Best Dog Training Methods

There are few things that are more annoying than a barking dog; especially one that barks incessantly, sometimes for no apparent reason. Stopping problem barking can be a real challenge but with the right approach it is possible to quiet your barking dog and in the process, your relationship with your dog will be made stronger. Many people seem to believe that the only good dog is a quiet dog. They think that barking is only excusable if there is an intruder breaking in the window or maybe if your house is burning. But the truth is that barking is part of being a dog. It is one of a his primary ways of communicating. A healthy, well adjusted dog will sometimes bark. It is our duty to figure out what they are saying and to set the limits on their “communication”.

So what might your dog be trying to tell you? There are many possible reasons for barking. Some breeds of dogs were bred to bark. Guard dogs like Rottweilers or German Shepherds, for instance. Hunting dogs like Beagles and Bloodhounds were bred to “bay” when they are following a trail. Smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas, seem to bark and put on a big show to make up for their diminutive stature.

Aside from the breed specific characteristics, there are some other reasons that any dog may bark a lot. Sometimes they are anxious or afraid because they sense that something is wrong. Or they may see someone or something near their “territory”. If your dog is barking for any of these reasons, it isn’t really realistic for you to try to stop him completely: he is, after all, a dog, and it’s the nature of dogs to bark at certain times and in certain situations. It may also be that he is just bored, lonely or needing attention.

But, of course, sometimes barking is excessive and unwarranted. Many dogs use their barking as a way of manipulating their owners! For example, suppose you are lying on the couch trying to read a book. Your dog awakes up from his nap and decides its play time. He picks up his favorite ball, walks over, and drops it in your face. You try to ignore him and keep reading. After a few seconds he nudges your hand with his wet nose and barks once, loudly. When you continue reading he barks again, now louder and, when you still don’t respond like he wants he barks repeatedly and won’t stop. Finally, you give up trying to relax, put down your book and take him outside to play ball. Now it is important that you spend quality time playing with your dog and giving him attention, but it should be on your terms. Your dog has just used barking to get you to do what he wanted. So you have reinforced the bad behavior. Dog ownership involves mutual respect between you and your pet, but it is not about equality. It is about you being the boss and the dog following your leadership. Dogs, in fact, are the happiest (and best behaved) when they know that you are in charge. For a dog to be calm and well adjusted they need to respect you. In the above scenario the dog was not respecting you. He wasn’t asking you to play; she was manipulating you into doing what he wanted. You taught him that if he barks long enough he get his way. So, how do you stop this manipulation? Simply ignore him. Easier said than done, I know? I don’t simply mean passively ignoring him, where you pay no attention and just go on with what you are doing. You must clearly communicate to him with your demeanor and body language that his behavior is unacceptable. When he starts barking, literally turn your back on him. Get up, turn away from him and avert your eyes. Don’t look at your dog or even speak to him. Initially this will confuse him because this barking dog routine always worked for him in the past. He may even start barking louder! The important thing here is consistency. Don’t give in after 15 minutes and give him what he wants. That will only teach him that he needs to be really persistent. “O.K.”, he’ll think, “it takes 15 minutes of continual barking to get my way. That’s alright, I’m a dog. I’ve got nothing better to do”. But if you stand your ground he will in time figure out that barking is not the way to get what he wants.

But how about in other situations where it isn’t simply a matter of the dog bullying you to get his way? If you want to communicate to them that they are to stop barking and be quiet, the most effective thing you can do is to use your hands. No, I’m not saying hit your dog! But I’m suggesting a perfectly humane and pain-free method of demonstrating to them that what you require right now is peace and quiet. When your dog is barking, first give him a few seconds to get it out of his system (it’s kinder, and a lot more effective, to give him a brief opportunity to express himself before asking him to be quiet). After a few seconds if he doesn’t calm down on his own, reach over and gently but firmly clasp his muzzle in your hand. He will try to pull away or shake you off, so grab his collar with your other hand to give you more control. This method works for two reasons: First, it effectively stops the barking and secondly, it establishes your authority. You are showing him through direct physical action that you’re a kind, but firm leader who won’t put up with his unwanted behavior. Continue holding his muzzle and collar until he has stopped trying to break free: only when he calms down and stops wriggling does it mean that he has accepted your authority. When he’s still, hold on for one or two more seconds and then let go and praise him for being quiet,

