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Posts Tagged ‘dog behavior’

It can be a very positive experience to have a dog as a companion and children will love growing up with a pet dog. A well behaved dog will be recognized as real family member. You can only fully enjoy your dog when you have learnt to control its chewing. 

There are a number of things you will need to consider if you have a dog that chews. Assessing the dog’s environment is an important consideration. Is stress or anxiety a factor? Is teething the problem? These are all factors that could lead to your dog displaying chewing behavior. Read my review of Puppy and Dog Training Online to discover more ways to stop dog chewing.

Remember the following steps to control your dogs chewing:

Your dog looks to you for direction and don’t forget that you are in control of your dog’s behavior. Your dog needs to know this. Dogs are pack animals and they don’t mind being at the bottom! You are their leader.

First question, what is your dog chewing? Your dog may think it is allowed to chew shoes and clothes left laying around. You may want to remove objects that are tempting for a young pup to chew until it develops more self control. {Sometimes spraying an object with chili will make it undesirable to chew}. Your dog will remember this next time and soon learn not to chew that object again.

So why is your dog chewing? Could it be that your puppy is teething? Gum pain will be helped by something to chew. Dogs are able to tell the difference between things they have permission to chew and objects they are not. Frozen dog chews, puppy teething rings or a hard rubber ball will all help painful gums.

Next, is your dog chewing because it’s bored or stressed? To keep your new family member entertained you will need to provide a fair bit of stimulation. If you are away all day you could try your dog with some interesting dog toys that require persistence to master. Your dog may be stressed because you are away all day. You could try leaving without your dog knowing, to reduce the separation anxiety. It is best to make sure you include your pet in activities when you are at home and ensure they are not ignored. Your dog may want to gain your attention by behaving inappropriately if it is bored.

A key component in training your dog to bark less is understanding the reasons for the barking. Over time you will learn to understand what your dog is trying to communicate through barking. There will be times when you will wecome your dog barking, for example when something is amiss or your dog needs to go out. Remember, some barking is good!. Nothing is worse than a neighbor with a barking dog: you are responsible for training your dog about appropriate barking behavior. You can stop your dog from barking because you are in charge and your dog will look to you for direction about what to do and when to do it.

For more help with your training check out these reviews of the ultimate dog training products available today. Go to Best Dog Training Product now.

Is your dog feeling bored, anxious or lonely?

A major cause of problem barking is a dog who feels anxious or lonely. Is your dog always left alone while you go to work? Your dog will need plenty (1-1.5 hours), of exercise to compensate for that. Try and fit in a long walk before or after work. Organising this can sometimes be difficult so why not engage the services of a professional dog walker. A big thankyou will be your dogs reaction to this attention. A host of dog toys are available from pet shops etc, to try when you are away from home. Try buying your dog a bone to chew or a ball to play with. .

Dogs who spend too much time alone will often become nuisance barkers. . Spend a lot of time with your dog playing and showing it affection. Dogs need this to thrive. Include your dog in family activities when you are at home. Dogs who are loved are happy. A dog that gets plenty of attention is also less likely to exibit other problem behaviors and you won’t need to Stop Your Dog Digging.

Is your dog feeling playful?

Giving in to barking so that you will stop what you are doing and play, is the worst thing you could do. A bad habit will be reinforced, if you do. Mutual respect is key to your relationship with your dog and harassing you in this way demonstrates lack of respect. Your dog will continue to demand your attention in this way, if you do not ignore this behaviour. Moving away and turning your back towards your dog is a way to demonstrate this effectively. This will confuse your dog at first. Since the barking behavior has worked in the past your dog may thinking that if it barks for just a little longer you will give in. Don’t Succumb! Be strong. You will probably have to endure worse barking before the barking improves. When your dog has realized the barking isn’t working remember to praise it. Your dogs wants to please you so you’ll need to use positive reinforcement. It won’t take long for your dog to re learn this behaviour, if you are consistent.

Effective dog training requires consistency. Dogs respond positively to knowing who the boss is. Your leadership is necessary for your dog to respect you and become well adjusted, well behaved and happy. A good dog is not necessarily a quiet dog. Your dog will learn from your clear instruction about the right times to bark.

To find out more about keeping your barking dog quiet take a look at Quiet Your Barking Dog.

Dog psychology is a fascinating subject and one we will explore today. Taking the time to understand your dog’s pysche a bit better will prove to be quite helpful in understanding your dog and in applying it when you train your dog.

