Dog training is a method of teaching your dog to perform certain activities through obeying your orders. The most common behaviors include herding, tracking, hunting, guarding, retrieving or doing some simple tricks like sitting, standing, staying, rolling over or lying down. Training your dog is a way of making them pleasant to be around, safe to be with and safe around other people as well.

Dogs do not really have the capability of figuring out basic obedience on their own and need training to do so. The most difficult part of training a dog is when you try to communicate with him in a way he understands. A trick to overcoming this is to reward him when he shows positive behavior and ignoring or correcting him when he does something negative. But before you start training your dog, here are some basic things you need:

The Equipment:

A leash and a collar are perhaps the first things you will need when training a dog. Try putting on the collar to your dog first. He might scratch at it at first. Do not worry, this is a natural reaction. When your dog has grown accustomed to the collar, try attaching the leash on it but do not hold the end of the leash just yet. Let him walk around with the leash and the collar to help him realize that the things are not harming him. When you see that he is comfortable enough with the leash and collar, you can then hold onto the other end of the leash. Your dog might pull on it, but this is a natural reaction for as much as possible, dogs hate being confined. When he does not pull on the leash, you can give him a treat. The leash and collar keeps him in your control and keeps his movement in check. Although your dog might resent the cut into his independence, pretty soon he will become accustomed with wearing the leash and collar.

A clicker is also effective when training your dog. Clickers are small, toy-like devices that provide clear and distinct sounds used to either praise or reprimand your dog. If you have problems with the tone of your voice when training—maybe due to fatigue or frustration—you can opt to use a clicker. Dogs respond to the clicker through their associative way of thinking. When giving the dog his training orders, you can opt to click once for a positive behavior and reinforce it with a treat. Clicking the device twice and not following it with a treat reinforces to your dog that he displeased you. Do this technique every time you train him and pretty soon, he will catch up on the idea and know what it is you want him to do.

Another important thing you need when training your dog is of course the treats you give him! Dogs just love these dog treats and would go begging you for more! But remember, never give him treats when he does something negative. Good luck!

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Adopting a dog is a lot of fun, but it can also add a lot of responsibilities to your life. When you become a dog owner, you take on the responsibility to make sure your pet has everything he needs, a safe environment to live in, proper care, and everything he needs for a happy and healthy life! It’s a big step to care for a dog, but you’ll be rewarded with a loving companion.

The first step in providing a good life for your pet and making sure your dog remains safe is to get him trained properly. Believe it or not, many people do not see to this important task and then wonder why their dog jumps up on visitors or won’t listen to their commands. Many a dog has been considered a “bad” pet when all he really needed was the owner to take the time out to train him properly.

If you train your dog properly, not only will he have some cool tricks to show off, but it will also add to his safety. Should your dog be heading off into a dangerous situation, your obedience training will come in handy and you can call him back to your side and safety. A well trained dog Will be well behaved around strangers and the family – an obedient companion. Plus the training process can help define you as the master and act as a bonding experience for you and your pet. You can train a dog on your own, or you can join an obedience training class and get instruction from professionals.

You want to make sure your pet is as healthy as can be and part of dog ownership is to provide your dog with excellent veterinary care. A yearly physical exam should be performed and any vaccinations updated. Also make sure you put him on the right heartworm and flea and tick medications. If you notice a difference in your dogs behavior schedule a vet appointment right away. Even a small change in habits, mood, eating or elimination pattern should be checked by your vet – it could be nothing, but it’s better to be safe than sorry! Have your dog neutered or spayed - they WILL be much happier.

Providing a safe environment for your dog is up to you as the pet owner. Make sure there are places your dog can get stuck in or fall from and there is no sharp objects like nails or pins laying around. Everyone in the family should know not to leave the door open so that your dog can run out in the street. Refrain from feeding your dog “people” food as some of it can be harmful to them. Chocolate, for example, can even be deadly!

Grooming your dog can be a good time to bond with your pet and can also help him stay healthy. Brushing his coat, trimming his nails, cleaning his ears and around the eyes are all part of good dog health. Proper dental care is the most important grooming task you can do for your dog. Bacteria that builds up on the teeth can break away and cause health issues in other organs of the body. Brushing every other day is recommended to keep your dog’s mouth clean and will have the added bonus of giving him fresh breath!

