K9 Crate Training

When using a positive dog training approach, one must be sure to keep in mind that this type of training is based on rewarding your dog for good behavior.

However, scolding your dog is something that needs to be done on occasion. While a positive approach is most effective, there are times when your pet needs scolding in order to distinguish right from wrong. Like humans, dogs respond better to positivity and frequent scolding will only serve to hinder his performance. It is extremely important to know when to use each during training.

Give your dog a little treat any time he does what he is supposed to. Whether he stays when you tell him to, relieves himself in the correct manner, or follows any other command, be sure to praise him with a reward!

The rewards can be anything including praises, treats, belly rubs, or pats on the head.

Your dog really wants to know that he is making you happy, and this is why a positive dog training approach is most effective. However, don’t keep on giving him treats when he doesn’t listen to what you say.

You should avoid scolding your dog unless you absolutely have to do so. Examples of behavior for which you should scold your dog include: jumping, barking, growling, tugging on his leash, destroying things and messing in inappropriate places.

It is important to note that you only scold your dog if you catch him in the act. Otherwise, the reprimand will not be effective because the dog will not know why he is being reprimanded. A quick and sharp word of “bad dog!” or simply “no!” is enough to get the message across.

Be crisp and quick when your scold, being sure to maintain an angry and condemning tone. If you scold too frequently, your dog will end up ignoring you. You should never hit the dog, this will only lead to problems in the future.

By and large, it is extremely necessary to have patience and understanding when using a positive dog training approach. It’s like bringing up your kid, remember when it is best to scold and when to praise. With a little love and patience, the training experience can be a great way to bond with your pet.

The German Shepherd breed is an excellent choice for a canine companion. However, just like many other popular breeds, there are certain health problems that you need to be aware of. Here are a few of the most prevalent German Shepherd dog health issues to look out for:

Developmental bone and joint disease is a problem common to many large dog breeds, affecting the younger animals. If your dog is affected, he may show no symptoms at all, or he may demonstrate pain or lameness, and seem cautious about movement. Hip dysplasia may cause leg muscles to actually waste.

Many German Shepherds also suffer from Hemangiosarcoma, a cancer of the cells of the interior lining of the blood vessels. This condition can affect the skin, heart, liver, and spleen, as well as other organs. If you dog has Hemangiosarcoma, he may display weakness, light-colored gums, a distended abdomen, or even physical collapse.

A common German Shepherd dog health problem is hind limb weakness. It may be caused by a slipped disc, degeneration of the bones of the spine and degeneration of the spinal cord. Weakness and sometimes a lack of coordination or wobbliness affects the rear limbs in these cases.

If your dogs seems lethargic, sensitive to cold, susceptible to skin infections, or is becoming obese or losing hair, be sure to get his thyroid evaluated. Diseased thyroid glands can cause inadequate or excess thyroid production, conditions known as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Your German Shepherd may also have health concerns with the eyes. Pannus which is an inflammation of the cornea and can affect the dogs vision, can be diagnosed by observing - pink to black growths over the front of the eye, squinting, excessive tearing or eye discharge, eye redness, rubbing or pawing at the eyes.

Pyoderma literally means “pus in the skin” is is most commonly referred as bacterial infection of skin that is recurring in nature. Usually there will be pus in the area. The immune system deficiency is thought to be the principal cause. Signs and symptoms of pyoderma include scratching, skin redness, pimples, sores, scaps and alopecia in the area. There may pain in the area and some pets may be sluggish and lose their appetites.

To avoid the occurrence of such troubles it is better to confirm that the parents of your new pet does not have any of these German Shepherd dog health problems. Be watchful and get a Vet’s advice immediately if you notice your dog exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above.

One of the most effective dog training techniques smaller dogs is reward training. Because choke collars and other aggressive forms of training are ineffective with small breeds like Poodles, Pugs and the Pomeranian due to their small physical stature, reward training has been commonly used as an alternative.

The use of reward training for your pet is an effectivr way of teaching obedience and good behavior. This training technique is use by both the police and military in training their dogs to perform various actions. It is also used by those who train animals for TV and movies. Reward training is a great way to teach all dogs whether they are a family pet or a working dog.

