

The most crucial fact about puppies and dogs that owners must recognize is that dogs are pack animals and the person must set up authority. You, the owner, are the “pack leader” and you must act the part.

A new puppy will intuitively spend a big amount of time trying to figure out where they fit in the pecking order of their new home. They do this by trying to establish their own control. A few breeds have more forceful personalities such as the terriers or Chihuahuas. Other breeds are more naturally acquiescent.

As soon as your puppy comes home you need to help him learn his place in the hierarchy. All of the individual members of the family are above him in the “pecking order” and he needs to be aware of that fact. This is not reprimand at all and dogs actually prefer to be subservient to their owners. If your dog is to become content and well-behaved member of your household this hierarchy must be established.

In order to create the dominance you must go along with a few simple rules. Otherwise your puppy will be receiving mixed signals and it will be more demanding for you to train him and he will be confused as to what you really want.

The leader must each time eat first. Do not let your puppy eat before you eat. If you are planning on eating about the same time as you plan to feed your puppy, you need to make your puppy wait until you are done. Or you can have your puppy eat at a entire distinct time than you eat. In the start you may want to call your puppy to you to get his food and make him stay before you give it to him. You can teach him to sit and then give him his food.

Grooming your puppy can send powerful signals about who is in charge. At the start your puppy may whimper and cry when you hold him for basic grooming but you must pay no heed to him and be adamant on finishing. Always follow through on what you begin because puppies discover very rapidly if you really mean something or not.

Most puppies will nip and bite at things when they are very young. You must prohibit this behavior immediately and let your puppy know that it is not acceptable with a clear reaction of a “No” and a tap if needed. Keep in mind that you are the pack leader and the pack leader does not ever get nipped.

Showing your puppy that you are the dominant leader is the most essential thing you can do to have a well-behaved dog later on. Avoid aggressive games like “tug’o'war” where he can show too much dominance. Reward his good behavior with praise and treats and overlook his bad behavior as you commence the process of obedience training. Following these simple rules can help you train your puppy to be well-behaved and well-trained.

Maximum training tips for your favorite dog including training collars for dogs, obedience training for dog and much more at UniversityDog.com.

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Dog Training – Most Dogs Need Training And Here’s Why

Sun ,28/02/2010

Your life is going exactly as planned. You have a great family, nice house, a carrier you love, and you have even gotten a dog.

You wake up a 6 am with a smile on your face. You have a whole hour to yourself to get ready for work before you have to wake the kids up. You go about your morning quietly humming to yourself as you make your pot of coffee. The aroma is filling the house and you can’t help but think how lucky you are.

Out of the corner of your eye you spot your neighbor taking their little dog out for a morning stroll. You get to thinking that maybe you should take your dog out also to get some fresh air and a bit of exercise. Just then, as if on Que, your dog springs into action and flies over to the window. The hair on his back looks like a porcupines and he lets out a low warning growl. You only have a second to respond before he really lets loose with the barking and you know he is going to wake up the whole house.

As you are making every effort to quite him the baby starts screaming like a banshee and your older children slowly emerge from their rooms. All you can do is stare at your beautiful children because you know that within minutes the house will be in chaos and you didn’t even get to drink your first cup of coffee, let alone get ready for work. Any thoughts on relaxing before the day really began have been dashed.

That’s it you think. That dog needs dog training, barking at all hours of the day has got to go.

The desire to get your dog trained has stayed with you throughout work. You are a bit on the frazzled side all through work. As soon as you pick up your children after work you realize that they are on the verge of becoming very overtired. Well, how can you blame them, they are not used to getting up that early. You make it home with as little fuss as possible and file them all through the door.

As you walk through the door your dog comes flying at you to show you just how much you were missed today. You barely manage to stay upright as he jumps on you. You have a new demand to add to your dog training, jumping has to go as well. You manage to calm your dog down long enough for him to stop jumping and then you see it… right in the middle of your living room carpet your dog has dug a big hole.

You look at your beloved dog as the kids are all crowding around him. They are all pleading with you with their eyes to please not be angry. The dog is after all very, very sorry.

All you can think is that dog is a nuisance but there is nothing you can do. The children are head over heals in love with their dog and in truth, so are you. Regardless, you have to stop your dog digging holes especially in the middle the living room floor. That is when dog obedience training comes into play. The best way to get your dog to behave is to train him to do so.

When dog training barking is most times high on the priority of behaviors that must go. Visit SafeDogObedienceAdvice.com to learn how to safely and positively get your dog trained. Dog Obedience Training

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What Pet Owners Need To Understand About Crate Training Dogs

Sat ,27/02/2010

Proper crate training dogs teaches them that a crate is a good place to go for sleep or when frightened. If the dog simply wants some alone time he can retreat to the crate. It also provides a safe place for the pet if he travels by car or by plane. It can also be used to assist in potty training.

The crate serves as an indoor dog house for the dog. It may be the place that he sleeps as well as eats. It becomes his den, a safe place that he can enjoy spending time no matter what is going on.

It is important that you do not force your pet into a crate. The more your force the pet into the crate, the more they will hate the crate and you will both be miserable.

