Dogs Attacking Make News but What About Dogs Who Behave Well

Saw this question posted from a reporter. Of course I had to add my two cents...

"There has been a spate of pit bull attacks and maulings of children in metro Atlanta. What can dog owners do for ALL dogs to help socialize them and raise them so they are not a threat to children or anyone else? Also looking for any classes or programs to help dog owners."

Its unfortunate that pit bulls have received the reputation they have. There are SO many other pure bred and mixed breed dogs that bite, but often get overlooked or go unreported. As a certified professional dog trainer Ive worked with many dog training students whose dogs were bullied and even bitten by non pit bull canines. I even knew someone whose Manchester Terrier was killed by a Golden Retriever - but you dont hear about those stories. It would be nice to see more stories about how the sweet pit bull behaves graciously around other animals and children.

Although breeds were bred for specific traits, and certain breeds can do a lot more damage that others, I think its unfair that we "profile". And if we do, then as a society we need to do something to help the situation, not make it worse. Educating the public on dog behavior, more humane training methods that are effective in more ways than just getting the behavior, better monitoring of irresponsible breeding, and the cessation of dog fighting. And this is just a start!

Let it be known that 1) I am not breed biased 2) I adore pit bulls as much as any other breed, pure or mixed...But Im more attracted to personality, not looks or pedigree. I mean hey, look at me, I myself am a mixed breed and not supermodel material - so youre looking at someone that has relied more on her personality than anything else...except for my ability to cook ;->

To address this query allow me to say:

• "What can dog owners do of ALL dogs to help socialize them and raise them so they are not a threat to children or anyone else?" > If the owner(s) begin with a puppy, begin socialization as soon as possible. This doesnt mean taking their dog to an off-leash dog park when theyre 8 weeks old. But they can certainly introduce the puppy to new sights, smells, sounds, people and activities (car rides to the mall, schools, sitting on a lap in an outdoor cafe area) etc...You can protect the dogs health, while still exposing him or her to their new human surroundings. I understand vets wanting dogs to be protective health wise, but there are still safe measures for allowing dogs to be socialized to all Ive mentioned above. More dogs are euthanized because of behavioral issues versus dying of health related problems.
• Make experiences fun and non threatening: understand dog body language - Dogs will let you know if something is causing stress (stop eating is the first). Go slowly to socializing experiences, allowing the dog to build confidence.
• Train using humane, non-threatening, non-coercive methods. Again, this goes back to "make it fun!" Some of the pop-culture methods involve intimidation and fear invoking methods. No animal responds in a happy way to that. He or she will "behave" out of fear of being hurt. Not a good way to motivate any animal.
• For adult dogs, still practice taking him or her to various places to help them adapt, but again make it fun - and watch for signs of stress and other triggers that might cause a negative reaction. And if the dog does behave in an undesired way, do NOT punish. If you were upset, yelling at you, smacking you, and telling you were wrong wouldnt make you less upset, right?

• "Any classes or programs to help dog owners." > Being a graduate from the SF SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers, as well as other programs that are more science-based, Id say to for dog owners to begin by looking for classes that are taught by certified professional dog trainers that have the same philosophy and use the same methodology for teaching - both the dogs and the humans.

There are some trainers that use "Positive Reinforcement", but then they will also recommend choke, prong and electronic collars for "training". The former is fine, but the latter can actually have the opposite effect and inadvertently train aggression into a dog. The same goes for squirt bottles and Citronella collars. A good site to look for trainers is the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

I would also suggest owners contact the person training (or a knowledgeable assistant) and ask questions. Ask if they can observe a class, even for just 10 or 15 minutes (watching an entire class intrudes on those who have paid for the trainers time and information). Ask to talk with other students and get their feedback too.

Just like parents sending a child off to school, its important to check the school out and meet the staff and teachers first. Not just show up or ship them off without investigating. Same thing should go for dogs and dog training classes. Word of mouth is also a good way to go, as long as you trust the source.

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Think Your Pet Is A Lost Cause Try These Tips For Any Well Mannered Pet!

Huzzah! What occurs next? Both your and also you closest friend will be really be happy together if he is properly trained. These tips will provide you with each of the tools you should train the family pet.

The most effective tip you can now offer in relation to puppy training is end up being the alpha. Dogs are searching for their human masters being the rest leader. At all expense displayconfidence and firmness, and do not, under any circumstances demonstrate to them weakness. They naturally would like to stick to a strong leader, so ensure that you present yourself as a result.

