Getting Started with Dog Training
December 8th, 2006Learning to train a dog is usually very straightforward. Most dog training techniques are time-proven, so if someone claims they have a ‘new’ technique, chances are that it’s an existing technique that has been slightly modified or adapted for a particular case. And although it is straightforward, that doesn’t mean it’s easy for a beginner. A novice dog trainer is likely to experience frustration when his pooch doesn’t respond as quickly as he likes. But rest assured that if you persevere, you will see results. Without a doubt, most important aspects of training your dog are consistency, repetition, and positive reinforcement. Your dog will be more eager to do what you request if he’s doing it to please you, rather than to avoid an unpleasant correction.
When someone new to dog training watches an experienced trainer handle a dog, it may seem that the experienced trainer gets fast results because of some innate talent that they were blessed with. The real truth is that, like most other things, dog training is a learned over time, and it does come easier with experience, as a result of past successes and failures.
An important aspect of training a dog is using the right tone of voice. You should use a tone of authority, but never anger. And volume is not really required to let your dog know who’s boss. Canine social behavior depends on the order of dominance, and it’s important for your dog to know that you are the dominant one, not him. But remember, you should never attempt to show your dominance by physical punishment. Once your dog realizes that you’re the ‘alpha’ member of the ‘pack’, training becomes much easier. On the other hand, if Fido discovers early on that you’re a pushover, you’re likely doomed to having a dog that does whatever he pleases, and it will be extremely difficult to change his demeanor.
Praise and reward are your key tools when training your dog. As mentioned earlier, you should strive to get to the point where your dog gets a great deal of pleasure from pleasing you. And frankly, it’s also a lot more fun for the trainer as well. And although there are dogs that will require negative corrections to learn, this is the exception, rather than the rule. It’s also important to spend time with your dog just so you can enjoy each other’s company. When a bond develops between human and canine, it’s truly a wonderful thing.
Remember also that dogs, like humans, have unique personalities, and what works for one dog may not work for another. You need to be willing to adapt your training techniques to better fit your dog’s personality. This is one of the true marks of a successful dog trainer, and only comes with time, dedication, and experience.
It’s also necessary to realize that you shouldn’t have unrealistic expectations of your dog. Don’t expect a young puppy to have the same attention span as an older dog, or to have the ability to retain as much of what they’ve learned. And also take your dog’s physical traits into consideration. It’s unlikely that a bulldog will ever become a frisbee champion, or that a miniature poodle will be able to become a bird dog.
Armed with these tips, you should be ready to take Fido out for his first training session. Rest assured that as time progresses, these things will become second nature to you.
Nick Bulka
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Dog Training – How To Stop Your Dog From Jumping On Visitors
December 2nd, 2006A common problem that many dog owners have is when their dog jumps up on guests when they come to your house. Sometimes your dog may jump at everyone regardless of whether they’re a guest or not. Sometimes a dog may only jump on when a guest arrives.
The second situation is the one I’m going to address today.
The first thing you should do, is put your dog on a leash when someone is going to be coming round. When the door bell rings or someone knocks, tell your dog to sit. If your dog is fully obedient with the sit command, then this may well be enough to stop your dog from jumping up on your guests.
To make this technique more effective, you can ask your friend to bring a food reward (or give your friend a reward to bring round next time they come round). Then when your dog sits obediently on entry of the guest, your friend is to reward your dog with the treat.
By doing this, your dog will learn that he is rewarded when he doesn’t jump up.
You can also use these techniques if your dog jumps up at you when you come home. Bear in mind that it’s a dog’s natural reaction to want to jump up and lick their owners face to greet them when they come home.
However, if you want to stop your dog from doing this, here is what you should do:
The first thing to do is avoid eye contact with your dog and not greet him. When your dog has finished jumping up, command him to sit. If he obeys your command, then you can reward him with praise or a treat.
If he doesn’t? Well you will need to work on training him to sit a little more, until he is more obedient in different situations.
I hope these simple dog training techniques will help you to have a better behaved dog. It will take patience and persistence for these techniques to take hold, but I assure you that it will have all been worth it when you have a fully trained and obedient dog.
Amy Howells
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Where did golden retriever come from?
November 23rd, 2006The golden retriever is a great dog that many people enjoy. They have been able to enjoy these great and fun loving dogs for many years. This is a young breed of dog dating back to the late 1800’s. A British man named Lord Tweed mouth in Scotland founded it. Hunting and outside sports were very popular in this area and finding a hunting dog that would be helpful was useful in this area.
The breeders of the golden retrievers in the beginning were known as gentleman and this is why these dogs are so universal. They are very efficient and useful dogs that are a big help to just about anyone. They are great dogs that are not only practical they are very beautiful dogs. They have a great coat on them that has been easily maintained and will keep its luster and beauty for their life span.