There are also several important things that you can to do to reduce your dog’s need to bark in the first place. The number-one reason for unnecessary barking (barking that is repetitive and is directed at nothing) is nervous, energy. That is usually because they just aren’t getting enough exercise. Most dogs function best with about one and a half hours of exercise every day. Admittedly, that can be a major time commitment for you. Of course it varies from dog to dog, depending on things like breed, age, and health. You may think that your dog is getting as plenty of exercise, or at least as much as you can afford to give them, but if his barking is accompanied by an agitated demeanor (acting aggressively, restlessness, destructive behavior) then he almost certainly needs more. The solution to this problem is simple if not always convenient: you have to exercise your dog more. Try getting up a half-hour earlier in the morning. It can make a huge difference. If that just isn’t possible, consider hiring someone to walk him in the mornings and/or evenings. If that also is impossible, then you may have to resign yourself to having a frustrated, agitated and noisy dog. The second most common cause of excessive barking is loneliness. Dogs are social animals and need a lot of attention, interaction, and communication if they are to be calm and happy. If your dog is spending a good part of his day barking at what seems to be nothing, he is probably bored and lonely and the best remedy is a healthy dose of attention and affection.

If you would like more information on unwanted behaviors being exhibited by your dog you’ll probably be interested in taking a look at “Secrets to Dog Training”. It’s a complete, A-Z manual for responsible dog owners, and deals with recognizing, preventing, and dealing with just about every problem dog behavior. 
Click here to learn more about Secrets to Dog Training, the internet’s best selling dog training program. Or go here to sign up for a free 6 Day on-line Mini-course.

Brett McGill
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-deal-with-a-barking-dog-683709.html

If you are beginning to feel like an endangered species
surrounded by the chewed up remnants of your previous existence,
fear not. First of all you are not alone. There are dog owners
like you suffering the same fate and having the same problems
getting their otherwise delightful pet to cease and desist from
devouring hearth and home. Not only that, but people,
experienced dog owner type people, have spent a great deal of
time and energy on solving the problem.

Your first step in the direction of rehabilitation is the same
as it is with any such process. You need to establish the exact
nature of the problem. If your pet is a newly acquired puppy
then rampant chewing goes with the territory. It is a natural
response to teething. If your pet is past puppy-hood and showing
no sign of quitting or, if your mature pet inexplicably begins
chewing away at stuff, this is a sign of a more serious problem
that needs attention.

Pets of all kinds can be divided into aggressive chewers and
non-aggressive chewers. Aggressive chewers annihilate what they
chew and sometimes swallow the pieces – often in one sitting.
Non-aggressive chewers gnaw, play and mouth toys without
actually breaking them. Many theories attempt to pinpoint
certain dog breeds as most likely to chew aggressively but, the
fact is, it’s more personality related than it is breed related.

If your dearly beloved pet is still a puppy you will need to
work out which category of chewer he or she is as this is an
important fact to take into consideration when shopping from the
broad range of dog toys available. If your dog is an aggressive
chewer you will need to buy dog toys that are chewy and rubbery
as well as super strong and durable. Because aggressive chewers
are inclined to bite and then swallow toys that are brittle,
they must be literally unbreakable. Some manufacturers actually
sell toys with an impressive 100% product replacement if the
animal manages to destroy it. Aggressive chewers need their own
type of toy made of tough rubber and rawhide. They need to be
kept well clear of toys that lesser chewers would be safe with.