Utilizing a crate when youre not at home can be extremely effective, especially for a young puppy. The crate keeps your puppy safe, and also protects your property from chewing and bathroom accidents. Your dog can learn to feel comfortable and guarded in their crate home when you are away.

Only use a similar words when giving commands to the dog. Using different phrasing for basic commands can confuse your pet. Saying "Come" today and saying "Come here" the subsequent, within the dogs mind, is like teaching two different commands, however, the behaviour is anticipated to become a similar. Keep it simplistic whilst keeping it consistent.

Watch what sort of activities you are encouraging your pet to complete. Sometimes we may perform actions with this dog without realizing they are training those to do something we dislike. If every time your pet dog chews something up you send him outside, you happen to be teaching him that chewing something up is extremely important to obtaining outdoor time. Be careful with the actions you are taking, especially ones that are typically consistent practices.

When seeking to house train your pup, take into account that whatever goes in, must step out. To help keep your pet regular, feed him quality food a couple of times daily at the same hour. This ensures your pet dog wont have accidents as youll know the best time to expect a getaway outside.

Let your pet dog acquire more freedom as she or he begins to listen and behave to commands more. This balance between obedience and freedom will offer your pet by using a very satisfying life. Dont give an excessive amount of at anyone time, obviously, or it might take your training back a step.

Only work towards one command at a time. Working on one command allows your pet dog to truly hone that skill and acquire it right. By trying to learn an excessive amount of right away, you risk confusing your pet dog, and so they could possibly have more difficulty remembering which behavior accompanies which command.

Learn to read the way your dog is feeling. Youll have the capacity to guess be it feeling nervous, agitated, aggressive, or calm, by studying your pets body language. When you can predict every time a dog is about to behave badly, it is possible to remove it from a poor situation before a difficulty develops.

One tip to be aware of when training your puppy, is by using its name properly. This is significant because control over your dog is the number one priority in discipline and training. Say its name often, only for direct orders. If you intend on inflicting punishment on it, never call your pet dog for you.

If your dog is large on chewing, be sure they have lots of appropriate things to take his energy on. The main reason behind destructive chewing is inadequate or inappropriate toys. Search for rubber toys created for busy mouths, particularly those you can stick sumptuous treats inside of. Your pet will take more time chewing these, and much less time on your own table legs.

Call your dogs name a minimum of 3 x positively after you have been made to issue a reprimand. It will help your dog discover that his name could also mean something good and therefore he should not fear you whenever you call his name.

Swimming is a superb technique for your pet to expend energy. It is easy on his joints but nonetheless enables you to keeps him in great shape. Not every dogs love to swim, so make sure to take him to some nice, shallow source, up until you are certain that he or she is comfortable within the water.

Be sure to speak with your dog in order to have got a responsive dog that is certainly very easy to train. Always employ the same words to mean exactly the same things and speak in the same tone of voice when you need certain results. He will develop a trustworthy vocabulary in the event you make time to teach him, even though your puppy will struggle to understand every word you say. This will make obedience training easier.

To get a happy pup, you should start socialization from an earlier age. During the initial weeks of life, a puppy needs to be in contact with new situations, people, and animals. This will assist him to become better adjusted and friendlier down the road. This will likely also ensure that he will feel less stressed when encountering unfamiliar things and situations.

To actually train your pet, begin with ensuring that to utilize its name if you call it. Call your dog by good name for walks, play and feedings, but never for punishment. Once you begin looking for more complicated tricks this ensures that you are capable of getting your dogs attention.

Both dogs and owners are content when the dog is well-trained. With the tips in the following paragraphs, you have the details you should get started with training your dog.

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Top 5 Well Proven Dog Training Tips

This is the main reason why you need to read this top 5 well proven dog training tips, because you have tried almost everything already to train your dog, and not been as successful as you might wish, dont blame yourself. There is lots of misinformation on this subject, and incomplete ideas around. Every dog owner desires their dog to do what they need. Let me assure you that a well-behaved dog is definitely something you can accomplish, in simple, proven steps. Dont be concerned that it might be complicated or challenging to train your dog. One time you understand the basics, it is simple and effective. You need patience, dedication and some simple tactics and you will teach them successfully.