Reward training is based on giving a treat or reward when your dog performs the behavior you desire. Most often it means a special treat, but simply telling your dog that he was a good boy and patting him on the head can be construed as a wonderful reward for your dog.

Your dog can learn to do practically anything using these dog training techniques. Just remember to stay within the prescribed guidelines when training your dog towards the desired result, and to give him his reward as soon as he has done the job right.

For example, the best and easy way to teach your dog to sit is by way of dangling the treat above his head and gradually moving it towards his back until he sits on his own. Do this process while saying the command “sit”, and then commend and reward him right after he sits. Your dog will easily relate the command “sit” to the action of sitting and the treat that goes with it.

Some trainers use a clicker to train the dog without using voice commands. Associating a clicking sound with the treat is the goal with this method. With this method of training, the dog learns to associate the desired action with hand signals and clicks and is rewarded after he performs the actions just as if you were using voice commands.

Reward training can do great wonders for your dog and will make your training a fast process. That key is to get your dog to perform the action on his own and then reward him consistently.

Smaller dogs respond well to a rewards based dog training techniques. This method allows you to bond with your dog and avoids harsher methods which might harm your four legged friend. Using this type of rewards based training, you can both enjoy your training sessions!

One of the most effective ways to train smaller dog breeds is by using rewards based dog training techniques. This is because the smaller dogs are too tiny for collar correction types of training and they could become injured. This training also works for larger breeds and is the recommended type of training that has been used to train generations of dogs.

Reward training is used for many purposes. Along with police and military work, this training teaches dogs to perform all kinds of actions and is even used to train dogs for films and advertisements. And, of course, it works just as well on your pet for basic obedience.

Reward training simply means a treat for your dog after a job well done. Treats may mean many things for your dog, may it be food or just a few pats on the head and an enthusiastic “good boy”.

Your dog can learn to do practically anything using these dog training techniques. Just remember to stay within the prescribed guidelines when training your dog towards the desired result, and to give him his reward as soon as he has done the job right.

For example, dangling the treat over your dog’s head and moving it backwards, repeating the word “sit” over and over, until he naturally sits on his own will teach the dog to sit. After he sits, give him the treat and praise him. It won’t take long before he knows to sit down and he will be rewarded when he hears the word “sit.”

If you want to train your dog without the use of voice commands, then you can take advantage of the reward training method known as clicker training. With this method, a clicker is used (usually along with hand signals) to communicate the desired task to the dog. Just like with a voice command, once the dog performs the task he is rewarded with the treat. Over time, the clicker is all that will be necessary for the dog to respond.

You can teach your dog new tricks with decoy training. This is when you get the dog to perform the task naturally on his own (such as with the “sit” example used earlier). Once he has completed the trick, remember to reward him. This technique, widely used in the entertainment industry, does not require a trainer handler.

Training your pet should be a fulfilling tasks for both you and your animal. The use of reward based dog training techniques will allow you and your pet to achieve your goals without the use of aggressive techniques which may injure or scare your small dog.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) revealed that more than 4.7 million people a year are bitten by dogs. These high incidents of dog bites result to various medical bills, law suits, and sometimes euthanasia for the dog. These cases might be avoidable if dog owners take safety precautions such as training their dogs not to bite.

There are common techniques that have been proven to be effective in suppressing biting behavior of dogs. However, the degree of difficulty of dog training varies with the breed of dog, age and individual temperament.

The younger the dog, the easier the training will be. Because mouthing, nibbling, and nipping come naturally to a puppy, an owner must be firm to stop this behavior when it starts. Even though it may begin as a cute nuisance, it can turn into a bad habit if not contained from the get-go.

You can start giving verbal commands to your dog when he is four weeks and older. When the puppy tries to bite, a gentle but firm “No!’ followed by a slight squeeze of the muzzle will train him not to bite anymore.

Be careful that you don’t squeeze in a way that causes the dog to bite its tongue. Also be careful not to squeeze hard or too high up on the muzzle. Sensitive and delicate odor receptors of the dog are situated high up inside the nose.

