Funny Dog Video-Rotten Dogs

I think these dogs are badly in need of some dog training!

What You Should Know About Dog Training

Today we have a guest post from Nicole and your friends at Chazhound, the dog bed store; find cool dog toys.

Dog owners are increasingly realizing the benefits of proper dog training and are becoming more involved in training their dogs. Forget the expression “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, dogs can learn at any age and with the proper patience and skills you can train virtually any dog. The important thing is to be clear and consistent in your training so as not to confuse your dog or puppy. Establishing trust with your dog is also very important as a dog that trusts you will do his best to please you.

Knowing how to handle your dog is very important and you will need to learn how to understand your dog’s behavior and language. You should also research your dog’s breed to understand any characteristics that are particular to that breed. The first thing you should teach your dog is that you are the pack leader or alpha dog in the house. One of the first things you may find yourself teaching your dog is how to be housetrained. Puppies generally get an idea of what’s desirable behavior and what isn’t if you use a lot of praise and reward. Harsh punishments will only succeed in confusing your pup and making him fearful of you.

Once your dog begins to view you as his pack leader, he will do his best to please you, dogs love to please their masters and using a positive reinforcement method of training will be the best way of using this eagerness to please that all dogs seem to have.

If you feel you are unable to train your dog yourself because you don’t have the time or you lack the expertise and knowledge to do so, you may consider enlisting the services of a professional dog trainer. Ideally you should be involved in your dog’s training even if you don’t do it yourself. Being actively involved with your dog while he’s being trained will teach you how to understand your dog and how to deal with him properly. Always do your homework before hiring a dog trainer, ask for recommendations from friends and family who may have used the services of a dog trainer before and always choose a trainer who is certified or licensed. Don’t be shy about asking a dog trainer for a list of former clients. You can talk to these people to see if they were satisfied with the trainer’s services. A reputable trainer will never be averse to providing a customer list that you can use in your research.

Regardless of whether you decide to train your dog yourself or if you use a dog trainer, you should do your research to learn about the best options for your dog. Take some time to consider which training techniques you want to use on your dog and research trainers as well as their training facilities before enlisting their services. Bad training methods or disreputable trainers can cause your dog more harm than good, and an emotionally scarred dog may take a long time to rehabilitate.

Dog Adoption – Know If It Is Right For You

Today's guest post is provided by David Duane Wilson from   Adopt Shelter Dogs

Adopting a dog is a big decision, you must be willing to commit your time and money for at least 10 to
15 years. In other words for the lifetime of your dog. Such a long term commitment may keep some
dog lovers from adopting. One of the best ways to find out if dog ownership is right for you is to
become a volunteer at a rescue club. There are many activities that you can help with such as, training
assistant, dog handler, and fostering.

When a dog is taken in by a rescue organization it is observed by a professional dog trainer and its
behavior assessed. Once in the opinion of the trainer that the dog is ready to start training and
socialization, the position of volunteer assistant trainer comes in to play. Under the guidance of the
trainer, you will begin to teach the dog basic commands and work with him. What an opportunity this
is for you. You get to learn the proper techniques of dog training while at the same time helping the
dog.

As the dog learns basic commands and demonstrates his willingness to socialize, he can be taken to
public functions and shown for adoption. As a handler, you will be responsible for taking the dogs to
public showings sponsored by the rescue club. Another task of the handler is the transportation of the
dogs to and from the vet. Fun for the dog and the handler is the important job of exercise and play.
Becoming a foster home for a rescued dog can be the most rewarding and fulfilling. The rescue club
will have you fill out an application and interview you. They will assess your home and yard and try to
match you with a dog that is right in size and activity level for what you have to offer. Some of the
rescue clubs will supply food, leash, collar, and other basic supplies that are needed. All you supply is
time and love.

You can volunteer for all three jobs or just do what you feel comfortable with. By volunteering you
can find out if dog ownership is right for you at little cost. You do not have to make that long term
commitment up front. In this process everybody wins, the dog is rescued, the rescue club operates at
lower expense and your community's stray dog issue is addressed. You can work with the dogs until
you find the special one that is a match for you and then start the adoption process.

How soon should puppy training start?

How soon should puppy training start?

As soon as possible!

When it comes to raising a puppy, knowing when to begin training sessions can be difficult. Everyone seems to have a different opinion when asked how old should puppy training start and even dog training books and manuals seem to change from author to author. The fact is puppy training can start as soon as both the pup and owner are familiar with each other.