The crate should be in a room where you spend a lot of time with he pet. Let him explore naturally and then add a few treats. In time he will start to go inside on his own. Then you will want to place his food inside, so he will start to associate the crate as a happy place. He should be very comfortable in the crate and sleeping there before you think abut closing the door to the safe place.

When you do close the door, make sure to stay in a nearby room so the puppy does not feel like he has done something wrong. Allow plenty of time for adjustment for a happy dog that loves his crate.

A crate can be very valuable in house training a pet. The dog’s crate needs to be small enough that he cannot go potty in one end and then sleep in the other but should also be large enough that he can stand and turn around.

As soon as the pet is taken out of his crate, you must take him to where he is to use the bathroom every time. Soon he will get the idea that this is his bathroom spot. This will be a major battle conquered in house training the dog. You will have fewer messes to clean up in your home.

Very young puppies lace bowel and bladder control, so do not leave them in their crate so long that they have accidents. Be very patient with them so that as they gain control, they will want to go outside to the bathroom. Over time, you will have a pet that becomes an even more special friend.

Crate training dogs is one tool that can be used in house training and makes your pet much happier.

Learn how crate training dogs can help you train your animal. Helping with dog training behavior and more. Jump online and check out more information about it today.

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A Well Behaved Dog

Thu ,25/02/2010

It is very difficult to say no to your dog when they look at you so lovingly. Dogs don’t miss curfews or talk disrespectfully to their owners, so why not give them a bite of your dinner? One table scrap will turn them into perpetual table side beggars. Successful dog training relies on consistency.

Do you envy the dog owner whose dog follows the instruction manual? Loyally walks on their left side and stops walking when their owner stops? Sits on command?

Training requires a disciplined and patient dog owner. It is easy to cave in when your dog just wants your attention and doesn’t want to listen to your commands. Reward your dog for good behavior. Positive reinforcement is more effective than punishment. Physical punishment will make your dog afraid of you and break down the trust you are trying to establish.

Housebreaking is one of the first aspects involved in dog training. With a 95% success rate Poochie-Bells are recommended by professional trainers. No more whining, barking or waiting by the door, your pooch can be trained to ring the bells when they need to go outside. The bells are strategically placed on a heavy duty designer durable grosgrain ribbon to accommodate small and large breeds. Poochie Bells are portable, there are no batteries or wires so dog owners can remain consistent with housebreaking wherever you and your pooch happen to be.

Using a dog leash and either a choke collar or martingale collar, command the dog to sit/stay and slackening the leash. Then command the dog to come. If the dog doesn’t come then give the lead a gentle tug while at the same time issuing the command again.

Barking is an instinctive behavior for dogs. When a dog hears an unfamiliar noise, sees a stranger, or hears a knock or doorbell they tend to begin barking. It is their way of communicating what they hear. Some hunting breeds like a Beagle or Terrier tend to bark more than other docile dogs.

Sometimes hand gestures or visual commands are used in the early stages of dog training. When you are in a dog park and there is a lot of noise and distractions, a visual command is extremely effective. For example the universal hand signal for the come command is to fully outstretch your arms horizontally on each side then bring, them to meet in front of your stomach.

Patience and persistence are needed with dog training. Dogs don’t immediately understand the usefulness of what their owner is trying to accomplish, they just want your attention. A dog wants to please their owner and responds to positive reinforcement when they behave appropriately.

Owning a happy and well socialized dog involves teaching and guidance from the owner. Joanne Gallagher is an expert in dog training and suggests visiting Jake’s Dog Housefor delicious dog treats to reinforce your dogs excellent behavior.

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Is There A Dog Training Book Right For you?

Thu ,25/02/2010

If you’re trying to find the right dog training book, you might feel as though the options are limitless and it is difficult to find just the perfect one. Unfortunately, many books on the market are simply rehashed information that someone has quickly thrown together while others are quality information that can really help you.

The best place to find the right dog training book is online. Not only can you purchase regular physical books online, but you can also look at e-books. E-books have more up-to-date information because they can be updated quickly. These are often more current than books you would find at a store or library.

Before choosing a dog training method, it is important to consider the type of breed you are trying to train. Dog breeds have specific characteristics that are ingrained in them due to their genetic heritage. Therefore, it is advisable to find a dog training book that is specific to the breed you are working with.

For instance, Jack Russell terriers were trained and bred to chase foxes which means that their noses often overpower their brains. The same can be said for beagles. For these reasons, training these kinds of dogs can be particularly frustrating if you don’t have a set game plan.

Before you buy a dog training book, you want to make sure to read the summary to see if you will be comfortable with the training methods being used. There is no need to invest in a training program that you don’t feel comfortable with.

You also want to know that the author of the book has specific experience in training dogs. You don’t want someone who simply put a bunch of material together but doesn’t really know what they’re doing.
If possible, look into the background of the person who wrote the book to make sure that they have the right kind of training.

In conclusion, you want to make sure that any dog training method you use does not involve punishment. Disciplining a dog is fine, but physical punishment should never be used as it breaks down the relationship between the dog and their owner. Plus, it simply doesn’t work. By doing some research, it is possible to find the right dog training book for your needs

Want to find out more about dog training courses, then visit Brad Davenport’s site on how to choose the best dog trainer for your needs.