Squeezine your dogs muzzle will help him associate the verbal command with the discomfort of the squeeze. Since most dogs are uncomfortable with having their muzzles squeezed, this will help him think twice about biting.

Other than verbally discouraging your dog or using soft physical restraint to remind your dog, socializing your dog may help to train him or her. Socialization can and should begin at as early an age as possible, and your dog should be around other animals and people as much as possible. Socialized dogs are tranquil and confident dogs. Timid dogs that are unused to unfamiliar people or dogs are much more likely to bite.

While still young, socialize your dog with other dogs preferably those that are non-aggressive. Being exposed to other dog breeds will help him cope up with territorial behavior.

Although dogs may take gentle nips at their litter mates, they rarely bite them seriously. This is an attribute you can develop, by encouraging your pet to consider welcome humans and animals as part of his “pack”.

When introducing your dog to other household pets, restrain both your dog and your other pets. They will learn to gradually approach each other naturally.

You must be aware that some usual indicators of oncoming dog aggression are body tension, snarling, and erect ears. You can prevent possible aggression by ordering your dog to sit, back stroking, and or reaching out your hand to the other animal. If you have conveyed the smell of your pet to the other animal, let them interact naturally.

At the age of four and a half months, dogs normally learn to inhibit biting. But for some dogs, the learning process may take longer time. Dogs behavior and their ability to learn varies with the breed, age, and other factors. Training of dogs will be more easy if they are started young.

While most dogs can be trained not to bite, there are some that still bite despite being trained. Pet owners should also be trained how to handle their dogs properly. If your dog still bites, make sure it cannot interact with other people or be expose to other animals.

Persistent long term use of these dog training techniques will likely result in a more stable and fun pet, not to mention that it could prevent an unwanted situation where your dog could get hurt or hurt someone else.

Poodles make great pets, and are one of the smartest dog breeds that are kept as pets. Poodles are one of the most interesting breeds, due to their colorful history and the fact that there are three different sizes. Below are some poodle facts that might help you decide if this breed is for you:

The 3 sizes of poodles identified by the American Kennel Club are - the Standard Poodle, the Miniature Poodle and the Toy Poodle. The biggest among the breed is the Standard Poodle that stands over 15 inches at the top of theshoulders. Miniature Poodle is the middle size and stands 10 inches at the top of the shoulders. Toy Poodles are the smallest and stands under 10 inches and usually weighs around 6 to 8 pounds.

But there are even smaller than Toy Poodles, the Tiny Toy and Teacup Poodles. These two varieties are becoming popular pets although their size variation is not recognized by the AKC. The Tiny Toy only weighs about 4 to 6 pounds while the Teacup is the lightest that only weighs 2 to 4 pounds.

One of the more interesting pet Poodle facts will come as a relief to allergy sufferers. Poodles make superb pets because they do not molt their hair nor does their dander cause allergies. Another plus for poodles as pets is the dogs don’t have a doggy scent.

Poodles are one of the oldest breeds of dogs, and we know this from carvings on Greek and Roman coins that resemble the breed. The AKC recognized Poodles in 1890 and they were the most popular breed of dog in America by the 1960’s.

Poodles date back to the 1500’s and were favorites in France, Germany and Russia. They remain the national dog of France. Germans utilized Poodles for hunting and water retrieving, and the name Poodle derives from the German word Pudel which is an abbreviation of Pudlehund (”splashing dog”). The Standard Poodle was the first variety of Poodle to be bred.

Poodles have hair which can range from coarse to soft, and because of this you can give your Poodle a variety of clips or cuts. While the show cut is the most recognizable, Poodles can also sport a continental clip, a puppy clip, an English Saddle Clip or a pet clip. Their hair can also be corded like a Puli or Komondor.

Poodles are very intelligent dogs. They are a versatile breed that can be trained easily to many activities such as hunting, as well as being easy to house break. Poodles love people and are a very active breed that needs lots of stimulation and exercise.

Poodles can live a long time if they are healthy and live well. Different breeds have different lifespans. For example, the Toy Poodle can live up to 17 years of age while you can expect up to 14 years with a Miniature Poodle. According to most Poodle facts, the largest breed of Poodle, the Standard, has a life expectancy of approximately 11 and a half years.