When we learn to understand why a dog behaves and acts the way that he does , then we are essentially learning dog psychology. The way the dog-a descendant of the wolf- has adapted to human social organization is truly fascinating.

Dogs have learned to live with and obey humans through successful training. A dog learns that when he behaves well, he will be rewarded and this is one facet of creating a trusting bond and relationship between you and your dog.

The importance of understanding how wolves live plays a large part in understanding dog psychology. Wolves live in the wild in packs of two or more.The dictatorship system that the males and females use is strictly defined.

The leader or “alpha leader” of this system is almost always the biggest male in the pack.The alpha leader is eagerly followed by the other wolves with the utmost respect.

Thousands of years ago wolves were able to adapt domestically with man because of the similar social organization and instinctive mental or psychological structure. When it comes to dividing duties like feeding, some wolves track the animal, one stands guard, and one makes the attack.The alpha leader allows the other members of the pack to finish his “leftovers” when he has fed first and is satisfied.

As part of your household your dog views the members of the family as the pack.Your dog will be watching everyone closely until he can figure out who the alpha leader is and exactly where he fits into this new system.

He will be watching for clues such as the physical size of each family member as well as the tone of voice that each person speaks with.The way everyone interacts with one another is another clue your dog will watch for throughout the day.

It is essential to establish yourself (or another responsible adult in your household) as the alpha leader.The sooner this is established, the fewer behavioral problems you will see.

Establishing yourself or someone else as the alpha is not the only understanding that you need to have, but you need to also need to understand that your dog is at the bottom of your family’s heirarchy.

Without a hierarchal system in place, your dog will create one and put himself in charge. This is when a lot of dogs can become overly dominant and destructive. It needs to be very obvious to your dog that he is subordinate to everyone-including children.

Because of their small size and their dependency on adults, it is sometimes difficult for a dog to understand that he is lower ranked than children. Dogs can sometimes become very aggressive towards children for this reason and might even bite on occasion.

Your dog will realize he is subordinate to every other family member through disciplined training.Good quality dog training resources can help you with this process.

Remember, training does take time and effort, but it is definately worth it!

All the best with the process of training your dog.

Darcy Austin is editor in chief of Dog Obedience University, a comprehensive resource on dog obedience training.

Understanding Your Dog’s Behavioral Problems

Dogs exhibit many behaviors that leave their owners scratching their heads in confusion. Whether it’s barking, digging, nipping, or a number of other annoying activities, canines do things that seem odd to us. However, by understanding why they do such things, owners can learn to modify such behaviors.

Below, we’ll discuss several behavioral problems that can frustrate owners, their guests, and their neighbors. I’ll explain why your pooch may be doing some of the things she’s doing so you can take steps to curb inappropriate behaviors.

Chewing

Dogs chew for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they’re anxious. Other times – especially in the case of puppies – they chew because they’re teething. Still other times, they simply become bored or restless. They do it to work off excess energy.

If your canine limits her chewing to a chew toy, or Bully Sticks there’s little harm in it. When no chew toys are around, your house belongings are at risk for damage from a chewing dog. When you physically see your dog chewing on inappropriate objects, may sure you inform them. Take away (or remove her from) the item on which she’s chewing and give her a Odorless Bully Stick in its place.

Excessive Barking

First, it’s important to realize that your dog barks as a way of communicating. While it can become frustrating if she does so excessively, owners should understand that there may be a valid reason for the behavior.

That said, canines often bark excessively for a number of reasons that are inappropriate. For example, they may be bored or excited. There barking may be a result of other pets in the vicinity. Sometimes, you dog misses you and just want you to pay attention to them.

To discourage  the excessive barking, make sure your dog receives plenty of exercise and attention each day. When bored your dog’s behavior issues can increase because of pent up energy. Also, avoid encouraging her barking by giving her attention when she does it. Instead, a loud clap will let your dog know they are doing something wrong.

Begging

Dogs love food, even if they’re not hungry. Given the opportunity, they’ll continue eating as long as someone gives them something to eat. The problem is that owners encourage begging each time they provide a taste from the dinner table. Remember, your pooch learns by repetition. When it comes to food, she learns quickly. By rewarding your dog when they beg, the dog believes the behavior is acceptable and will continue.

You can discourage the begging behavior by removing the dog during meals.