Black Kongs are ideal for these enthusiastic chewers, so are
toys like the jumbo retriever rolls otherwise known as ‘chronic
chew toys’. These are wound out of several feet of rawhide
compacted into one giant roll. Even the most vociferous of
chewing pets can do no better than wear away at the exterior
leaving the tightly wound core still intact. Pressed rawhide
bone-shaped toys are also good options for the aggressive chewer
who must be protected from his or her own capacity to reduce an
innocent toy to sharp, dangerous shards that may injure the
pet’s esophagus when swallowed.

If your mature pet is chewing and she is past teething and
puppy-hood then there is a possibility that the chewing may be
the symptom of a displaced anxiety. Here’s where you will need
to play dog psychologist and spend time with your pet to discern
what is troubling him or her. Are you spending enough time with
your pet? Does he get enough attention? Exercise? Has there been
a recent disturbance in the household routine that the pet may
be responding to?

Your pet is a barometer for any stress or disruption in the
environment. Taking up chewing becomes a comforting action for
the disturbed dog. You will need to spend more supervised time
with your pet reeducating him or her on the rewarding
consequences of desirable behavior. Pets are very much like
children in this way; they will do anything to get attention
even if it means demolishing the surrounding environment. Don’t
be slow to enlist the aid of an expert when tackling chronic
chewing problems. A fresh and educated viewpoint may save
everyone a great deal of frustration.

Burke Jones
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/understanding-your-pets-chewing-issues-2139.html

We just got a new 11 week old Rottweiler. I am not a dog person, and I don’t know too much about training. Any tips would help. A specific question I have is: He likes to lick hands, and once and a while rubs his teeth on them. A little love nip I suppose. Should I stop that completely, or should I train him to keep it nice and not bite hard?? Im thinking if he keeps it nice, it will get him used to having hands in his mouth for when we need to pull out the rocks he chews on and brush his teeth. Advice?

With Rottweiler you must start early training and obedience, because they get so big.
Big means: it’s easier for them to be out of control if you have not obedience trained.
Be consistent.
Take to local obedience classes, if possible.
I advise no hand licking or nipping – at least discourage it.

basic info

http://www.akc.org/public_education/responsible_dog_owner.cfm#train

Here’s a small book that will help a lot!
"What All Good Dogs Should Know", by Volhardt.
You can find on e-Bay or at the online bookstore, etc.
Do everything it says. This is the easy way to learn and have a well behaved, happy dog.

Recommend: Watch episodes of "The Dog Whisperer" if you can. Usually on National Geographic Channel.

Learn how to teach your dog to stop barking in this free dog training video.

Expert: Jim Leske
Bio: My name is Jim Leske, Animal Behaviorist & Trainer.
Filmmaker: Louis Nathan

Duration : 0:1:22

Read the rest of this entry »

Even though the Miniature Pinscher is a small dog, as an owner, you must remember to provide enough exercise and stimulation to have a happy pet that doesn’t decide to eat some of your favorite things. It would be an unfortunate error for you to think that this small dog will not require much exercise. It is true that a Miniature Pinscher may need less space for activity than a larger dog. However, this dog is not a couch potato. It enjoys quality time with its owner, but it also needs physical exercise, opportunity to explore and opportunity to chew. If the Miniature Pinscher is not stimulated, it is possible that those favorite household items of yours will start to look very appealing to your dog and could conceivably end up ruined at the paws of the family pet.

When the Min Pin comes home, you need to provide appropriate items for chewing so the dog learns that chewing is actually a permissible activity and that there are certain things to chew and certain things to not chew. Dog proof your house to help with this learning process. You should remember that the Miniature Pinscher’s need to explore, investigate and chew does not disappear as the dog matures.

If your Miniature Pinscher is provided with a variety of chewable items and other canine activities to investigate, throw and chase, they will be able stay stimulated to keep focused on those activities and not need to turn to destructive activities. The Miniature Pinscher is an intelligent animal who will quickly learn the house rules about the appropriate items to chew. After living with a Miniature Pinscher for awhile, you might observe that your Min Pin chews more intensely if there is any kind of stress/tension at home being reflected in the dog’s behavior. This observation may be a wake up call that the Miniature Pinscher may need more attention from you.