Hopefully you’ll never need to enact it, but you should have a plan for the dog in case of emergency. What if there is a fire or some other disaster? Make sure someone is responsible to get your pet out of the house in case of emergency. It’s not a bad idea to have a designated person that can mind your dog on short notice if you get called out of town on an emergency.

Bringing a dog into your family, you are committing to provide that dog with all the things he needs for a happy and healthy life. Some dogs Can live into their teens if taken care of properly. That’s a long commitment on your part, but the rewards are so great that the commitment pales by comparison.

Lee Dobbins write for train-the-dog.com Train The Dog where you can learn more about dog training for every breed. Check out their list of train-the-dog.com/Breedsc-m.html dog breeds and see which ones are easier to train.

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As anyone having heard a growling dog will tell you, there is a clear message being conveyed. Growling is one of the pivotal conversational methods dogs employ to warn others away from their turf and show aggression. As a noise, it is aggressive by nature, speaking of raw and rough emotion. Before an attack, dogs signal aggression through body language and noise. Growling is, obviously, a less subtle signal to get the threatening dog, person, or thing to back off.

A dog also uses growling as a form of playfulness, however. This “mock growling” bespeaks of fun times and a good game. Since the games dogs are usually interested in involve play-fighting and feigned aggression, it makes sense that “fake” aggressive growling would be included.

What dog owners need to know is that there is a difference. A dog growling aggressively needs to be stopped. That behavior is unacceptable for a family pet; no one in your family or people visiting should fear your dog. Your dog will have triggers that rub him the wrong way from time to time, but aggression as a norm is not tolerable.

Know the different types of growls:

1. Soft, low-pitched growling: “Back Off!” This is a very threatening growl meaning business. Give the dog room; don’t press him! The situation could become explosive and dangerous if the dog continues to be hassled and stressed.

2. Low-pitched bark-growl: The dog is willing to fight and telling you about it. A lesser warning, but a warning nonetheless! If the dog continues to be pressed, aggression will most likely follow.

3. High-pitched bark-growl: The sign of a more insecure or frightened dog. It would rather just be left alone, but will fight if it continues to be provoked.

4. Undulating growl, submissive position: The dog may fight or it may run. This threat is emitted by a very fearful or less-confident animal.

5. Noisy, intense growling without teeth: Your dog is enjoying a good game. This mock-aggression stems from intense concentration on playing. Usually the game involved is play-aggression or tug of war. The dog’s stature won’t be threatening, and the tail will be wagging.

If you can’t tell what type of growl a dog is using the best thing you can do is back away, give it space, and let it cool down. Never provoke a growling dog unless you have experience handling aggressive dogs.

Ashley writes on how to train your dog better and more efficiently. You can learn more by visiting dog-training-easy.blogspot.com/ Dog Training.

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Tags: dog training

Similar to other human endeavors, the success of dog training and dog behavior modification efforts involving both a dog trainer and a dog owner is dependent upon acceptance of responsibility and good communication. Here are some dog training tips and rules of the road for such situations.

To start, Dog Trainer, you must always remember to ask as many thoughtful and pointed questions of the owner as possible. This is an absolute necessity if the dog trainer is to have a good understanding of the animal before beginning the first dog training session, to start on the right foot. You never have a second chance to make a first impression in the dog world.

Dog Owner, you have a responsibility to be detailed on both the good and the bad in your pet. Only then can the dog trainer - dog behaviorist diagnose the problem fully and take the best remedial steps. You must also speak out your full expectations so they can be accomplished.

Some areas you should cover and amplify include:

1- Historical information about your dog — Age, how old he was when adopted, where you got him, etc.

2- The dog behavior problem — Full description, how it manifests, under what circumstances, and how often.

3- What happened the first time? — What did the dog do first, how did you handle it at that moment and right afterward, how did the dog respond, how old was the dog, other factors, and how much has the behavior increased since then?

4- What have you done about it since then? — Also, what have other family members done about it, what are you doing now, how has the dog reacted each time, etc.?