The Value Of Obedience Classes

Most behavioral issues can be curbed by enrolling your dog into obedience classes. If you follow this course of action as a puppy, the training is more likely to be learned.” If you enroll her as an adult, the training will be effective, but she’ll probably need periodic classes as a reminder of what constitutes appropriate conduct. In the end, a well-trained, well-behaved dog makes a more pleasant companion.

There is a lot work to looking after a dog or puppy and he or she will take up a lot of time, you must be prepared to clean up dog poo every day, until your dog is house trained, or when you take him for a walk.

Training a dog can be hard, especially if you aren’t used to dog training. Simple acts can produce the best and quickest results. You have to understand how a dog would live if he were living in a dog pack. There is always a leader of the pack the alpha male, and you will have to become the alpha, so your dog will know you are in charge and will obey and follow you.

Don’t let any of this put you off, a dog is a wonderful companion and will give you lots of love, with the added bonus if needed, of protecting you. Remember they need plenty of love, attention, and petting as well, so enjoy your best friend.

The following tips will help you look after your dog properly and have a good relationship

Dog problems

Dogs like to dig, they like to bury bones, not good if you are a keen gardener. When they are loney dogs will dig, as they are social animals and get bored. Spend more time with him if this becomes a problem. Sometimes when they dig they eat the soil, this can be because they are lacking in vitamins and nutrients. Check you pet’s health with a vet and if there is nothing wrong, buy a good dog vitamin pill, and this should help keep that digging at bay.

Potty Training

The best way to deal with doggie potty trainig, is to reward your puppy when he or she gets it right. Never rub his nose in it when he has an accident or hit him, he will know from your face and tone of your voice that he has got it wrong. If the occasional accident does happen, remember it isn’t the end of the world and urine stains do wash out.

Discover the answers to your dog health and dog problems

When the owner terms the dog as bad, perhaps they should look at their own behavior. It is frustrating when a dog simply jumps on your clean clothes as you are taking a walk down the road. This can also happen when the dog next door leaves his tell tale marks on your front yard. Just like the kid next door who has not been taught any manners, these dogs can be compared to them.

Why blame the animal (or the kids) when the adult who’s supposed to be in charge isn’t acting responsibly? Ask any smart owner and he would tell you that it is wise to take the help of a dog trainer to learn the handling methods without dampening his natural spirits. Either you contact your vet office or pet store to get to meet a trainer or seek online help from a dog training book or from online dog training tips and tackle your pet problem before it goes out of hand. A section of this training is involved with tutoring the owner how to handle his pet.

Many times trainers comment that dogs are easier to train than their owners. Dogs that must be leash trained for walking in public or at the park need practice; this begins around the yard or in a smaller location. Both owners and neighbors get angry when they hear barking which although irritating is quite normal behavior. Shouting or punishing your pet for engaging in this normal communication is counterproductive – as well as confusing to the animal.

So why does a dog bark?
Often, dogs bark because they lack attention or need food and water. The noise of a dog barking can alarm the owners of a burglar intrusion so attempting to stop him from doing this may work against you. Many owners make the mistake of letting a puppy bark as they please but change their attitude when they grow older. The trainer can coach you how to instill the behaviors which you prefer in our puppy.

How do you make your new puppy stop the undesired behavior?
Once your pet is rewarded regularly for good behavior they will begin to stop displaying the negative traits. Most important to note: you can not expect a dog to learn certain behaviors which are against his genetic behavioral pattern. You should look into breeds that exhibit particular characteristics if you want them from your pet.

When does a dog become good?
Well, when you train them with patience, resolve and of course, a great deal of affection.

Training a dog takes patience and dedication. A rescued dog will require double the patience and dedication to achieve the desired results. However, the rewards will be worth the effort.

The practice of neutering and spaying of dogs has been around for many years but unplanned births continues to be a reality. As a result of this there are just not enough homes for all of the puppies that are born. When we add the number of dogs that get lost or wander away, rescue missions and shelters everywhere are filled to capacity. For many of these dogs being euthanized will be the sad reality.

Some of the lucky ones will get a second chance. Some will be adopted into the care of a loving family or rescued from the street. However, these generous souls often find themselves at a loss with their new companion.

Dogs that are brought to shelters are generally not in the best condition. Horrible living conditions, abuse and neglect are often a part of their history. And in some circumstances dogs are released into the wild to take care of themselves.