So, although the Min Pin is a small dog, it needs a lot of routine exercise and a variety of ways to exercise appropriate chewing activities. You can even slip in those chewing activities that promote dental health. For a comfortable life with your Miniature Pinscher, dog proof, train the dog about what is ok to chew, and provide appropriate Min Pin chewable items. Training your Min Pin will require a strict routine. Once he or she is trained, you should have minimal problems with chewing.

John Jackson
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/chewing-exercise-and-the-miniature-pinscher-1017621.html

i have a 3 1/2 month old pup and when i play fetch with her she just walks to the toy and sometimes i need to push her to go. What do i do? And what do i say when i want her to fetch, do i say her name or what?

Also i need tips on how to train her to heal.
PLEASE & THANKS

i have a gun dog spent 1 year training her to fnd she is terrifyed of gun shots.so buy a blank pistol to see if she can tolerate it most dogs can.fist you must teach her to sit,stay,lay down,fetch on command and to bring the fetched item back 100 % of the time (nothin worse than a dog swimmin away with ur duck)also buy her a trainer bird or one of those buoys and maybe even one of thos eguns that shoots em out there real far and be sure to let her swim ALOT.when you throw somthin,pinch her ear a bit not to hard just eough so she stays and let go and tell her to go get it on command. good luck

Depending on the type of dog that you own or the age at which he/she became a part of your family, you may be dealing with behavioral problems resulting from a stubborn breed or a dog that lacked the proper dog training in its former home. Whatever the case, behavioral problems must be addressed immediately and not be permitted to continue. Common troubles include chewing or destructive actions, biting, showing aggression toward familiar people and other animals or simply refusing to obey commands.

In some cases, behavioral problems have been linked with illnesses that should be addressed by a veterinarian. If your dog continues to exhibit aggressive or disturbing behavior or if you feel as though your family may be in danger, consult a veterinarian immediately. If your dog is given a clean bill of health and he/she is not considered dangerous, obedience training should be continued either at home or by a professional dog trainer.

If your dog chews on furniture or other inappropriate household objects, try distracting his/her attention away with the use of a chew toy that squeaks or is otherwise appealing to your pet. Obedience training is all about teaching your dog right from wrong and how to respond to certain commands. If you see your dog chewing on an inappropriate object, say “no” in a firm voice before distracting him/her with a chew toy. When your dog begins playing with the toy, reward him/her with praise.

All dogs like to walk, but some are very strong and have a tendency to pull their owner. If this sounds familiar, your only recourse may be using a harness. These products are designed to gently dissuade your dog from running or pulling away from you. It may take some time for your dog to adjust to the change from a collar to a harness, but he/she will soon begin to walk beside of you instead of in front of you. During a walk, your dog should either walk next to you or behind you as a show of respect. Walking or running ahead shows that your dog believes he/she is superior and is a common display for dogs who need proper obedience training.

Constant barking or aggression is another common symptom of behavioral problems and must be dealt with quickly. Some people may choose to muzzle their dog, but this may be uncomfortable as dogs pant to cool themselves during the warm months of spring and summer. For some, muzzling their dog may be the only answer. For others, try instilling the type of obedience training that will prevent your dog from constantly barking by gently closing their mouth when they bark. If your dog is upset with your or seems especially troubled, this may not be a good idea. If he/she is just barking, however, this may be a good way to let them know that this type of recreational activity is not acceptable. When closing their mouth, say “no” in a firm voice.

For additional dog training techniques for those with behavioral problems, there are a number of terrific books, programs and videos currently available. The best way to learn which are the most effective is through reading product reviews and comparing prices to find the best product to get your pet on the road to obedience.

Brian Dolezal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/obedience-training-for-dogs-with-behavioral-problems-93031.html

I am thinking of buying a dog from battersea, i have asked several questions about them on Y.A.
but i didnt seem to get the right tips bout my question!
CAN ANYBODY OUT THERE HELP ME PLEEEEASSSSSSE!

http://www.battersea.org.uk/dogs/danny.html

Danny is a brindle staff bull terrier, read about him here
there are many others like him in a similar situation..homeless!! ..
so i have the upmost respect for anyone who is willing to give a dog a chance!

