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A Fundamental Dog Training Concept You Must Understand For Success With Your Dog
I moved into a new house about 14 days ago.
The funny thing about this house is that--when you walk into the master bathroom, the light switch is on the left side, opposite of where the sink is.
Well, practically every other house I've ever lived...
Are Pets Psychic?
Are Animals Psychic?
Because psychic abilities cannot be quantified or measured on any machine man has so far created, "hard" scientists prefer to say it therefore cannot exist.
Thus, when it comes to psychic abilities, we are in the realm of...
Are You Really Ready to Get a Dog?
Dogs are wonderful companions. Having a special four-legged
friend greeting you at the door when you get home every day,
wagging his tail and making his doggy smile at you is an instant
mood-brightener. I even get a greeting when I come back from...
Dealing With Housetraining Your Shih Tzu
House training is one of those issues that every Shih Tzu owner
must grapple with. In most cases house training is the first
major milestone in the relationship between owner and Shih Tzu,
and it can sometimes be difficult and confusing for owner...
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Deciding to own a pet, in particular a dog is a serious matter, and shouldn't be taken lightly.
A well considered, objective decision can lead to much pleasure and happiness. Conversly a hasty, unwisa choice may result in frustration and...
Dog training issues - refusing to come when called
Many dog owners fail to recognize the importance of having a dog
that comes when called until there is a problem, such as the
collar or leash breaking, or the dog tearing free to chase a
person or another animal. These situations can be dangerous...
Mind Over Matter…
Understanding where horses come from has been a long road for most equestrians. Using that new understanding can dramatically change how one handles, cares for, and trains or rides their horse. “We treat horses the way others tell us to, as well as...
Scottie & Westie - This Mistake is Perfectly Understandable
Show an uninformed dog lover a photo of a Westie, and they’d identify a Westie as a white Scottie. This mistake is perfectly understandable, since they do have similar physical attributes and both originated from Scotland. There are a lot of...
Want A Great Family Dog?
A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented and they always love to be around people. Treat them as family members. Never underestimate their need for human companionship, which is the most notable trait of this breed. The Boxer is...
Why do people sponsor an animal?
Many people now prefer to sponsor an animal in addition to - or
rather than - having their own pet. And this is good news!
Sponsoring an animal has many benefits - both to the person who
is taking out the sponsorship and the organisation - and...
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Dog Training: What You Should Know About Using Food As Reward Training For Your Dog
Training with treats and other food based rewards is a great way
to motivate your dog and speed the training process along. Most
dogs are highly motivated by food rewards, and treat training
using this kind of positive reinforcement is used to train all
sorts of animals, including tigers, lions, elephants and even
house cats. Before you begin a treat based training session,
however, it is a good idea to test the dog to make sure that
food will motivate him through the session. Begin around the
dog's regular meal time by taking a piece of its food and waving
it in front of the dog's nose.
If the dog shows an enthusiasm for the food, now is a great time
to start the training. If the dog shows little interest, or none
at all, it may be best to put off the training until another
time. Don't be afraid to delay the start of meal time in order
to pique the dog's interest in training. The advantages of
proper training will far outweigh any delay in feeding.
It is generally best to get the dog used to regular feedings,
instead of leaving food out all the time. Not only does free
feeding encourage the dog to overeat and increase the chances of
obesity, but a free fed dog may never be fully motivated in
reward based training.
The come when called command Once your dog has shown interest in
the food offered to it, it is time to begin the training. Since
you already got your dog's undivided attention by showing it
food, now is a great time to start. Give the dog a few pieces of
food right away, then back up a few steps. While holding the
food in your hand, so "come here". When the dog comes to you,
praise him effusively and give him a few pieces of food.
After the dog is coming to you easily, add a sit command and
hold the collar before you give the food. After the sit command
is mastered, other commands, and even some tricks, can be added.
Food based positive reinforcement training is the best way to
teach a variety of important behaviors.
One good exercise is the sit, stay, come when called exercise.
This exercise can begin with the owner walking the dog, then
stopping and asking the dog to sit. After the
dog is sitting
quietly, the owner backs away and asks the dog to stay. Ideally
the dog should continue to stay until called by the owner, even
if the leash is dropped.
At the end of the exercise, the owner calls the dog. When the
dog comes to the owner, it receives food and praise from the
owner. This exercise should be repeated several times, until the
dog is reliably coming when called.
It is important to keep the training sessions short, especially
in the beginning, to keep the dog from becoming bored, and from
consuming its entire meal in the form of treats. After the dog
has been responding regularly, the treats and food rewards can
be slowly reduced. It is important to still provide these food
rewards, but it may no longer be necessary to provide as many.
After awhile, as well, it will not be necessary to give the dog
treats every single time he responds as requested. In general,
it should only be necessary for the dog to receive a food treat
one out of every five times he comes on demand. The other four
successes can be rewarded with praise and scratches.
Once the dog understand the basics of the "come here" exercise,
the basic exercise can be expanded, and many games can be
created. These type of games can be great fun for owner and dog
alike, as well as a great learning experience. Some off leash
work can be introduced as well, but it is always best to start
with the dog in a safe environment, such as a fenced back yard.
For variety, you can try taking the dog to other safe
environments, such as a friend's house, a neighbor's fenced yard
or a local dog park. Try turning the dog loose in these safe
places, and practice the come when called exercise. Always
praise the dog extensively, scratch him behind the ears and tell
him what a good dog he is. The goal should be to make coming to
the owner a more pleasant experience than whatever the dog was
doing before he was called.
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Click Here => http://www.absolute-dog-training.com
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