Dog Training Resources

Saturday, September 04, 2010

The Basics of Effective Pitbull Training

If you’re reading this, you already know that pitbulls are among the best things ever created. They are fun, active and one of the healthier breeds of dog there are. You did not make a mistake in adopting one of these fantastic hounds. Now, you want to take it to the next level—training. What are the best training techniques and how can we apply this effectively to our blue pitbulls today?

I don’t care what some people have said—every dog CAN be trained, pitbulls included. They might seem overly vigorous and even combative with other canines, but definitely they can be trained and you can do this by using their mindset to your best advantage. Pitbull training is most effective when you use positive reinforcement to get them to do what you want.

What does positive training mean? This simply means that you reward the completed tasks with a treat, or better yet, effusive praise. Remember, pitbulls are very affectionate and sociable pets to humans. They love to please you and is eager to be obedient if they see that any particular behavior makes you happy with them. The problem many trainers fail to see is not the stubbornness of your dog— it is the breakdown in communication when your pet doesn’t understand what exactly you want with him.

It is therefore critical that you be as consistent and repetitive as possible in training. Animals are obviously not gifted with cognitive skills like we humans are, so use simple and consistent commands in obedience training. Repetition builds understanding so be patient when your dog doesn’t comprehend what you want right away. He will eventually get it as long as you use the same words all the time and use the right techniques in executing it.

If you want to correct a certain behavior, see where your dog is coming from first. Is he being destructive or barking excessively? This might be because they are bored with a lot of pent-up energy inside. Blue pitbulls are one of the most active and energetic dogs there are so you need to let them have their exercise every day. They say a tired pitbull is a good pitbull. You don’t want them to get too tired as to be completely exhausted; but you want them to release nervous energy so that they don’t become destructive and ruin things around your house.

Pitbulls not only need physical stimulation, they need mental stimulus to help them learn better as well. Make your training sessions fun and proactive. They will lose attention after 15 minutes so it’s best if you limit training to 10 to 15 minutes. Use creative and innovative techniques in a stress free environment to spur them on to learn more.

Remember, pitbull training is only as effective as the master who implements it. Be kind but firm and strong when you deal with him to let him know that you’re the boss. When he understand and accepts that you as his leader, it will be much easier to train him. Build a good and solid relationship with your pet and enjoy many more years of happy memories ahead!

What do you know about blue pitbulls? Get the best pitbull training tips all experts use, and health tips on how to care for your pitbull when you visit HealthyHappyDogs.com today.

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Saturday, January 09, 2010

Obedience Training Your Dog by Motivating Him

Just like people, pets sometimes need that extra attention or shove in the right direction when they need to do something they really are not that interested in doing. Dogs do not care if they dig up your nicest flowers. It is fun for them and if you do not intervene, they will not stop. Dogs are motivated to do things a lot like people-by rewards, praise and building trust.

So your dog Fido is digging up the flowerbeds and barking all day long. Maybe he likes to take you for a walk instead of you walking him. This is the perfect time to get that dog motivated to learn better manners. Your dog may need that extra push to learn how to be a well-behaved dog. It is possible to motivate your dog and help them pass their obedience training.

Rewards are often the easiest way to motivate your pooch into obedience. It is often hard to keep the attention of your dog. During obedience training, dogs become easily distracted. It is important to keep your dog’s training fun and interesting. Giving your dog rewards throughout the training session and at different times will help keep your dog focused and motivated. A random stimulus that your dog understands as positive is a great way to keep your dog ready for the next command.

After your dog has performed a request for you, that is the time to offer a positive reward. Rewards for dogs do not always have to come in the form of doggie treats either. Your dog will love a gently pat on the head or a rub on the belly. After a long training session, you can even reward your dog with a trip to the park or a game of catch. Training sessions can benefit as long as your dog understands that when he or she performs a command, he or she will be rewarded. A reward system is a perfect way to keep your dog ready to learned and motivated during obedience training.

