Monday, April 12, 2010

Types of Dog Training -- Which Method Will Be Effective For Your Dog?

Since you're trying to train your dog, it's important to understand the different types of dog training that are available. Knowing this information will help you make an informed decision as to the type of training you want to use with your own pet. There are naturally ups and downs to each method, so this is an essential step.

Training with rewards is an incredibly popular method. Basically, whenever your dog does something correctly, you reward the him with a treat. You want him to recognize that when he does something good, he will get something good in return. It can be difficult to be consistent with the treats, so if you choose this method you need to be sure to stay consistent.

Choke collar training is another method, though it is controversial. When the dog pulls away, the collar will have a choking effect. When they are walking correctly, it will be loose and comfortable. The thought is that will train your dog to behave correctly. Some people do not like this type of collar because it can result in injury.

Dog whispering is a training method that many people are intrigued by. It is all about communicating more effectively with your pet, and noticing his body language so you can determine what your dog needs and wants. This type of communication can be a highly successful training tool.

Clicker training is another method that is very effective, and it has its roots in psychology. Basically, the clicker will be paired with something, such as a treat. The dog will initially expect the treat. They get a treat and hear the clicker -- Eventually, the dog associates the clicker noise with doing something good, and the treat can be eliminated.

Whistle training is also very popular. It is an ultrasonic whistle that a dog can hear, but humans cannot. This can be a little difficult to use, so it's important to be trained to use the whistle so it is as effective as possible.

Training your dog is undoubtedly a difficult task, and even a little bit intimidating if you are not sure how to go about it. Examine these different types of dog training methods and decide what you think will work best for you. Then, it's very important to educate yourself as much as possible so you're able to start a training program and follow through with it through completion. This will lead to a happy, healthy life with your dog.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Train Your Dog Yourself, or Hire a Trainer?

There are many people who have a new dog, and are at a loss as to what to do about training. Not training your dog can lead to a variety of problems, and to make life miserable for both of you. Clearly, there is a need for training -- but should you hire a trainer?

There many positives to hiring a dog trainer. First of all, you'll have contact with someone who has experience and has successfully trained dogs before. This can cut down on the time it takes for your dog to be trained -- and they can cut down on the amount of work that you need to do. While you definitely need to be involved, the trainer will train you as well to make your life easier.

Unfortunately, hiring a dog trainer can be very expensive. Rates vary widely depending on where you go to get the training -- but you can expect to pay fairly big money. If you're dealing with the expenses of your dog anyway, this extra burden could be too much for some families. It can pay off in the long run, but it leads people to wonder if they can really train their dog on their own.

Many people do successfully train their dog on their own! Of course, it's not enough to just "wing it" -- you need effective strategies that are proven to work. The good news is that there are books, e-books, and courses out there that can help you. Authors and product owners have realized that there is a need in the market for people who want to train a dog on their own. Not only is it less expensive, but it is very fulfilling to realize that you have trained your dog.

You should strive to learn everything there is to know about raising a dog, and training a dog. Reading this information on your own can help you become a better dog owner. Also, training your dog can help you and your dog become closer than ever before. Dog really is man's best friend, and when you make such a huge effort for the dog, he will realize it and you'll have a happy, healthy relationship.

The decision whether to hire a trainer, or to train your dog on your own is not an easy one. Examine your family's finances, and the amount of time you have to train your dog. Many people find that they would choose one of the courses on the market to successfully train their dog as soon as possible, with the most effective methods possible.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Essential Obedience Training -- What You Need to Know

Obedience training can have different implications depending on the age of your dog. If you have a puppy, it's best to start training around the age of six weeks and up. Doing so beforehand will be too early, and waiting too long will delay some of the positive benefits you could be seeing. However, some dogs will not be ready until they are several months old, so you'll need to be mindful of what your dog is capable of.

Puppies at this age are so incredibly young that some people worry that having formal sessions aren't good for them. The good news is that it is best to train them for just a few minutes a day, several different times a day. That way you can build up your obedience training over time as your dog becomes older and more receptive to training.

Dogs that are six months old and up are likely ready to be trained in a more formal manner. It is best to either hire a trainer, or take a dog training course to ensure that you have all of the latest methods at your disposal. You'll find that there are several effective courses on market that can help you even if you have never trained a dog before!

There are some people who have adopted an older dog, and aren't sure that dog is trainable. The good thing is that you can gradually make positive changes for the dog. The bad news is that it can be difficult if many of these behaviors and habits have been set for a long period of time. The important thing is that you allow the dog to get used to his new environment, and you should become as informed as possible about effective training techniques.

Clearly, obedience training is very important. You've already learned about the different types of training, as well as the usages of crate training. Now it's time to formalize your training plan by becoming knowledgeable and taking great strides to do what is right for your dog. It might seem like a long shot now, but the chances are good that you can have your dog trained perfectly, in a reasonable amount of time. Dogs truly are man's best friends, and there is absolutely no reason why you cannot successfully train your dog.

However, the longer you wait to teach yourself what to do, the more difficult it will be for you. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn what you can about obedience training and put the techniques into practice as soon as possible.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Dog Whispering -- Does it Work?

Dog whispering is something that many people are interested in these days. It was brought into the limelight by Cesar Milan, who has the TV series "The Dog Whisperer." People see how he immediately gets the dogs to adhere to his wishes, and it seems quite incredible!

While Cesar seems to have a special talent, others can learn to be dog whisperers too -- even you! It is all about understanding the dog's body language and communicating with your own body language. Dogs are able to sense what should happen when you get a grasp on doing this.

Dogs are social creatures by nature, and are used to living in a pack in the wild. They follow one another's body language frequently, so it comes as no surprise that dog whispering is such a successful training technique.

The first thing you need to realize if you want to try dog whispering is that you are the leader. Dogs can feel like they are the Alpha, and that they are in command. This is wrong, and can lead to problems with aggression and disobedience. If you establish yourself as a leader, your dog will adore you and will adhere to your wishes.

It is best for you to educate yourself on the body language of dogs. For instance, how they turn their head, walk, and make other movements can give you clues about what your dog is thinking and going through. Also, learning what to do with your own body can be extremely helpful in day-to-day life. Even if you are going to be incorporating a different form of training, it is well worth your time to learn about dog whispering so the two methods can work together.

To see if this is right for you, you might choose to watch Cesar Milan's TV program. It is quite incredible the first time you see it, and you might pick up some helpful tips as well. There are also some books and courses on the market that can help you become a dog whisperer. While to many it might seem "silly", it can be quite effective in helping you train your dog. It is all about creating a bond and understanding one another. All anyone wants in life is to be understood. This includes your dog!

Dog whispering is becoming quite popular, very quickly. The reasons are clear -- that's because it works. It's time for you to learn how to do this as well.