If you are looking to adopt a dog, i can guarantee that if you visit Battersea dogs home, you wont come out of the place alone!
The staff at Battersea will be able to tell you all about the temperament of any dog before you commit both heart and money, and they will also provide you with ongoing help and advice after youve taken your little companion home.

I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide

Learn how to properly train your dog when you answer the door; learn more tips on dog training in this free pet obedience video taught by an experience dog trainer.

Expert: Ryan Gwilliam
Bio: Ryan Gwilliam has trained over 10 dogs. He specializes in obedience training.
Filmmaker: joseph wilkins

Duration : 0:1:25

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You got your new pet almost a week ago. In that time, the little beast has eaten three pairs of shoes, four of your favorite Stephen King novels ( He left Cujo alone – Maybe he is a fan too? ), gnawed the trim around the bathroom doorway, chewed thru the power cord of your laptop and, just this morning, you found him gleefully chewing up your wallet with a side order of your credit cards. This is getting expensive really fast and starting to get dangerous for the pup also. Maybe it is time we intervened?

So how do we handle this situation? Once again, we want to be sure our young charge is healthy to begin, so off to the vets office if you have not been recently. There is a medical condition that can cause chewing in pups aside from the normal tendencies they have of chewing to explore their world. This illness is called Pica and causes your pet to eat non-food items in an attempt to deal with nausea. So please visit your veterinarian and make sure your animal has a clean bill of health.

The next step involves understanding that, while chewing is a normal and healthy part of any pup’s development, it has acceptable and unacceptable outlets. Puppies learn about their world thru chewing much the same as human children. They use their senses to explore the new world, which lies before them and their tactile sense, and sense of taste is brought into play as they chew on various objects. Much like human children, pups also need our protection from the dangers that lurk in their explorations. Electrical cords, needles, poisonous houseplants and household chemicals, even chocolate, all pose very real threats to your pet. It is your duty to protect the animal from these dangers.

Consistent training with the NO command can do this. No is a word your dog should learn early and respond to instantly. This one word has saved many dogs from many horrible fates. The pup is trained by repeatedly using the NO command every time a situation occurs. If you pet is caught chewing on your shoes, say NO in an affirmative tone and take the item from the animal. Do not let it become a game of tug-o-war. Rather, remove the item quickly or back up your NO with a spray from a water bottle, a loud clapping of the hands or a light but convincing tap on the nose. This little diversion is usually enough to make a dog lose interest in whatever they may have been chewing on.

Also, do not give chase to an animal chewing on an undesirable selection of chew toy. The will interpret this action to be a game and they will be most happy to play for hours on end. Instead, calmly work your way towards the animal and then remove the object. For items that are habitually mistreated, a chemical additive such as Bitter Apple may be in order to impart a foul taste to the item and make it unpalatable for the animal to chew on. Crate Training is also effective to stop chewing behavior and we shall discuss this course at length in later articles.

You do not want to completely destroy your dogs urge to chew however as this habit is healthy for them when exercised correctly. Instead, offer them suitable objects for their chewing pleasure. Perhaps a dog toy ( For quieter households, remove any squeakers from the toy. ) Rope toys and crunchy dog biscuits provide good outlets for a dog’s destructive behavior and also help to keep up the oral hygiene of your pet.

Also be aware that all animals are different. Your dog may react differently than another dog in a given situation. Some dogs develop aggressive stances upon attempts to remove an object from their possession. If your dog becomes aggressive and territorial, then professional assistance is highly recommended to avoid further problems or biting.

With these simple suggestions, you can ensure your pups good health and the well being of your book collection. You might even find the time to spend some quality time reading Cujo again with your new best friend.

Paul P. Duxbury
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-stop-your-puppy-chewing-92582.html