Here are proven tips on how to train your canines successfully:
1. To keep away from your dog getting confused and so that they can learn to recognize commands basically person ought to be responsible for training the dog initially. If plenty of people are trying to train the dog simultaneously this can cease progress in its tracks.
Also make 100% definite you are consistent with the words you use for each command, so it is simple for your dog to learn what you mean.

2. You ought to make use of positive reinforcements. If the dog does something nice, you ought to reward this behavior so that they will know that what they did was right. Canines love your attention, so giving it positive feedback, praise, and attention will powerfully reinforce its learning.
What you ought to understand is that they wont basically understand your commands in teaching, it takes repetition to train a dog successfully. Do not scold your dog as they might create fear which will delay his learning and willingness to be trained.

In case you use treats in order to encourage your canines, make definite to take them out of the canines every day food allowance, to keep your dog healthy.

3. Teach commands after the other. Stay on that command until your dog shows you that they consistently understands and obeys it, before adding a new command for him to also learn.

4. In giving commands, you ought to keep your voice cheerful so that the dog will happily follow your commands. Dont shout or get angry, because they may become terrified and reluctant.

5. Train your dog in various different places. In case you keep your canines in a definite place like your home, they wont be able to adjust to the environment and new people. Take him to the park or through the neighborhood. This will help your dog associate with other canines and people.

Training your dog can sometime be hard, but it will be worth it. Both you and the dog will be much better off when your dog understands what you need him to do.

Remember that this will never happen if you dont have faith in all this, also you really have to be sure that all these methods of top 5 well proven dog training tips will work, with all your hard work and your dogs of course. ^_^

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Dog Obedience Training The Key to Raising a Well Behaved Dog

Lets just cut to the case here:

Pre-Training Stage Tips for Your Dog Obedience Training Program:

1. Get to know your dog. Dog obedience training can only start if you know your dogs well enough which you can do by spending time with them. You don’t have to be teaching them obedience training for dogs formally just yet. Just play with them, pat them on the head, and even talk to them once in a while. They are bound to pick up a few things especially puppies. They will be learning even if you haven’t started their dog obedience training formally. As their owner, make careful observations when you do all these things. Learn about what your dogs like and doesn’t like in food, people, and in all other things.
2. Love your dog. It’s difficult to explain but dogs know if you genuinely love them. To show them how much you love them, make sure to meet their daily needs. Feed them properly, clean after them, take them with you for a walk, bathe them, and bring them to the veterinarian whenever necessary. Make sure you show them how much you care for them and they are sure to return the gesture in ways they can. This is a vital element that must be met before starting your dog obedience training.
3. Be firm with your dog whenever giving them a command. Once you know your dogs well enough and you are sure to have established a strong loving bond with them, then it’s time to start your dog obedience training. When doing your training, make sure to be firm with your dogs. The tone of your voice should be serious, consistent and authoritative. Your actions should be precise as the commands you are to deliver. By being firm, you are showing to your dogs that you mean business and that they are expected to follow your commands. By being firm, you are making your authority known as their master which is a good way to start your obedience training for dogs.

Now that you know a few important tips to help you get started with your dogs, the next step is to help them learn a few basic lessons. These may be basic lessons but they are essential to train dogs.

Training Stage Lessons for Your Dog Obedience Training Program:

1. Teach your dogs to “stay”. Teaching your dog to stay is vital. To do this, simply say the word together with a hand signal. This will prompt your dog on what to follow and when to follow a command. Once you get your dogs to stay where they are, you will know that they are listening to you and they want to learn more and that they are ready to do more dog training.
2. Potty train your dogs. Potty training is one of the most important part of training a dog as every dog needs to do its business from time to time. To make sure your dog doesn’t make a mess inside the house, train it to do its business outside of your house. To do this, you can put your dog at a particular place outside your house every after mealtime. It may be at the backyard or at the front yard next to a tree. Do this frequently and soon, your dog will learn to go to that place by itself and do its business there. Once your dog learns this, then it is ready to learn more lessons on obedience training.
3. Play fetch with your dogs. Playing fetch with your dog teaches them to retrieve something for you while both of you are having fun. You can use a frisbee, a ball, or a stick which you can throw as far away as you wish. Then, let your dog retrieve it for you. Not only does this teach your dog obedience training but it is also a useful whenever you want your dog to fetch you things like the newspaper. Plus, your dog gets to stretch its legs outdoors which is always good as exercise help keep your dog physically fit and ready to do more obedience training for dogs.
4. Teach them to walk with a leash. Teaching your dogs to walk with a leash helps your dogs become great companions whenever you decide to go for a walk. It’s also good for your dogs since it will enable them to exercise their muscles and help for a better digestion. Just remember not to pull too hard and stop walking until your dog stops pulling on the leash. Make sure your dog knows that it has to follow you and not the other way around as this is the true essence of dog obedience training.