A dog’s nature is to be a pack animal. Even wild dogs don’t do well on their own. A domesticated dog that has been released into the wild and no longer has human or animal interaction do poorly. Wild dogs such as these are usually fearful and distrustful of humans, but with proper training they can learn to overcome these traits.

The first thing you should do after you have rescued a dog is to get a full health examination. A dog will not be able to respond positively to any training if it is in pain or sick. It is very important to give the dog enough time to regain weight and energy.

If possible try to get any information regarding the dog’s history. Your training efforts will be helped if you have information on the dog’s past abuse or medical history.

It is important to establish trust with a rescued dog slowly. It is important not to force yourself on the dog. The animal will begin to seek you out once they have learned to trust you. A suggestion would be to work on trust with a treat. After placing some food on the floor you can back up a bit. Avoid direct eye contact. Once the dog takes the food make sure they get enthusiastic praise.

Some rescued dogs will seek physical contact right away. Others may take a few days or weeks. But once you have established it, try to roll the dog over onto his back and place your hand on their chest. You can expect that the dog will either resist if they tend to be aggressive or a fearful dog will accept. Neither aggression nor fear is good. In normal training, you would force the aggressive dog to take on a passive role. This will not work with a rescued dog. Remember to take your time when establishing trust. By speaking in a soft and calm tone of voice and gently rubbing the belly a fearful dog will know that being on its back is a positive experience and not a punishment.

Be patient as it is often difficult and slow to train a rescued dog. They are often older dogs, mixed, and with difficult temperaments which makes training more challenging. Hang in there. Your perseverance will pay off.

Avoid at all cost feeling sorry for the dog. It can make the training even more difficult. Be patient, loving and understanding but don’t let the dog have the run of the house. You must establish your position as a leader and let the rescued dog understand that you are the alpha of the pack.

Rescuing a dog from a shelter is great adventure and with a little extra work and patience, will give you a great companion for year.

Stefan Hyross is a writer for All About Dogs ‘N Puppies. Read about dog behavior problems and learn how to correct them. Feel free to visit the site for puppy potty training techniques and tips for you and your dog.

puppy training

There are many circumstances where we are forced to work to live when in reality it should be about us living our lives and doing something that we enjoy. For those who love dogs, becoming a certified dog trainer may be just the career. A certified dog trainer is of great value, especially when helping a new pet owner with adjusting to their new dog and vice versa.

Becoming a certified dog trainer begins with a love of animals. It requires patience and a desire to interact with the animal. Dog obedience training takes knowledge and a compassionate nature in order for there to be success. Most people do not turn to a certified dog trainer until there is an obvious sign of dog aggression and then the battle begins. Dog training starts when the animal first comes home and continues throughout the life-time of the canine.

Not all dogs are alike. Different breeds will require you to know how they interact with other dogs and humans. It is for this reason that basic classes in dog breeds, aggression level and physiology are studied in order to know what to expect. The basic coursework prepares you for understanding the psychological and physical aspects each different dog will require.

Once the basics of dog behavior are down, then begin the specialized coursework designed to train a dog through a variety of methods. The instruction will teach how to use a variety of instruction in order to train the dog such as through a clicker or through positive reinforcement. Other steps include teaching safety to the owners as well as the dog. It is also important to learn how to deal with dogs that are more difficult to deal with due to a past history of violence or dog fighting.

Once the coursework is complete, the certified dog trainer is ready to begin. There are a variety of places to work such as pet supply stores, kennels or even opening up a business. One great example of a certified dog trainer is Cesar Millan who works with troubled dogs and their owners on his hit television show ‘The Dog Whisperer’ airing on cable.

A freelance trainer will not punch a clock or find them working day-in and day-out within the confines of an office building. There is the freedom of working outdoors and getting to play while being paid. If you decide to work for a company such as Pets Mart then you can get benefits as well. You may never be famous but you will be important to the people you help.

If you are interested in learning how to deal with aggression in dogs, then you should read this article. Specifically, I’m going to discuss why your dog is becoming aggressive, the main types of aggression you’re likely to see, and some valuable tips for training an aggressive dog. By the time you’ve finished reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of why your dog is aggressive, and what you can do to fix this problem.

First, I am going to talk about why your dog is aggressive. Most of the time when a dog behaves aggressively, there are specific reasons why he is acting this way.

For example – if you have had your dog since he was a puppy and maybe his parents were aggressive dogs. It’s a clever idea to research your dog breeds before you chose on a specific breed, because many owners have made the mistake of bringing a dog into their home which has unchangable aggressive characteristics.