Another way to motivate your dog to do well with obedience training is to stay positive and offer lots of praise. Dogs are very adept at sensing your feelings and emotions. If you are frustrated with your dog for not performing commands well, your dog will sense this. It will be harder to keep your dog motivated when you are not motivated. Your dog will also respond well to praise. The tone of your voice is very important to your dog. Dogs may not understand every word you say, but they understand when you are upset or excited by the way you talk. While you are training your dog, try to stay excited and upbeat. This will encourage your dog to learn commands and perform better for you.

In addition, your body language says a lot to your dog, too. When your dog behaves well and you use direct eye contact to praise your dog, your dog understands that you are happy and pleased. On the other hand, when you irritated by your dog’s constant jumping, you will look your dog in the eye and speak sternly. Your dog understands that you are upset. If you move quickly towards a shy dog or a dog that feels threaten, the dog becomes upset and scared. When you are training your dog, think about how your body language and tone of voice and motivate your dog.

You can also help your dog stay focused and motivated with obedience training by building a good relationship with your dog. Dogs are social animals and need the interaction you can provide. Dogs that are often left alone all day or left outside for long periods of time, cannot build up trust with their owner. It is important to understand why your dog is having a behavior problem in the first place and then work together to correct it. It could be that the reason your dog is digging up the flowers is because he or she is bored with being left alone. Perhaps your dog eats shoes in the house because they have separation anxiety, or have a fear of being left alone while you are away. By understanding these reasons you can help your dog overcome obstacles and motivate their way to obedience.

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Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Your Dog's Advanced Obedience Training Made Easy

Can you just imagine how much easier life would be if your dog's well trained? Many don't even attempt to try it because it looks impossible. Actually, with some patience and determination, advanced obedience dog training is not only possible- it will be one of the most fulfilling experiences you will ever have with your dog. A trained dog is a happier dog. They are well-adjusted, confident and mentally disciplined even outside your home. You can leave your pet with other people and know that no harm will be done.

First and foremost in canine training is the establishment of hierarchy between you and your dog. You need to set your position as the leader early on. As soon as the dog understands this, the simpler it will be to train him. Neglecting to do so can spell trouble. There will be a struggle for dominance and aggressive behavior will ensue. Be strong and firm in teaching. When you see the beginnings of the alpha dog coming out, correct it immediately but do not be overly severe and mean to him.

A firm and confident voice will help deliver our commands effectively. While you speak, gently guide him to what exactly you want him to do. In the beginning it will take several attempts before he will understand what you mean; but advanced obedience training will be easier as soon as the dog gets the repetitive commands and their corresponding actions you've been using in your training classes.

The best, indeed the only way to train animals is through the reward and punishment system. Reward your pet with enthusiastic praise upon completion on a correctly executed command. Be consistent in remembering what he did to deserve praise and make an effort to praise him every time thereafter. Dogs can get confused with what is expected of him if you don't praise him for the same thing repeatedly.

On the other hand, do not neglect to reprimand the dog for wrong behavior. Do this at the time he is committing the mistake not after so he will know that action is wrong. Chastising the animal will also emphasize right from wrong. For example, if he eats dirt in the street scold him immediately. Right after put dog food in front of him and enthusiastically praise him wen he eats the latter.

Keep dog obedience training sessions short and sweet throughout the day. Keep doing the commands you want him to learn. This will drive the lessons home. Teach him at different times in the day so his obedience is not relegated to only a certain time and place.

The stunts movie dogs do are complex and impressive. They also all started with Sit. Begin with the simpler commands and progress from there. Patience and consistency are your best tools for dog training. Use the same principles as you did in the earlier stages, and it will bring you success in the more challenging tasks in the future.

There you go, the basic and fundamental tools you will need in advanced obedience training for dogs. There's nothing left to do now but start training!

Geraldine Dimarco knows that dog obedience training is a invaluable tool for all pet owners. Find free access on Advanced Obedience today.

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