Many dog breeders believe that simple training can begin as soon as the puppy is able to leave their mother for short periods of time. Though these first few sessions only consist of handling, feeding and voice recognition they are proven to be important in the dogs over all development as a family companion.

Once a puppy is adopted and brought home by their new owner, additional training can begin. These first owner/dog sessions should start as soon as the puppy has become familiar with his or her new surroundings.

The most vital step in the first few days of training is to ensure that the pup becomes comfortable with their new name. By repeatedly referring to the puppy by their name, an owner can achieve the initial communication needed to progress towards more complex vocal commands. Once the puppy is familiar with their name, and responding to it regularly then an owner can move on to simple obedience commands such as sit, stay and lay down.

Some owners will feel that this type of training is best left until the puppy is much older, and feel that the first months of puppyhood should consist mostly of play-time and affection. Though affection and fun play is important, the longer training is avoided the harder it will become. Older dogs can become set in their ways quite easily and can be stubborn to learn new commands. The old saying “teaching an old dog new tricks” is accurate, and applies to teaching obedience as well.

How to get your puppy to understand you
Are you wondering How to get your puppy to understand you?
Consistency is the answer!
If you are wondering how to get your puppy to understand you, you are not alone. Many new puppy owners are often confused by the amount of information available and are unsure which training method is the most reliable, comprehensive and effective. However, the secret to successful dog training is rather simple…positive reinforcement.

Whether you choose traditional vocal commands, whistle training, or even a clicker method all training is more likely to be successful when accompanied by a few floppy ear scratches, tummy rubs and tasty treats.

Positive reinforcement lets your canine companion know that what they have done has pleased you and to them there is no greater joy than knowing you are happy. Positive reinforcement can also be a great way to get other family members involved in your dog’s obedience training.

Young children will especially love to be the “doggie do-gooders” and shower their new furry friend with affection when he has completed a job well done.

Positive reinforcement can also encourage your dog to listen, obey and respect more than one member of your family. If they come to realize that all family members will appreciate their obedience, they will grow to be a well rounded, welcoming and loyal family pet.

Some training methods do frown upon positive reinforcement and will try to convince you, the new puppy owner that consistent treats and affection will only lead to a spoiled and needy dog. However, this is not true and many reputable dog training guides are built on a foundation of love and affection.

Knowing how to get your puppy to understand you can be frustrating and time consuming but as a responsible dog owner it is important that you show your dog and any other animal for that matter gentle consideration and respect.

If you come across a training method that insists on inhumane discipline or punishment, do not for even a minute consider its use. By using positive reinforcement as your core training principle, your puppy will not only grow to understand you, but live a longer, happier and more joyful life.

Ask Joey-I don't have time to train my dog!

Can training wait with a new dog?

Dear Joey,

I recently adopted a dog. I love my mixed breed Riley, but I'm going through a busy time at work and I just don't have time to train him properly. I live alone so no one else can do it. My increased work pace will slow down in a few months and then I will have time for training but will the damage be done? I know I should get started right away. Also I can't wait a few months for Riley to be house trained. Any advice?

Jess in Cincinatti 

Dear Jess,

Being so busy at work, is probably not the best time to adopt a new dog. But now that you have, you do need to find some time each day for training Riley. Dog training does not have to take hours every day. It's an onging, consistent process as you interact with the dog. You need to know how to train Riey and what to do. If you can just carve an hour or two out of your week, please sign up for a dog training class. The big box pet stores such as PetSmart and Petco offer classes at different times during the week and on the weekend. You can also ask your vet for a recommendation for an independent dog trainer. Some will even come to your house to save you even more time.

If you just can't get out to a training class, then I suggest you purchase an online class. Here is the link to the one I have used and highly recommend:Dog Training Course. What I did with the audio part of this course was to upload it to my ipod and then I listened to it while I was at work, out running errands or whatever. Then when I came home, I could practice what I learned on my dogs.

• buy Redbelt

Also, while you are away from home so much, you really need to get someone to come over during the day, let Riley out to go "potty" and to give him a little attention and play. It's not good for Riley's social skills to be alone so much. And it definitely won't be good for him to be crated up for long periods of time. I'd look into hiring a dog walker for a few months. Your vet can probably give you a few recommendations for this too.

Good luck with your new friend and let us know how you both are doing.

Chaos hd