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A Review of Cat Fancy Magazine
Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is totally fun and such is the case with my assignment to review Cat Fancy Magazine. My own two Bengal cats volunteered to assist with my research but in the end both of them were found sleeping on the...
Animals Benefit from Energy Healing
I learned about energy healing by receiving healings from a practitioner. When I tried to find my horse's chakras, I took my first steps to becoming a healer myself. Finding the chakras on my horse, Echo, was easy for me. Echo became my first...
Aromatherapy for Pets
Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much as humans can. Aside from possibly eliminating bad odors and giving your pet a pleasant perfume, essential oils also serve many practical functions such as boosting your pet's immune...
Barking dogs - positive training
Some dogs often get out of control as far as their noise levels
are concerned, and their owners realize that some barking dog
training is in order. Of course, you have to understand that
barking is a natural way for the puppy or dog to...
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 - When To Give Your Dog The Freedom Off The Leash
Many dog owners are anxious to give their four legged companions
the freedom of going off leash, but it is important not to rush
that important step. Dogs should only be allowed off their leash
after they have become masters of all the basic...
Hip Dysplasia In Dogs
A fairly common degenerative disease in dogs, canine hip dysplasia, is often misunderstood. Many mistakenly think that the ailment is a form of arthritis, but that is simply not the case. Often, dogs that suffer from hip dysplasia will develop...
Shih Tzu - Dealing With Housetraining Problems
The best house training uses the shih tzu's own instincts to
avoid soiling its bed to train the shih tzu where and where not
to eliminate. That is the basis behind crate training, in which
the shih tzu is confined to its crate in the absence of...
Taking your dog training off leash
Many dog owners are anxious to give their four legged companions
the freedom of going off leash, but it is important not to rush
that important step. Dogs should only be allowed off their leash
after they have become masters of all the basic...
Westies Dogs and Your Children
Almost without exception, breeders will advertise that their favorite terrier, westies dogs, are good with children. However, terrier enthusiasts, and westie rescue organizations, tell a different story. Before you bring your terrier into a home...
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Ever Wonder How Fast To Train Or Work With Your Dog?
I noticed the other day, while working with a new German Shepherd dog-mix I adopted from a local animal shelter--how fast and intense you must work with your dog, during the "reinforcement" phase.
Your dog goes through three general phases of learning:
1. "The Learning phase": This is when the dog learns to understand what a command means. You use very little correction at this phase, and may use toys, balls or food to motivate (not bribe!) the dog into doing and understanding what the command means. The problem with most amateur dog trainers is that they feel their dog is trained, once he understands a command and has gone through the "Learning Phase."
2. "The Reinforcement phase": Once the dog has learned what the command means, he needs to be "re- taught" the command in a variety of different settings. Because he'll likely only associate response to the command in the initial setting you've trained him in, he needs to "relearn" the command in different types of areas. This happens very quickly. It usually only takes one or two repetitions, and then it "clicks" for the dog. Once you see that it's "clicked for the dog," this is when you need to start working very fast, exciting and BRIEF sessions. Your goal is to get the dog to respond to commands very quickly. IF you're working on the "down" command, then the dog should drop into the down position very quickly--AND THEN IMMEDIATELY GIVE HIM YOUR "RELEASE COMMAND!" Run 5 or 10 steps with the dog, then reissue the command.
When you give him the release command, toss a ball, or a piece of food. You should be aiming to teach the dog that training is a big, fun game. A game that he has to respect. But nonetheless, a game the he loves and looks forward to playing with you--in any environment.
Here's where most new trainers fail: They don't work the dog fast enough. You need to make your body language fast and exciting to the dog. IF you're not sweating and huffing and puffing after 5-10 minutes… then you're not being animated enough. For fastest results, work the dog like this for 3-4 sessions a day and you'll see dramatic improvement.
3. "The Proofing Phase": This phase teaches the dog that 100% reliability in every type of environment is absolutely imperative. Make sure your proof your dog in every type of environment that you can imagine. Practice in parks, in field and in parking lots. Practice around other dogs, and cats. And even chickens and goats. One you've "proofed" your dog, you can relax in knowing that you can pretty much take your dog anywhere and know that hell listen.
About the Author
Adam G. Katz is the author of the book, "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider's Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History." Get a free copy of his report "Games To Play With Your Dog" when you sign up for his free weekly dog training tips e-zine at: http://www.dogproblems.com
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