Training your dog is no easy task; any pet owner can tell you that. While many dogs are very eager to please their owners, the bottom line is that they really don’t always understand what it is that you are saying and they have very, very short attention spans. These factors can make things difficult for even the most patient of owners, but before you are tempted to throw in the towel, let us consider some simple and basic dog training aids that you can use to help you along the way.

When your dog does what you want her to do it is essential that you offer reward and praise. Don’t just resort to punishment when they do something wrong, but reward them when they do it right. Dogs love it when we give them our full attention and approval, and they will do all they can in order to get it. For instance, if you want him to go to the toilet in a certain place then reward them when they do, in fact, go over the top with your praise. This positive reinforcement is vital to your success in getting your dog to do what you want.

Are there any training aids that we can purchase in order to help us with our dogs behaviour? Yes there are a number, and a visit to your local pet store will be quite an eye opener. Some of course are much better than others, as you would expect. Take for example dog leads. Nowadays, the experts tell us that choke chains and collars are not a good idea because they are of little benefit when training, but, a good study lead and collar on the other hand can work wonders when trying to get your dog to obey an instruction. Muzzles are another aid, not something that I like, but some people say that it help control a dogs barking both indoors and out.

Another weapon in your arsenal of dog traing aids is the good old fashioned grooming brush. Most dogs just love the time when they are groomed, and they also love having a toy to play with. Give them a chewy top and you will keep them happy for hours, and they won’t be looking to chew the furniture or get up to mischief. Another basic aid is you, yes, your playing with your dog is not only great fun for both of you, but it will make sure that he or she has little energy left to get into trouble. It does not cost anything to play, so make sure you do.

Let me say in conclusion a few words about the bathing of your dog which although at first sight might seem rather an onerous task, can actually be quite enjoyable for both of you. Treat it as a training excercise, and in time you both will come to look forward to it. Number one priority is to make sure you use only shampoo designed for dogs,do not be tempted to use your own shampoo, and then complete the excercise by useing a conditioner which again must be designed for dogs. Have fun, and your dog will enjoy it too.

A search in your local shoppers guide or newspapers will yield dozens of ads for dog obedience schools that will help your new canine family member fit in with the other animals and people in the house. So how do you choose the one that is right for you?

The methods for training your dog are almost too numerous to count, and they range from physical punishment-based methods to methods based on gentle reminders and positive reinforcement.

Many techniques exist that dog trainers have been using for years. However, recently many long time trainers are converting to a more positive approach.

Another factor is your dog, and it’s background. Is it a puppy, or a rescue dog with their inherent concerns? What is your desired outcome from training–basic obedience, as a pet for the family, show, tracking, or any other dog activities?

After giving thought to your dog’s personality and what you want out of training, peruse your newspaper and make a list of the local dog obedience schools. Find their contact information and visit their websites. Talk to other dog owners and ask where they have had success training their dog. Local kennel clubs and vets may also have trainer recommendations.

Trainers who use positive methods are your best bet. Always check references of the trainers. Some trainers do work with you and your dog in your home, however your dog will be missing out on important socialization. You may want to observe one of the beginner classes. Do not go if they use any harsh techniques, such as, choke collars.

For socialization, it is important that puppies be put into kindergarten or playgroup program, at the earliest age possible. Although, if you have a rescue dog that is aggressive, it may be necessary to go to an animal behaviorist instead of a trainer. Aggression in dogs isn’t something to ignore!

In some cases training collars may be appropriate for some dogs. Training instruments like pinch collars may work with a few dogs, but a “Gentle Leader” head collar is far more likely to be productive with most.

It is not unusual for you to attend your first session without your dog accompanying you. This is a good indication that the trainer is a pro. Clicker training, a form of non punishment type training, necessitates a ‘train the trainer’ session so that you can learn the tools you will need to work with your dog successfully, without the distraction of your pet’s attendance.

Here’s how you can tell if a training class is good:

1. The all-around atmosphere of the of the whole school will be upbeat and positive.

2. Training is based on rewards for a desired behavior, as opposed to punishment for unwanted behavior.

3. A slight whisper or shush noise is the only thing necessary to distract the dog and get the message across that his behavior is unacceptable. There isn’t much punishment, and unwanted actions will be stopped.