You can add more to the list if you want your dog to learn more skills and tricks. You can teach them to lie down, roll over, beg, play dead, or even do really unique difficult tricks such as use the toilet bowl and learn to flush afterwards. However, these four lessons are as basic and as vital as you can get for obedience training for dogs.

Training Stage Tips Training Dogs:

Training your dogs means that both you and your dog can live happier lives. This is primarily because it is easier to love and care for trained dogs. As the owner, you won’t be in a lot of fuss every time your dog is around because it knows how to behave. Below are some helpful training tips that you can use.

1. Learn to read your dog’s body language. Just like humans, dogs have their own body language which they use to communicate. This falls under the category of non-verbal communication which is very essential for your obedience training for dogs. In fact, they communicate with their whole body from their heads to up to their tails.For instance, dogs’ ears can suggest alertness when both go up or forward. It means they heard something and that they are listening. Their sharp sense of hearing makes them a great alternative for security alarms.Their head may also imply if they are either scared or submissive. Be very careful though. A dog may bow its head ready to pounce if it thinks it’s being cornered.They may also use their entire body to tell you how they feel. For example, they may roll on the floor with their belly up and facing you letting you know that you are their boss.These are just a few examples for dogs’ body language you should watch out for when teaching training your dog.
2. Learn to understand your dog’s barks and noises. A dog’s bark may mean several different things depending on the situation. It may be their way of greeting you when you arrive home from work or school. It can also mean that they are excited to see something that has captured their interest or it may even serve as a warning that there are strangers near the house. Whichever it is, it is your responsibility as the owner to look into the situation.Other noises that dogs make include whining and growling. Whining is cute but annoying if it gets to be frequent. Puppies usually are the ones that whine a lot which isn’t a very good sign for big dogs when especially when in dog obedience training. Dogs usually whine only when they can’t get something they want. For instance, dogs that can’t reach their food and are starving usually whine. Growling on the other hand is never adorable. It usually means that something is seriously wrong with your dog as this is a sure sign of aggression. A dog growling can mean that it is in a lot of stress or pain. In times like this, be sure to call a professional dog trainer to help you understand and deal with the situation. Growling is clearly not one of the things your dog will learn in its obedience training for dogs.
3. Never hit your dog. Never hit them. Hitting dogs can only backfire and you might get bit by them in the process so it is best to avoid it. It is also inhumane and plainly cruel to hit your pet. If you really want them to learn, use positive reinforcement techniques like give them due praise for doing a good job. You may also give them rewards or gifts for doing good. This will help make easier for them to understand what you want them to do and what you do not want them to do. Also, be more patient and consistent with your dog obedience training.

Post Training Stage Tips in Your Dog Obedience Training Program:

and then you actually can tell you dog to
check your emails for you  

1. Reward your dog. Finally, never forget to reward your dogs with food or doggie treats for every job well done. This will condition your dogs into thinking that if they do what you ask, they will get something in return. It may also be a way of encouraging your dog to do a better job if you increase the amount of food you will give them. The reward should be food as this seems to be the best motivation for them to follow dog obedience training.
2. Repeat the lessons. Always remember that lessons taught will soon be forgotten if it is not repeated several times. This is especially true for dogs. They can easily forget what you have taught them if you do not frequently have them do it over and over again. Repeating the lessons is one great way of ensuring them that your lessons stick to their minds when doing dog obedience training.

Hopefully, these tips and lessons can help you get started with disciplining your dogs. Keep in mind that there are 3 stages to go thru to achieve the best results. These are the pre-training, training and post-training tips, lessons and reminders which will help get you that dog obedience training you are looking for. As a result, it aims to help turn dogs into model dog citizens possessing good manners and proper behavior wherever you take them. With dog obedience training, you are sure to have dogs that are in their best behavior. Thats a wrap on dog obedience training tip to raising a well behaved dogs. 

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