Train the Dog Blog

Dogs bark because we humans want our dogs to bark. For years our domestication process and selective breeding has allowed our dogs to develop their barking abilities. Wolves don’t bark Barking was further developed in dogs in order to scare intruders or to help the master out (i.e. on farms to assist in gathering the sheep).

Due to our domestication of our dogs, the dogs bark to get attention. They also bark to show their excitement. Repeated behavior is caused by reinforcement with training and lifestyle. So teaching dogs to communicate is dependent on the reward given. If you reward your dog when it barks it will continue to do so. It is important to figure out what your dog is trying to tell you before you reward your dog and then act appropriately at the time of the barking.

Try to figure out what your dog is trying to tell you. If it is out of a need for attention, the best way to break this cycle of excessive barking is to wait for him to be quiet, then give him positive attention. Remember that by acknowledging the barking you will reinforce the barking and not the behavior you want. Waiting until he quiets will teach him that he gets more attention if he’s quiet.

Some dogs are extremely territorial. They will bark at not only a person approaching, but someone they see walking across the street or on the next block. The best way to stop this is to distract him when he starts to bark. Catch his attention with a treat or by playing. Every time the bark cycle is broken, it sends the message that quiet will get the most reward.

Taking the time to discover what your dog is communicating will result in less stress for both you and him. He will get much needed attention and you will get quiet. It’s a situation you both win.

Get more Dog Obedience Tips and ideas on Dog training at Colleen Tess Dog Training Academy for K9s.

There are a number of reasons to pursue professional dog training for your dog from the very beginning. Learning proper commands and behaviors is easier than trying to unlearn bad habits later, and will likely save you a lot of frustration in the long run. There are many websites and books in which professional dog training reveals his secrets, to help you get the advice you need, when you need it.

Behaviours that can become problematic if allowed to develop unimpeded include:
-digging
-barking
-jumping up on people
-biting
-chewing
-fence jumping

Keep in mind that while some behaviors may be cute when your dog is still a puppy, as he gets bigger they could lead to serious problems. It is therefore important to address unwanted behaviors as early as possible in order to prevent unnecessary inconveniences, or worse, later on.

It is also important to note that many of these “problem” behaviors are very normal for a dog, and therefore require redirecting rather than trying to eliminate them completely. This can take a certain amount of patience, persistence, understanding and finesse, as you and your puppy develop methods of communicating that are effective and consistent. Rather than a trial and error approach which can be costly in terms of time and damage to your personal belongings, why not consult with a professional and benefit from tried and true approaches to the same issues you are encountering?

In order to train your dog effectively, a certain amount of knowledge is required to understand the reasons for the behavior issues, before you can adequately resolve them. Unless you are a professional dog trainer yourself, or have an extensive amount of experience raising dogs, there may be much you do not realize about what environmental factors are contributing to your dogs behavior. Dogs are highly intelligent and sensitive animals, and require a significant amount of social contact and stimulation in addition to play time and exercise, in order to keep them happy and fulfilled.

Very often there are things you can control around your home and yard that will naturally lead to better behavior in your dog. Simple things like making sure they always have access to water and shelter, toys that are okay for chewing, and regular walks will prevent a number of destructive habits from developing. A dog that feels loved will not feel the need to seek attention in inappropriate ways, or go looking for ways to entertain or comfort itself outside of the established rules. If your dog is developing bad habits, you may need to look at how you are contributing to the behavior, and work together to improve the situation. Do not hesitate to consult with the professional training resources available to create a harmonious environment for you, your family, and your dog.

About the Author
Terence Young – For more dog training tips and ideas visit http://www.obediencedoggytraining.com

Article source:
Professional Dog Training Reveals His Secrets