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Methods of Training Dogs
Dog Obedience Training: It's Basic To The Enjoyment of Your Dog - When To Call A Professional
Link to Finding a Qualified Dog Trainer Near You Dog training, especially dog obedience training, makes for good relationships between humans and their pets. If your dog is a puppy, you may have time to try do-it-yourself training such as Dog Clicker Training. Famous TV and book-trainers like Cesar Milan employ a voice signal to correct bad behavior. A clicker uses a similar technique.
Click here to read more about Crate Training and House Training Here's a story about a new dog owner that needed the help of a professional dog trainer.My sister was called by the local shelter that they had "the ideal" dog for her. Not small, but not too big. Not a puppy, but not yet an adult. Cute, affectionate and intelligent, it appeared that my sister's 6 month search to adopt a dog had come to a happy end.But within days, after adopting the 8 month old Nova Scotia Duck Toller-mix female, she began to suspect WHY the dog had been "given back" TWICE to the shelter. Miss Watson, the dog, was out of control. She wouldn't come, and she barked and nipped. She pooped and peed in the house even though she had just been taken out. Understand, my sister is unusually good with animals. She knows the basics of dog training, and had begun to put Miss Watson on a training schedule. But Miss Watson proved to be "too much" for my sister. Even getting a leash on the dog became a twenty minute struggle. As soon as the dog saw the leash, she'd begin playing her game of "you can't catch me". The dog was very fast, and she would run circles around my sister, as if mocking her. My sister got so frustrated, she was reduced to tears. She called the local dog training school and was told there was a two month waiting list. She pleaded, "You must help me. Either this dog gets under control now, or I'm giving her back to the shelter. She's already been given up twice, and I want to give the dog a chance". "OK", the school said, "We'll fit her in". After two weeks of lessons at The Olde Towne School For Dogs, Miss Watson graduated with honors. "The trouble with this type of dog", the trainer explained, "is that they are very intelligent and they want to do work.You have to keep this dog exercised, busy, and challenged, or you'll have problems".The trainer was right. My sister heeded the trainer's advice, and decided to continue the dog's obedience training to an advanced level. Miss Watson loved school. She is now off-leash trained. And people marvel at Miss Watson's enjoyment of commands: Watson, sit, heel and come. Miss Watson responds immediately and joyfully. Miss Watson even "does her business" on command. "Watson, PEE WEE, and the dog takes care of relieving herself". "Watson, hop up", and the dog jumps into the back seat of the car. My sister tells everyone, "Get your dog trained". Watson's private lessons were very expensive. But group lessons through a pet store, or a community recreation center, are also effective and much less expensive. 1. Dog training takes repetition, and patience. Dogs love to learn, and most respond to food rewards and lots of praise. 2. Don't get angry with your dog and never hit your dog or punish it. Dogs don't understand what you want, and they become frustrated and fearful. "Time out" doesn't work for dogs. Rubbing a dog's nose in their accidents is cruel and ineffective. Threatening a dog with rolled-up newspaper is an old fashioned remedy that is useless and foolish. 3. Dog Obedience Training is possible because dogs love to please you. Teach your dog to respond to your happy words like "Good dog", "Watson", "That's My Girl", etc. 4. If you can't afford lessons, read and follow the advice in a good dog training book. Watch TV shows about dog training. The basics are easily available. 5. Always remember that your dog's VET is a good resource for advice and information about dog training. 6. Many say that group lessons, even those at your local pet supply retailer - are very helpful and reasonably priced. You may find it nice to work with other dog owners and dogs. It can be a fun social outing, and a good way of making new friendships. (A potential matchmaking opportunity?) Please help you and your dog to be happy together. Your dog wants to be loved by you. It's easy to love a well trained and obedient dog. Problem behavior is correctible. Fix problem behavior before the problem gets out of control.
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