5- Information about your dog’s environment and exposures - e.g., your home, yard, doggie door and yard freedom or always out on a leash, neighborhood, parks, other pets, other family members and ages, kennel trained, etc.

6- You dog’s daily exercise — e.g., how often, when, how far, is it “free time” or focused and disciplined (mental challenge), etc.?

7- Any other things you do not like about your dog?

Expose everything pertinent to the pet and circumstances that you can think of. Don’t forget allergies and health issues that might have an effect.

Dog Trainer, point out issues right away, explaining dog behavior problems to the Owner. For example, if the dog displays dog dominance behavior such as claiming something, the Owner needs to be made aware of what is really going on. This is not just some cute little annoyance, but the seed of a major dog behavior problem!

Dog Trainer, do not in any way intimidate the Dog Owner or make him feel foolish. Be understanding. Recognize that he called on you because he realizes and acknowledges the need for your experience. Commend him, for that takes courage.

Dog Owner, never lie to a dog trainer if your dog has certain tendencies. Especially if your dog is aggressive or fearful, the trainer needs to know the tendency of his reactions. Otherwise, there may be a nasty dog bite, and the results you seek may be impeded.

Dog Owner, listen to the dog trainer. Do not become surly or sarcastic with one who is trying to help. Do not waste the trainer’s time if you are not going to follow her directions and be consistent. Do not try to blame the trainer if you are not consistent.

Dog Trainer, do not tell the Dog Owner: “People need training, not dogs.” It is called DOG TRAINING for a reason!

Dog Trainer, realize that people need to be instructed in how to read dog body language, to become the leader of the pack, and how to follow through with your instructions … How to train a dog! People need encouragement, not criticism. Sometimes, the problem is the DOG!

Dog Trainer, hear the Dog Owner out and listen to all he says about the dog. Eat every word, and draw out every piece of information you may need. Remember, you need to feed the Dog Owner if he is stuck. You need to be a skilled interviewer, to draw out all you need to know about the dog and the circumstances.

Keeping these thoughts in mind makes it easier for both the Dog Trainer and the Dog Owner. It is no more fun for a Dog Trainer than a Dog Owner to deal with someone who is full of himself … That is counterproductive. Keep you eye on your goal — dog behavior modification and dog training.

GET HELP from Rena Murray at the PawPersuasion.com Dog Obedience Training website. Proven Dog Behavior Modification Expert-Dog Obedience Trainer-Platinum Expert Author, Rena debunks Dog Training Myths in hands-on Articles, free “Best Ezines” newsletter - PAW PERSUASION POINTERS, and blatant Blog to help you better understand, communicate with, control and enjoy your dogs. Rena boldly addresses all your Dog Training and Dog Rehabilitation needs - whether puppy house training, destructive dog behavior, obsessive dog behavior, dog instinctive behavior, or cool dog tricks. Get your FREE Newsletter Subscription at PawPersuasion.com/ where you also find Dog Products, Dog Houses and Crates, Dog Lover Gifts, and all things dog-related. Need more help? mailto:rena@pawpersuasion.com Contact Rena for Coaching .

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Tags: dog training

Human beings are bound by certain social rules and etiquettes. Dogs are too, however, their rules are entirely different from our rules. For example, it is rare that one person meets another person and within seconds begins a violent fight. This behavior, however, is very common with our canine friends. Introducing two dogs in public is an art and an exercise in training and control. You must be prepared if you are going to avoid not only dog fights, but if you are to steer clear of dog illnesses and other problems when introducing two dogs.

When I have my dogs in public the first rule I live by is ‘assume the worst’. What I mean by this is that I assume that most other dogs out there are ill-behaved and not dog friendly. I know this sounds extreme and perhaps rude but honestly, am I that far off? If you assume this position you will be correct a majority of the time. Most dogs in public are poorly trained and poorly socialized and shouldn’t be counted on to automatically get along with your dog.

So how do you go about introducing two dogs with such assumptions? The short answer is, I don’t. When I am in public, generally speaking, I keep my dogs separate from other dogs I encounter. Do I know if the approaching dog is current with his shots, do I know if the other dog is dog aggressive? The answer is no. Why would I introduce my dog into such an unknown situation where he could get injured from a fight or sick from an illness?

