My Dog Blog - A Guide to Dog Training

How to train Rottweillers

2009-10-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

Check out this very cool video on How to train a Rottweiller
Rottweillers are considered vicious, nasty dogs by so many people but this one is definately not one of those.
Meet OZ the lovable Rottweiler an ambassador to all rotties... the video shows clips from when Oz the Rottweiller was only 8 weeks old.

2 Basic Commands That Could Save Your Dog's Life

2009-10-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

You may not be the type of owner who spends a lot of time training your dog. It's quite alright (most dog owners do not have the time). However, there are two basic commands that could literally save your dog's life and only takes a few minutes each day to instruct.

Teaching your dog the “leave it” and “drop it”commands can keep your youngster from doing something dangerous, such as eating mouse poison, rotten food and other yucky stuff, or running into the path of a speeding car.

“Leave It”

With your dog on a leash, walk by a tempting item, such as food or a toy (you can pre-place items for this exercise). When your dog tries to pick up the item, give a short quick tug on the leash and say, “Leave it.”

Enthusiastically praise your dog for obeying (“Good Rover!”). You can offer a treat reward at this time if you prefer, but praise and a pat on the head work just as well. Repeat this routine at home.

Here's another method you can use to teach your dog the leave it command: Hold a food treat in your closed fist. When your dog noses your hand, say “Leave it,” and keep your fist closed. When your dog stops nosing your hand, reward with praise, then give a verbal release command (such as “okay”) and let your dog have the treat. Continue working like this until your dog will sit quietly without touching a nearby treat until you give the release command.

“Drop It”

When your dog picks up a forbidden object, say, “Drop it!” and walk over to your dog. If your dog won't release the item, offer it a tempting treat as a trade for the item. When your dog drops it, offer praise and a safe substitute – preferably one that's more enticing than the forbidden item.

If your dog runs away from you, don't chase it – it'll think you're playing a game. Instead, ignore it and get yourself a treat from the kitchen (something you know your dog likes). Take the treat to a dog-accessible area and start to eat it (or pretend to eat it, if it's a dog goodie).

Be dramatic about how yummy it is. Call your dog over, then give the drop it command and trade the treat for the forbidden item. (Be sure to praise your dog for obeying.) After your dog finishes the treat, offer an acceptable toy.

Training The New Dog Owner

2009-10-16T07:53:00.001-07:00

The average American family consists of Mum, Dad, and 2.1 children. The “.1” must, of course, represent Rover, the family dog.

Rover may have appeared, complete with a red ribbon, as a furry little bundle of Christmas cheer, nestled underneath a brightly decorated tree. But by the time the ornaments and branches have been ingested by Rover, Dad begins to have second thoughts about Santa's sense of humor.

Humble Beginnings

During his first two weeks in the new household, Rover usually accomplishes one thing: changing the family's routine! The accidents on the carpet, teething on the sofa cushions, and of course – Rover's insomnia at 2:00 A.M., are all contributing factors to his ultimate banishment to the back yard.

To stave off the sheer loneliness of his exile, Rover will invent toys and games out of whatever is available. One such game that is as popular with dogs as hide-and-seek with children, is called “transplant the shrubbery.”

In this game, Rover merely selects the plant which he considers to be most out of place. Then, with meticulous care, the plant is exhumed.

Before the plant is relocated to a different part of the yard, there is a certain ritual that Rover must put the plant through. What the ritual actually accomplishes, only Rover knows, but it consists (among other things) of throwing the plant into the air, gaining more altitude each time.

When the ritual is concluded, it's time for the transplant job. Studies show, however, that Rover is usually so winded and worn out from the tossing job, that the plant lies dormant on the surface of the yard, and the transplanting is actually done by Dad, not Rover!

The game starts over the next day, and the next, until all the plants have been exhumed, and the dog declares himself the winner. Staring about the yard, Rover will see nothing else of interest at this point. However... in the next yard... as Rover jumps the fence into your neighbor's plants...

After the quarrel with Dad and the neighbors subsides, Rover's realm is usually reduced to the circumference provided by a long rope tied to a tree. This is a temporary measure, of course, and Rover will do all in his power to ensure this. This means barking at everything and everyone.

While Dad mumbles something at Rover, and returns to the house, the dog returns to his vocal attempts to chase the moon away. Out comes Dad. A few more words are aimed at Rover, and viola! Rover has discovered a new game. By barking, he cannot only chase things away, but can summon someone to momentarily keep him company!

Such are the antics of the family dog, whose future usually lies in a classified advertisement declaring... “Free To A Good Home.”

Don't Make That Choice

For an investment of a few dollars, coupled with a little imagination, there need be no one-way ride to the pound for Rover, or no pawning off the lemon to some other unsuspecting family.

A few bucks will buy you a water gun, a quick and easy dog training magazine to train you to deal with your dog's antics, and an open mind to an understanding of a dog's point of view.

In just a few days, you can turn frustration and the prospect of sending Rover to the pound into a well-trained, respectable family pet.

Dog Behavior Training – How To Change Your Dog's Shy, Timid Behavior

2009-10-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

Are you the proud owner of an extremely shy dog? This fear-based behavioral characteristic is very common if you have a toy dog breed. However, it's a known fact that every litter will have a least one shy puppy that will need to be treated a little differently than the rest of the pups.

When these shy puppies grow up they can become extremely needy and look towards their owners for reinforcement in almost every situation they come across. And unfortunately, while this need to “run to mommy or daddy” every time she gets scared, your dog may start to initiate aggression if she is not getting the soothing attention needed. This could be labeled as aggression induced by fear.