Over the years, there have been different dogs to breed with the retriever and this is how the different breeds have come about. There are red setters, Labrador retrievers and bloodhounds very well known to many people. These dogs are great pets as well as helpful to many humans for different sports and activities.
In the early 1900’s, a golden retriever was made into the best hunting dog around. They were well known for their great distinguishing features with their attractive and luxurious coat and their good behavior. This breed of dog is still very well known for its beauty and good people skills.
Golden retrievers while taught to be good hunting animals, also have a good sense about them to be nice and gentle. They are a confident and intelligent dog so they know when they should be doing something the right way. It is almost like the dog has its own sense of smarts and knows how to use it. They are very perceptive and will use their skills to do the right thing.
Golden retrievers have been brought up to be a smart dog with beauty and style, but also one that is physically fit to take on any kind of challenges. They are strong and durable dogs that will be able to take on challenges that other medium to larger sized dogs cannot do. They are willing and prepared to help when they are needed and to offer support at the same time.
The history of the golden retriever is long and since then, they have not changed much in their disposition. They are still very social dogs that can be used with just about any situation, as long as there is love and affection, they will do well.
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The Magnificent Golden Retriever
November 15th, 2006The Golden Retriever is beautiful both inside and out. She is one of the best companion dogs in the world.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
A well developed dog with muscular thighs, broad head with a tapering, but wide, powerful muzzle. Scissor like teeth. She has medium sized brown friendly eyes and rather short, medium sized ears.
The female retriever is 20-22 inches tall and weights between 55-70 pounds. The male is 22-24 inches tall and weighs 60-80 pounds.
Coat – Medium length- can be wavy or straight. Dense and water repellent with good undercoat. Outer coat is neither coarse nor silky.
PERSONALITY
A Retriever has a charming personality. She is intelligent, and extremely loyal.
She is not very aggressive and loves to be around people. She is moderately active.
Usually quiet but will bark loudly to signal a strangers approach
Talents – A Retriever has many talents such as hunting, retrieving, agility, performing tricks, and narcotics detection.
RETRIEVER AS A PET
Perfect family pet. Patient and loving with children.
Usually will get along well with other animals.
Can live in apartment but needs plenty of exercise.
TRAINING
Very intelligent and easy to train. A retriever cannot do enough for her owner(s) so obedience training can be fun.
EXERCISE
Retrievers need daily exercise. She loves to retrieve toys, and swim, so exercise is fairly easy.
NUTRITION Will thrive on high quality dog food. She tends to gain weight easily, so food consumption must be monitored.
COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS
Prone to hip dysphasia, and congenital eye defects.
Skin allergies are common in retrievers and require veterinary attention.
MISCELLANEOUS FACTS
Life expectancy is 10-12 years.
The golden retriever was originally form the British isles. It is believed she is a cross between a yellow flat-coated retriever, the spaniel, the setter, and possibly a bloodhound.
Many of the top obedience competition dogs in the country are golden retrievers.
A great bird dog – both land and water.
Jasmine Macdonald
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What is a golden retriever?
November 13th, 2006A golden retriever is a great dog for just about anyone to have. They are beautiful dogs that will make a great companion for just about any person. Not only are they great looking dogs, they are very smart and useful to many people for different reasons. Golden retrievers are just great dogs to have around anytime.
A golden retriever will grow to be a larger sized dog. They are primarily originated in Scotland since the mid nineteenth century. They are so wonderful with their golden yellow color and they have a gorgeous coat on them. They are going to stand to a height of about 24 inches and usually weigh anywhere form 60 to 75 pounds. Golden retrievers have nice features about them that separate their appearance from any other dog out there.
The golden retriever has an amazing feature about their coat. It is water repellent and is a coat that is made up of a dense undercoating of straight and wavy hair. Their outer coat is going to lay flat against their body. They also do have a light bit of feathering to their coat that makes them one of the most easy to maintain dogs. This is a type of dog with a lot of endurance and can be dependent on for many things.
Golden retrieves although they make the best pets, will also be great hunters. They are used a lot to hunt birds. They are wonderful dogs to take in the woods with you to hunt birds. You are guaranteed to have a good time with a golden retriever. They are not only there to be a helpful hunter they are also your considered to be your friend.
Golden retrievers are super dogs for people that are blind or have a hard time getting around on their own. They are loyal dogs that will be there for their owner when they are needed. These dogs will make a great guide dog for anyone that has disability because they are very dependable and you can count on them being there.
If you are looking for a great pet or dog to be any of the following, you will want to think about getting a golden retriever. These dogs are just about the perfect pet. They are very trainable and lovable. You will find yourself becoming attached to your dog very fast. There is no other way to have a friend, companion, and watchdog all in the same pet. You will not find a better dog than the golden retriever for anyone of any age.
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