The next assumption I typically make is ‘assume the other dog owner knows nothing about dogs’. When I approach another dog owner on the street or in a park I often find that they are eager to have their dog meet both my dog and me. I often hear comforting words such as, “Oh, he’s fine with other dogs,” or, “It’s ok, he’s friendly.” Well the truth is that maybe their dog has been friendly with a few dogs but who is to say that their dog will be friendly with my dog? I was once walking with a client and their dog down a path in the woods when along came a beautiful Airedale Terrier. As we approached the owner of the terrier called out, “He’s friendly!” following which the dog immediately proceeded to lunge at the leash while barking quite aggressively, obviously looking for a fight. Both I and my client’s dog barely missed being bit as the other owner was nearly pulled over. Ever since this experience, and many similar ones, I have realized that I can’t trust the judgment of other dog owners.

As a result of this style of thinking I religiously avoid dog parks. They are the bane of the dog world and should be avoided at all costs. They are a recipe for disease and fighting. You would be wise to avoid these settings.

Am I being too much of an extremist? No, I don’t think so. In doing this I am almost guaranteeing a safe outing everywhere I go. You may be asking, “But what about socialization? Shouldn’t my dog learn to get along with other dogs?” The answer is yes, but only under controlled settings.

I am very careful about the children that my young daughter meets. I try to avoid having her meet kids who are bullies or sick. Why wouldn’t I do the same for my dog? Whenever I allow my dogs to meet new dogs I do so only when the situation is controlled.

So what is a controlled situation? It could be a variety of settings, but typically a controlled situation is one where I am familiar with the other dog owner, familiar with the other dog and feel that said owner can control said dog. A controlled situation finds both dogs on leash and under control. When introducing two dogs I am always confident that I can control my dog so I need to make sure I partner up with someone else who can also control their dog. With all of these ducks in a row I am ready to introduce my dog to the other dog.

As I said, both dogs are on leash so the first step is allowing the other dogs to be near each other to see initial reactions. I will have my dog about 10 feet from the other dog. If either of the two begins to show aggression I know that maybe this is not a potential friendship. If they are okay at this distance I proceed. One dog remains stationary, preferably in the ‘sit’ command, while the other dog is walked by at a distance of 5-6 feet. The moving dog is then asked to sit while the other walks 5-6 away. Everybody still okay? Good, let’s keep going. Now I put my dog in the heel position on my left hand side while the other owner puts her dog on her left hand side. From here we walk past each other head on. By walking head on with our dogs on our left hand sides and under control the dogs are still separated by our bodies and still haven’t come in contact with each other. At this point, however, each dog has seen the other from a variety of angles and from a variety of potentially threatening and non-threatening positions. If they are still okay you can keep going. Obviously if they have shown aggression at any point you should stop the session.

The next step is the actual introduction. Each owner should approach the other, each dog should be preferably in the heel position. At about 3-4 feet from each other the owners should have their dogs sit by their sides. If everyone is still all right the owners should release the dogs from the sit position and slowly allow the dogs to start sniffing. After a few seconds each owner leads his or her dog away from each other and walks in the opposite direction. Do a U-turn and return to each others proximity. Come back to a halt again 3-4 feet away from each other and repeat the process. Do this several times, each time allowing the dogs to sniff each other for a bit longer period. At this stage it is important to look for tell-tale signs. If the hair on the back of one dog goes straight up lead that dog away and go even slower with the introductions. Watch for other signs such as the lips being lifted, growling, or other very tense behavior.

It is important to keep your dogs on leash. If a fight were to break out both owners could immediately drag each dog apart from each other. If when you introduce two dogs like this and everyone is still okay you can gradually give the dogs more and more freedom and allow them to play even more.

As with all dog training, use common sense. Watch for signs in your dog. Introducing two dogs can be fun, but you must always exercise caution.

Author Ty Brown is a renowned dog trainer whose training adventures and clients have taken him to 18 states and 5 countries to teach others how to properly train their dogs. Go to

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Tags: airedale terrier, dog training, heel