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How to Stop Aggressive Dog Behavior: Learn Before Its Too Late

Sun ,21/02/2010

Is your dog behaving badly and do you want to know how to stop aggressive dog behavior? Most dog owners do not find this an easy feat to perform. Before anything else, you need to know some important facts about dog behavior and dog aggression training.

1. Dogs are not irrational creatures.

Dogs are not as irrational as we think them to be. They do not just turn against people, animals or their owners for no reason at all. Just like humans, there are a couple of things that could get on a dog’s nerves. Some of the causes of dog aggression include fear of being hurt, the dog’s tendency to protect its own and an incorrect perception of its superiority over all others. Knowing these reasons will help you see your dog in a new light that will permit an appropriate response.

2. You can contribute to the promotion of aggressive behavior.

You may be part of the problem. You may not want to accept it at first but it is possible that some of your own actions could lead to dog aggression. Taking away a dog’s toy or dish for example could make your dog think that you are trying to steal from it. Raising a stick in your hand to play fetch could be perceived too by a traumatized dog as a position of attack and will try to defend itself. The simple act of reaching over to pat your dog may also be mistaken as a challenge to its dominance.

3. Aggressive behavior can be corrected.

Your dog is not beyond help even if some claim that you have a particular breed that is aggressive in nature. There are experts that are trained on dog psychology who can help your dog and teach you how to stop aggressive dog behavior. Take the time to read on dog training approaches and pick a trainer who uses techniques that you are comfortable with. Appropriate obedience training may be the only way to straighten out your dog’s behavior.

4. You can correct dog aggression yourself.

Of course, there are option other than hiring expensive dog trainers. You can teach your dog yourself to stop being aggressive. To be on the safe side though, you should follow a reliable manual or guide book for training. Inappropriate techniques could make your dog’s behavior worse. You could also be endangering yourself.

5. Physical punishment is never a good idea.

New methods for training dogs never include punishment. One old technique is the use of physical force and punishment. Many experts however now acknowledge that this is not an advisable technique. Using sticks, leashes, collars and shock equipment are not only cruel. They might also reinforce violent behavior among dogs.

6. Non-aggressive behavior is the key to a happy relationship.

Your relationship with your dog rests solely on its temperament. If you give up on correcting aggression in your dog, you could be signing the death warrant on your relationship with your pet. The only key to having a happy and affectionate companion is to stop its aggressive ways.

Although it is easy to dismiss and give up your dog if you don’t know how to stop aggressive dog behavior, is still not an excuse. There are ways and means for you to learn how. You just need to be patient and persevering. If you love your dog, you will not stop at nothing to find a solution.

Does your dog have a growing aggressive dog behavior? Find out how to stop aggressive dog behavior now before it’s too late for you and your canine companion.

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Get Tips For Socializing Your Dog

Sun ,21/02/2010

Receiving a new puppy or even a new older dog is always a remarkable event for a family. During those initial days the new member of your family is adjusting and getting used to everyone and all of the new things. It is at this time that you need to make sure that you are doing everything you can to suitably socialize your new family member. Your new pet will run into many atypical situations in life and it is better for everyone if he learns how to handle and react in a healthy and satisfactory manner.

A new puppy can start learning socialization skills as early as 2 to 3 weeks following birth. Usually a family will acquire a new puppy at about 7 to 8 weeks old. Puppies tend to be more hesitant and frightened until they are about 14 weeks old so during the early days be gentle with your new puppy.

While we all know that it is imperative to socialize a puppy, the fact is that socialization is a skill that should be practiced throughout a dog’s life. Changes in circumstances and situations can affect a dog and a formerly pleasant and outgoing dog can transform into a apprehensive and menacing dog under different conditions. That is why it is important to continually socialize your dog and permit him to undergo numerous situations, people and other animals.

Let your dog become familiar with other dogs and other animals. You can take him to a park or a doggie daycare or even just visit friends who have pets. Be sure that your dog has had all of his shots first but it is important for his socialization to meet up with others.

Present your dog to the people who come to your residence the most. Since the mailperson stops by on a daily basis it is a good plan to introduce your dog to him or her. Anyone who stops by a lot should be acquainted with your dog. Also if possible make sure your dog is around as many different people as possible. This will make him more sociable in separate situations.

Dogs lived in the wild in packs and they will naturally recreate a pack pecking order in a new situation. It is essential that every person in the family is seen as a dominant pack member. When any human speaks the dog should pay attention and obey. The dog is the follower and the owner is the alpha dog or the leader.

Socialization needs to persist throughout your dog’s life. He needs to continuously meet new people, new dogs and other animals. If not he could become fearful and take on hard-to-resolve problems such as biting and fighting.

A dog that is well socialized is enjoyable to own and much more agreeable for you and other people. You will also be more successful at dog training. Everything about owning your dog will be easier if he is suitably socialized.

The principal secrets for training your pet dog including dog training treats, http://universitydog.com/150/stop-your-dog-from-digging/ and much more at UniversityDog.com.

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