Another reason why your dog is displaying aggressive dog behavior is because your dog feels threaten by another dog or person.

Next I am going to tell you about the different types of aggression and how to identify them. There are two main different types of aggression.

Here is what you should look for so you can see the differences between the two types of aggression.

The first (and most common) form of aggression is what many owners call every day aggression. This type of aggression can happen often. This isn’t a major problem compared to some other potential scenarios, but you should still monitor this behavior to ensure it doesn’t become worse. The signs of this aggression are growling, staring, and barking. The best way to fix this type of aggression is with basic obedience training.

The second kind of aggressive behavior can be more of a problem, and you should try to fix this quickly, by seeking the help of a professional dog trainer. This aggressive behavior can become dangerous to you, your dog and other around your dog if it gets out of control.

The signs you should look out for are biting, snarling, snapping, nipping at legs or heels, displaying teeth and intense staring. If you don’t do anything about your dog’s aggressive behavior, it can lead on to more severe problems such as fighting and trying to bite people.

With aggressive behavior, I would recommend you seek professional who specialises in aggressive dog training to help correct this behavior.

You can find books, cds and video lessons which can show you the basics of obedience training which can help you. If you have a puppy, you should start training as soon as possible before it gets too late and becomes a habit, which can be hard to break.

Here are some tips for when it comes to training your dog or puppy.

1. Remember to never leave your dog alone with your children during this training.
2. Do not keep your dog tied up outside, as this will only make the aggressive behavior worse.
3. Do not abuse or tease your dog or let anyone else do it, as this too will make the behavior worse.

You need to learn the warning signs of aggression before the aggressive behavior appears as this will be much easier for you and your dog when it comes to dealing with this behavior.

In this article I have talked about reasons why your dog is aggressive, tips on training, and the two different types of aggression. You now know what you can to do fix this aggression before it becomes too much to handle.

A dog that is well trained and knows its place in the family is every dog owner’s goal but this isn’t always the case. Some dogs show aggression around people they don’t know or around animals but some will just jump on anyone nearby. Albeit those inclinations might be appropriate sometimes, most owners would prefer their dog was sociable with everyone they meet.
 
Do we need to train our dogs? I think it is and most dog owners would think so too. Of course, a well-behaved dog is the ultimate situation, but many owners just don’t have the time to train or the money to hire someone else. Some people don’t want the hassle of the training process, whether they do it themselves or through someone else. The outcome is a dog that may scare others, including family members because it is disobedient. It’s always a good idea to train your dog, keeping safety for itself and others at the forefront.
 
Several dog-training items on the market don’t cost a lot but can make training your dog seem effortless.  
 
Lunging ahead on its leash is one way a dog signals that he is in charge and you need to obey it. These types of dogs will do whatever they wish while being walked: chase other animals, smell the flowers, and basically ignore its owner altogether. A dog like this may drag around its owner while it looks at anything catching its eye. 
 
Today, walking harnesses are intended to make pulling uncomfortable for your dog. The harness is intended to put pressure on the dog’s armpits when pulled without choking the dog. When the dog stops pulling, the pressure stops. The dog will usually then stay close by its owner. These leashes are very easy to use and usually bring quick results. 
 
When your dog is showing good behavior, a little extra attention is the best reward. But when a dog is behaving badly, what can be done? 
 
It is nearly impossible to communicate with your dog while it is misbehaving, which is the most difficult part of changing bad behavior. When a dog is misbehaving, most people say “No!” which works up to a point. 
 
There is a terrific training device that gives the essentials to dogs when they are misbehaving. All you need is a collection of Dog Training Discs. 
 
Using these discs is really simple: the minute your dog does something it shouldn’t, you drop the disc and say “No!” The sound of the discs clattering together will always startle your dog no matter what it is doing, and if you also provide a stern “No!”, you will be sending a very powerful message to your misbehaving dog. Over time, the dog will correlate the discs with the word “No!” It won’t take long at all until your dog hears the word “No!” and responds as though the discs had been flung to the ground. 

Using a dog kennel to train your new puppy is a great idea. Dog kennels offer your puppy a place where they can feel secure. Purchase portable dog kennels for your home here.

Now your dog training has become so much easier with the help of these two products that really don’t cost much. If you are a dog owner, try to create the time for training. A dog-training course or even a book may be a great resource for you.