4. Instead of focusing on an undesired behavior, they are are replaced with a desired behaviors like giving the command “heel” so the dog stops and sits right beside you.

5. Patience to let the dog give the desired response is a key part of training.

In addition to local dog obedience schools, there are a large quantity of great books as well as quality websites dedicated to the topic of dog training. To find out more about one of the most effective animal training methods, try performing a quick online search on the term “clicker training.” This is the method Hollywood dog trainers use to train dogs to perform on television and film. Now, your dog can learn some of these fancy tricks as well.

The first step in dog training is teaching your dog to sit. To begin this process, it is important to start when the dog is just a puppy, or as soon as it gets settled into its new home. Why do I need to train a puppy to sit? you might ask. After all, doesn’t a dog already know how to sit? If you keep reading, you’ll learn why this early training is important, as well as exactly how to train a dog to sit.

1. The first step is easy. Every time the puppy sits by itself, just say sit. This will teach him to associate the word with the action. This technique can actually be used in training your dog to obey all types of commands.

2. Find the dog a delectable treat and place one in your hand. The puppy should be able to swallow the treat quickly and easily so be sure it is small.

3. Get to the same level as the dog by sitting on the floor. He feels less threatened if you sit. More importantly, you are closer to the dog so he can be rewarded faster.

4. Move the treat over your puppies head, from front to back, slowly. The idea is for the puppy to smell the treat (he will) and follow it with his nose. He has the option of either backing while still standing or sitting down. It’s a lot easier to sit down, so he’ll probably do that.

5. As he sits, immediately say “sit” and reward him with a treat. This is key in all training. The reward has to be given at the same moment the dog responds correctly.

6. Sometimes rewards can be more than just treats so the next step is to praise him. Show joy with your voice and your body language.

7. This is something you could continue to practice 3-5 times a day. Don’t over do it though, as moderation is important, unless you are able to make these steps as fun for the dog as they are for you.

8. Next, try the same things while standing. See if your dog reacts to the word “sit” even if you don’t use your hand or offer a treat. If he sits, praise him for sitting, but if he doesn’t, don’t worry about it. During training it’s important not to show any disappoint to the dog.

Next, you should strengthen the word so that the dog sits regardless of any distractions. This is a never ending process and you should not cease training. Every new situation should be used to train him. Use new people, new dogs, and new surroundings as training opportunities.

Learning how to train a dog to sit will reward you in many ways. When you begin training, the puppy learns to respond to his name and becomes accustomed to training and your commands. You earn the puppy’s respect as his or her master, and in turn your pet will feel safe and secure. At the end of the day, you will both know you’re a great match!

By Riri Shandra

What is Crate training for dogs? Crate training is a wonderful training tool. A dog crate is really important because a dog crate could be used as: a dog house, a dog carrier, a safety place and a potty training device. It is the fastest and most humane method of housetraining.

There are some tips about crate training for dogs –Tips to make a comfy dog crate:

• A dog crate is a cage made of wire or molded plastic. A sturdy wire frame dog crate is easy to clean, durable and offers good ventilation and visibility. A wire dog crate is best if you are using your dog crate primarily at home.

• Crates come in all sizes, with vary types of opening, so you need to make sure that give the ideal crate size for your dog. Choose one that would be enough for your dog.

• A dog crate is like his ‘bed room’, his privacy place, so put comfy, bedding & some dog toys in the crate to encourage him and feel like at home. So the dogs will learn that crate is a nice place.

• Choose comfortable bedding, bedding should be thick enough for the dog to lie on, washable cloth, and quick-drying cloth.

• Using a dog crate is a means of giving your dog his own space. For some dogs, a dog crate is his “bedroom”. A dog crate is really no different than a child’s crib, playpen, or bedroom so raising a puppy without a dog crate is like bringing up baby without a crib or play pen.

Crate training is a wonderful training tool as the best gift you can give to your dog. A dog crate is something that can work well for both you and your dog. The dog crate is an important tool if used properly. A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through his puppy days and for his whole life.

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