Ironically enough, if you constantly caress and soothe your dog when she demonstrates extreme shyness and becomes frightened, you are only reinforcing the behavior. I realize that it's hard to imagine ignoring your shy and scared dog when she needs you, but if you would like to change her behavior and help the dog become a bold and social animal, you are going to have to quit letting her know that it is “okay” to be afraid.

Helping Your Shy Dog Change

If your dog is showing signs of fear and timidness early on, then you will have to be patient when desiring to help her adjust. You must coax the dog along to realizing that you will not be her protector anymore. Behaviors that she is used to doing when getting scared will need to be stopped, such as barking while hiding behind your legs when startled, darting away whenever seeing a normal part of the outside, like a person walking or a bush swaying by the wind, etc.

Here are some tips that you can use to help your dog become less shy:

1. Explain to your family and friends to ignore your dog's fear-induced barking or crying whenever they approach. Up to this point your dog has acted out of fear whenever someone approaches and when these people naturally stop the approach, your dog has learned that this behavior works in her favor. However, from now on your dog will start to understand that fear-induced barking will not work anymore so long as your friends and family respect your training wishes.

2. Whenever you are expecting guests to arrive at the house, be sure to keep your dog secured by a lead. Take her with you as you approach the guests if you can allow the dog to be with you all times. The difference from now on is that when she starts crying, barking, or hiding behind your legs, you will now act in a confident matter and without petting or soothing her. This will help your dog become more brave while teaching her that her old behavior will not work anymore.

Adult Dog Training – Yes, Well Trained Adult Dogs Still Need To Be Stimulated!

2009-10-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

Your adult dog needs the right amount of balance in his training. These needs include a regular dose of physical exercise, mental exercise, and the need to socialize. Providing your dog with these needs will keep him happy, healthy, and may even add extra years to his life.

Mental Needs Of Your Adult Dog

The more you teach your dog, regardless of his age, breed, and personality, the better he will become at all levels of his life. Training your dog to perform certain tasks gives him purpose, which in turn greatly improves the quality of his life. Once your dog learns certain skills, he is no longer just your pet. He becomes more of a friend, a companion, a helper, someone to enjoy more wonderful times with.

Providing your dog with knowledge gives him freedom to do more things. Having the skills to listen, to respond properly to your commands, and the ability to be trained gives him the advantage to explore more and learn more. Instead of staying inside the home all day by himself, you can take him to different places and share more activities with you.

Teach your pal something new each week. This will keep him confident and keep his mind stimulated and alert. Being able to think clearly in his adult life will benefit him when he reaches old age.

If your dog's intelligence is above average or if is an energetic working breed, you will have to train him more, even in his adult years. Highly intelligent dogs need to have a job to do to keep them entertained, prevent them from becoming bored, and also prevent them from developing destructive behaviors.

Extra training and mental activity is required if you have a working breed. Working breeds need to be worked more to keep them busy and problem-free. A few examples of working breeds are Border Collies, Great Danes, Australian Cattle Dogs, German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Old English Sheepdogs. These dogs need to think more and do more to stay happy.

Giving your adult dog his regular mental exercise will keep his mind clear, keep him occupied, and prevent boredom. Boredom leads to dissatisfaction, which in turn leads to negative behavior. Regardless of the amount of training and skills he acquired during puppyhood and his adolescent stage, he is likely to develop destructive behaviors again unless you give him a job to do.

The old adage “use it or lose it” not only applies to humans, but to our canine friends as well. Your dog needs to brush up on his skills and talents on a regular basis, otherwise he will forget them. It is that simple!

Adult Dog Training – What To Expect From Your Dog As He Reaches His Adult Years

2009-10-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Your dog has finally reached his adulthood and this means that the period of training, adjusting, socializing, and more training have come to a stopping point (for the most part, that is).

This is the period where you can really appreciate his companionship, his friendship, and even his help around the house (depending on his level of training). The point is, is you don't have to babysit him anymore. It is the stage in your dog's life where he can walk alongside you off leash, sit and watch you wash your car, maybe even hold the hose for you, or just sit quietly with you in in the backyard while you read a book.

However, training should not stop just because your dog has reached adulthood. A good formula for keeping your dog's body healthy and his mind sharp throughout his adult years is to have 3 training sessions a week. The training does not have to be laborious, nor does it have to take long. All it takes is about 10 to 15 minutes per session, and training can be about practicing and/or improving skills that he has already learned.

There are several benefits to continue training your adult dog on a regular basis.

1. Regular training keeps his mind alert and active.
2. It keeps his body strong and in shape.
3. It serves as refresher courses to different commands and tricks that he had already acquired.
4. It keeps him aware of the rules that you have enforced for him.
5. It prevents boredom.
6. It develops great team work between you and him.
7. And best of all, it will deepen the bond that the two of you have together. If he remains active throughout the whole aspect of his life (physical, mental, social), then he will continue to play an active role in your life, be a team player, and be able to share wonderful times together.

Physical Needs Of An Adult Dog

The physical needs of your dog peaks during his developmental adolescent stage. But once he passes the adolescent stage and reaches adulthood, his physical needs will arrive at a period where there will be no significant change to the amount of exercise that his body needs to stay healthy.

As an adult dog, the amount of exercise that his body requires will depend on his size, breed, and personality type. Continue with the regular walks and occasional runs. A game of ball should also be on your list, as well as swimming if your dog likes being in the water. If you have a large and/or energetic dog, you may have to do more than those listed above. If you have a small and/or less active dog, you will still need to give him exercise. You just have to tame it down, depending on his level of endurance.