Train the Dog Blog

If you have recently brought home a new puppy, or are considering this precious purchase, it is also time to start thinking about dog training and why you need it. It is your job to help your puppy learn appropriate behaviors right from the start, to ensure a happy and successful relationship between you.

Dog training is not just about changing problem behaviors. It is an essential means of:

-communicating with your pet
-establishing rules for their own safety at home or out walking
-setting guidelines for proper behavior in the house and yard
-maintaining appropriate behavior with people and other dogs
-teaching your dog acceptable ways to channel their energies and frustrations

Dogs are highly social animals, and one thing you can expect is that when they are left alone they are going to feel bored and lonely and look for ways to express these unhappy feelings. A large area of dog training involves anticipating potential problem behaviors, and learning to either prevent these, or respond to them promptly and effectively.

For example, chewing is both a natural behavior and one that might be used to alleviate boredom or stress. Making sure your puppy has appropriate objects to chew on, and teaching them what can and cannot be chewed will provide you both with relief.

Digging is another natural activity for many dogs, but one that may cause you grief if it gets out of control. If your dog likes to dig, try designating an area for that purpose and try to teach them where they can and cannot dig by command, rather than punishment.

The time spent training your dog, and rewarding her for good behavior, will not only help you deal with situations as they arise, but will contribute to her contentment at receiving time with and attention from her human, and decrease the likelihood of problem behaviors arising. Continue reinforcing good behavior with lots of praise and treats as an ongoing element of the time you spend together playing, exercising or just hanging out.

There are lots of helpful books, websites, and programs to help you get your dog training started in the right direction, and help you deal with problems that are not so easily changed. Ideally you should have some idea of the traits that are particular to the breed you choose ahead of time, as well as reading about owning a dog in general, so you will know what sorts of behaviors you can expect to deal with. Dog training is an essential component of the overall responsibility you take on when you own a dog, but one that is well worth the time spent in order to ensure a long and happy life together.

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

Article source:
Dog Training and Why You Need It

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